“ready to resent what they consider base intrusion upon their rights; with firearms as plenty as men and numbers of the men walking arsenals”

The Anaconda Standard, “ready to resent what they consider base intrusion upon their rights; with firearms as plenty as men and numbers of the men walking arsenals”, Nov. 20, 1896

"It sometimes seems trite to speak of warning boys against such things…”

The Colfax Chronicle, “If they must have guns, they should be cautioned against the careless use of them. It sometimes seems trite to speak of warning boys against such things…”, March 4, 1911

"Generations of Live, wide-awake American boys", you say?

Shiner Gazette, Stevens Arms Ad; “Generations of live, wide-awake American boys have obtained the right kind of FIREARMS EDUCATION by being equipped with the unerring, time-honored STEVENS”, Feb. 11, 1909

“Look For The Red Ball Trade Mark “Modern” Firearms & Ammunition for Shooting Right”

The Mountain Advocate, Remington UMC Ad; “Look For The Red Ball Trade Mark “Modern” Firearms & Ammunition for Shooting Right”, June 13, 1919

“there will be no carnival of firearms and explosives on the Fourth of July . . . use of firearms and explosives would inevitably result in a series of disasters”

St. Louis Mayor Ziegenhein, “there will be no carnival of firearms and explosives on the Fourth of July . . . use of firearms and explosives would inevitably result in a series of disasters”, June 27, 1900

“So, dear readers, if you had a gun or a pistol that the U.S. uses in their service it is lawful for you to have the same in your house.”

Sequachee Valley News, “So, dear readers, if you had a gun or a pistol that the U.S. uses in their service it is lawful for you to have the same in your house.”, Dec. 7, 1905

"Stevens Firearms are made right, look right, and for their particular purposes, are positively unsurpassed."

The Williams News, Stevens Firearms Ad; "Stevens Firearms are made right, look right, and for their particular purposes, are positively unsurpassed.", March 19, 1904

This article starts out quite nicely, then quickly descends into the bowels of hell…

The [extraordinarily treasonous] Morning Tulsa Daily World, This article starts out quite nicely, then quickly descends into the bowels of hell…, June 6, 1921

“and the man who cannot hit a dog at close quarters had better keep his pistol in his pocket”

Daily Press, “and the man who cannot hit a dog at close quarters had better keep his pistol in his pocket”, April 13, 1905

"You can "hit the mark" most every time if you use the right kind of firearms. . . ."

The Salt Lake Tribune, "You can "hit the mark" most every time if you use the right kind of firearms. The bigger the target the better your chance.", April 2, 1910

1789: "The farmers, with arms in their hands, ran to the place of rendezvous from considerable distances.”

The History of the American Revolution, “those inhabitants, who are not provided, be requested to furnish themselves forthwith with arms. . . . The farmers, with arms in their hands, ran to the place of rendezvous from considerable distances.”, 1789

“This is but the conservative right to self-defence–a right possessed by individuals, independent of all constitutions, and in defiance of all human laws...."

  “This is but the conservative right to self-defence–a right possessed by individuals, independent of all constitutions, and in defiance of all human laws. Self-Defence is “the first law of nature, and of nature’s God;” and I hold, sir, that it is not less the right and duty of individuals, assembled for lawful public objects. and for the performance of public duties, than of every private citizen, to effectuate those objects, and to defend themselves against every aggressor.”–Mr. Beardsley, of New York, U.S. House of Representatives, May 9, 1832 [Register of Debates, House of Representatives, 22nd Congress, 1st Session Part II. Of Vol. VIII. Washington: Printed And Published By Gales & Seaton. 1833. Pg. 2910]

"giving children under the age limit the right to carry firearms if given permission by parent or guardian.”

The Bennington Evening Banner, “The bill differs from the present law in asmuch as it strikes out that section giving children under the age limit the right to carry firearms if given permission by parent or guardian.”, Jan. 23, 1915

March 28, 1878: “Dealer In Firearms, Ammunition, Fishing Tackle, & c. Sharps and Winchester Rifles a Specialty.”

