As soon as General Thomas Gage arrived in Boston in May, 1774 to command the British forces in America, he issued a proclamation. The proclamation was intended to request the rebellious inhabitants to return to friendly relations with the mother country. The proclamation was published in verse.
America! Thou fractious nation, Attend thy master's proclamation!
Tremble! For know I, Thomas Gage, Determin'd came the war to wage.
With the united powers sent forth, Of Bute, of Mansfield, and of North;
To scourge your insolence, my choice, While England mourns and Scots rejoice.
Bostonia first shall feel my power, And grasping midst the dreadful shower
Of ministerial rage, shall cry, Oh save me, Bute! I yield! And die.
Rejoice! Ye happy Scots rejoice! Your voice lift up, a mighty voice,
The voice of gladness on each tongue, The mighty praise of Bute be sung.
The praise of Mansfield, and of North, Let next your hymns of joy set forth,
Nor shall the rapturous strain assuage, Till sung's your own proclaiming Gage.
Whistle ye pipes! Ye drones drone on, Ye bellows blow! Virginia's won!
Your Gage has won Virginia's shore, And Scotia's sons shall mourn no more.
Hail Middlesex! Of happy county! thou too shalt share they master's bounty,
Thy sons obedient, naught shall fear, Thy wives and widows drop no tear.
To Murray bend the humble knee; He shall protect you under me;
His generous pen shall not be mute, But sound your praise thro' Fox to Bute.
By Scotchmen lov'd, by Scotchmen taught, By all your country Scotchmen thought;
Fear Bute, fear Mansfield, North and me, And be as blest as slaves can be.
