James K. Polk

“One great object of the Constitution was to restrain majorities from oppressing minorities or encroaching upon their just rights.”

“I am heartily rejoiced that my term is so near its close. I will soon cease to be a servant and will become a sovereign.”

“Peace, plenty, and contentment reign throughout our borders, and our beloved country presents a sublime moral spectacle to the world.”

“The passion for power is the most ardent of all passions.”

“The gratitude of the nation to the Sovereign Arbiter of All Human Events should be commensurate with the boundless blessings which we enjoy.”

“There is more selfishness and less principle among members of Congress... than I had any conception of, before I became President of the U.S.”

“The world has nothing to fear from military ambition in our Government.”

“Minorities have a right to appeal to the Constitution of the country to protect them from oppression.”

“The public have demands on my time and I must guard it.”

“Under the benignant providence of Almighty God the representatives of the States and of the people are again brought together to deliberate for the public good.”

“With me it is exceptionally true that the Presidency is no bed of roses.”

“No president who performs his duties faithfully and conscientiously can have any leisure.”

“Foreign powers do not seem to appreciate the true character of our Government.”

“Although in our country the Chief Magistrate must almost of necessity be chosen by a party... yet in his official action he should not be the President of a part only, but of the whole people of the United States.”

“We must ever maintain the principle that the people of this continent alone have the right to decide their own destiny.”