Meaning: The quote refers to the historical support that the United States received from the Netherlands, specifically from a Dutch officer and the Province of Friesland, during its struggle for independence. The quote is attributed to Seth Low, an American educator and politician who served as the mayor of New York City and president of Columbia University. Low's statement serves as a reminder of the international alliances and recognition that played a crucial role in the early days of the United States as an independent nation.

The first foreign salute to the American flag occurred on November 16, 1776, when the Dutch island of St. Eustatius in the Caribbean rendered a 9-gun salute to the USS Andrew Doria, a Continental Navy ship. This gesture, performed by the governor of the island, Johannes de Graaff, marked the first time a foreign power officially and publicly acknowledged the United States as an independent nation. The significance of this event lies in the fact that it provided a boost to the morale of the fledgling nation and demonstrated that the American cause was gaining international support.

The Province of Friesland, located in the northern part of the Netherlands, played a notable role in recognizing the independence of the United States. On February 26, 1782, Friesland became the first sovereign entity to formally recognize the United States as an independent nation by signing a treaty of amity and commerce. This treaty, known as the Treaty of Amity and Commerce between the United States of America and the United Netherlands, was a significant diplomatic achievement for the United States. It not only established commercial relations between the two nations but also provided legitimacy to the American struggle for independence in the eyes of the international community.

The support of the Netherlands, and particularly the actions of the Dutch officer and the Province of Friesland, holds historical significance in the context of the American Revolution. At a time when the United States was engaged in a challenging war for independence against the British Empire, the diplomatic and material support from foreign allies such as the Netherlands played a crucial role in tipping the scales in favor of the American cause.

Seth Low's quote serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of nations and the role of international recognition in shaping the history of the United States. It highlights the early instances of solidarity and support that the United States received from the global community, emphasizing the importance of alliances and diplomacy in the country's formative years.

In conclusion, the quote by Seth Low underscores the historical significance of the support extended by the Netherlands, particularly the Dutch officer and the Province of Friesland, to the United States during its struggle for independence. These early instances of international recognition and support played a vital role in bolstering the morale of the American revolutionaries and establishing the legitimacy of the fledgling nation on the world stage. The quote serves as a testament to the interconnectedness of nations and the enduring impact of international alliances in shaping the history of the United States.