Browse Quotes — George Washington Beta Reader

"Every action done in company ought to be with some sign of respect, to those that are present."

"Sleep not when others speak, sit not when others stand, speak not when you should hold your peace, walk not on when others stop."

"Be no flatterer, neither play with any that delights not to be played withal."

"Let your countenance be pleasant but in serious matters somewhat grave."

"Reproach none for the infirmities of nature, nor delight to put them that have in mind thereof."

"Show not yourself glad at the misfortune of another though he were your enemy."

"When you see a crime punished, you may be inwardly pleased; but always show pity to the suffering offender."

"Superfluous complements and all affectation of ceremony are to be avoided, yet where due they are not to be neglected."

"Let your discourse with men of business be short and comprehensive."

"Strive not with your superiors in argument, but always submit your judgment to others with modesty."

"Undertake not to teach your equal in the art himself professes; it savors of arrogance."

"When a man does all he can though it succeeds not well blame not him that did it."

"Being to advise or reprehend any one, consider whether it ought to be in public or in private, presently or at some other time, and in what terms to do it; and in reproving show no sign of choler but do it with all sweetness and mildness."

"Take all admonitions thankfully in what time or place soever given, but afterwards, not being culpable, take a time and place convenient to let him know it that gave them."

"Mock not nor jest at anything of importance; break no jests that are sharp biting; and if you deliver anything witty and pleasant, abstain from laughing thereat yourself."

"Wherein you reprove another be unblameable yourself; for example is more prevalent than precepts."

"Use no reproachful language against any one, neither curse nor revile."

"Be not hasty to believe flying reports to the disparagement of any."

"Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for it is better to be alone than in bad company."

"Let your conversation be without malice or envy, for it is a sign of a tractable and commendable nature; and in all causes of passion admit reason to govern."

"A man ought not to value himself of his achievements or rare qualities of wit, much less of his riches, virtue, or kindred."

"Break not a jest where none take pleasure in mirth; laugh not aloud, nor at all without occasion; deride no man's misfortune though there seem to be some cause."

"Speak not injurious words neither in jest nor earnest; scoff at none although they give occasion."

"Be not forward but friendly and courteous, the first to salute, hear, and answer; and be not pensive when it is a time to converse."

"Detract not from others, neither be excessive in commanding."

"Go not thither where you know not whether you shall be welcome or not. Give not advice without being asked, and when desired do it briefly."

"Reprehend not the imperfections of others, for that belongs to parents, masters, and superiors."

"Think before you speak; pronounce not imperfectly nor bring out your words too hastily, but orderly and distinctly."

"When another speaks be attentive yourself and disturb not the audience; if any hesitate in his words help him not nor prompt him without being desired; interrupt him not, nor answer him till his speech be ended."

"Make no comparisons; and if any of the company be commended for any brave act of virtue, commend not another for the same."

"Be not apt to relate news if you know not the truth thereof. In discoursing of things you have heard, name not your author; always a secret discover not."

"Undertake not what you cannot perform, but be careful to keep your promise."

"In disputes be not so desirous to overcome as not to give liberty to each one to deliver his opinion, and submit to the judgment of the major part, especially if they are judges of the dispute."

"Speak not evil of the absent, for it is unjust."

"Be not angry at the table whatever happens, and if you have reason to be so show it not; put on a cheerful countenance especially if there be strangers, for good humor makes one dish of meat a feast."

"When you speak of God or his attributes let it be seriously and with reverence. Honor and obey your natural parents although they be poor."

"Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called conscience."

"Be courteous to all, but intimate with few; and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence. True friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to the appellation."

"Never be agitated by more than a decent warmth, and offer your sentiments with modest diffidence; opinions thus given are listened to with more attention than when delivered in a dictatorial style. The latter, if attended to at all, although it may force conviction, is sure to convey disgust also."

"While a courteous behavior is due to all, select the most deserving only for your friendships."

