Every precaution was therefore taken on our part authorized by the existing laws, and as the troops of the Provinces were embodied on the Canadian side it was hoped that no serious violation of the rights of the United States would be…

I regret, however, to inform you that an outrage of a most aggravated character has been committed, accompanied by a hostile though temporary invasion of our territory, producing the strongest feelings of resentment on the part of our…

I ask such appropriations as the circumstances in which our country is thus unexpectedly placed require.

It was to be apprehended that causes of complaint might arise on the line dividing the United States from Her Britannic Majesty's dominions.

A nation without a national government is, in my view, an awful spectacle.

The judiciary, from the nature of its functions, will always be the least dangerous to the political rights of the Constitution.

The interpretation of the laws is the proper and peculiar province of the courts.

The wisdom of a few has often outweighed the clamor of many.

Those who are to be the judges of the law ought to be independent, and under the influence of none but heaven.

It is essential to the security of liberty that the government in general should have a common interest with the people.

Justice is the end of government. It is the end of civil society.

A government ought to contain in itself every power requisite to the full accomplishment of the objects committed to its care.

A well-adjusted government should be a firm guardian of the nation’s property and interests, while allowing for the freedom of the individual.

The fabric of American empire ought to rest on the solid basis of the consent of the people.

Safety from external danger is the most powerful director of national conduct. Even the ardent love of liberty will, after a time, give way to its dictates.

A strong sense of the value of union induced the people, at a very early period, to institute a federal government.

The Union will be more happy, more respectable, and more durable, if all the parts of it consider themselves as mutual friends and fellow-citizens.

Among the many objects to which a wise and free people find it necessary to direct their attention, that of providing for their safety seems to be the first.