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.

Trial by jury is part of the bright constellation which leads to peace, liberty and safety.

If the freedom of religion, guaranteed to us by law in theory, can ever rise in practice under the overbearing inquisition of public opinion, [then and only then will truth]prevail over fanaticism.

We are completely saddled and bridled, and... the bank is so firmly mounted on us that we must go where it will guide.

The Earth is given as a common for men to labor and live in.

We ought not to schismatize on either men or measures. Principles alone can justify that.

The greatest honor of a man is in doing good to his fellow men, not in destroying them.