The time is now near at hand which must determine whether Americans are to be freemen or slaves.
George Washington
Address to the Continental Army before the Battle of Long Island
August 27, 1776
George Washington
February 22, 1732 - December 14, 1799
A wrong step now will plunge us into misery and our republic will be lost.
Patrick Henry
Virginia Ratifying Convention
June 5, 1788
Patrick Henry
May 29, 1736 - June 6, 1799
I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. ‘Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death.
Thomas Paine
The American Crisis, No. 1
December 19, 1776
Thomas Paine
January 29, 1737 – June 8, 1809
Conscience is the most sacred of all property.
James Madison
Essay on Property
March 29, 1792
James Madison
March 16, 1751 - June 28, 1836
Have we the means of resisting disciplined armies, when our only defence, the militia, is put in the hands of Congress?
Patrick Henry
Virginia Ratifying Convention
June 5, 1788
Patrick Henry
May 29, 1736 - June 6, 1799