* additional pictures courtesy of the United States government
There is no longer any room for hope. If we wish to be free--if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending--if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained--we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight!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!
Morris Llewellyn, James Jackson, George Britson, Samuel Young and Archibald Mengis entered a plea of "not guilty" to the charge of conspiring with "intent to impede the operation of a law of the United States." The indictment further alleged that the five erected a pole on a public highway with the seditious remark "The constitution sacred no gag law, liberty or death".
Take a deep breath,
And, repeat with me:
Give me liberty,
Just forget the death.
