security and happiness If a royal army, though weak in its number, can thus insult us unpunished, the most slender imagination can easily foresee what must be the effects of a still greater force. I wish that the present generation, I wish that posterity may not feelingly reproach our inactivity. threathing, with all the pomp of expression, to freedom, let us attend to this most pressing ocspread havock, desolation, and ruin around him; [casion; an occasion providentially offered for future to see such a soldiery and such a general, yielding to an hardy race of men, new to the field of war; while on the one hand it exalts the character of the latter, convincingly proves the folly of those who, under pretence of having a body of troops, bred to war, and ever ready for action, adopt this dangerous system, in subversion of every principle Shall the frequent calls of our EXALTED GENERAL, of lawful government. Here, if, after having de- who seems to have been raised up by heaven, to pictured scenes of so distressing a nature, it may show to what an height humanity may soar; who not appear too descending, I could not forbear generously sacrificing affluence and domestic ease, smiling at the British general and his troops who, wishes to share with you in every danger and disnot willing to reflect on their present humiliating tress, shall his frequent calls be in vain? remember, condition, affect the air of arrogant superiority. my countrymen, the eyes of the good and great, in But Americans have learnt them that men, fight- every clime, are upon the present contest. ing on the principles of freedom and honor, despise berty, disgusted at scenes of cruelty and oppres the examples that have been set them by an ene- sion, has left her ancient altars, and is now hovermy; and though, in the field, they can brave every ing to fix her last residence in America. Our exerdanger in defence of those principles, to a van- tions have hitherto been great and successful. Let quished enemy they know how to be generous; but not the ashes of WARREN, MONTGOMERY, and the that this is a generosity not weak and unmeaning, illustrious roll of heroes, who died for freedom, but founded on just sentiments, and if wantonly reproach our inactivity and want of spirit, in not presu ned upon, will never interfere with that na- completing this grand superstructure; the pillars tional justice, which ever ought, and lately has been of which have been cemented with the richest properly exerted blood of America. May that same ardor, which Li But while, with the warmest gratitude to heaven, has rendered America famous, still continue, and looking forward to those happy days of liberty and peace, which our posterity shall enjoy, let us exult at the thought, that future generations, while they reap the glorious fruits of our struggles, will rise up and call us blessed. ORATION DELIVERED AT BOSTON, MARCH 5, 1779, we view our late successes, and are at a loss to express our acknowledgment to the illustrious hero, who was the instrument, and whose name to remotest ages will be ever dear to these New England states, let us not forget our situation. There is an army, and a very powerful one, still existing in the heart of America. Methinks the reputation of past successes should animate every inhabitant of America to fly to arms; and by one general exertion utterly expel this last, this only remaining power of Great Britain on the continent. Ye, to whom the sacred, the important system of government is committed-ye men of sense and virtue--ye patriots, who feel an affection for your country born to delude and be deluded; to believe whatand posterity, let me conjure you to seize the pre. sent opportunity, happier than we could ever have expected, and which once omitted may never be again in our power. Whatever secondary props may rise was ever is taught, and bear whatsoever is imposed," are political dogmas which have long afforded matter for exultation and security to dignified villains, from the sceptered tyrant, to the meanest minion of power. But however confirmed they I would not pretend to insinuste, that this is the may have been by the passive conduct of the only point which ought to be under immediate con- greatest part of mankind, you, my fellow-citizens, sideration, by a wise people or their delegates. But thank God, you are an exception to their truth. this I will venture to affirm, that unless this is the The numerous, the respectable assembly which governing sentiment, in every deliberation, every now croud this hallowed temple, are an exalted other thing is superfluous. Let us then rise su- exception to maxims as disgraceful as they are perior to every private local attachment. As we general. Ever vigilantly attentive to the sacred, are embarked on one broad bottom of universal unalienable rights of man; equally studious in the glorious principles of liberty, as intrepidly de pursuits, and the gratification of voluptuous wishes, termined to preserve inviolate the inestimable ready sacrifice is made of the general good at previleges she bestows; you are now convened, the shrine of power. Then slumbers that virtuous not