In 1751 The Pennsylvania Gazette quoted Benjamin Franklin suggesting that they send England rattle snakes as a thank you, since England was sending their convicted felons to America!The rattle snake became a popular symbol in the American colonies and was later used to unite the colonies and also became a symbol for the Sons of Liberty.
Benjamin Franklin (disguised as American Guesser) further wrote about the rattle snake in 1775 "I observed on one of the drums belonging to the marines now raising, there was painted a Rattle-Snake, with this modest motto under it, 'Don't tread on me.' As I know it is the custom to have some device on the arms of every country, I supposed this may have been intended for the arms of America."
"the Rattle-Snake is found in no other quarter of the world besides America." The rattlesnake also has sharp eyes, and "may therefore be esteemed an emblem of vigilance."
"She never begins an attack, nor, when once engaged, ever surrenders: She is therefore an emblem of magnanimity and true courage. ... she never wounds 'till she has generously given notice, even to her enemy, and cautioned him against the danger of treading on her."
"I confess I was wholly at a loss what to make of the rattles, 'till I went back and counted them and found them just thirteen, exactly the number of the Colonies united in America; and I recollected too that this was the only part of the Snake which increased in numbers. ..."
"'Tis curious and amazing to observe how distinct and independent of each other the rattles of this animal are, and yet how firmly they are united together, so as never to be separated but by breaking them to pieces. One of those rattles singly, is incapable of producing sound, but the ringing of thirteen together, is sufficient to alarm the boldest man living."
The following sites were used to write this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gadsden_flag
http://www.foundingfathers.info/stories/gadsden.html
Powerful Patriots
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