With all the defects in our Constitution, whether general or particular, the comparison of our government with those of Europe, is like a comparison of Heaven with Hell. England, like the earth, may be allowed to take the intermediate station.

For if one link in nature's chain might be lost, another might be lost, until the whole of things will vanish by piecemeal.

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

My passion strengthens daily to quit political turmoil, and retire into the bosom of my family, the only scene of sincere and purehappiness.

The only security of all is in a free press.

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

I am savage enough to prefer the woods, the wilds, and the independence of Monticello, to all the brilliant pleasures of this gaycapital [Paris].