Bismarck Tri-Weekly Tribune, O.H. Beal Ad; “Dealer In Firearms, Ammunition, Fishing Tackle, & c. Sharps and Winchester Rifles a Specialty.”, March 28, 1878

“He had the right of selling firearms to loyal people in Kentucky . . . He kept a few pistols in his office to sell or to give to his particular friends”

Bismarck Tri-Weekly Tribune, “He had the right of selling firearms to loyal people in Kentucky . . . He kept a few pistols in his office to sell or to give to his particular friends”, March 28, 1878

"Let them be maintained at every hazard and sacrifice. . . . The “tyrant’s plea” of necessity, is false.”

U.S. Rep. C.L. Vallandigham, “The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. . . . These, thus repeated and multiplied over and over again, are the Magna Charta of American freemen. They constitute the Body of American Liberties. . . . Let them be maintained at every hazard and sacrifice. . . . The “tyrant’s plea” of necessity, is false.” – A MUST READ SPEECH, especially when it concerns ‘martial law’, Aug. 2, 1862

Here's an interesting historical discovery....

Washington [D.C.] Mayor James H. Blake: “Citizens Of Washington. . . . every man exempt from military duty, who is able to carry a musket . . . Such as have no arms and ammunition, will be furnished”, Aug. 20, 1814

   And following is a quote excerpted from the title page of the publication the above was found in:
 

   The common and continual mischiefs of the spirit of party are sufficient to make it the interest and duty of a wise people to discourage and restrain it.--Washington.

“That if any person or persons whomsoever, shall fire or discharge any gun, pistol . . . "

Laws Of The State Of New-York, “That if any person or persons whomsoever, shall fire or discharge any gun, pistol, rocket, squib or other fire-work within a quarter of a mile of any building”, April 22, 1785

"That if any person shall fire or shoot off any gun or pistol in the night time after dark and before day light, without necessity..."

State Of South-Carolina,”That if any person shall fire or shoot off any gun or pistol in the night time after dark and before day light, without necessity, every such person shall forfeit the sum of . . .”, 1740

The Early Legal Definition of Martial Law, and its limitations, in American Courts . . .

The Early Legal Definition of Martial Law, and its limitations, in American Courts, “It is in that sense alone that the vague expression of martial law ought to be understood among us. To give it any larger extent would be trampling upon the constitution and laws of our country.”, 1815

Yeah, and that's why they want us disarmed...

  “The principle upon which we professed to act, and really did act, was, that whenever a prince neglects or abandons his duty as the protector and guardian of his subjects–whenever he endeavours, by the terror of his power, the weight of his authority, or the force of arms, to compel them to a surrender of their essential privileges, instead of protecting them in the exercise of their immunities, a people have a right, by their own strength, to protect these rights, and to adopt every measure which may be necessary to effect this purpose. This is the fundamental principle of American law; it lays at the foundation of our government; it is the corner-stone of our political existence and sovereignty; and on this ground were our constitution and the congressional declaration of independence founded.”–Chief Justice Kinsey, Supreme Court Of Judicature Of The State Of New-Jersey, Den v. Brown. Nov. 1799. [Reports Of Cases Argued And Determined In The Supreme Court Of Judicature Of The State Of New-Jersey. By William Halsted, Jun. Reporter. Volume II. Trenton: Printed By Joseph Justice. 1824. Pg. 334]

"and a provision of that kind is entirely unconstitutional. . . . He seriously doubted if the passage of laws on this subject will accomplish much good."

Senator Mower, "In the first place it absolutely forbids a citizen carrying a pistol, whether concealed or not, and a provision of that kind is entirely unconstitutional. . . . He seriously doubted if the passage of laws on this subject will accomplish much good.", Feb. 15, 1901

Three that stood up against the majority for our right....

