‘Secure your rights’

“The Death of General Warren at the Battle of Bunker’s Hill, June 17, 1775,’’ by John Trumbull.

“Stain not the glory of your worthy ancestors, but like them resolve never to part with your birthright; be wise in your deliberations, and determined in your exertions for the preservation of your liberties. Follow not the dictates of passion, but enlist yourselves under the sacred banner of reason; use every method in your power to secure your rights; at least prevent the curses of posterity from being heaped upon your memories.’’

— Joseph Warren (1741-1775), physician, second president of the Massachusetts Provincial Congress and commissioned a major general in the Massachusetts Militia. This quote is from his 1772 “Boston Massacre Oration’’.

1775 map of the Boston area, with some inaccuracies.