It is our duty still to endeavor to avoid war but if it shall actually take place, no matter by whom brought on, we must defend ourselves. If our house be on fire, without inquiring whether it was fired from within or without, we must try to extinguish it.

I abhor war and view it as the greatest scourge of mankind.

The most successful war seldom pays for its losses.

I have seen enough of one war never to wish to see another.

War is an instrument entirely inefficient toward redressing wrong and multiplies, instead of indemnifying losses.

Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.

I hope our wisdom will grow with our power, and teach us, that the less we use our power the greater it will be.

Wisdom I know is social. She seeks her fellows. But Beauty is jealous, and illy bears the presence of a rival.

So confident am I in the intentions, as well as wisdom, of the government, that I shall always be satisfied that what is not done, either cannot, or ought not to be done.