I have sworn upon the altar of God Eternal, hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man.

[I]t seems that the Cannibals of Europe are going to eat one another again. A war between Russia and Turkey is like the battle of the kite and snake; whichever destroys the other, leaves a destroyer the less for the world.

Whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends [life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness] it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it, and to institute new government.

In defense of our persons and properties under actual violation, we took up arms. When that violence shall be removed, when hostilities shall cease on the part of the aggressors, hostilities shall cease on our part also.

I consider ethics, as well as religion, as supplements to law in the government of man.

I never before knew the full value of trees. Under them I breakfast, dine, write, read and receive my company.

Taxation is, in fact, the most difficult function of government and that against which their citizens are most apt to be refractory.