On Why They Didn't Free The Slaves

"But they saw that the moment of doing it with success was not yet arrived, and that an unsuccessful effort, as too often happens, would only rivet still closer the chains of bondage, and retard the moment of delivery to this oppressed description of men."

Jefferson quote source: Answers to Demeunier's Queries. June 26, 1786

On Taxes

"That as the colonies possess a right of appropriating their gifts [taxes], so are they entitled at all times to enquire into their application, to see that they be not wasted among the venal and corrupt for the purpose of undermining the civil rights of the givers, nor yet be diverted to the support of standing armies."

(Emphasis added to Jefferson quote by Double Birds)

Jefferson quote source: Resolutions of Congress on Lord North's Conciliatory Proposal