"A slender acquaintance with the world must convince every man that actions, not words, are the true criterion of the attachment of friends."

"The foolish and wicked practice of profane cursing and swearing is growing into fashion. He hopes the officers will, by example as well as influence, endeavour to check it... added to this, it is a vice so mean and low, without any temptation, that every man of sense and character detests and despises it."

"Purity of morals being the only sure foundation of public happiness in any country, and highly conducive to order, subordination, and success in an army... the wanton practice of swearing has risen to a most disgusting height. A regard to decency should conspire with a sense of morality to banish a vice productive of neither advantage nor pleasure."

"Treat them with humanity, and let them have no reason to complain of our copying the brutal example of the British army in their treatment of our unfortunate brethren who have fallen into their hands."

"Observe good faith and justice towards all nations; cultivate peace and harmony with all."

"Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports."

"The foundations of our national policy will be laid in the pure and immutable principles of private morality."

"Let us therefore animate and encourage each other, and show the whole world that a Freeman, contending for liberty on his own ground, is superior to any slavish mercenary on earth."

"The time is now near at hand which must probably determine whether Americans are to be freemen or slaves... The fate of unborn millions will now depend, under God, on the courage and conduct of this army... We have, therefore, to resolve to conquer or die."

"The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty, and the destiny of the republican model of government, are justly considered as deeply, perhaps as finally staked, on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people."

"There exists in the economy and course of nature an indissoluble union between virtue and happiness, between duty and advantage, between the genuine maxims of an honest and magnanimous policy and the solid rewards of public prosperity and felicity."

"It may be laid down as a primary position, and the basis of our system, that every citizen who enjoys the protection of a free government owes not only a proportion of his property, but even of his personal services, to the defence of it."

"If men are to be precluded from offering their sentiments on a matter which may involve the most serious and alarming consequences that can invite the consideration of mankind, reason is of no use to us; the freedom of speech may be taken away, and dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep, to the slaughter."

"Interwoven as is the love of liberty with every ligament of your hearts, no recommendation of mine is necessary to fortify or confirm the attachment."

"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."

"In this sense it is that your Union ought to be considered as a main prop of your liberty, and that the love of the one ought to endear to you the preservation of the other."

"...to guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism."

"But let there be no change by usurpation; for though this, in one instance, may be the instrument of good, it is the customary weapon by which free governments are destroyed."

"For happily the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens in giving it on all occasions their effectual support."

"To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace."

"Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth."

"Happy, thrice happy shall they be pronounced hereafter who have contributed any thing... in erecting this stupendous fabric of freedom and empire on the broad basis of independency; who have assisted in protecting the rights of human nature and establishing an asylum for the poor and oppressed of all nations and religions."

"While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and soldiers, we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of religion. To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian."

"The basis of our political systems is the right of the people to make and to alter their constitutions of government."

"As the sword was the last resort for the preservation of our liberties, so it ought to be the first thing laid aside when those liberties are firmly established."

"Let me ask you, Sir, when is the time for brave men to exert themselves in the cause of liberty and their country, if this is not?"

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

"I now make it my earnest prayer that God would... incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government, to entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another... and finally that He would most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the divine Author of our blessed religion."

"Perseverance and spirit have done wonders in all ages."

"To see men without clothes to cover their nakedness, without blankets to lie on, without shoes (by which their marches might be traced by the blood from their feet)... and submitting to it without a murmur, is a mark of patience and obedience which in my opinion can scarce be parallel'd."

"A great and lasting war can never be supported on this principle [patriotism] alone. It must be aided by a prospect of interest, or some reward."

"The reflection upon my situation, and that of this army, produces many an uneasy hour when all around me are wrapped in sleep... If I shall be able to rise superior to these and many other difficulties, I shall most religiously believe that the finger of Providence is in it."

"The recent instance of uncomplaining patience during the scarcity of provisions in camp is a fresh proof that they possess in an eminent degree the spirit of soldiers and the magnanimity of patriots."

