Richard Henry Lee Quotes & Sayings

That these united colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states; that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British crown; and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved. — Richard Henry Lee

The first maxim of a man who loves liberty, should be never to grant to rulers an atom of power that is not most clearly and indispensably necessary for the safety and well being of society. — Richard Henry Lee

Trial by jury in civil causes, ... trial by jury in criminal causes, [and] the benefits of the writ of habeas corpus ... all stand on the same footing; they are the common rights of Americans. — Richard Henry Lee

Whereas, to preserve liberty, it is essential that the whole body of the people always possess arms, and be taught alike, especially when young, how to use them; nor does it follow from this, that all promiscuously must go into actual service on every occasion. The mind that aims at a select militia, must be influenced by a truly anti-republican principle; and when we see many men disposed to practice upon it, whenever they can prevail, no wonder true republicans are for carefully guarding against it. — Richard Henry Lee

Militias, when properly formed, are in fact the people themselves and include all men capable of bearing arms. [ ... ] To preserve liberty it is essential that the whole body of the people always possess arms and be taught alike, especially when young, how to use them. — Richard Henry Lee

Christianity, by introducing into Europe the truest principles of humanity, universal benevolence, and brotherly love, had happily abolished civil slavery. Let us who profess the same religion practice its precepts ... by agreeing to this duty. — Richard Henry Lee

It is certainly true that a popular government cannot flourish without virtue in the people. — Richard Henry Lee

It must never be forgotten ... that the liberties of the people are not so safe under the gracious manner of government as by the limitation of power. — Richard Henry Lee

To preserve liberty, it is essential that the whole body of people always possess arms ... — Richard Henry Lee

If Parliament may take from me one shilling in the pound, what security have I for the other nineteen? — Richard Henry Lee

A militia, when properly formed, are in fact the people themselves ... and include all men capable of bearing arms. — Richard Henry Lee

The constitution ought to secure a genuine militia and guard against a select militia ... All regulations tending to render this general militia useless and defenseless, by establishing select corps of militia, or distinct bodies of military men, not having permanent interests and attachments to the community ought to be avoided. — Richard Henry Lee

To say that a bad government must be established for fear of anarchy is really saying that we should kill ourselves for fear of dying. — Richard Henry Lee