Arms in the hands of citizens may be used at the individual discretion, in private self-defense."
-John Adams, A Defense of the Constitutions of Government of  the United States of America, 1787-88

"The Constitution shall never be construed to prevent the people of the United States who are peaceable citizens from keeping their own arms."
--Samuel Adams, During the Massachusetts U.S. Constitution ratification convention, 1788
                                       
"Congress has no power to disarm the militia.  Their swords, and every other terrible implement of the soldier, are the birthright of an American.  The unlimited power of the sword is not in the hands of either the  federal or state government, but, where I trust God it will forever remain, in the hands of the people." 
--Tench Coxe, Philadelphia Federal Gazette, Feb  20, 1788
                                     
"As civil rulers, not having their duty to the people duly before them, may attempt to tyrannize, as the military forces which must be occasionally raised to defend our country, might pervert their power to the injury of their fellow citizens, the people are confirmed by the article in their right to keep and bear their private arms." 
--Tench Coxe, in "Remarks on the First Part of the Amendments to the Federal Constitution."  Philadelphia Federal Gazette, June 18, 1789
                                       
"The best we can hope for concerning the people at large is that they be properly armed." 
--Alexander Hamilton, The Federalist Papers at 1848

"Guard with jealous attention the public liberty.  Suspect everyone who approaches that jewel.  Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force.  Whenever you give up that force, you are ruined.  The great object is that every man be armed.  Every man who is able may have a gun."
--Patrick Henry, During Virginia's ratification convention, 1788 
                                       
"No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms.  The  strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government."
--Thomas Jefferson, Proposed Virginia Constitution, 1776, Jefferson Papers 344
                                       
"And what country can preserve it's liberties, if the rulers are not warned from time to time that this people preserve the spirit of resistance? Let them take up arms.  The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants."
--Thomas Jefferson, Letter to William S. Smith, 1787
                                       
"Laws that forbid the carrying of arms disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes.  Such laws make things  worse for the assaulted and better for the assailants; they serve rather to encourage then to prevent homicides, for an unarmed man may be attacked with greater confidence than an armed man." 
--Thomas Jefferson, quoting 18th century criminologist Cesare Beccaria in "On Crimes and Punishment", 1764 
                                       
"The Constitution of most of our states, and the United States, assert that all power is inherent in the people; that they may exercise it by themselves: that it is their right and duty to be at all times armed; that they are entitled to freedom of person, freedom of religion, freedom of  property, and  freedom of the press." 
--Thomas Jefferson, Proposed Virginia Constitution, 1776   
                                       
"A militia 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 people always possess arms and be taught alike, especially when young, how to use them." 
--Richard Henry Lee, Initiator of the Declaration of Independence, and member of the first Senate, which passed the Bill of Rights.  Additional Letters From the Federal Farmer 53, 1788 
                                       
"The Constitution preserves the advantage of being armed which Americans possess over the people of almost every other nation where the governments are afraid to trust the people with arms." 
--James Madison, The Federalist No. 46   
                                       
"The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.  A well regulated militia, composed of the body of people, trained in arms, is the best and most natural defense of a free country."
--James Madison, I Annuals of Congress 434 (June 8, 1789)
                                       
"I ask sir, what is the militia?  It is the whole people.  To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
--George Mason, during Virginia's ratification convention, 1788
                                       
"Arms discourage and keep the invader and plunderer in awe, and preserve order in the world as well as property.  Horrid mischief would ensue were the law-abiding deprived the use of them."
--Thomas Paine, Thoughts on Defensive War, 1775
                                       
"A free people ought to be armed.  When firearms go, all goes, we need them by the hour.  Firearms stand next to importance to the Constitution itself.  They are the American people's liberty teeth and keystone under independence."
--George Washington, Boston Independence Chronicle, January 14, 1790 
                                       
"To ensure peace, security, and happiness, the rifle and pistol are equally indispensable.  The very atmosphere of firearms everywhere restrains evil interference - they deserve a place of honor with all that is good."
--George Washington, The Federalist No. 53