United we stand, divided we fall - 1862 version
John Dickinson’s The Liberty Song was published in 1768 and contained this verse:
Then join hand in hand, brave Americans all,
By uniting we stand, by dividing we fall;
In so righteous a cause let us hope to succeed,
For heaven approves of each generous deed.
wrote 'The Liberty Song'
This was apparently the first use of the phrase “United we stand, divided we fall” in American history.
Thomas Jefferson wrote that John Dickinson was “Among the first of the advocates for the rights of his country when assailed by Great Britain …” Dickinson refused to sign the Declaration of Independence because he “believed that Congress should complete the Articles of Confederation and secure a foreign alliance before issuing a declaration.” In 1777 Dickinson freed his slaves in Delaware. Dickinson represented Delaware at the Constitutional Convention and did sign the Constitution.
signing up for a stronger Union - 1787
