What do the letters on the parts of the Join or die snake represent?

The letters on the segments of the "Join, or Die" snake represent the initials of the American colonies at the time of the American Revolution. Each segment corresponds to a specific colony: New Hampshire (N), Massachusetts (M), Rhode Island (R), Connecticut (C), New York (Y), New Jersey (J), Pennsylvania (P), Delaware (D), and Maryland (M). The image was created by Benjamin Franklin to symbolize the need for unity among the colonies against British rule. It emphasizes the message that the colonies must come together to survive and thrive.