merely to commemorate this anniversary, but (jealousy of public men and public measures, which solemnly to renew the resolves, which freedom, wisdom, virtue, honor inspire: and not barely resolve, but I trust, steadily to pursue the execu tion of resolutions which have resulted from deliberate investigation and full conviction. was wont to scrutinize not only actions but mo ives: then nods that active zeal, which, with eagle eye watched, and with nervous arm defended the constitution. Every day new inroads are made upon public liberty, while encroachments, like emptations, grow more frequent and more dan. gerous in proportion as the power of resistance decreases. Thus, before a nation is completely To so intelligent, so well informed an auditory, it must be unnecessary to deduce the origin of civil society, which, founded in reciprocal advantage, and springing from social virtue, on the combined deprived of freedom, she must be fitted for slavery necessities and assistance of individuals, built the by her vices. general happiness-a happiness thus instituted, Generally, but not always, for we have known nothing but public spirit, and a union of force and people ruled by a despot, who, from a private of council can preserve: I must therefore request station, rose to uncontroled dominion, at a time your indulgence, whilst I rather point out those when they were sternly virtuous. And this mode evils which the concurrent experience of ages and of introducing bondage is ever to be apprehended nations prove to be subversive of every good pro- at the close of a successful struggle for liberty, posed from civil compact. Little solicitous of when a triumphant army, elated with victories, rhetorical applause, I shall offer you my sentiments and headed by a popular general, may become as they arise warm from a heart devoted to the more formidable than the tyrant that has been interests of this my parent country, in language expelled. Witness the last century in the English that becomes a freeman to use when addressing a history! witness the aspiring CROMWELL! free assembly. Similar causes will forever operate like effects, in the political, moral, and physical world: those vices which ruined the illustrious republics of Greece, and the mighty commonwealth of Rome, and which are now ruining Great Britain, so late the first kingdom of Europe, must eventually over turn every state, where their deleterious influence is suffered to prevail. Need I add that luxury, corruption, and standing armies are those destructive efficients? This audacious citizen, entrusted by his country with the command of her armies, to chastise the man whom previous folly* had enthroned, and who soon presumed to treat his subjects, as all kings are wont to do, with contempt and injury, had no sooner despatched the foolish, imperious monarch, than he attempted to succeed him: with a little management, he soon found his army as disposed to regify him, as they had been to depose Charles. With these mercenary associates at his heels, he appeared in the synod of the state, and dared with Luxury, no sooner finds admittance into a state force displace the most glorious band of patriots than she becomes the parent of innumerable evils, that ever led a tyrant from his throne to a scaffold. public and domestic; her contagious influence is Not content with this enormous outrage upon the soon felt in society, and her baneful effects dis- constitution, this annihilating stroke upon the covered by a general dissipation of manners, and a tottering liberties of his country, for a time to declension of private virtue, which begets effeminate keep up the form of a popular government and to habits, and by a natural gradation, a base pliability bring parliament into contempt, he convened an of spirit. house of commons, constituted entirely of his own Luxury is ever the foe of independence, for at covered that they were utterly unequal to the posts creatures. They met, and in a few months dis the same time that it creates artificial wants it precludes the means of satisfying them. It first makes men necessitous, and then dependent. It first unfits men for patriotic energies, and soon teaches them to consider public virtue as a public jest. At such a period, corruption finds an easy access to men's hearts. To the promotion of interested *If a man in private life finds his oldest son an his other children: but if the heir apparent (in ideot or a rascal, he may dispose of his estate arnong hereditary monarchies) to a crown, an inheritance which millions are interested, turns to be a blockhead or a villain, still he must be the king, because such is the line of succession established by law. the scourge or disgrace of the kingdoms they have Hence the few princes who have not been either ruled. transactions? our own times furnish additional and convincing proofs of the destructive consequences of political corruption, and mercenary armies. they were raised to, they therefore petitioned their] But why do I keep your attention fixed on remote master to dissolve them. Cromwell granted their request, and became sole tyrant of three kingdoms. Tyrant-for