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Richard Henry Lee Quotes

Former President of the Continental Congress

Richard Henry Lee was a prominent politician during the American Revolutionary War, serving as the President of the Continental Congress. Born on January 20, 1732, and passing away on June 19, 1794, Lee played a crucial role in the movement for American independence. He proposed the resolution for the Declaration of Independence in 1776, which was a pivotal moment in the war for American independence.

Famous Richard Henry Lee Quotes

“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.”

“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.”

Men Body Interest Community Military Ought Constitution Genuine Secure Useless Permanent Attachment Regulation Avoided Select Militia Defenseless Military Man

Author:Richard Henry Lee

“To preserve liberty, it is essential that the whole body of people always possess arms.”

Source: Letters from the Federal farmer to the Republican

“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 Quotes

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Famous Richard Henry Lee Quotes