Don't Tread on Me

It occurred to me upon posting yesterday that the Gadsen Flag might make a good subject to talk about this week. It is widely known as an early flag of the American Revolution (as well as a popular symbol of conservative groups such as the Boston Tea Party), but too often its origins in South Carolina and as an early symbol of the U.S. Marines remain shrouded in the mists of history and time.

In a 1775 newspaper op-ed (commonly attributed to Benjamin Franklin), an anonymous citizen speculated on why a snake might be chosen as a symbol for America:

"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."

***

"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." 

It is very interesting to read that passage in light of 234 years of history. Ol' Ben was quite the prognosticator - I hope we continue to live up to his expectations.