Dunlap's _Packet_, 1775. About the middle of December, 1774, deputies appointed by the freemen of Maryland met at Annapolis, and unanimously resolved to resist the attempts of Parliament to tax the colonies and to support the acts of the Continental Congress. They also recommended that every man should provide himself with "a good firelock, with bayonet attached, powder and ball," to be in readiness to act in any emergency. MARYLAND RESOLVES [December, 1774] On Calvert's plains new faction reigns, Great Britain we defy, sir, True Liberty lies gagg'd in chains, Though freedom is the cry, sir. The Congress, and their factious tools, Most wantonly oppress us, Hypocrisy triumphant rules, And sorely does distress us. The British bands with glory crown'd, No longer shall withstand us; Our martial deeds loud fame shall sound Since mad Lee now commands us. Triumphant soon a blow he'll strike, That all the world shall awe, sir, And General Gage, Sir Perseus like, Behind his wheels he'll draw, sir. When Gallic hosts, ungrateful men, Our race meant to extermine, Pray did committees save us then, Or Hancock, or such vermin? Then faction spurn! think for yourselves! Your parent state, believe me, From real griefs, from factious elves, Will speedily relieve ye. Rivington's _Gazetteer_. Such effusions as the "Massachusetts Liberty Song" became immensely popular, and bands of liberty-loving souls met nightly to sing them. MASSACHUSETTS SONG OF LIBERTY Come swallow your bumpers, ye _Tories_, and roar That the Sons of fair Freedom are hamper'd once more; But know that no _Cut-throats_ our spirits can tame, Nor a host of _Oppressors_ shall smother the flame. _In Freedom we're born, and, like Sons of the brave, Will never surrender, But swear to defend her, And scorn to survive, if unable to save._ Our grandsires, bless'd heroes, we'll give them a tear, Nor sully their honors by stooping to fear; Through deaths and through dangers their _Trophies_ they won, We dare be their _Rivals_, nor will be outdone. _In Freedom we're born, etc._ Let tyrants and minions presume to despise, Encroach on our RIGHTS, and make FREEDOM their prize; The fruits of their rapine they never shall keep, Though Vengeance may nod, yet how short is her sleep. _In Freedom we're born, etc._ The tree which proud _Haman_ for _Mordecai_ rear'd Stands recorded, that virtue endanger'd is spared; That _rogues_, whom no bounds and no laws can restrain, Must be stripp'd of their honors and humbled again. _In Freedom we're born, etc._