Our fellow-citizens think they have a right to full information, in a case of such great concernment to them. It is their sweat which is to earn all the expenses of the war, and their blood which is to flow in expiation of the causes of it.

To be really useful, we must keep pace with the state of society, and not dishearten it by attempts at what its population, means, or occupations will fail in attempting.

[A]lthough a republican government is slow to move, yet when once in motion, its momentum becomes irresistible.

It is wonderful how much may be done if we are always doing.

The question whether the judges are invested with exclusive authority to decide on the constitutionality of a law has been heretofore a subject of consideration with me in the exercise of official duties. Certainly there is not a word in the Constitution which has given that power to them more than to the Executive or Legislative branches.

Nothing but free argument, raillery and even ridicule will preserve the purity of religion.

The happiest hours of my life have been spent in the flow of affection among friends.