"...few freemen died by the rope when they had arms in their hands..."

"...Mr. Foote considered it an insult to place Mississipi on such a disgraceful position, as calling on her sons to make war on the General Government. When such a time did arise, he would deliberate and decide the question. When his State was assaulted--when she called to arms--when his fireside was invaded, he would have no difficulty in deciding where his allegiance was due. He would not in such a case pause to chop logic upon where his allegiance called him; his heart told him where that allegiance was due. He knew there were a great many persons in Mississipi who would be found to support her ordinances, and he would not consider them traitors for so doing. They might be called traitors, and the General Government might prepare the rope wherewith to hang them; but at this day it ought to be known that but a few freemen died by the rope when they had arms in their hands...."

- "Latest Intelligence", By Telegraph to The New-York Daily Times, XXXIId Congress....First Session, Senate, Washington, Dec. 16th. [The New York Times, Published: December 16, 1851]