"The consideration that I was not a professional man, and that I had less pretensions to it than many, was a powerful argument against my undertaking the command."

"The greatest good we can do our country is to conquer the spirit of party."

"The propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right, which Heaven itself has ordained."

"It is substantially true that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government."

"I had rather be in my grave than in the most splendid situation, if I could not serve my country with honor."