If this bill passes, it is my deliberateopinion that it is virtually a dissolution of the Union; that it will free the States from theirmoral obligation; and, as it will be theright ofall, so it will be theduty of some, definitely to prepare for a separation, — amicably if they can, violently if they must.
If this bill passes, it is my deliberateopinion that it is virtually a dissolution of the Union; that it will free the States from theirmoral obligation; and, as it will be theright ofall, so it will be theduty of some, definitely to prepare for a separation,—amicably if they can, violently if they must.
Regarding the admission ofOrleans Territory as a U.S. State.Abridged Cong. Debates, Jan. 14, 1811. Vol. iv. p. 327. This was later famously paraphrased byHenry Clay: The gentleman [Mr. Quincy] cannot have forgotten his own sentiment, uttered even on the floor of this House, "Peaceably if we can,forcibly if we must." Speech, Jan. 8, 1813.
