The world is indebted for all triumphs which have been gained by reason and humanity over error and oppression.

Laws and institutions must go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind. . . . We might as well require a man to wear the coat which fitted him when a boy as civilized society to remain forever under the regimen of their barbarous ancestors.

I am tired of a life of contention, and of being the personal object for the hatred of every man, who hates the present state of things.

They are exactly the persons who are to succeed to the government of our country and to rule its future enmities, its friendships and fortunes.

If there is one principle more deeply rooted in the mind of every American, it is that we should have nothing to do with conquest.

Nothing can now be believed that is seen in a newspaper.

Our ancestors ... were laborers, not lawyers.