James k. polk

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Minorities have a right to appeal to the Constitution as a shield against such oppression.

Foreign powers do not seem to appreciate the true character of our government.

It becomes us in humility to make our devout acknowledgments to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for the inestimable civil and religious blessings with which we are favored.

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