If American genius is not fettered by the chains of necessity, and helplessly exposed to the assaults of envious mediocrity, but is generously nourished in the bosom of liberty, it will joyfully expand its free wings, and soar with the eagle to the conquest of the skies.

Address of Professor Benjamin Peirce, President of the American Association for the Year 1853, on Retiring from the Duties of President (p. 17), Unknown publisher. 1853