We believe no more in Bonaparte's fighting merely for the liberties of the seas than in Great Britain's fighting for the liberties of mankind. The object is the same, to draw to themselves the power, the wealth and the resources of other nations.

It is always better to have no ideas than false ones; to believe nothing, than to believe what is wrong.

The persons and property of our citizens are entitled to the protection of our government in all places where they may lawfully go.

Politics, like religion, hold up the torches of martyrdom to the reformers of error.

I love peace, and am anxious that we should give the world still another useful lesson, by showing to them other modes of punishing injuries than by war, which is as much a punishment to the punisher as to the sufferer.

On a hot day in Virginia, I know nothing more comforting than a fine spiced pickle, brought up trout-like from the sparkling depths of the aromatic jar below the stairs of Aunt Sally's cellar.

When two parties make a compact, there results to each a power of compelling the other to execute it.