I formed them in many cases when they were shared by a few persons only.

But they have made their way, and prevail.

They are the opinions upon which the majority of the American people have acted, and the reasons which have controlled that action, seem to me now, in looking backward, to have been good reasons.

I have no regret, and no desire to blot out anything I have said or done, or to change any vote I have given.
The duties of a Representative and Senator demand a large correspondence.

I have had always the aid of intelligent and competent secretaries.