Mr. Spears, Mr. Fraser and Mr. Dorroh,”He refuted the charge that nobody but cowards carry pistols. Brave men carry them to protect their persons. As a magistrate, he had been forced to sentence people for carrying concealed weapons, and he bad always done so reluctantly.”, Jan. 30, 1901

“The civil rights which Americans hold so dear . . . the right to bear arms”

The Intermountain Catholic, “The civil rights which Americans hold so dear, of free speech and a free press, of trial by a jury of their peers, of peaceful assemblage to protest against iniquity, and the right to bear arms”, Sept. 1, 1900

"all those rights which the constitution guards so jealously . . ."

President McKinley & U.S. Congress, “the right to bear arms . . . all those rights which the constitution guards so jealously . . . The Russian czar exercises no more despotic powers than are here claimed by this “servant of a sovereign people.”, April 17, 1900

"Now what would be their rights under the Constitution? Only those primary rights of person and property that are a necessary incident to freedom. . . . the right to bear arms"

U.S. Rep. Crumpacker, “Now what would be their rights under the Constitution? Only those primary rights of person and property that are a necessary incident to freedom. . . . the right to bear arms”, April 12, 1900

"The following powers are denied to both Congress and the President: . . ."

U.S. Senator Saulsbury, "The following powers are denied to both Congress and the President: . . . 10. To infringe the people's right to keep and bear arms.", Feb. 10, 1862

"to secure persons from unreasonable seizure or search; to secure the right of the people to bear arms for their defense"

Congressional - House: "Mr. Vallandigham gave notice of bills . . . to secure persons from unreasonable seizure or search; to secure the right of the people to bear arms for their defense", June 17, 1861

"tyrannical and unconstitutional laws have been enacted and enforced; the right of the people to keep and bear arms has been infringed"

Judge [and U.S. Rep.] William D. Kelley, "tyrannical and unconstitutional laws have been enacted and enforced; the right of the people to keep and bear arms has been infringed", March 25, 1857

"The Second Declaration of Independence . . . The rights of the people to keep and bear arms have been infringed"

Carroll Free Press, "The Second Declaration of Independence . . . The rights of the people to keep and bear arms have been infringed", July 31, 1856

"Generations of live, wide-awake American boys have obtained the right kind of Firearms Education..."

The Gold Leaf, Stevens Firearms Ad; "Generations of live, wide-awake American boys have obtained the right kind of Firearms Education by being equipped with the unerring, time-honored Stevens", Dec. 3, 1908

"That no person shall sell, loan or furnish any minor below the age of 16 years any gun, pistol, fowling piece or other firearms..."

Albuquerque Evening Citizen, Proposed Ordinance; "That no person shall sell, loan or furnish any minor below the age of 16 years any gun, pistol, fowling piece or other firearms within the city limits", March 9, 1907

"to sell any revolver or other small firearms to any person without first obtaining the signature of the purchaser and his address..."

The Spokane Press, Ordinance Introduced; "it shall be unlawful for any merchant or second hand dealer to sell any revolver or other small firearms to any person without first obtaining the signature of the purchaser and his address...", Dec. 3, 1908

“One point about this pistol which ought to commend it to the public . . . when carried in one’s pocket.”

The Arizona Republican, Browning Automatic Pocket Pistol; “One point about this pistol which ought to commend it to the public is its smooth exterior, and the absence of any of those projections so prominent in revolvers, which entail a constant wear and tear on the clothing when carried in one’s pocket.”, Aug. 31, 1903

"The act of July 11, 1916, prohibits the use of a gun, cannon, revolver or other explosive devices at any wedding serenade in this commonwealth."

Governor Brumbaugh, "The act of July 11, 1916, prohibits the use of a gun, cannon, revolver or other explosive devices at any wedding serenade in this commonwealth.", June 6, 1918

“These were called freemen, and they alone were permitted to take arms..."

