I suppose, indeed, that in public life, a man whose political principles have any decided character and who has energy enough to give them effect must always expect to encounter political hostility from those of adverse principles.

I am for relying for internal defense on our militia solely till actual invasion, and for such a naval force only as may protect our coasts and harbors from such depredations as we have experienced; and not for a standing army in time of peace which may overawe the public sentiment; nor for a navy which, by its own expenses and the eternal wars in which it will implicate us, will grind us with public burthens and sink us under them.

Those who wish to be ignorant and free, believe in something that never was and never shall be.

Without society, and a society to our taste, men are never contented.

If science produces no better fruits than tyranny... I would rather wish our country to be ignorant, honest and estimable as our neighbouring savages are.

I have never been able to conceive how any rational being could propose happiness to himself from the exercise of power over others.

No person shall be capable of being a delegate for more than three years in any term of six.