What of the Constitution?
The Unity of Government, which constitutes you One People, is also now dear to you.
It is justly so; for it is a main pillar in the edifice of your real Independence, the support of your tranquility at home, your peace abroad; of your safety; of your prosperity; of that very Liberty, which you so highly prize....
To the efficacy and permanency of your Union, a Government for the whole is indispensable.
Washington, from his Farewell Address
To me it is a marvel that the Constitution of the United States has operated so successfully.... But the United States is a singular example of political virtue and moral rectitude.
That Nation has been cradled in Liberty, has been nurtured in Liberty, and has been maintained by pure Liberty. I will add that the People of the United States are unique in the history of the human race.
Simon Bolivar, the Liberator
Let us make our generation one of the strongest and brightest links in that golden chain which is destined, I fondly believe, to grapple the People of all the States to this Constitution for Ages to come.
We have a great, popular constitutional Government... defended by the affections of the whole People. No monarchical throne presses these States together. No iron chain of military power encircles them. They live and stand under a Government popular in its form, representative in its character, founded upon principles of equality, and so constructed, we hope, as to last for ever.... Its daily respiration is Liberty and Patriotism. Its yet youthful veins are full of enterprise, courage, and honourable love of glory and renown.
Daniel Webster
May our children and our children’s children for a thousand generations continue to enjoy the benefits conferred upon us by a United Country, and have cause yet to rejoice under those glorious institutions bequeathed us by Washington and his compeers! Now, my friends—soldiers and citizens—I can only say once more, Farewell.
Abraham Lincoln