A History of Slavery, and Its Abolition, “These were called freemen, and they alone were permitted to take arms, so that the names of a soldier and a freeman were synonymous.”, 1839

"nor of his or their arms or utensils of household, necessary for upholding of life"

The Charters and General Laws of the Colony and Province of Massachusetts Bay, "nor of his or their arms or utensils of household, necessary for upholding of life, nor of bedding or apparel necessary for him or themselves or family", 1645, 1647, 1693, 1730, 1776

Funny how we never here about this little piece of history....

Encyclopædia Americana, “the Greeks were disarmed in November, 1821, and almost all the inhabitants of Larnica, with the archbishop and other prelates, murdered”, 1835

   While the people that DIDN'T give up their arms:

"But the peasants in the mountains, and the inhabitants of the small island Sphakia, called the Suliots of Candia, refused to give up their arms, collected, and drove the Turks back again into the towns."

Interesting how that works, ISN'T IT?

“he, she, or they, may lawfully seize such gun or offensive weapon, and convert the same to his, her, or their, own use”

A Digest Of The Laws of South-Carolina, “he, she, or they, may lawfully seize such gun or offensive weapon, and convert the same to his, her, or their, own use”, 1740/1819

   Let's see now, shall we? "He, she, or they" . . . Well that eliminates the old, tired and errant 'right of the militia' theory quite nicely, now doesn't it? That is, unless you are aware of female militia members back in 1740 or 1819. But even if that were the case. There's another law posted on the linked page that grinds any [lame and fallacious] argument into powder.

   Then there's this little quote from Blackstone, (that the author used on the title page):

"Misera est servitus, ubi jus est vagum, aut incognitum."

["Wretched is the thraldom where the law is either uncertain or unknown."--William Blackstone: Article 1, Section 8, Clause 16, Commentaries 1:401--4]

"it was in no wise uncommon in this country for persons to carry arms, where they had the right so to do: he might have produced Tucker's Blackstone in his favor"

The Trial of Col. Aaron Burr, “it was in no wise uncommon in this country for persons to carry arms, where they had the right so to do: he might have produced Tucker’s Blackstone in his favor”, 1807

   This article has been updated and expanded. And has proven to be quite interesting. Especially when it comes to who was present and had participated at the trial. This case alone was evidence enough that our right to arms has always been an individual one.

"And in cases in which the writ requires the sheriff to take bail, and the defendant shall use arms or threats to keep off such sheriff"

A Digest of the Statutes Laws of Kentucky, "And in cases in which the writ requires the sheriff to take bail, and the defendant shall use arms or threats to keep off such sheriff", 1834

“nor of his or their Arms, or Utensils of Household necessary for upholding of Life”

Acts And Laws, Passed by the General Court or Assembly of His Majesties Province Of New-Hampshire, “nor of his or their Arms, or Utensils of Household necessary for upholding of Life”, 1726

"It is the only government in the world that dares to put arms freely into the hands of all its citizens."

A History of the United States, "It is the only government in the world that dares to put arms freely into the hands of all its citizens.", 1839

Chief Justice Brickell; “It is a legal, constitutional right to bear arms..."

Miller v. The State, Chief Justice Brickell; “It is a legal, constitutional right to bear arms. . . . he had the right to arm himself for defense.”, Dec. Term 1875

That sure beats the other Miller [mis]decision...

Yellowstone Park; "and any person may carry firearms"

Yellowstone Park; "The paths, trails and roads through the great reservation are free to all, and any person may carry firearms", April 4, 1897

“No gentleman familiar with the use of the gun or pistol, and who knows the freaks of glancing balls..."

Daily Globe, “No gentleman familiar with the use of the gun or pistol, and who knows the freaks of glancing balls, will endanger the lives of others”, Aug. 23, 1881

   Yes, I must admit that I do know some "freaks". However, my "balls" have never been caught "glancing"!

June 23, 1856: "Colt’s, Allen’s Marston’s, and Warner’s Revolvers and a great variety of pistols too numerous to mention.”

Wheeling Daily Intelligencer, T. Cartwright’s Cutlery, Variety and Music Store Ad; “Revolvers! Firearms! . . . Colt’s, Allen’s Marston’s, and Warner’s Revolvers and a great variety of pistols too numerous to mention.”, June 23, 1856

As I was saying, [see post below this one...]

