A month later, on June 14, 1775, the Continentals occupied various islands and points in the bay, and opened so hot a fire upon the British ships that they were finally forced to weigh anchor and sail away. The news of the capture of Boston and departure of the British was received with the greatest rejoicing throughout the country. Among the many songs composed to celebrate the event, one, "Off from Boston," gained wide popularity.
OFF FROM BOSTON
Sons of valor, taste the glories
Of celestial liberty,
Sing a triumph o'er the Tories,
Let the pulse of joy beat high.
Heaven hath this day foil'd the many
Fallacies of George the King;
Let the echo reach Britan'y,
Bid her mountain summits ring.
See yon navy swell the bosom
Of the late enragèd sea;
Where'er they go, we shall oppose them,
Sons of valor must be free.
Should they touch at fair Rhode Island,
There to combat with the brave,
Driven from each dale and highland,
They shall plough the purple wave.
Should they thence to fair Virginia,
Bend a squadron to Dunmore,
Still with fear and ignominy,
They shall quit the hostile shore.
To Carolina or to Georg'y,
Should they next advance their fame,
This land of heroes shall disgorge the
Sons of tyranny and shame.
Let them rove to climes far distant,
Situate under Arctic skies,
Call on Hessian troops assistant,
And the savages to rise.
Boast of wild brigades from Russia,
To fix down the galling chain,
Canada and Nova Scotia,
Shall disgorge these hordes again.