塞繆爾·亞當斯/Samuel Adams
塞繆爾·亞當斯（1722—1803），美國第二任總統的堂兄，美國獨立戰爭時期領導人之一，生於波士頓城。畢業後投入革命，和其他革命者一道組織了“自由之子”。18世紀60年代中期，他積極參與並領導殖民地人民反抗英國殖民壓迫的一係列革命活動。曾親自策劃並領導了震動全美的波士頓傾茶事件。在第一屆和第二屆大陸會議上始終堅持獨立的主張，是《獨立宣言》的簽名者之一。1781年回到波士頓，先後任馬薩諸塞副總督、總督等職。
We are now on this continent, to the astonishment of the world, three millions of souls united in one cause. We have large armies, well disciplined and appointed, with commanders inferior to none in military skill, and superior in activity and zeal. We are furnished with arsenals and stores beyond our most sanguine expectations, and foreign nations are waiting to crown our success by their alliances. There are instances of, I would say, an almost astonishing Providence in our favor; our success has staggered our enemies, and almost given faith to infidels; so we may truly say it is not our own arm, which has saved us.
The hand of Heaven appears to have led us on to be, perhaps, humble instruments and means in the great providential dispensation which is completing. We have fled from the political Sodom; let us not look back, lest we perish and become a monument of infamy and derision to the world. For can we ever expect more unanimity and a better preparation for defense; more infatuation of counsel among our enemies, and more valor and zeal among ourselves? The same force and resistance which are sufficient to procure us our liberties will secure us a glorious independence and support us in the dignity of free, imperial states. We cannot suppose that our opposition has made a corrupt and dissipated nation more friendly to America, or created in them a greater respect for the rights of mankind; we can therefore expect a restoration and establishment of our privileges, and a compensation for the injuries we have received, from their want of power, from their fears, and not from their virtues. The unanimity and valor which will affect an honorable peace can render a future contest for our liberties unnecessary. He who has strength to chain down the wolf is a madman if he let him loose without drawing his teeth and paring his nails.