Quote by Tench Coxe
""Who are the militia? Are they not ourselves? Is it feared, then, that we shall turn our arms each man against his own bosom. Congress have no power to disarm the militia. Their swords, and every other terrible implement of the soldier, are the birthright of an American...[T]he unlimited power of the sword is not in the hands of either the federal or state governments, but, where I trust in God it will ever remain, in the hands of the people.""

— Tench Coxe

Tench Coxe, The Pennsylvania Gazette, Feb. 20, 1788

Historical Significance

Explicit statement that Congress cannot disarm the militia (the people)

Context

Federalist explanation during ratification that arms are birthright of Americans

Context

Federalist explanation during ratification that arms are birthright of Americans

Historical Significance

Explicit statement that Congress cannot disarm the militia (the people)