What did the early nationalists seek in the field of civil liberties?

The early nationalists sought the following civil liberties-

1. Early Congressmen opposed tooth and nail the suppression of the freedoms of speech and expression.
2. They were demanding rights to assemble and to form associations.
3. The Congress believed that the suppression of a free press would not check 'sedition' or rebellion against government, it would only drive it underground.