John Quincy Adams: Congressional Debate over Motion for Censure

( 1842 ) Commentary by M. Philip Lucas, Cornell College

“If he had withdrawn the petition, he would consider himself as having sacrificed the right of petition; as having sacrificed the right of habeas corpus; as having sacrificed the right of trial by jury; as having sacrificed the sacred confidence of the post office; as having sacrificed the freedom of the press; as having sacrificed the freedom of speech; as having sacrificed every element of liberty that was enjoyed by his fellow-citizens.” - Congressional Debate over Motion for Censure

John Quincy Adams (Library of Congress)

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