"God knows there is not a difficulty that you both very justly complain of that I have not in an eminent degree experienced... but we must bear up against them, and make the best of mankind as they are, since we cannot have them as we wish."

"Unless some great and capital change suddenly takes place... this army must inevitably be reduced to one or other of these three things: starve, dissolve, or disperse."

"It will not be believed that such a force as Great Britain has employed for eight years in this country could be baffled in their plan of subjugating it by numbers infinitely less, composed of men oftentimes half starved, always in rags, without pay, and experiencing at times every species of distress which human nature is capable of undergoing."

"But you may rely upon it, the patience and long sufferance of this army are almost exhausted, and there never was so great a spirit of discontent as at this instant."

"Our magazines are absolutely empty everywhere, and our commissaries entirely destitute of money or credit to replenish them. We have never experienced a like extremity at any period of the war."

"It is not a little pleasing, nor less wonderful to contemplate, that after two years' maneuvering... both armies are brought back to the very point they set out from... The hand of Providence has been so conspicuous in all this, that he must be worse than an infidel that lacks faith."

"To expect the same service from raw and undisciplined recruits as from veteran soldiers is to expect what never did and perhaps never will happen. Men who are familiarized to danger meet it without shrinking."

"My brave fellows, you have done all I asked you to do, and more than could be reasonably expected; but your country is at stake... If you will consent to stay one month longer, you will render that service to the cause of liberty and to your country which you probably can never do under any other circumstances."

"I am now embarked on a tempestuous ocean, from whence, perhaps, no friendly harbour is to be found."

"Between you and me, I think we are in an exceeding dangerous situation."

"Our only dependence now is upon the speedy enlistment of a new army; if this fails us, I think the game will be pretty well up."

"So soon then as the public gets dissatisfied with my services... I shall quit the helm with as much satisfaction, and retire to a private station with as much content, as ever the wearied pilgrim felt upon his safe arrival in the Holy-land, or haven of hope."

"In modern wars the longest purse must chiefly determine the event. I fear that of my enemy will be found to be so."

"Providence—or some good honest fellow—has done more for us than we were disposed to do for ourselves."

"It is a great stake we are playing for, and sure we are of winning if the cards are well managed."

"Discipline is the soul of an army. It makes small numbers formidable, procures success to the weak, and esteem to all."

"For if Men are to be precluded from offering their Sentiments on a matter, which may involve the most serious and alarming consequences, that can invite the consideration of Mankind, reason is of no use to us; the freedom of Speech may be taken away, and dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep, to the Slaughter."

"With respect to the advice given by the Author, to suspect the Man, who shall recommend moderate measures and longer forbearance, I spurn it, as every Man, who regards liberty, and reveres that justice for which we contend, undoubtedly must."

"By an anonymous summons, an attempt has been made to convene you together; how inconsistent with the rules of propriety! how unmilitary! and how subversive of all order and discipline, let the good sense of the Army decide."

"As I was among the first who embarked in the cause of our common Country. As I have never left your side one moment, but when called from you on public duty. As I have been the constant companion and witness of your Distresses, and not among the last to feel, and acknowledge your Merits."

"Let us therefore animate and encourage each other, and shew the whole world, that a Freeman, contending for liberty on his own ground, is superior to any slavish mercenary on earth."

"The General hopes and trusts that every officer and man will endeavour so to live and act as becomes a Christian Soldier, defending the dearest rights and liberties of his country."

"An army formed of good officers moves like clockwork; but there is no situation upon earth less enviable, nor more distressing, than that person's, who is at the head of troops which are regardless of order and discipline, and who are unprovided with almost every necessary."

"To place any dependence upon militia is assuredly resting upon a broken staff."

"There is nothing that gives a man consequence, and renders him fit for command, like a support that renders him independent of everybody but the State he serves."

"Discipline is the soul of an army. It makes small numbers formidable; procures success to the weak, and esteem to all."

