[ “Last words” :] Thomas Jefferson survives.

A boy of fifteen who is not a democrat is good for nothing, and he is no better who is a democrat at twenty. Quoted in Thomas Jefferson, Journal, Jan. 1799

[ Statement made to Jonathan Sewall, 1774 :] Sink or swim, live or die, survive or perish with my country.

The Revolution was effected before the war commenced. The Revolution was in the minds and hearts of the people.

When People talk of the Freedom of Writing, Speaking or thinking, I cannot choose but laugh. No such thing ever existed. No such thing now exists: but I hope it will exist. But it must be hundreds of years after you and I shall write and speak no more.

[ Upon moving into the new White House :] I pray Heaven to bestow the best of Blessings on this House and all that shall hereafter inhabit it. May none but honest and wise Men ever rule under this roof.

You and I ought not to die, before We have explained ourselves to each other.

But my Country has in its Wisdom contrived for me the most insignificant Office [the vice-presidency] that ever the invention of Man contrived or his Imagination conceived: and as I can do neither good nor Evil, I must be borne away by Others and meet the common Fate.

You are afraid of the one—I, of the few. We agree perfectly that the many should have a full fair and perfect Representation.—You are Apprehensive of Monarchy; I, of Aristocracy. I would therefore have given more Power to the President and less to the Senate.

Amidst your Ardor for Greek and Latin I hope you will not forget your mother Tongue. Read Somewhat in the English Poets every day. . . . You will never be alone, with a Poet in your Poket. You will never have an idle Hour.