The King Has Degenerated Into A Tyrant

The Officers Of Congress, May Come Upon You Now, Fortified With All The Terrors Of Paramount Federal Authority. Excisemen Taxmen May Come In Multitudes; For The Limitation Of Their Numbers No Man Knows. They May, Unless The General Government Be Restrained ... Go Into Your Cellars And Rooms, And Search, Ransack, And Measure, Everything You Eat, Drink, And Wear.

It Is In Vain, Sir, To Extenuate The Matter. Gentlemen May Cry, “peace! Peace!” — But There Is No Peace. The War Is 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 And Slavery? Forbid It, Almighty God! I Know Not What Course Others May Take; But As For Me, Give Me Liberty, Or Give Me Death!

We Have Not Yet Begun To Fight.

You Are Not To Inquire How Your Trade May Be Increased, Nor How You Are To Become A Great And Powerful People, But How Your Liberties Can Be Secured; For Liberty Ought To Be The Direct End Of Your Government.

Is Life So Dear Or Peace So Sweet As To Be Purchased At The Price Of Chains And Slavery? Forbid It, Almighty God! I Know Not What Course Others May Take, But As For Me, Give Me Liberty, Or Give Me Death!