First, the constitution ought to secure a genuine and guard against a select militia, by providing that the militia shall always be kept well organized, armed, and disciplined, and include, according to the past and general usuage of the states, all men capable of bearing arms; and that all regulations tending to render this general militia useless and defenceless, by establishing select corps of militia, or distinct bodies of military men, not having permanent interests and attachments in the community to be avoided.

The people have a right to keep and bear arms.

The Constitution is said to have beautiful features; but when I come to examine these features, Sir, they appear to me horribly frightful. Among other deformities, it has an awful squinting - it squints towards monarchy. And does not this raise indignation in the breast of every true American? Your president may easily become king. Where are your checks in this government? I would rather infinitely - and I am sure most of this convention are of the same opinion - have a king, lords, and commons than a government so replete with such insupportable evils.

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 believe a time will come when an opportunity will be offered to abolish this lamentable evil.

There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us.

I look on that paper (the Constitution) as the most fatal plan that could possibly be conceived to enslave a free people.