But what a cruel thing is war to separate and destroy families and friends.

Read history, works of truth, not novels and romances

For I consider the character of no man affected by a want of success, provided he has made an honest effort to succeed.

Say what you mean to do...and take it for granted you mean to do right. Never do a wrong thing to make a friend or keep one...you will wrong him and wrong yourself by equivocation of any kind.

My trust is in the mercy and wisdom of a kind Providence, who ordereth all things for our good.

The consolidation of the states into one vast empire, sure to be aggressive abroad and despotic at home, will be the certain precursor of ruin which has overwhelmed all that preceded it.

True patriotism sometimes requires of men to act exactly contrary, at one period, to that which it does at another, and the motive which impels them the desire to do right is precisely the same.