Posterity! You will never know, how much it cost the present Generation, to preserve your Freedom! I hope you will make a good Use of it. If you do not, I shall repent in Heaven, that I ever took half the Pains to preserve it.

John Adams (1735–1826) American lawyer, Founding Father, statesman, US President (1797–1801)

Letter (1777-04-26) to Abigail Adams
    (Source)