The same political parties which now agitiate the US have existed through all time. And in fact the terms of whig and tory belong to natural as well as to civil history. They denote the temper and constitution and mind of different individuals.

Public offices were not made for private convenience.

We are completely saddled and bridled, and... the bank is so firmly mounted on us that we must go where it will guide.

The general (federal) government will tend to monarchy, which will fortify itself from day to day, instead of working its own cures.

Wine from long habit has become an indispensable for my health

While prudence will endeavor to avoid this issue of war, bravery will prepare to meet it.

I have never conceived that having been in public life required me to belie my sentiments, or to conceal them. Opinion and the just maintenance of it shall never be a crime in my view, nor bring injury on the individual. I never will by any word or act, bow to the shrine of intolerance. I never had an opinion in politics or religion which I was afraid to own; a reserve on these subjects might have procured me more esteem from some people, but less from myself.