hope, in this life, I am now ready here to stake upon it; and I leave off as I began, that live or die, survive or perish, I am for the Declaration. It is my living sentiment, and by the blessing of God it shall be my dying sentiment, Independence now, and Independence for ever."
And so that day shall be honored, illustrious prophet and patriot! so that day shall be honored, and as often as it returns, thy renown shall come along with it, and the glory of thy life, like the day of thy death, shall not fail from the remembrance of men. 48. It would be unjust, fellow-citizens, on this occasion, while we express our veneration for him who is the immediate subject of these remarks, were we to omit a most respectful, affectionate, and grateful mention of those other great men, his colleagues, who stood with him, and with the same spirit, the same devotion, took part in the interesting transaction. Hancock,[1] the proscribed Hancock, exiled from his home by a military governor, cut off by proclamation from the mercy of the crown,-Heaven reserved for him the distinguished honor of putting this great question to the vote, and of writing his own name first, and most conspicuously, on that parchment which spoke defiance to the power of the crown of England. There, too, is the name of that other proscribed patriot, Samuel Adams, a man who hungered and thirsted for the Independence of his country, who thought the Declaration halted and lingered, being himself not only ready, but eager, for it, long before it was proposed; a man of the deepest sagacity, the clearest foresight, and the profoundest judgment in men.
- ↑ John Hancock. (1737-1793.)—The distinguished Revolutionary patriot, exempted from pardon with Samuel Adams in Gov. Gage's proclamation, June 12, 1775. The facsimile of his dashing autograph at the head of the list of the signers of the Declaration of Independence is familiar to every student. Samuel Adams. (1722-1803.)—Foremost of the Revolutionary patriots, one of the earliest and most zealous advocates of the Independence of the Colonies. Elbridge Gerry. (1744-1814.) —A signer of the Declaration of Independence and Vice-President of the United States. Warren.—General Joseph Warren, (1741-1775). Physician and patriot, killed at the battle of Bunker Hill. Robert Treat Paine. (1731-1814.)—Distinguished lawyer and patriot and a signer of the Declaration of Independence. These five patriots were born, lived, and died in Massachusetts.
