If ever this vast country is brought under a single government, it will be one of the most extensive corruption, indifferent and incapable of a wholesome care over so wide a spread of surface. This will not be borne, and you will have to choose between reform and revolution. If I know the spirit of this country, the one or the other is inevitable.

Experience has taught me that manufacturers are now as necessary to our independence as to our comfort.

The issuing power [of money] should be taken from the banks and restored to the people, to whom it properly belongs.

No government can continue good, but under the control of the people.

The happiest moments of my life have been the few which I have passed at home in the bosom of my family.

I view great cities as pestilential to the morals, the health and the liberties of man. True, they nourish some of the elegant arts; but the useful ones can thrive elsewhere; and less perfection in the others, with more health, virtue and freedom, would be my choice.

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