Respectfully Quoted: A Dictionary of Quotations. 1989.
NUMBER:
679
AUTHOR:
George Washington (1732–99)
QUOTATION:
For if Men are to be precluded from offering their Sentiments on a matter, which may involve the most serious and alarming consequences, that can invite the consideration of Mankind, reason is of no use to us; the freedom of Speech may be taken away, and, dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep, to the Slaughter.
ATTRIBUTION:
General GEORGE WASHINGTON, address to the officers of the army, Newburgh, New York, March 15, 1783.—The Writings of George Washington, ed. John C. Fitzpatrick, vol. 26, p. 225 (1938).
