Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace! – but there is no peace.

[Our Constitution] is an instrument for the people to restrain the government.

The eternal difference between right and wrong does not fluctuate, it is immutable.

Show me that age and country where the rights and liberties of the people were placed on the sole chance of their rulers being good men, without a consequent loss of liberty?

Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss. Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports with those warlike preparations which cover our waters and darken our land. Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation? Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled, that force must be called in to win back our love? Let us not deceive ourselves, sir. These are the implements of war and subjugationthe last arguments to which kings resort.

Have we the means of resisting disciplined armies, when our only defence, the militia, is put in the hands of Congress?

If this be treason, make the most of it!