When I retired from this place and the office of Secretary of state, it was in the firmest contemplation of never more returning here. There had indeed been suggestions in the public papers that I was looking towards a succession to the President’s chair. But feeling a consciousness of their...

the man who loves his country on it’s own account, and not merely for it’s trappings of interest or power, can never be divorced from it: can never refuse to come forward when he finds that she is engaged in dangers which he has the means of warding off.

the steady character of our countrymen is a rock to which we may safely moor

I am for encouraging the progress of science in all it’s branches

I have been happy however in believing ... that whatever follies we may be led into as to foreign nations, we shall never give up our union, the last anchor of our hope, & that alone which is to prevent this heavenly country from becoming an arena of gladiators.