But is an enemy so execrable that tho in captivity his wishes and comforts are to be disregarded and even crossed? I think not. It is for the benefit of mankind to mitigate the horrors of war as much as possible.

If our legislature does not heartily push our University [of Virginia] we must send our children for education to Kentucky [Transylvania College] or Cambridge [Harvard College]. The latter will return them to us as fanatics and tories, the former will keep them to add to their population.

Do not bite at the bait of pleasure, till you know there is no hook beneath it.

I am not among those who fear the people. They, and not the rich, are our dependence for continued freedom.

A room without books is like a life without meaning.

Circumstances sometimes require, that rights the most unquestionable should be advanced with delicacy.

The plough is to the farmer what the wand is to the sorcerer. Its effect is really like sorcery.