"Permit me to recommend in the strongest manner I can to you and your Officers, to devote some part of your leisure hours to the study of your profession, a knowledge in which can not be attained without application; nor any merit or applause to be atchieved without a certain knowledge thereof."

"No local prejudices or attachments, no separate views nor party animosities, will misdirect the comprehensive and equal eye which ought to watch over this great assemblage of communities and interests."

"It has been my faithful study to collect my duty from a just appreciation of every circumstance by which it might be affected."

"The foundation of our national policy will be laid in the pure and immutable principles of private morality, and the pre-eminence of free government be exemplified by all the attributes which can win the affections of its citizens and command the respect of the world."

"Let me now take a more comprehensive view, and warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party generally."

"I hold the maxim no less applicable to public than to private affairs, that honesty is the best policy."

"Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism."

"Overgrown military establishments are, under any form of government, inauspicious to liberty, and are to be regarded as particularly hostile to republican liberty."

"This is the time of their political probation; this is the moment when the eyes of the whole World are turned upon them; this is the moment to establish or ruin their national Character forever."

"The necessity of procuring good Intelligence is apparent and need not be further urged. All that remains for me to add, is, that you keep the whole matter as secret as possible. For upon Secrecy, Success depends in most Enterprizes of the kind, and for want of it, they are generally defeated."

"When we assumed the Soldier, we did not lay aside the Citizen."

"A free people ought not only to be armed, but disciplined; to which end a uniform and well-digested plan is requisite."

"I shall make it the most agreeable part of my duty to study merit, and reward the brave and deserving."

"I shall not be deprived of a comfort in the worst event, if I retain a consciousness of having acted to the best of my judgment."

"A man's intentions should be allowed in some respects to plead for his actions."

"Nothing is a greater stranger to my breast, or a sin that my soul more abhors, than that black and detestable one, ingratitude."

"Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence. True friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to the appellation."

"Nothing can be more hurtful to the service than the neglect of discipline; for that discipline, more than numbers, gives one army the superiority over another."

"Every post is honorable in which a man can serve his country."

"Few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidder."

"Without a decisive naval force we can do nothing definitive; and with it, everything honourable and glorious."

"My observation is that whenever one person is found adequate to the discharge of a duty, it is worse executed by two persons, and scarcely done at all if three or more are employed therein."

"It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one."

"It is at all times more easy to make enemies than friends."

"My brave fellows, let no sensation of satisfaction for the triumphs you have gained induce you to insult your fallen enemy."

"I hope I shall always possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain (what I consider the most enviable of all titles) the character of an honest man."

"Integrity and firmness is all I can promise; these, be the voyage long or short, never shall forsake me although I may be deserted by all men."

"A good moral character is the first essential in a man. It is therefore highly important that you should endeavor not only to be learned but virtuous."

"When one side only of a story is heard and often repeated, the human mind becomes impressed with it insensibly."

"Example, whether it be good or bad, has a powerful influence."

"It is infinitely better to have a few good men than many indifferent ones."

"Do not conceive that fine clothes make fine men, any more than fine feathers make fine birds. A plain, genteel dress is more admired and obtains more credit than lace and embroidery in the eyes of the judicious and sensible."

"Truth will ultimately prevail where there is pains taken to bring it to light."

"Labour to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called conscience."

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

"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."

"The consideration that human happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected will always continue to prompt me to promote the progress of the former by inculcating the practice of the latter."

"Let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle."

"But lest some unlucky event should happen unfavorable to my reputation, I beg it may be remembered by every gentleman in the room that I this day declare with the utmost sincerity, I do not think myself equal to the command I am honored with."

"Reason is of no use to us; the freedom of speech may be taken away, and dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep, to the slaughter."

"Do justice, love mercy, and demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion."

"My manner of living is plain. A glass of wine and a bit of mutton are always ready; and such as will be content to partake of them are always welcome. Those who expect more will be disappointed."

