[Malum Prohibitum]

"No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave"

This has no reference to blacks held in slavery in the colonies at all. It is a reference to all fighting on the British side, referred to disparagingly as hirelings and slaves, as opposed to those on the American side, referred to as "freeman," "free," and "brave," that is, those not subjugated under a monarchy.

The ignorance of American blacks is appalling because of the effect it has had on culture, politics, and interpretation of history.

 

[Malum Prohibitum]

Reminds me of the college professor who was fired for using the word niggardly at a staff meeting about finances. Pure ignorance of the English language and etymology resulted in emotional offense.

 

[Malum Prohibitum]

"The possession of arms is the distinction between a free man and a slave."

No, James Burgh was not commenting on blacks. He was commenting on civil liberties or the lack thereof. This was a common way of writing back then that we do not recognize now because of political correctness.