"Why haven't we a right here?
We're on a navigable stream of the United States, in free waters and in a free country, and we're free to do as we propose.
We're under a free flag.

What do you mean by firing into us ?" "You're not navigating the river at all," retorted Judge Clayton.
"You're tied up to Missouri soil.

The real channel of the river is away out yonder, and you know it.

We're inside our right in boarding you.

We want to know who you are and what you are doing here, an army officer, at the head of men armed in this way.