The battle, Sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, Sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable; and let it come! I repeat, Sir, let it come!

Were my soul trembling on the wing of eternity, were this hand freezing to death, were my voice choking with the last struggle, I would still, with the last gasp of that voice, implore you to remember the truth: God has given America to be free.

The question before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery

I know not what others may choose but, as for me, give me liberty or give me death.

We are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of Nature has placed in our power... the battle, sir, is not to the strong alone it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave.

The militia is our ultimate safety. We can have no security without it. The great object is that every man be armed.

Oh, how wretched should I be at this moment, if I had not made my peace with God.