The Kansas City Journal, “There will be no more discharging of firearms at the feet of individuals…”, July 4, 1899

"individuals were in the habit of discharging firearms..." [without thinking]

Sacramento Daily Record-Union, “A Narrow Escape From Death. . . individuals were in the habit of discharging firearms in the southern and eastern suburbs of the city”, Jan. 22, 1886

   It is 'accidents' like the one written about in the above article. That is partially responsible for our right being diminished....

"to grant permits to such persons, as in their judgment, are entitled to them, to retain private arms for sporting purposes"

The Norfolk Post, "authorized to grant permits to such persons, as in their judgment, are entitled to them, to retain private arms for sporting purposes", Sept. 12, 1865

   "Sporting purposes" . . . now where have I heard THAT before? . . . .

   Oh yeah, the Nazi's used it in their law of 1938. And the [treasonous] democrats used it in the Constitutionally perverse 1968 Gun Control Act.

   And this perverse 'general' having made this proclamation despite the fact that THAT is precisely what the 2nd Amendment was intended to prevent. 

"Provided, a person may shoot firearms on his own premises..."

Town of Walhalla, South Carolina Ordinances;"Provided, a person may shoot firearms on his own premises for the bona fide purpose of protecting his property from damage", Dec. 16, 1903

"as there is a question of law as to their right to have firearms in their possession"

Treason in Utah, "The deputy sheriffs did not take the names of any of the owners of the houses in which the arms were found, as there is a question of law as to their right to have firearms in their possession", July 26, 1908

Here's some old responsible journalism....

The Charleston Daily News, “We indulge the hope that this serious calamity may be sufficient warning of the folly of allowing boys to play with firearms.”, Feb. 4, 1867

"Every one carries large sized pistols…”

Arizona Weekly Citizen, “Much complaint is made by citizens about the reckless use of firearms. Every one carries large sized pistols…”, Jan. 3, 1885

" . . . All persons shall have a right to keep and bear arms for their defense"

American Constitutions, "Right of Bearing Arms . . . . All persons shall have a right to keep and bear arms for their defense", 1872

Guess it can't be claimed that we're chips off the old block, can it? . . .

Encyclopaedia Americana "the people of Boston and neighborhood appeared in arms, seized the governor. . .", April 18, 1689

We need more of the following example set presently....

[Pg. 138]

September 19. [1775]

 Affair in Duchess County.

   Last Saturday night, in Duchess County, New York, James Smith, Esq. a judge of the Court of Common Pleas for that county, was very handsomely tarred and feathered, for acting in open contempt of the resolves of the county committee, as was Coen Smith, of the same place, for the like behavior. They were carted five or six miles into the country. The judge undertook to sue for, and recover the arms taken from the Tories[*] by order of said committee, and actually committed one of the committee, who assisted at disarming the Tories, which enraged the people so much, that they rose and rescued the prisoner, and poured out their resentment on this villanous retailer of the law.[3]

 [*] “Tories” were American colonists who supported the British side during the American Revolution.

 [3] Upcott, iv. 327

 [Diary of the American Revolution. From Newspapers and Original Documents. By Frank Moore. Vol. I. New York: Charles Scribner, Grand Street. London: Sampson Low, Son & Company. MDCCCLX.]

"Many of them had arms, and those who were unprovided for, collected arms and ammunition with all possible despatch."

Diary of the American Revolution, "Many of them had arms, and those who were unprovided for, collected arms and ammunition with all possible despatch.", March 14, 1775

”The Rev. Mr. Payson . . . at the head of a party of his own parish . . . he has taken up arms in defence of those rights, civil and religious, which cost their forefathers so dearly...

 The following has just been added, (among quite a few other recent associated  discoveries), on the Biblical Quotes on Arms and Defense page.

