Then, Senators, we recur to the compact which binds us together; we recur to the principles upon which our government was founded; and when you deny them, and when you deny to us the right to withdraw from a government which, thus perverted, threatens to be destructive of our rights, we but tread in the path of our fathers when we proclaim our independence, and take the hazard. This is done not in hostility to others, not to injure any section of the country, not even for our own pecuniary benefit; but from the high and solemn motive of defending and protecting the rights we inherited, and which it is our sacred duty to transmit unshorn to our children.


Last speech before the U.S. Senate (1861)

Jefferson Davis Quotes

Then, Senators, we recur to the compact which binds us together; we recur to the principles upon which our government was founded; and when you deny...

Then, Senators, we recur to the compact which binds us together; we recur to the principles upon which our government was founded; and when you deny...

Then, Senators, we recur to the compact which binds us together; we recur to the principles upon which our government was founded; and when you deny...

Then, Senators, we recur to the compact which binds us together; we recur to the principles upon which our government was founded; and when you deny...