Reading, reflection and time have convinced me that the interests of society require the observation of those moral precepts only in which all religions agree.

we defer therefore till this time twelve month to avail ourselves of the instruction of that place, and particularly of your kindness in the two branches of Botany and Natural history to which we wish him particularly to apply.

An acre of the best ground for hemp, is to be selected and sewn in hemp and be kept for a permanent hemp patch.

Experience having long taught me the reasonableness of mutual sacrifices of opinion among those who are to act together for any common object, and the expediency of doing what good we can; when we cannot do all we would wish.

Where the principle of difference [between political parties] is as substantial and as strongly pronounced as between the republicans and the monocrats of our country, I hold it as honorable to take a firm and decided part and as immoral to pursue a middle line, as between the parties of honest men and rogues, into which every country is divided.

I steer my bark with hope in the head, leaving fear astern.

The interests of a nation, when well understood, will be found to coincide with their moral duties.