Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect everyone who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up that force, you are ruined.... The great object is that every man be armed. Everyone who is able might have a gun.
*Patrick Henry, Speech to the Virginia Ratifying Convention, June 5, 1778
Let every man be armed. Let every man be proficient in the art of the rifle. Let every man’s pistol be his constant companion. Let it be known to one and all that the people of the United States shall not be trifled with on pain of death.
*Anonymous American Patriot, circa 1780
Before a standing army can rule, the people must be disarmed, as they are in almost every country in Europe. The supreme power in America cannot enforce unjust laws by the sword; because the whole body of the people are armed, and constitute a force superior to any band of regular troops.
*Noah Webster, An Examination of the Leading Principles of the Federal Constitution, October 10, 1787
To disarm the people... was the best and most effectual way to enslave them.
*George Mason, speech of June 14, 1788
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
*United States Constitution, December 15, 1791