George Washington, letter to James Madison, Mount Vernon, March 2, 1788; Fitzpatrick 29:431

"Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth. The checks he endeavors to give it, however warrantable by ancient usage, will, more than probably, kindle a flame, which may not be easily extinguished; tho' for a while it may be smothered by the Armies at his command, and the Nobility in his interest. When the people are oppressed with Taxes, and have cause to suspect that there has been a misapplication of their money, the language of despotism is but illy brooked." – George Washington, letter to James Madison, Mount Vernon, March 2, 1788; Fitzpatrick 29:431

Sand art by Sand Artist Orlando Adinolfi