1843 - Poetry

On May 16, 1843, the Mecklenburg Jeffersonian published this poem, apparently a revision of the 1842 poem on the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, although this one signed.

BIRTH-DAY OF INDEPENDENCE!
Next Saturday is the 20th May-the Birth-Day of American Independence-the 68th anniversary of that memorable day on which the patriots of old MECKLENBURG dared to declare themselves FREEMEN, and to throw off the yoke of a foreign tyrant. As suited to the occasion, we take pleasure in laying before our readers the following soul stirring production, and tender the author our thanks for the seasonable favor:
 

FOR THE MECKLENBURG JEFFERSONIAN.

 
20TH May, 1775.

“Alenda lux ubi orta Libertas, A. D. 1775.”
Hail Queen of the immortal Mind!

Stern Freedom, hail to thee!
Who can a manly spirit find

That yearns not to be Free?
This Day, in Firm, decisive tone,

Thy voice fell on the ear

Of him who sat on Britain’s Throne,

That all the world might hear.
 
Although exposed on ruin’s brink,

Was made,--when frowning legions came—
Thy stern Resolve “to swim or sink”

In patriot—blood to quench thy flame.
 
Thy tameless eagle soar’d sublime
To meet the test of coming time,
And when the final die was cast,
We nailed thy standard to the mast,
And triumphed in the glorious strife

For Justice, Liberty, and LIFE!
 
The Sons of sires so bold and high,

Must not forget from whom they came!
Prepared to conquer or to die

In vindication of their fame.
 
Hail, Queen of the immortal mind!
Indomitable freedom, hail!

Thy ties around our hearts we bind,

And dare thy foes thee to assail.
P.

Motto of Davidson College, which I myself made with the device. Ergo, I am guilty of no plagiarism in this adoption.

[Written by Peter Stuart Ney, who designed the seal and motto of Davidson College in Mecklenburg County and was believed by many to have once served under Napoleon.]