Named source · 1775

The Farmer Refuted, 23 February 1775 Quotes by Alexander Hamilton: Context & Meanings

1 quotation linked to The Farmer Refuted, 23 February 1775 by or associated with Alexander Hamilton, with source notes, explanations and related topics.

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Alexander Hamilton’s February 1775 revolutionary-era pamphlet replying to Samuel Seabury

Topics and ideas

Natural rights, liberty, colonial government, consent, political authority, justice and revolutionary constitutional argument.

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The sacred rights of mankind are not to be rummaged for, among old parchments, or musty records.

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“The sacred rights of mankind are not to be rummaged for, among old parchments, or musty records.”

Alexander Hamilton

Meaning & context

Hamilton argues that fundamental rights do not depend merely on locating an old charter or inherited documentary privilege.

Source details

The Farmer Refuted, February 23, 1775, preserved by Founders Online / National Archives. Hamilton makes the statement in a revolutionary-era pamphlet defending natural-rights arguments against Samuel Seabury. It is a historical political position and should not be treated as current constitutional or legal advice.

Alexander Hamilton’s February 1775 revolutionary-era pamphlet replying to Samuel Seabury

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