  (Poem that embraces the names of the famous Americans.) It will not be denied that the men who, on July 4, 1776, pledged "their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor" in behalf of our national liberty deserve the most profound reverence from every American citizen. By arranging in rhyme the names of the signers according to the colonies from which they were delegated it will assist the youthful learner in remembering the names of those fathers of American Independence. I. The Massachusetts delegation That signed our glorious Declaration Where Hancock, Gerry, Robert Paine, The great John Adams, and again Another Adams, Samuel by name. II. New Hampshire, called the "Granite State," Sent Whipple, Bartlett, Thornton great, Alike in counsel and debate. III. Rhode Island's delegates, we see, Were Stephen Hopkins and Ellery. IV. Connecticut, excelled by none, With Wolcott, Williams and Huntington. V. New York as delegates employed Lewis Morris and William Floyd, With Francis Lewis and Livingston, Who died before the war was done. VI. New Jersey to the congress sent Her honored college president, John Witherspoon, with Stockton, Clark, Hart, Hopkinson—all men of mark. VII. Though Pennsylvania need not blush For Morris, Morton, Wilson, Rush, And though most men might seem as dross To Cylmer, Taylor, Smith and Ross, To Franklin each his tribute brings Who neither lightning feared, nor kings. VIII. The men from Delaware—indeed As true as steel in utmost need— Were Rodney, with McKean and Read. IX. "My Maryland" is proud to own Her Carroll, Paca, Chase and Stone. X. On old Virginia's roll we see The gifted Richard Henry Lee, And, just as earnest to be free. His brother, Francis Lightfoot Lee, And Wythe and Nelson, patriots true, With Harrison and Braxton, too; But of them all, there was not one As great as Thomas Jefferson. XI. North Carolina's chosen men We know were Hooper, Hewes and Penn. XII. And South Carolina's vote was one— By Heyward, Lynch and Middleton. XIII. From Georgia came Gwinnett and Hall And Walton, too, the last of all Who signed our precious Declaration The pride and glory of the nation. |
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