Resolved ... that it would be a dangerous delusion were a confidence in the men of our choice to silence our fears for the safety of our rights: that confidence is everywhere the parent of despotism - free government is founded in jealousy, and not in confidence.

My principle is to do whatever is right, and leave consequences to him who has the disposal of them.

No duty the Executive had to perform was so trying as to put the right man in the right place.

Sometimes it is said that man cannot be trusted with the government of himself. Can he, then be trusted with the government of others? Or have we found angels in the form of kings to govern him? Let history answer this question.

The spirit of this country is totally adverse to a large military force.

Debt and revolution are inseparable as cause and effect.

Man is an imitative animal. This quality is the germ of all education in him. From his cradle to his grave he is learning to do what he sees others do.