"It should be the highest ambition of every American to extend his views beyond himself, and to bear in mind that his conduct will not only affect himself, his country, and his immediate posterity; but that its influence may be co-extensive with the world, and stamp political happiness or misery on ages yet unborn."

-- George Washington, 1789
 
 
"The executive branch of this government never has, nor will suffer, while I preside, any improper conduct of its officers to escape with impunity."

-- George Washington, letter to Gouverneur Morris, 1795