John Hancock on Independence

Let us convince our enemies that as we are entered into the present contest for the defence of our liberties, so we are resolved with the firmest reliance on heaven for the justice of our cause never to relinquish it, but rather to perish in the ruins of it. Of we do but remain firm I am persuaded that under the gracious smiles of Providence assisted by our own strenuous endeavors we shall finally succeed and thereby establish the Independence, the happiness and the glory of the United States of America.