'Twere wrong, by Heaven! that I should sally forth.

A random bullet, from a rifle sent,

Might pierce my heart, and ruin North's intent.= *****

Ye souls of fire, who burn for chief command,

Come! take my place in this disastrous land.

To wars like these I bid a long good night;

Let North and George themselves such battles fight."

Gage's Soliloquy, by Philip Freneau, 1775

"In their ragged regimentals

Stood the old Continentals,