It is our duty still to endeavor to avoid war; but if it shall actually take place, no matter by whom brought on, we must defend ourselves. If our house be on fire, without inquiring whether it was fired from within or without, we must try to extinguish it.

Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson

Actually Avoid Brought Defend Duty Endeavor Extinguish Fire Fired House Inquiring Matter Must Our Ourselves Place Shall Still Take Try War Whether Whom Within Without

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