The History of the First United States Flag: and the Patriotism of Betsy Ross, the Immortal Heroine That Originated the First Flag of the UnionReigart, J. Franklin (John Franklin)
History
The History of the First United States Flag: and the Patriotism of Betsy Ross, the Immortal Heroine That Originated the First Flag of the Union
Reigart, J. Franklin (John Franklin)
Flags -- United States
“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!”
WASHINGTON, THE IDOL OF AMERICA.
“My lads, I would speak a few words of the GENERAL and his ARMY, now
encamped on the banks of the Schuylkill, enduring all the hardships of
their homely situation with cheerful patience; and what is it think
you blunts the keen edge of the northern winds, and makes content
smile on the tops of frozen hills? I will tell you, it is the love of
that “LIBERTY” I have sat before you, it is the consciousness of the
justice of our cause. I suppose when you think of our incomparable
GENERAL WASHINGTON, you figure to yourselves a stout, bulky man, of a
terrible countenance, covered with gold lace, living in a magnificent
house and having a great train of attendants around him. You are quite
mistaken; he neither has nor needs any external ornaments. Would you
hang farthing candles around the Sun to increase his lustre? His glory
will admit of no addition. Your GENERAL is a plain man, plain in his
dress and frugal at his board; yet a native dignity will command your
respect, and the affability of his manners win your love. He is brave
without ostentation; magnificent without pomp; and accomplished without
pride. He is an honor to the human race and the Idol of America. And so
God save GENERAL WASHINGTON and his ARMY.”
THE IMMORTAL FRANCIS S. KEY.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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