"It is a vice so mean and low, without any temptation, that every man of sense and character detests and despises it."

"Real patriots who may resist the intrigues of the favourite are liable to become suspected and odious, while its tools and dupes usurp the applause and confidence of the people, to surrender their interests."

"It will be worthy of a free, enlightened, and, at no distant period, a great nation, to give to mankind the magnanimous and too novel example of a people always guided by an exalted justice and benevolence."

"We are either a united people, or we are not. If the former, let us, in all matters of general concern, act as a nation. If we are not, let us no longer act a farce by pretending to it."

"Malignity may dart its shafts; but no earthly power can deprive me of the consolation of knowing that I have not, in the whole course of my administration, committed an intentional error."

"Remember that it is the actions, and not the commission, that make the officer, and that there is more expected from him than the title."

"Paper money has had the effect in your state that it ever will have: to ruin commerce, oppress the honest, and open the door to every species of fraud and injustice."

"It is an old adage that honesty is the best policy. This applies to public as well as private life, to states as well as individuals."

"No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the Invisible Hand which conducts the affairs of men more than those of the United States. Every step by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation seems to have been distinguished by some token of providential agency."

"It would be peculiarly improper to omit in this first official act my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the universe, who presides in the councils of nations, and whose providential aids can supply every human defect."

"It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor."

"The hand of Providence has been so conspicuous in all this, that he must be worse than an infidel that lacks faith, and more than wicked that has not gratitude enough to acknowledge his obligations."

"I am sure there never was a people who had more reason to acknowledge a divine interposition in their affairs than those of the United States; and I should be pained to believe that they have forgotten that agency which was so often manifested during the revolution."

"The General hopes and trusts that every officer and man will endeavor so to live and act as becomes a Christian soldier defending the dearest rights and liberties of his country."

"We can have little hope of the blessing of Heaven on our arms, if we insult it by our impiety and folly."

"I now make it my earnest prayer that God would have you, and the State over which you preside, in his holy protection; and finally that he would most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion."

"The Commander-in-Chief earnestly recommends that the troops not on duty should universally attend, with that seriousness of deportment and gratitude of heart which the recognition of such reiterated and astonishing interpositions of Providence demand of us."

"We have abundant reason to rejoice that in this land the light of truth and reason has triumphed over the power of bigotry and superstition, and that every person may here worship God according to the dictates of his own heart."

"May the children of the stock of Abraham who dwell in this land continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other inhabitants; while every one shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree, and there shall be none to make him afraid."

"The name of American, which belongs to you in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of patriotism more than any appellation derived from local discriminations."

"The unity of government which constitutes you one people is also now dear to you. It is justly so; for it is a main pillar in the edifice of your real independence, the support of your tranquillity at home, your peace abroad, of your safety, of your prosperity, of that very liberty which you so highly prize."

"'Tis our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world."

"The bosom of America is open to receive not only the opulent and respectable stranger, but the oppressed and persecuted of all nations and religions, whom we shall welcome to a participation of all our rights and privileges."

"Happy, thrice happy shall they be pronounced hereafter, who have assisted in protecting the rights of human nature and establishing an asylum for the poor and oppressed of all nations and religions."

"The establishment of our new government seemed to be the last great experiment for promoting human happiness by a reasonable compact in civil society."

"If we have wisdom to make the best use of the advantages with which we are now favored, we cannot fail, under the just administration of a good government, to become a great and happy people."

"Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence the jealousy of a free people ought to be constantly awake, since history and experience prove that foreign influence is one of the most baneful foes of republican government."

"Democratical states must always feel before they can see: it is this that makes their governments slow, but the people will be right at last."

"I felt all that love, respect, and attachment for you, with which length of years, close connexion, and your merits have inspired me. I often asked myself whether that was the last sight I ever should have of you; and though I wished to say no, my fears answered yes."

"Your strict and uniform friendship for me has ripened the first impressions of esteem and attachment which I imbibed for you into such perfect love and gratitude that neither time nor absence can impair it."

