When all government ...in little as in great things... shall be drawn to Washington as the center of all power; it will render powerless the checks provided of one government on another, and will become as venal and oppressive as the government from which we separated.

Do not be too severe upon the errors of the people, but reclaim them by enlightening them.

If we can but prevent the government from wasting the labours of the people, under the pretence of taking care of them, they must become happy.

The first object of human association [is] the full improvement of their condition.

Do not neglect your music. It will be a companion which will sweeten many hours of life to you.

The abolition of domestic slavery is the great object of desire in those colonies, where it was unhappily introduced in their infant state.

Were parties here divided merely by a greediness for office,...to take a part with either would be unworthy of a reasonable or moral man.