Road to Liberty: William Ellery

Born on December 22, 1727, in Newport, Rhode Island, Ellery followed in the footsteps of his father, a prominent merchant and political leader, attending Harvard at the age of 16.  After graduating in 1747, he returned home and tried his hand at several occupations, eventually taking up the study of law in 1770.  

Renowned for his support of Patriot causes, Ellery was selected as a delegate for the Second Continental Congress, where he earned a reputation for his witty epigrams. He’s cited as calling the Declaration of Independence a “Death Warrant.”  Yet, Ellery signed with undaunted resolution.  Through his epigrams, he brought humor and friendly banter to Congress. For instance, in the below epigram, Ellery criticized his colleague from Philadelphia, Andrew Allen, who was reluctant to sign the Declaration. 

A Commissioner, to the people of P _ _ _ _ _ a

Attend all ye People of ev'ry degree

No longer pretend that your Country you'll free

Declare for your Treasons a hearty Contrition

Regard as you tender your lives Admonition

E're too late to flee from impending Perdition

Who like me to the King Allegiance will swear

And future Submission to Congress forbear

Leave all his old Friends to the Parliaments Fury

Let Rebels be hang'd without Judge or Jury

Escapes condemnation to gibbet or halter

Nor needs forfeiture fear unless times should alter.

Ellery lived to the age of 92, keeping active in public affairs and spending many hours in scholarly pursuits and correspondence.