But whatever be their degree of talent it is no measure of their rights. Because Sir Isaac Newton was superior to others in understanding, he was not therefore lord of the person or property of others. On this subject they are gaining daily in the opinions of nations, and hopeful advances are making towards their re- establishment on an equal footing with the other colors of the human family.

I do not like [in the new Federal Constitution] the omission of a Bill of Rights providing clearly and without the aid of sophisms for... protection against standing armies

Peace and friendship with all mankind is our wisest policy, and I wish we may be permitted to pursue it.

Difference of opinion leads to inquiry, and inquiry to the truth.

Experience has proved to us that a dollar of silver disappears for every dollar of paper emitted.

I see the necessity of sacrificing our opinions sometimes to the opinions of others for the sake of harmony.

And even should the cloud of barbarism and despotism again obscure the science and libraries of Europe, this country remains to preserve and restore light and liberty to them.