It is a [disputed] question, whether the circulation of paper, rather than of specie [gold and silver coin], is a good or an evil I believe it to be one of those cases where mercantile clamor will bear down reason, until it is corrected by ruin.

No one has a right to obstruct another exercising his faculties innocently for the relief of sensibilities made a part of his nature.

It is true that in the meantime we are suffering deeply in spirit, and incurring the horrors of a war and long oppressions of enormous public debt.

Be polite to all, but intimate with few.

Always take hold of things by the smooth handle.

The care of human life and happiness, and not their destruction, is the first and only object of good government.

From the nature of things, every society must at all times possess within itself the sovereign powers of legislation.