Observe good faith and justice toward all nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all…The great rule of conduct for us in regard to foreign nations is, in extending our commercial relations to have with them as little political connection as possible…

The jealousy of a free people ought to be constantly awake, since history and experience prove that foreign influence is one of the most baneful foes of republican government…

There can be no greater error than to expect or calculate upon real favors from nation to nation. It is an illusion which experience must cure, which a just pride ought to discard…