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Quote by Richard Henry Lee

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Letters from the Federal farmer to the Republican

This book consists of a series of letters exchanged between two anonymous correspondents, known as the Federal Farmer and the Republican, addressing the principles and implications of the proposed Constitution. The letters delve into the nature of government, the balance of power, and the rights of citizens, offering a critical perspective on the early debates surrounding the ratification of the Constitution. more

Author

Richard Henry Lee
Richard Henry Lee

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. more

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“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.”

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“So far as this has gone, I am satisfied to see a spirit prevailing that promises to send the system out free from those vexations and abuses that might be warranted by the terms of the Constitution. It must never be forgotten, however, that the liberties of the people are not so safe under the gracious manner of government, as by the limitation of power.”

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“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.”

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“If the federal constitution is to be construed so far in connection with the state constitutions, as to leave the trial by jury in civil causes, for instance, secured; on the same principles it would have left the trial by jury in criminal causes, the benefits of the writ of habeas corpus, etc. secured; they all stand on the same footing; they are the common rights of Americans, and have been recognized by the state constitutions.”

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“Americans were convinced in their own minds that they were very miserable, and those who think so are so. There is nothing so easy as to persuade people that they are badly governed. Take happy and comfortable people and talk to them with the art of the evil one, and they can soon be made discontented with their government, their rulers, with everything around them, and even with themselves.”

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