THOMAS JEFFERSON ON GUN CONTROL
"A strong body makes the mind strong. As to the species of
exercises, I advise the gun. While this gives moderate exercise to
the body, it gives boldness, enterprise and independence to the
mind. Games played with the ball, and others of that nature, are
too violent for the body and stamp no character on the mind. Let
your gun therefore be your constant companion of your walks."
--Thomas Jefferson to his nephew Peter Carr, 1785.
"The constitutions of most of our States assert that all power is
inherent in the people; that... it is their right and duty to be at
all times armed." --Thomas Jefferson to John Cartwright, 1824.
"One loves to possess arms, though they hope never to have occasion
for them." --Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 1796.
"None but an armed nation can dispense with a standing army. To
keep ours armed and disciplined is therefore at all times
important." --Thomas Jefferson 1803.
"In defense of our persons and properties under actual violation,
we took up arms. When that violence shall be removed, when
hostilities shall cease on the part of the aggressors, hostilities
shall cease on our part also." --Thomas Jefferson: Declaration on
Taking Up Arms, 1775.
"[The] governor [is] constitutionally the commander of the militia
of the State, that is to say, of every man in it able to bear
arms." --Thomas Jefferson to A. L. C. Destutt de Tracy, 1811.