"Our Washington is no more. The Hero, the Sage, and the Patriot of America -- the man on whom in times of danger every eye was turned, and all hopes were placed -- lives now only in his own great actions, and in the hearts of an affectionate and afflicted people."

"First in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his countrymen, he was second to none in the humble and endearing scenes of private life ... the purity of his private character gave effulgence to his public virtues."

"His temper was naturally irritable and high toned; but reflection and resolution had obtained a firm and habitual ascendancy over it. He was, in every sense of the words, a wise, good, and a great man ... The whole of his character was in its mass perfect ... And it may be truly said, that never did nature and fortune combine more perfectly to make a man great... Washington errs as other men do, but errs with integrity ... his name will triumph over time and will in future ages assure its just station among the most celebrated worthies of the world."

"You have in American history one of the great captains of all times. It might be said of him, as it was of William the Silent, ... he never lost a campaign."