Quote#Freedom
The colonists are by the law of nature free-born, as indeed all men…
Quote byJames Otis · 1725–1783
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: Argument Against the Writs of Assistance (1761).
English (original)
The colonists are by the law of nature free-born, as indeed all men are, white or black...It is a clear truth, that those who every day barter away other men's liberty will soon care little for their own.
— James Otis
More from James Otis
But the right to take ten pounds, implies the right to take a thousand; and what must be the wealth, that avarice, aided by power, cannot exhaust?
The only principles of public conduct that are worthy of a gentleman or a man are to sacrifice estate, ease, health, and applause, and even life, to the sacred calls of his country. These manly sentiments, in private life, make good …
We are bold and vigorous, — and we call no man master.
If we are not represented, we are slaves.
ALL PRECEDENTS ARE UNDER THE CONTROUL OF THE PRINCIPLES OF THE LAW … No Acts of Parliament can establish such a writ [writ of assistance enabling British search of homes for no reason]: … it would be void, "AN ACT AGAINST THE CONSTITUTION …
An act against the Constitution is void; an act against natural equity is void.