April 19. [1775]

[Pg. 65]

…During this time an express was sent to General Gage, who despatched a reinforcement under the command of Earl Percy, with two field-pieces. Upon the arrival of this reinforcement at Lexington, just as the retreating party had reached there, they made a stand, picking up their dead, took all the carriages they could find, and put their wounded thereon. Others of them–to their eternal disgrace be it spoken–were robbing and setting houses on fire, and discharging their cannon at the meeting house.

[Pg. 66]

   While this was transacting a party of the militia at Menotomy, [1] attacked a party of twelve of the enemy, who were carrying stores and provisions, killed one of them and took possession of their arms and stores, without any loss.

[1] This party was led by the Rev. Phillips Payson, D.D.,* to whom the following extract refers:–”The Rev. Mr. Payson, of Chelsea, in Massachusetts Bay, a mild, thoughtful, sensible man, at the head of a party of his own parish, attacked a party of the regulars, killed some and took the rest prisoners. This gentleman has been hitherto on the side of government, but oppression having got to that pitch beyond which even a wise man cannot bear, he has taken up arms in defence of those rights, civil and religious, which cost their forefathers so dearly. The cruelty of the King’s troops, in some instances, I wish to disbelieve. They entered one house in Lexington where were two old men, one a deacon of the church, who was bed-ridden, and another not able to walk, who was sitting in his chair; both these they stabbed and killed on the spot, as well as an innocent child running out of the house.”–Pennsylvania Journal, August 2.

* Dr. Payson was born at Walpole, Massachusetts, on the 18th of January, 1736. He graduated at Harvard College in 1754 and from the time of his ordination (three years after) until his death, he was constantly and jealously engaged in the service of the church. During the Revolution, he boldly advocated the cause of the Colonists. He died January 11, 1801.

[Diary of the American Revolution. From Newspapers and Original Documents. By Frank Moore. Vol. I. New York: Charles Scribner, Grand Street. London: Sampson Low, Son & Company. MDCCCLX.]

The Journals Of Each Provincial Congress Of Massachusetts, "Whereas, many able-bodied men, who were inhabitants of the sea-port towns of the colony, have removed their families into the country, and have themselves left said towns, and carried with them their arms and ammunition", July 12, 1775

Even some of the church chipped in for the Revolution....

July 1, 1775

   Forty-nine small arms, for the use of the colony, were received from the Rev. Mr. Lemuel Kollock, for which a receipt was given by Mr. Devens; which guns were collected by order of Congress; and amount by appraisement, to £_____.

[The Journals Of Each Provincial Congress Of Massachusetts In 1774 And 1775, And Of The Committee Of Safety, With An Appendix . . . Boston: Dutton And Wentworth, Printers To The State. 1838. Pg. 583]

“to apply to such inhabitants . . . as, in their opinions, can best spare their arms..."

The Journals Of Each Provincial Congress Of Massachusetts, “to apply to such inhabitants of their respective towns and districts as, in their opinions, can best spare their arms or accoutrements, and to borrow or purchase the same”, May 9, 1775

   The above is by no means the only example of such requests by various early American governments of that period. Had the American people not had arms in our possession, the Revolution would have been lost very early on.

"The safety of a republic depends as much upon the equality in the use of arms among its citizens..."

House of Representatives, "The safety of a republic depends as much upon the equality in the use of arms among its citizens, as upon the equality of rights.", Jan. 17, 1817

And here's from another Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court...

Writings of [U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice, U.S. Senator, and Governor] Levi Woodbury, “arms allowed to be in the hands of all who had anything to defend . . . armed men everywhere; men accustomed the rifle from the cradle . . . claiming a natural, afterwards a constitutional right to keep bear arms“, 1852

Oh, and by the way, if you're going to church - you'd better be armed....

Laws Of Georgia, No. 191., “An Act for the better Security of the inhabitants, by obliging the male white persons to carry fire arms to places of worship.”, 1757/1759/A.D. 1770

Carry while you work - mandatory - by law, or pay the daily fine for neglecting to do so....

