| [17] | Captain Hawthorne was wounded in the head by a musket ball. His ship was called “The Fair American.” |
We have extended this article already too far, and will present but one other specimen of our revolutionary lyrics. It is not known who wrote “American Taxation.” In an edition printed in 1811, it is credited to B. Gleason, and on an earlier impression we find the name of Benjamin Franklin. We do not, however, believe it was written by the doctor, though in addition to the circumstance we have mentioned, Lieutenant Ellis alludes, in his Life, to “Franklin’s song on the Stamp Act.” It is an undoubted antique, and, excepting the satirical ballad by Major Andre, we know of nothing produced at so early a period in this country that is equal to it.
AMERICAN TAXATION.
While I relate my story, Americans give ear;
Of Britain’s fading glory, you presently shall hear,
I’ll give a true relation, attend to what I say,
Concerning the taxation of North America.
The cruel lords of Britain, who glory in their shame,
The project they have hit on they joyfully proclaim;