George Washington — "If to please the people, we offer what we ourselves disapprove, how can we after…"

"I shall rely confidently on that Providence which has hitherto preserved and been bountiful to me, and not doubt that with the continuance of its aid I shall be enabled to discharge with fidelity such…"

"The liberties of a nation can be sure only when there is a firm conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God."

"The great rule of conduct for us, in regard to foreign nations, is, in extending our commercial relations, to have with them as little political connection as possible."

"There is nothing more likely to produce an alteration in the conduct of the Indians than a conviction in their minds that we are able and determined to punish them for their depredations."

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