If the game runs sometimes against us at home we must have patience till luck turns, and then we shall have an opportunity of winning back the principles we have lost, for this is a game where principles are at stake.

I had always hoped that the younger generation receiving their early impressions after the flame of liberty had been kindled in every breast . . . would have sympathized with oppression wherever found, and proved their love of liberty beyond their own share of it.

Perfection in wisdom, as well as in integrity, is neither required nor expected in these agents (public servants). It belongs not to man. The wise know too well their weaknesses to assume infallibility; and he who knows most, knows best how little he knows.

History teaches the young the virtues of freedom. By apprising them of the past it will enable them to judge the future.

I am opposed to any form of tyranny over the mind of man.

Conquest is not in our principles. It is inconsistent with our government.

No stile of writing is so delightful as that which is all pith, which never omits a necessary word, nor uses an unnecessary one.