What, sir, is the use of a militia? It is to prevent the establishment of a standing army, the bane of liberty ... Whenever governments mean to invade the rights and liberties of the people, they always attempt to destroy… — Elbridge Gerry Copy Share Image
I am exceedingly distressed at the proceedings of the Convention-being ... almost sure, they will ... lay the foundation of a Civil War. — Elbridge Gerry Copy Share Image
The evils we experience flow from the excess of democracy. The people do not want virtue, but are the dupes of pretended patriots. — Elbridge Gerry Copy Share Image
...should We consent to an order of Cincinnati consisting of all the Officers of the Army & Citizens of Consiquence in the united States;… — Elbridge Gerry Copy Share Image
Self defense is a primary law of nature, which no subsequent law of society can abolish; the immediate gift of the Creator, obliges everyone… — Elbridge Gerry Copy Share Image
A standing army is like a standing member. It's an excellent assurance of domestic tranquility, but a dangerous temptation to foreign adventure. — Elbridge Gerry Copy Share Image
And for our unparalleled ingratitude to that Adorable Being Who has seated us in a land irradiated by the cheering beams of the Gospel… — Elbridge Gerry Copy Share Image
What, sir, is the use of a militia? It is to prevent the establishment of a standing army, the bane of liberty ... Whenever… — Elbridge Gerry Copy Share Image
