LETTER TO THE BOSTON COMMITTEE FOR THE CELEBRATION OF THE 4TH OF
JULY, 1852.
WASHINGTON, July 2, 1852.
Dear Sir,--It will not be in my power to unite with my
fellow-citizens of Boston in celebrating the approaching
anniversary of our national independence. I venture, however, in
response to the invitation with which I have been honored, to
recall an incident not unworthy of remembrance, especially in our
local history.
The thirteen stripes which now distinguish our national flag were
first unfurled by Washington, when in command of the American
forces which surrounded Boston, after the Battle of Bunker Hill,
and before the Declaration of Independence. Thus early was this
emblem of Union consecrated to Freedom. Our great chief at once
gave to the new ensign a name which may speak to us still. In
a letter, written at the time, he calls it the Union Flag, and
declares why it was first displayed. His language is, that
he had "_hoisted the UNION FLAG in compliment to the UNITED
Colonies_."[96] Afterwards, on the 14th of June, 1777, by a
resolution of the Continental Congress, the stars and stripes were
formally adopted as the flag of the _United States_.
[96] Letter to Joseph Reed, Jan. 4, 1776: Writings, ed. Sparks,
Vol. III. p. 225.
This piece of history suggests a sentiment which I beg leave to
offer.
_Our National Flag._ First hoisted before Boston, as the emblem of
Union for the sake of Freedom. Wherever it floats, may it never
fail to inspire the sentiments in which it had its origin!