A free people [claim] their rights as derived from the laws of nature, and not as the gift of their chief magistrate.

We prefer war in all cases to tribute under any form and to any people whatever.

The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object.

Merchants have no country. The mere spot they stand on does not constitute so strong an attachment as that from which they draw their gains.

I considered the British as our natural enemies, and as the only nation on earth who wished us ill from the bottom of their souls. And I am satisfied that were our continent to be swallowed up by the ocean, Great Britain would be in a bonfire from one end to the other.

Health is worth more than learning.

The patriot, like the Christian, must learn to bear revilings and persecutions as a part of his duty; and in proportion as the trial is severe, firmness under it becomes more requisite and praiseworthy. It requires, indeed, self-command. But that will be fortified in proportion as the calls for its exercise are repeated.