Laws Of The State of Georgia, “That every male white inhabitant . . . carry with him one good and sufficient gun or pair of pistols . . . under the penalty of one dollar far every day he shall neglect so to do.”, Dec. 9, 1793

New-Jersey? . . . Really?

The Convention of New-Jersey, "This Congress do likewise earnestly desire all persons to lend arms or other necessaries on the present occasion", June 29, 1776

Here's a somewhat interesting discovery from 1916....

Straight America A Call to National Service, "Restoring our real traditions of liberty is not a vague task. . . . the right to keep and bear arms", 1916

"The only security we have, are the arms in our hands, which they wish to deprive us of...."

The Remembrancer, "The only security we have, are the arms in our hands, which they wish to deprive us of, in order the more effectually to subdue us.", 1778

Here's a very nice addition to an older discovery....

“…We shall pursue this subject no further, in its bearing on the political rights of the states composing the union–in recalling your attention to these rights, which are the subject of this controversy, we declare to you as the law of the case, that they are inherent and unalienable–so recognised by all our fundamental laws.

   “The constitution of the state or union is not the source of these rights, or the others to which we have referred you, they existed in their plenitude before any constitutions, which do not create but protect and secure them against any violation by the legislatures or courts, in making, expounding or administering laws...."

“. . . Jack was the property of the plaintiff, who had a right to possess and protect his slave or servant, whom he had a right to seize and take away to his residence in New Jersey by force, if force was necessary, he had a right to secure him from escape, or rescue, by any means not cruel or wantonly severe–he had a right to carry arms in defence of his property or person, and to use them if either were assailed with such force, numbers or violence as made it necessary for the protection or safety of either; he had a right to come into the state and take Jack on Sunday, the act of taking him up and conveying him to the Billet, was no breach of the peace if not done by noise and disorder, occasioned by himself or his party–and their peaceable entry into the house of Mrs. Kinderdine was lawful and justifiable, for this purpose, in doing these acts, they were supported by laws which no human authority could shake or question.”--U.S. Supreme Court Justice BALDWIN, Circuit Court of The United States, [PENNSYLVANIA APRIL TERM 1833 BEFORE Hon. HENRY BALDWIN, Associate Justice of the [U.S.] Supreme Court, Hon JOSEPH HOPKINSON District Judge, Johnson v. Tompkins(13 F. Cas. 840 (C.C.E.D. Pa. 1833)), and others.]

"No distress shall be made or taken from any person, of his arms, or household utensils necessary for upholding life..."

Laws of Massachusetts, "No distress shall be made or taken from any person, of his arms, or household utensils necessary for upholding life", 1834

“The liberty of the press was to be unrestrained . . . like the right to keep firearms”

A Treatise on State and Federal Control of Persons and Property In The United States, “The liberty of the press was to be unrestrained, but he who used it was to be responsible in case of its abuse; like the right to keep firearms”, 1900

"That if any person or persons whomsoever, shall fire or discharge any gun, pistol, rocket..."

Laws of the State of New-York, "That if any person or persons whomsoever, shall fire or discharge any gun, pistol, rocket, squib or other fire-work, within a quarter of a mile of any building", 1802

"to require the aid of a sufiicient number of persons in arms, if any of the persons assembled are in arms"

The Public Laws of the State of Rhode Island, “and the aforesaid justice of the peace, sheriff or deputy sheriff, is hereby further empowered to require the aid of a sufficient number of persons in arms, if any of the persons assembled are in arms”, 1822

“That if any person fire any gun, musket, blunderbuss or pistol . . . "

The Public Laws of the State of Rhode Island, “That if any person fire any gun, musket, blunderbuss or pistol, loaded with a bullet or shot, in or across any road, street, square or lane”, 1731/37/68/93

“that upon the inhabitants lodging their arms in Faneuil hall...."

