"it is the duty alike of the Federal Executive, judicial, and legislative authority to protect him in its enjoyment"

   "In most State Constitutions we find the general declaration of the great personal rights at of liberty and property-of the freedom of speech--of the liberty of the press--of the right of the people to bear arms--and of their liberty of conscience. And yet, what would would all or any of these abstract assertions of principle be worth, if the law did not come in to enforce and protect the rights thus secured, and prescribe adequate punishment for their infringement?

   "In the case of State Constitutions this duty devolves upon the State Legislature; and on the other hand, as already stated, whenever the Constitution of the United States secures to a citizen any right either in a State or Territory it is the duty alike of the Federal Executive, judicial, and legislative authority to protect him in its enjoyment. If he is permitted to exercise it unrestrained and undisturbed, it may never be necessary for either department of the Government to interfere in his behalf. But the measure of defense must be the danger with which his rights are threatened."--[Address of Hon. Thomas Greene Davidson, To The People of The Third Congressional District.]

- Gazette and Sentinel, Plaquemine Parish Of Iberville, LA. August 25, 1860. New Series--Vol. 3. No. 28. Pg. 7.

(Thomas Green Davidson, (Aug. 3, 1805 – Sept. 11, 1883), was a U.S. Representative from Louisiana. Born at Coles Creek, Mississippi. Davidson studied law, was admitted to the bar, and commenced practice in Greensburg, Louisiana. He was appointed register of the United States land office. He served as member of the State house of representatives 1833-1846. And was elected as a Democrat to the 34, 35, and 36 Congresses, (March 4, 1855-March 3, 1861). He served as president of  the Democratic State convention in 1855. He served again in the State house of representatives 1874-1878, 1880, and 1883.)