“That every man may receive at least a moderate education, and thereby
be enabled to read the histories of his own and other countries, by
which he may duly appreciate the value of our free institutions, appears
to be an object of vital importance; even on this account alone, to say
nothing of the advantages and satisfaction to be derived from all being
able to read the Scriptures and other works, both of a religious and
moral nature, for themselves.
“For my part, I desire to see the time when education, by its means,
morality, sobriety, enterprise and integrity, shall become much more
general than at present, and should be gratified to have it in my power
to contribute something to the advancement of any measure which might
have a tendency to accelerate the happy period.”