Are we at last brought to such humiliating and debasing degradation that we cannot be trusted with arms for our defense? Where is the difference between having our arms in possession and under our direction, and having them under the management of Congress? If our defense be the real object of having those arms, in whose hands can they be trusted with more propriety, or equal safety to us, as in our own hands?

Perfect freedom is as necessary to the health and vigor of commerce as it is to the health and vigor of citizenship.

My great objection to this government is, that it does not leave us the means of defending our rights, or of waging war against tyrants.

The great object is that every man be armed.

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

Liberty ought to be the direct end of your government.

Give me liberty or give me death.