TEN years and more before the Declaration of Independence there was great excitement in the Colonies over the new Stamp Act. Patrick Henry, a young member of the General Assembly of Virginia, had the temerity to offer a resolution which declared that in the General Assembly lay the sole right and power to lay taxes upon the Colony. An excited debate followed this resolution, in the course of which Patrick Henry arose and addressed the assembly. His speech closed with the words which have made him famous: Cæsar had his Brutus, Charles the First his Cromwell, and George the Third—The hall rang with cries of Treason! Treason! The patriot orator paused for an impressive moment, and then continued calmly;—may profit by their example. If this be treason make the most of it!
(His resolution was carried.)
A decade passed before the actual outbreak of the War in New England inspired Patrick Henry to the oration which concluded thus: It is in vain, Sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry peace, peace—but there is no peace. The war has actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the North will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms. Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains or slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!
BATTLE OF LEXINGTON
Very early on the morning of April 19, 1775, Paul Revere, by his famous ride, had warned the men of Lexington of the coming of the redcoats. About half-past four the patriots’ drum beat to arms and the minute-men came hurrying from all directions, to receive the instructions of their stalwart Captain, John Parker. His orders were: Stand your ground, don’t fire unless fired upon, but if they mean to have a war, let it begin here. Then came Major Pitcairn’s insolent order, Disperse, ye rebels, disperse! Actually, the first trigger was pulled by a hot-headed young American. His gun, however, failed to go off. A British soldier then discharged his piece—and the War began.
BUNKER HILL
Dr. Joseph Warren, who was slain at Bunker Hill, when urged by Elbridge Gerry not to go into the fight, replied quietly, and we know sincerely: Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori (To die for one’s country is both agreeable and fitting). He had that very day been appointed a Major-General by Congress, but had not yet received his Commission. When he presented himself before Colonel Prescott, the latter naturally tendered him the command. But Warren replied with the modesty which so often characterizes the bravest of men, I come as a volunteer with my musket to serve under you.
When the British General Gage heard of Warren’s death he is said to have remarked, It is well; that one man was equal to five hundred ordinary soldiers. It was probably General Israel Putnam—“Old Put�—commanding at the rail fence at Bunker Hill, who gave the famous order, Don’t fire until you can see the whites of their eyes. This was because the patriots’ powder was so pitifully short. Colonel Prescott’s injunction was, Don’t waste a grain; make every shot tell.
Washington was journeying to New England to take command of the army when the Battle of Bunker Hill was fought. On hearing of it he inquired anxiously, Did they stand the fire of the regulars? That they did, was the response, and held their own fire in reserve until the enemy was within eight rods. Then, said Washington, the liberties of the country are safe.