“My lads, you say you are going to fight for LIBERTY! these are words
in everybody’s mouth, but few understand their real meaning. LIBERTY
is not a power to do what we please and have what we desire; this may
be the Liberty of a wolf or of a beast of prey, but is not the Liberty
of a man considered as a member of society. TRUE LIBERTY is the being
governed by laws of our own making; the inhabitants of every country
to choose persons from amongst themselves, in whom they can confide;
which persons so elected shall make laws to bind the whole. True
CONSTITUTIONAL LIBERTY is the LIBERTY for which we are now contending,
and may God in his blessings grant this to us all.
“Now, the King of England, has sent over fleets and armies to compel
us to give up this invaluable privilege into his hands; but with the
blessings of God, we will maintain it against him and all the world, so
long as we have a man left to fire a musket. Let our constant prayer be
GOD and LIBERTY.
“Our Congress have hitherto conducted us with wisdom and integrity,
and although in some instances it may be thought they might have
managed better than they have done, yet they have piloted us in safety
through a tempestuous ocean, to the present period; and so God save the
AMERICAN CONGRESS!”