John Jay: “The wisdom of a few has often outweighed the clamor of many.”

The people are the sovereign of this country, and consequently the founders of such a society as that of the United States.

Providence has been pleased to give this one connected country to one united people—a people descended from the same ancestors, speaking the same language, professing the same religion, attached to the same principles of government.

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

It is not to be doubted that a unanimous and punctual observance of treaties and public engagements are the best fruits of good faith and honorable integrity.