So, ask the travelled inhabitant of any nation, in what country on earth would you rather live? — Certainly, in my own, where are all my friends, my relations, and the earliest and sweetest affections and recollections of my life. Which would be your second choice? France.

Bind them down by the chains of the Constitution where they can do no mischief.

The Giver of life gave it for happiness and not for wretchedness.

Honesty is the first chapter in the Book of wisdom. Let it be our endeavor to merit the character of a just nation.

I candidly confess that I have ever looked on Cuba as the most interesting addition which could ever be made to our system of States. The control which, with Florida, this island would give us over the Gulf of Mexico, and the countries and isthmus bordering on it, as well as all those whose waters flow into it, would fill up the measure of our political well-being.

I never considered a difference of opinion in politics, in religion, in philosophy, as cause for withdrawing from a friend.

It is our duty still to endeavor to avoid war; but if it shall actually take place, no matter by whom brought on, we must defend ourselves. If our house be on fire, without inquiring whether it was fired from within or without, we must try to extinguish it.