George Washington — "Influence is not government."

"The consideration that I was not a professional man, and that I had less pretensions to it than many, was a powerful argument against my undertaking the command."

"I walk on untrodden ground. There is scarcely any part of my conduct which may not hereafter be drawn into precedent."

"unless someone pops in unexpectedly-Mrs. Washington and myself will do what I believe has not been done within the last twenty years by us, that is to sit down to dinner by ourselves."

"As I have heard since my arrival at this place, a circumstantial account of my death and dying speech, I take this early opportunity of contradicting the first, and of assuring you, that I have not as…"

"The very idea of a government of the people, by the people, for the people, is founded on the great principle of majority rule."