September 15, 1794: A signer of the Declaration of Independence parishes after a life of preserving liberty.
“As to my title, I know not yet whether it will be honorable or dishonorable; the issue of the war must settle it.”
“If we continued in the state we were in, it was evident we must perish; if we declared Independence we might be saved – we could but perish…”
“A few weeks will probably determine our fate: perfect freedom or absolute slavery…”
“Our fates are in the hands of an Almighty God… All His designs will be accomplished.”
The hero’s tombstone reads:
Firm and decided as a patriot,
zealous and faithful as a friend to the public,
he loved his country,
and adhered to her cause
in the darkest hours of her struggles
against oppression.
Read more on Landmarks of Liberty.
E. Wesley – Mackinac Center Intern
