...for in a Country like this where equal liberty is enjoyed, where every man may reap his own harvest, which by proper attention will afford him much more than what is necessary for his own consumption...

Letter to John Armstrong
Mount Vernon, Virginia
April 25, 1788

An uncommon spirit of enterprize is populating our country with astonishing rapidity and enlarging the dominion of these States without the horrors of conquest. Our commerce is free to all nations. Manufacturers are daily increasing, and that spirit of industry, which is the strength of government and the friend of virtue, is every where visible.

New Haven Connecticut
July 4, 1788

From such a system of government and laws, we may flatter ourselves with the most pleasing prospects. No nation ever yet united in itself all those superior advantages for social dignity. All the influential causes of greatness conspire and indicate the future glory of America.

New Haven Connecticut
July 4, 1788

...we should be surprized were we to enumerate all the efforts of genius which have signalized Americans, since independence animated them to noble exertions...If such effusions of genius distinguish the infancy of this nation, what may we expect when she shall ripen into manhood!

New Haven Connecticut
July 4, 1788

The best system of government cannot insure freedom, riches, and national respect, without the vigilance, the industry and the virtuous exertions of the people.

New Haven Connecticut
July 4, 1788