On This Day 1776 January 1 The Flag

My lords and gentlemen, the rebellious war begun in the province of Massachusetts Bay has become more general and is manifestly carried on for the purpose of establishing an independent empire. It has now become the part of wisdom to put a speedy end to these disorders by the most decisive exertions. For this purpose, I have increased my naval establishment and greatly augmented my land forces in order that a larger number of the established forces of this kingdom may be applied to the maintenance of its authority. When the unhappy and deluded multitude against whom this force will be directed shall become sensible of their error, I shall be ready to receive the misled with tenderness and mercy and to receive the submission of any province or colony which shall be disposed to return to its allegiance. See that this gets to Mr. Washington. The mast from that British sloop Diana we captured, has it been placed on Prospect Hill? It has, sir. Then have them run this up it and gather the men. It is not in the case of history perhaps to furnish a case like ours. To maintain a post within musket shot of the enemy for six months and at the same time to disband one army and recruit another. So let us raise that flag. They're flying the Union Jacks, sir. They're surrendering. Stripes. 13 of them. That's not surrender, that's defiance. Raise that flag in commencement of our new army. Who are you? Massachusetts. Connecticut. But also something more. Something greater. We are now the troops of the United Colonies of North America.