of what consequence is it by what style or under what modification despotism operates to Sweden, the bravest, hardiest, freest nation of the public wrong--dictator, king, protector, it is the north---Sweden, in one hour, was plunged from not the appellation we reprobate, though even that the distinguished heights of liberty into abject we should guard against, but the thing. Who but vassalage. What ties can bind a king? scarce had must own that Cromwell, under the name of proGUSTAVUS the third ascended the throne of limited tector, was as absolute a despot, as he could have monarchy; scarce had the roofs of the senate house been with any other title? ceased to reverberate the insidious accents of his The first Cæsar affords us another instance among inauguration speech,* whilst yet the venerable reprethe thousands which history holds up to our view, *This speech is inserted at large, not only be to teach us what bold and unprincipled spirits have cause it is fraught with excellent advice, but also effected by the aid of armies. This ambitious sub-to shew how little reliance ought to be placed on coronation speeches. ject, having been for several years engaged in the humane, the soldierly employment, of slaughtering his fellow-men, and in extending his conquests over countries which he had not even a pretence to invade; this Cæsar, who boasted that he had slain a million of men, was at length ordered home by the senate to answer to some charges against his conduct He knew that at such an interview his sword would be his ablest advocate. He therefore led his veteran legions, "nothing loth," against his country, passed the Rubicon; fought his way to Rome; plunged a dagger in her vitals; impiously trampled on her dearest rights; and seized on empire crimsoned, execrable parricide! crimsoned with the richest blood of Rome's best citizens! Too late the patriot poignard reached the traitor's heart. Cæsar fell-alas! the republic had fallen before. Rome changed her governors, but the tyranny remained. The same army that had enabled Julius to triumph over the liberties of his country, led the cars of OCTAVIUS, ANTHONY and LEPIDUS, through seas of Roman blood, and bad the cursed triumvirate divide an enslaved world! If Rome could have been saved, BRUTUS and his virtuous associates would have saved her; but a standing army, and a perpetual dictator, were, and ever will, prove too hard for the patriotic few. Learn hence, my countrymen, that a state may sink so low in slavery that even virtue itself cannot retrieve her. From these examples, prudence dictates-resist beginnings. A free and wise people will never suffer any citizen to become too popular-much less too powerful. A man may be formidable to the constitution even by his virtues *Plutarch says that Cæsar could boast, that he had slain a million of men, gave a million their liberty, and made a million prisoners. Vid. Plut. in vit. Cæsar. 1st of June, 1772. "You are this day assembled, in order to confirm in the manner of your ancestors, the band of union which ties you to me, and me to you, and both to the whole commonwealth; we must therefore re-. member, with the most sensible gratitude, the benevolence of the Almighty, who has ordered things so, that this very ancient kingdom of the Swedes and Gaths is still existing, after so many foreign, as well as national shocks, and that I, in the throne of my ancestors, can yet address free and independent states. Assured of your hearts, most sincerely proposing to merit them, and to fix my throne upon your love and felicity, the public engagement which you are going to enter into, would, in my opinion, be needless, if ancient custom and the law of Sweden did not require it of you. U happy the king who wants the tie of oaths to secure himself on the throne, and who, not assured of the hearts of his of laws, when he cannot by the love of his subjects! subjects, is constrained to reign only by the force I need not put you in mind of the weightiness of the engagement you are going to take; the states of Sweden know best the extreme of their duty to themselves and the commonwealth; may concord and harmony ever unite your hearts; may foreign views and private gain ever be sacrificed to public interest; may this alone be a perpetual bond of union amongst you; and may the ambition of any part of you, never raise any such disturbances as may endanger the freedom and independency of the whole commonwealth! Gentlemen of the house of nobles, Preserve always the honor and in repidity of your ancestors; be an example to your fellow-citizens; and, as you are the first order of the kingdom, be also the first in virtue and love of your country. Good men of the reverend order of clergy, May mutual friendship and peace, obedience to the laws, reverence to God and the king, bear witness to me and the country, of your zeal in the execution of the sacred office, with which you are entrusted! Good men of the respectable order of burghers, Strive always with your fellow-subjects who shall contribute the most to the public good; may the fruits of the extensive share which belongs to you, be general credit and