Rep. [And later American Minister to Russia] Cassius M. Clay, “I need but bring the National and state Constitutions to my defence, which place the right of the citizen “to bear arms in self-defence,” beyond the power of legislation..."

Rep. [And later American Minister to Russia] Cassius M. Clay, “I need but bring the National and state Constitutions to my defence, which place the right of the citizen “to bear arms in self-defence,” beyond the power of legislation, higher and more sacred than the Constitution itself.” [1845]