My principles, and those always received by the republicans, do not admit to removing any person from office merely for a difference of political opinion. Malversations in office, and the exerting of official influence to control the freedom of election are good causes for removal.

The general (federal) government will tend to monarchy, which will fortify itself from day to day, instead of working its own cures.

Laws provide against injury from others; but not from ourselves.

My confidence is that there will for a long time be virtue and good sense enough in our countrymen to correct abuses.

Politics is such a torment that I advise everyone I love not to mix with it.

Our wish is that...[there be] maintained that state of property, equal or unequal, which results to every man from his own industry or that of his fathers.

Nothing can now be believed which is seen in a newspaper. Truth itself becomes suspicious by being put into that polluted vehicle.