I am savage enough to prefer the woods, the wilds, and the independence of Monticello, to all the brilliant pleasures of this gaycapital [Paris].

He has erected a multitude of new offices, and sent hither swarms of officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.

We are now trusting to those who are against us in position and principle, to fashion to their own form the minds and affections of our youth... This canker is eating on the vitals of our existence, and if not arrested at once, will be beyond remedy.

The mass of the citizens is the safest depositary of their own rights.

Health is worth more than learning.

If the body be feeble, the mind will not be strong.

By... [selecting] the youths of genius from among the classes of the poor, we hope to avail the State of those talents which nature has sown as liberally among the poor as the rich, but which perish without use if not sought for and cultivated.