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

If ever this vast country is brought under a single government, it will be one of the most extensive corruption, indifferent and incapable of a wholesome care over so wide a spread of surface. This will not be borne, and you will have to choose between reform and revolution. If I know the spirit of this country, the one or the other is inevitable.

I am never tempted to pray but when a warm feeling for my friends comes athwart my heart.

Resolved ... that it would be a dangerous delusion were a confidence in the men of our choice to silence our fears for the safety of our rights: that confidence is everywhere the parent of despotism - free government is founded in jealousy, and not in confidence.

The republican is the only form of government which is not eternally at open or secret war with the rights of mankind.

Our judges are as honest as other men and not more so. They have, with others, the same passions for party, for power, and the privilege of their corps.

The appointment of a woman to office is an innovation for which the public is not prepared, nor I.