....I am sure that the dangers of this system (the Federal Constitution) are real, when those who have no similar interest with the people of this country (the South) are to legislate for us - when our dearest rights are to be left, in the hands of those, whose advantage it will be to infringe them.

The great object is that every man be armed.

I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience.

Be of good courage, my son, and remember that the best men always make themselves.

Are we at last brought to such an humiliating and debasing degradation, that we cannot be trusted with arms for our defense?

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

It is natural for man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts... For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth, to know the worst, and to provide for it.