"It is the constitutional right of every citizen to bear arms. It is not only his privilege but his duty in view of the fact that liberty in its last analysis is but the blood of the brave...."

   "It is the constitutional right of every citizen to bear arms. It is not only his privilege but his duty in view of the fact that liberty in its last analysis is but the blood of the brave. The theory of our government is that we are not to rely upon a standing army except as a nucleus of educated soldiers around which, as occasion requires, the citizens may rally for the defence of home and country. Citizen soldiers are never dangerous to liberty. They are but the people in their defensive armor--the phase they present and the attitude they take for the protection of their property, their families, and their dearest rights. They are our safety in trouble and at all times our pride--both our plume and shield."--Brig. Gen. Samuel McGowan, Feb. 22, 1878 speech delivered to the Washington Artillery of Charleston. [The Abbeville Press And Banner, Abbeville, S.C., Wednesday, February 27, 1878. No. 38. Volume XXV. Pg. 2] (Samuel McGowan was an Associate Justice of the South Carolina Supreme Court from 1879 to 1894.)