The American Continents, By The Free And

It Is Only When The People Become Ignorant And Corrupt, When They Degenerate Into A Populace, That They Are Incapable Of Exercising The Sovereignty. Usurpation Is Then An Easy Attainment, And A Usurper Soon Found. The People Themselves Become The Willing Instruments Of Their Own Debasement And Ruin. Let Us, Then, Look To The Great Cause, And Endeavor To Preserve It In Full Force. Let Us By All Wise And Constitutional Measures Promote Intelligence Among The People As The Best Means Of Preserving Our Liberties.

Peace Is The Best Time For Improvement And Preparation Of Every Kind; It Is In Peace That Our Commerce Flourishes Most, That Taxes Are Most Easily Paid, And That The Revenue Is Most Productive.

The Great Increase Of Our Population Throughout The Union Will Alone Produce An Important Effect, And In No Quarter Will It Be So Sensibly Felt As In Those In Contemplation.

The Liberty, Prosperity, And The Happiness Of Our Country Will Always Be The Object Of My Most Fervent Prayers To The Supreme Author Of All Good.

I Regret That I Should Leave This World Without Again Beholding Him.