It is a principle that the right to a thing gives a right to the means without which it could not be used, that is to say, that the means follow their end.

The ocean ... like the air, is the common birth-right of mankind.

The time to guard against corruption and tyranny is before they shall have gotten hold of us. It is better to keep the wolf out of the fold, than to trust to drawing his teeth and talons after he shall have entered.

The persons and property of our citizens are entitled to the protection of our government in all places where they may lawfully go.

The lamp of war is kindled here, not to be extinguished but by torrents of blood.

Instead of that liberty which takes root and growth in the progress of reason, if recovered by mere force or accident, it becomes with an unprepared people a tyranny still of the many, the few, or the one.

I never considered a difference of opinion in politics, in religion, in philosophy, as cause for withdrawing from a friend.