Samuel Adams

Samuel Adams (27 September 1722 - 2 October 1803) American revolutionary; organizer of the "Boston Tea Party"

Sourced:

• In monarchy the crime of treason may admit of being pardoned or lightly punished, but the man who dares rebel against the laws of a republic ought to suffer death.
  • debates over the hangings of Northampton rebels, quoted in Howard Zinn, A People's History of the United States, p. 95
• Men who content themselves with the semblance of truth and a display of words talk much of our obligations to Great Britain for protection. Had she a single eye to our advantage? A nation of shopkeepers is seldom so disinterested.
  • Speech at the Pennsylvania State House (August 1, 1776)

Attributed:

• If we suffer tamely a lawless attack upon our liberty, we encourage it, and involve others in our doom.

• If ye love wealth greater than liberty, the tranquility of servitude greater than the animating contest for freedom, go home from us in peace. We seek not your counsel, nor your arms. Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you; May your chains set lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that ye were our countrymen.

External links