"If we wish to keep the power in our own hands, we should keep the arms also"

 "...The right to vote, with out the disposition to enjoy it, is a curse instead of a blessing; it is depending on a shadow; it is neglecting the fundamental duty of republicans--it is injustice to ourselves, and disheartening to those we appoint to serve us. Let our right be but questioned, and we are all in arms to defend it unquestioned, we are slothful in the use of it..."

"...If we wish to keep the power in our own hands, we should keep the arms also. . . . We should certainly remember that to be prepared for war, is the proper way to preserve our peace. Our fathers by stern necessity were taught the use of arms--let us not flatter ourselves, that we shall be exempt from the trials of adversity. Our fire-sides and altars are surely worth defending, to their enlightened possessors should belong the duty of protecting them. We should unite the character of the accomplished soldier and the peaceful citizen."--[AN ADDRESS DELIVERED AT FITCHBURG OF THE FIFTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DECLARATION OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. BY OLIVER EVERETT. FITCHBURG, Mass. J.E. WHITCOMB: 1831. Pg. 16]