"I am sensible that I am not without my faults; but I am conscious of an honest intention."

"No punishment, in my opinion, is too great for the man who can build his greatness upon his country's ruin."

"I had rather be at Mount Vernon with a friend or two about me, than to be attended at the Seat of Government by the Officers of State and the Representatives of every Nation."

"The unfortunate condition of the persons whose labour in part I employed has been the only unavoidable subject of regret."

"The very idea of the power and the right of the people to establish government presupposes the duty of every individual to obey the established government."