George Washington — "I had rather be in my grave than in the most splendid situation, if I could not …"

"There is nothing so likely to produce peace as to be well prepared to meet the enemy."

"If to please the people, we offer what we ourselves disapprove, how can we afterwards defend our work?"

"The path of my future life is now marked out. I shall retire to my farm, and never cease to pray for the prosperity of my country."

"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."

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