"The Normans came over, lance in hand, burning and trampling down every thing before them, and cutting off the Saxon dynasty and the Saxon nobles at the edge of the sword; but the right of petition remained untouched"

This quote by Caleb Cushing is referring to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. The Normans, led by William the Conqueror, invaded England with a powerful army and rapidly defeated the Saxon forces. The Normans were callous in their conquest, burning and trampling down whatever in their course and eliminating the Saxon nobles. In spite of this, the Normans did not eliminate the right of petition, which allowed individuals to petition the government for redress of grievances. This right was maintained and is still in location today, allowing residents to voice their issues to their federal government. The Norman Conquest was a significant event in English history, and this quote works as a suggestion of the power of the Normans and the value of the right of petition.