confidence, useful institu sentatives of their country were fondly anticipat- and in wealth. Not a corner of the earth but had ing the blessings that would arise from the reign witnessed her achievements. Wheresoever she of so wise, so gracious a king-The unblushing directed her armies, victory and conquest attendparricide surrounded, with an armed host, the ed; whilst her irresistible navy, thundering over temple in which the senate was assembled, planted every ocean, not only subdued, but annihilated the his cannon against the gates, and with the swords fleets of her enemies. of his guards at the throats of the senators, demanded immediate absolution from his coronation oath, by which he had most sacredly bound himself to pre serve inviolate the laws and liberties of the Swedes! astonishing that a strippling, whose language breathed the glowing sentiments of enthusiastic generosity, so natural to youth, could, with such facility, set at defiance all that is held sacred, honorable, and obligatory among men! but the lust of domination, so natural to human nature, will ever prove too hard for the checks of conscience and the dictates of right, when a favorable opportunity presents to gratify it. Gustavus, know ing that the army were ready to assist his iniquitous designs (as all standing armies are to promote despotism, because under such a system of rule, soldiers must be necessary and consequently favor. ed) the barriers raised by justice and his plighted faith to Sweden, became slight indeed. Force backed inclination, and Gustavus changed circum. scribed authority, for unconfined sovereignty.* Triumphant in war, not less distinguished in peace. In many of the polite, in most of the use ful arts and sciences, superior to her neighbors. In commerce unequalled; not a sea but bore, not a wind but wafted her countless ships, laden with the riches of the earth, and made her crowded ports the marts of the world. Late glorious nation, how art thou fallen, how lost! from so envied, so stupendous an height, by the perverted will of thy infatuated monarch, and the pernicious counsels of his nefarious ministers. Driven to the fearful edge of ruin, we now behold thee tottering o'er the gulph of annihilation, whilst France and her allies urge thee over the irremediable steep! When we consider the capital defects in the English constitution-the character of her present weak and ambitious monarch-the luxury, dissipa. tion and venality of her influential men, we shall cease to wonder at her declension and present cir cumstances. Let us now turn our eyes to that nation whom In a limited monarchy, where the prince, as suwe once did love, and with whom we had yet been preme executive magistrate, and first branch of the friends, had not an unparalleled series of folly and legislature, is invested with the important prézocruelty, compelled us to renounce the pleasing gative of making peace and war, is constituted the relationship. A short retrospect of whose public conduct, subsequent to the last war, will afford many and important instructions. sole fountain of honor, and becomes the exclusive disposer of every lucrative and honorable appoint. ment, civil, ecclesiastic, and military, his influence becomes too enormous to be compatible with the In 1763 peace was restored after a war of seven public liberty: but if to such extravagant powers years, successfully waged in every quarter of the globe. At that period what an unrivalled figure hands of the prince) he should superadd a detesta(by a fatal error in the constitution, placed in the did Great Britain stand amongst the nations! great ble system of corruption to bribe the representabeyond all former example, in arms, in commerce tives of the people (a system which, during the tions, frugal living, and moderate gain, which lead reign of his present Britannic majesty, hath been to sure and certain wealth. urged to its utmost possible extent) the worst species of vassalage must ensue. That equipoise between the respective branches of the legislature (in which the seeming theoretic excellence of the English constitution consists) will be totally destroyed; the executive will involve the powers of the legislative, and whilst the letter and formalities of the constitution are retained, its spirit and Good men of the worthy order of peasants, May piety, diligence, temperance, and old Swed ish faith and modesty, be the strongest confirma tion of the honor always due to that order which gives subsistence to all the others; an honor which the Swedish peasants have at all times attained. Tuts is all I ask of you, when you observe this, you perform in the best manner, that duty to me, and your country, which, according to the Swedish laws, I now call upon you to confirm by oath." *For an historical account of this revolution, vid.intendment will be totally lost. An absolutely arbiGentleman's Magazine for 1772, page 397, &c. For the Swedish constitution, vid. the abbot Vertot. For a complete system of despotism, see the lex regia of Denmark, constituted by Frederick 3d, in 1665, and published by Christian 5th, in 1683. trary, with the forms of a free government (that