You have not been mistaken in supposing my views and feeling to be in favor of the abolition of war. Of my dispos[i]tion to maintain peace until its condition shall be made less tolerable than that of war itself, the world has had proofs, and more, perhaps, than it has approved. I hope it is practicable, by improving the mind and morals of society, to lessen the dispos[i]tion to war; but of its abolition I despair.

Every man's reason is his own rightful umpire. This principle, with that of acquiescence in the will of the majority, will preserve us free and prosperous as long as they are sacredly observed.

I think we have more machinery of government than is necessary, too many parasites living on the labor of the industrious.

When tempted to do any thing in secret, ask yourself if you would do it in public.

Taxes should be proportioned to what may be annually spared by the individual.

The man who stops advertising to save money is like the man who stops the clock to save time.

We prefer war in all cases to tribute under any form and to any people whatever.