Religion, morality, and knowledge are necessary for good government... Therefore schools and the means of educating the people should always be encouraged.

The first object of human association [is] the full improvement of their condition.

The idea is quite unfounded that on entering into society we give up any natural rights.

I have no ambition to govern men; it is a painful and thankless office.

Timid men prefer the calm of despotism to the tempestuous sea of liberty.

I consider the foundation of the Constitution as laid on this ground that 'all powers not delegated to the United States, by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states or to the people.' To take a single step beyond the boundaries thus specially drawn around the powers of Congress, is to take possession of a boundless field of power not longer susceptible of any definition.

I agree with you that it is the duty of every good citizen to use all the opportunities, which occur to him, for preserving documents relating to the history of our country.