worst and surest of all tyrannies) will gradually succeed, and be finally established, unless a total revolution is happily effected by timely exertions of the people, before the despot has strengthened that, in time of war, had been raised professedly himself with a mercenary army, and forever closed their chains. for the defence of the national territories from foreign attacks—an army which you now behold without shame and without regret, spreading devastation and horror over a late peaceful and happy country; and having at length dismembered the empire, are now attempting to reduce us to the most infamous and most miserable of all conditions, that of being the conquered vassals of your weak, vindictive, despotic monarch. But this tyranny is already established in Great Britain: for what hopes can Britons entertain of effecting a revolution, whilst the crown, by the multiplicity of gifts in its power, can maintain an infamous majority in each house of parliament to legalize, and a standing army to enforce, its pro jects, however imperious, inhuman or unjust. In vain, a few wise and virtuous men see and lament Degenerate sons of mighty fathers! how poor their dishonorable situation-an army of forty-thou is the consolation for the loss of essential rights, sand soldiers, in time of peace, and a still more that you still retain the empty privilege of pasquinumerous band of placemen and pensioners, pro-nading your king and his ministers, whilst you are perly disposed throughout the kingdom, effectu destitute of that public spirit and solid virtue ally stifle in their birth every effort of patriotism which should purge your corrupted government to restore the constitution to its primeval princi- and reform your wretched constitution. ples. From subjection to a government, thus defective Such is the boasted constitution, such the prince, and corrupt, and thus vilely administered, what and such the present condition of the people of freeman would not struggle for an emancipation? Britain. Unhappy nation, thus constitutionally en- but if there is an American present, who can yet slaved-thus legally undone! unworthy descendants secretly wish for a reunion with this nation, and a of illustrious ancestors-thus to suffer your most es-share in her ideal privileges, let him for a moment sential rights to be bartered away, your government consider the innumerable indignities which, for not only corrupted, but perverted to purposes di- fifteen years back, have been offered us by this ametrically opposite to its original intention. An haughty power, added to the savage barbarities house of commons, at first constituted to watch which they have exercised in every part of America over and preserve your rights and immunities from where their army have made any progress, and he the encroaching steps of ambitious princes, you must blush at the spiritless, the ignoble sentiment. have permitted to become an engine in the hands In 1764 the plan for raising a revenue from this of royalty, the more effectually to abridge or nullicountry was resolved on by the British ministry, fy those rights. A parliament, constituted the and THEIR obsequious parliament were instructed stewards of your property, who, instead of guard. to pass an act for that purpose. Not content with ing it from the insatiable grasp of royal avidity, having for a century directed the entire commerce you patiently see lavishingly indulging the utmost of America, and centered its profits in their own extravagance of regal profusion; granting enormous island, thereby deriving from the colonies every sums for effecting the most pernicious purposes, substantial advantage which the situation and traitorously leaguing with the servants of the crown in loading you with intolerable taxes, and, them: not content with appointing the principal transmarine distance of the country could afford sharers in the spoil, prodigally complying with the officers in the different governments, while the most unbounded demands of ministerial rapacity, king had a negative upon every law that was while they, at the same time, treacherously unite enacted: not content with our supporting the whole to screen the most infamous defaulters of the pubcharge of our municipal establishments, although lic money. Instead of bravely drawing your swords their own creatures held the chief posts therein: in defence of your freedom and national honor, you not content with laying external duties upon our first tamely acquiesced in an insidious and igno-mutilated and shackled commerce, they, by this minious law, by which you were basely disarmed; statute, attempted to rob us of even the curtailed like slaves, and then, from necessity, submitted to property, the hard-earned peculium which still keeping on foot, in time of peace, a standing army, remained to us--to create a revenue for the sup *Vid. Statutes at large-Particularly 2 Geo. 3d. port of a fleet and army, in reality to overawe and ch. 29, and 10th Geo. 3d. ch. 19. and Black Com. B. 2. ch. 27.-For the game and forest laws. secure our subjection, not (as they insidiously pretended) to protect our trade, or defend our fron |