“My ardent desire is, and my aim has been…to comply strictly
with all our engagements foreign and domestic; but to keep the U
States free from political connections with every other Country.
To see that they may be independent of all, and under the influence
of none. In a word, I want an American character, that the powers
of Europe may be convinced we act for ourselves and not for others;
this, in my judgment, is the only way to be respected abroad and
happy at home.”
–George Washington