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Quote#Freedom

It may be laid down, as a primary position, and the basis of our…

Quote byGeorge Washington · 1732–1799

Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: "Sentiments on a Peace Establishment" in a letter to Alexander Hamilton (2 May 1783); published in The Writings of George Washington (1938), edited by John C. Fitzpatrick, Vol. 26, p. 289.

English (original)

It may be laid down, as a primary position, and the basis of our system, that every citizen who enjoys the protection of a free government, owes not only a proportion of his property, but even of his personal services to the defence of it

— George Washington

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