If freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.

In politics as in philosophy, my tenets are few and simple. The leading one of which, and indeed that which embraces most others, is to be honest and just ourselves and to exact it from others, meddling as little as possible in their affairs where our own are not involved. If this maxim was generally adopted, wars would cease and our swords would soon be converted into reap hooks and our harvests be more peaceful, abundant, and happy.

It is now no more that toleration is spoken of, as if it was by the indulgence of one class of people, that another enjoyed the exercise of their inherent natural rights. For happily the government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction - to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens.

Having now finished the work assigned me, I retire from the great theatre of Action; and bidding an Affectionate farewell to this August body under whose orders I have so long acted, I here offer my Commission, and take my leave of all the employments of public life. (Address to Congress on Resigning Commission Dec 23, 1783)

George Washington did NOT say, “I'll die on my feet before I'll live on my knees!” There is no known source of Washington saying this. Zapata, FDR, yes; not Washington. I have a rundown of sources on this on my blog, Millard Fillmore's Bathtub.

A free people ought not only to be armed, but disciplined; to which end a uniform and well-digested plan is requisite.

Government is not reason; it is not eloquent; it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master.

The time is near at hand which must determine whether Americans are to be free men or slaves.

The establishment of Civil and Religious Liberty was the Motive which induced me to the Field - the object is attained - and it now remains to be my earnest wish & prayer, that the Citizens of the United States could make a wise and virtuous use of the blessings placed before them.