For myself the delay may be compared with a reprieve; for in confidence I assure you, with the world it would obtain little credit that my movements to the chair of Government will be accompanied by feelings not unlike those of a culprit who is going to the place of his execution: so unwilling am I, in the evening of a life nearly consumed in public cares, to quit a peaceful abode for an Ocean of difficulties, without that competency of political skill, abilities and inclination which is necessary to manage the helm.

The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty, and the destiny of the republican model of government, are justly considered as deeply, perhaps as finally stak…

In executing the duties of my present important station, I can promise nothing but purity of intentions, and, in carrying these into effect, fidelity and dilig…

Democratical States must always feel before they can see: it is this that makes their Governments slow, but the people will be right at last.

Nie chce, ale musze. (often written Nie chcem, ale muszem. to underline the accent)

When you have sweated, toiled, had mad dreams, hopeless nightmares, you find yourself in London's streets, cold and dank in the night air. Think - what have I …

I tread in the footsteps of illustrious men... in receiving from the people the sacred trust confided to my illustrious predecessor.