"Having now finished the work assigned me, I retire from the great theatre of action; and bidding an affectionate farewell to this august body under whose orders I have so long acted, I here offer my commission, and take my leave of all the employments of public life."

"So far as we have already formed engagements, let them be fulfilled with perfect good faith. Here let us stop."

"I hope I shall always possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man."

"This hope will be a full recompense... to guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism."

"Promote, then, as an object of primary importance, institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge. In proportion as the structure of a government gives force to public opinion, it is essential that public opinion should be enlightened."

"Rise early, that by habit it may become familiar, agreeable, healthy, and profitable. It may, for a while, be irksome to do this, but that will wear off; and the practice will produce a rich harvest forever thereafter, whether in public or private walks of life."

"Tis true, I profess myself a Votary to Love — I acknowledge that a Lady is in the Case — and further I confess, that this Lady is known to you... I feel the force of her amiable beauties in the recollection of a thousand tender passages that I coud wish to obliterate, till I am bid to revive them."

"I have often thought how much happier I should have been, if instead of accepting of a command under such circumstances, I had taken my musket upon my shoulders and entered the rank, or if I could have justified the measure to posterity, and my own conscience, had retired to the back country, and lived in a wigwam."

"To place any dependence upon militia, is, assuredly, resting upon a broken staff. Men just dragged from the tender scenes of domestic life... makes them timid and ready to fly from their own shadows."

"I would to God that one of the most atrocious in each State was hung in Gibbets, upon a gallows five times as high as the one prepared by Haman. No punishment, in my opinion, is too great for the Man, who can build 'his greatness upon his Country's ruin.'"

"The depreciation of it is got to so alarming a point—that a waggon load of money will scarcely purchase a waggon load of provision."

"I shall be happy to see a person so favoured by the Muses, and to whom Nature has been so liberal and beneficent in her dispensations."

"abolish the name and appearance of a Black Corps."

"The scheme, my dear Marqs., which you propose as a precedent to encourage the emancipation of the black people of this Country from that state of Bondage in wch. they are held, is a striking evidence of the benevolence of your Heart. I shall be happy to join you in so laudable a work."

"Envious of none, I am determined to be pleased with all; and this... being the order for my march, I will move gently down the stream of life, until I sleep with my Fathers."

"the motives which predominate most in human affairs is self-love and self-interest."

"My first wish is to see this plague to mankind banished from off the Earth, and the sons and Daughters of this world employed in more pleasing and innocent amusements, than in preparing implements and exercising them for the destruction of mankind."

"My manner of living is plain... A glass of wine and a bit of mutton are always ready; and such as will be content to partake of them are always welcome. Those, who expect more, will be disappointed, but no change will be effected by it."

"as a Philanthropist by character, and (if I may be allowed the expression) as a Citizen of the great republic of humanity at large... I endulge a fond, perhaps an enthusiastic idea, that as the world is evidently much less barbarous than it has been, its melioration must still be progressive."

"All see, and most admire, the glare which hovers round the external trappings of elevated office. To me there is nothing in it, beyond the lustre which may be reflected from its connection with a power of promoting human felicity."

"Religious controversies are always productive of more acrimony and irreconcilable hatreds than those which spring from any other cause; and I was not without hopes that the enlightened and liberal policy of the present age would have put an effectual stop to contentions of this kind."

"Malignity, therefore, may dart its shafts, but no earthly power can deprive me of the consolation of knowing that I have not, in the whole course of my Administration (however numerous they may have been) committed an intentional error."

"I have heard much of the nefarious, and dangerous plan, and doctrines of the Illuminati... [I] believe, notwithstanding, that none of the Lodges in this Country are contaminated with the principles ascribed to the Society of the Illuminati."

"To sell the overplus I cannot, because I am principled against this kind of traffic in the human species. To hire them out, is almost as bad... and to disperse the families I have an aversion."