An Historical, Geographical, Commercial, and Philosophical View of the United States Of America, “that upon the inhabitants lodging their arms in Faneuil hall . . . lodged one thousand seven hundred and seventy-eight fire arms, six hundred and thirty-four pistols, two hundred and seventy-three bayonets and thirty-eight blunderbusses”, April 22, 1775

1842 State Constitution - No mention of "militia" PERIOD....

The

Constitution

Of The

State Of Rhode-Island

And

Providence Plantations,

As Adopted By The

Convention,

Assembled At Newport, September, 1842.

[Pg. 3]

Constitution.

WE, the people of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing upon our endeavors to secure and to transmit the same, unimpaired, to succeeding generations, do ordain and establish this Constitution of Government.

ARTICLE FIRST.

Declaration Of Certain Constitutional Rights And Principles . . .

[Pg. 6]

. . . Sec. 22. The right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed. . . .

[The Constitution Of The State Of Rhode-Island And Providence Plantations, As Adopted By The Convention, Assembled At Newport, September, 1842. Providence: Printed By Knowles And Vose. 1842 ]

“That nothing herein contained shall be deemed or construed to extend to any person lawfully using fire-arms..."

The Statutes Of Ohio And Of The Northwestern Territory, “That nothing herein contained shall be deemed or construed to extend to any person lawfully using fire-arms . . . against the attacks of rebels, highwaymen, robbers, thieves, or others unlawfully assailing him or her, or in any other manner where such opposition, defence, or resistance is allowed by the law of the land.”, Aug. 4, 1790

[The Statutes Of Ohio And Of The Northwestern Territory, Adopted Or Enacted From 1788 To 1833 Inclusive: . . . Volume I. Edited By Salmon P. Chase. [Later Governor of Ohio, and Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court] Cincinnati: Published By Corey & Fairbanks. 1833.]

“they furnishing their own horses, arms, and provisions”

The Statutes Passed By The Congress Of The United States Of America, “they furnishing their own horses, arms, and provisions”, 1791-92

"Our boys carry a gun almost as soon as they can walk"

The Resources Of the United States of America, “The American citizens are intelligent well educated, and awake to the preservation of their liberties; every where armed, and trained to the use of arms”, 1818

   Some of the information contained in the link page had been posted before. However, there came to light another quotation from the original source that is worth notice.

"It is also lawful for them to carry with them any quantity of provisions, arms, and ammunition”

Governor Shelby, “For if it is lawful for any one citizen of this state to leave it, it is equally so for any number of them to do it. It is also lawful for them to carry with them any quantity of provisions, arms, and ammunition”, Jan. 13, 1794

"who shall be armed, clothed, and equipped at their own expense”

The Statutes Passed By The Congress Of The United States Of America, “to accept of any company or companies of volunteers . . . who shall be armed, clothed, and equipped at their own expense”, 1798

"and the boys carry a gun almost as soon as they are able to walk."

A Geographical, Historical, Commercial, and Agricultural View Of The United States of America, "There are no game laws, to prohibit the possession and use of fire-arms to the great body of the people; and the boys carry a gun almost as soon as they are able to walk.", 1820

“and arms for the defence himself”

Laws of the State of Alabama, “and arms for the defence himself”/”but all [an]d every gun, weapon, or ammunition, found in the possession or [cu]stody of any slave, may be seized by any person”, 1833

A most interesting read....

A Discourse On The Lives And Characters Of Jefferson And Adams, "American Independence was then and there born." And he adds—"Every man of an immense crowded audience appeared to me to go away, as I did, ready to take arms against writs of assistance.", 1828

The American [Virginia] personal right to arms - a full 38 years before the English Bill of Rights....

Articles agreed on and concluded at James Cittie in Virginia, "That all amunition, powder and arms, other then for private use shall be delivered up, securitie being given to make satisfaction for it.", March 12, 1651

This website(s) deserves the support of all freedom and liberty minded Americans...

BackPage.com

   To the best of my knowledge, this is the only nationwide online advertising source where you can post an advertisement to buy, sell or trade firearms and related items. And you can post an advertisement for free, or with paid upgrades. They deserve a hat-tip for their patriotism.