At the beginning of our national existence, our ancestors boldly and hopefully assumed the burden of a great national debt, formed of the debts of the old confederation and of the states that composed it; and, with a scattered population and feeble resources, honestly met and paid, in good solid coin, every obligation.
Sherman reflects on the early commitment of the nation to honor its debts, emphasizing the historical importance of fiscal responsibility.
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The life of a civilian is in what he says or writes, that of a soldier in what he does.
What I have written is no doubt clouded with partisanship, but I would not be honest if I did not express my attachment to my party.
If my life is prolonged I will do all I can to add to the strength and prosperity of the United States, but nothing to extend its limits or to add new dangers by acquisition of foreign territory.
Though my grateful thanks are due to them and have been often expressed, yet I have felt, as they do, that my duty was to the whole country.
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