And I take this opportunity to declare, that... I will to my dying day oppose with all the powers and faculties God has given me, all such instruments of slavery on the one hand, and villainy on the other, as this writ of assistance is. It appears to me the worst instrument of arbitrary power, - the most destructive of English liberty and the fundamental principles of law, that ever was found in an English law book.

Let the consequences be what they will, I am determined to proceed.

MAY it please your Honors: I was desired by one of the court to look into the books, and consider the question now before them concerning Writs of Assistance.

These manly sentiments, in private life, make the good citizen; in public life, the patriot and the hero.

Taxation without representation is tyranny.

Every one with this writ may be a tyrant in a legal manner, also may control, imprison, or murder any one within the realm.

Dew depends not on Parliament.