The happiest moments of my life have been the few which I have passed at home in the bosom of my family.

[Oppose] with manly firmness [any] invasions on the rights of the people.

The sovereign invigorator of the body is exercise, and of all the exercises walking is the best.

I have but one system of ethics for men and for nations - to be grateful, to be faithful to all engagements under all circumstances, to be open and generous, promoting in the long run even the interests of both

Gouverneur Morris had often told me that General Washington believed no more of that system (Christianity) than did he himself.

I own that I am not a friend to a very energetic government. It is always oppressive.

You see I am an enthusiast on the subject of the arts. But it is an enthusiasm of which I am not ashamed, as its object is to improve the taste of my countrymen, to increase their reputation, to reconcile to them the respect of the world, and procure them its praise.