V^' '^pS ^ ^ V> '-^^...^ oV'^^^^ii;^'- ^^ ^-^ '^0' "oK ^^ .s^ .^ > » " « ' .-^ .^ V .^^ H O o -^ ^^'^A L \^'> //:, 1-^ •^ ■ V ■^ ^^ <^ ,0 r ° " " ^ O O ^r; V 'Ct*, <^- '^y^o^ o o -y A' ,-^" " » ^ ^ V^^' ► ^^' .>^ S'^' . . s • ^^ -^ '^:.' '> 4 o bo-'. If intmsr? ttr? of Nf ut^jort BEFORE AND DURING THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR t^* t^> t^^ BY A LADY ^r' A REMINISCENCE OF NEWPORT BEFORE AND DURING THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR E. B. LVMAN 1906 The Milne Printery newport, r. i. UBKARY of congress) TwcyoKifcs Seceivea MAr 2lJi^U6 CLASS 'CV ^ Ouk; a. Copyrighted by H. L. Stevens. A Reminiscence of Newport Before and During the Revolutionary War. BY E. B. LYMAN. ^=^^HIS little work does not aim at the dignity of history; it is merely intended to give a description of the manners and characters of the period, rather than a narrative of political events; to gather up the fragments that tradition has handed down to us, to pre- serve what would otherwise be lost after this generation has passed away. These fragments have been gathered from the conversation of those who witnessed these events, and this must excuse the introduction of portraits of some of the most remarkable characters of those times. And yet what is history but a collection of portraits which like individual likenesses in historical paintings give life and interest to the canvasses? 4 Reminiscence of Newport These recollections are many of them derived from the conversations of Mrs. Wanton, who delighted to gather her grand-children about her, and amuse them with stories of the past, that had all the charm of romance. Born in 1728, she lived through the old French War, during the palmy days of New- port, before the Revolution, mingled in the first society of the place, and was familiar with the most remarkable characters of that period, both at her father's and her husband's homes, and was well acquainted with all the distinguished noblemen who accompanied the French troops to this country. Gifted by nature with uncommon intellect, keen wit, and remarkable memory, her mind was stored with these recol- lections, which like the colors in the old Italian paintings, became more vivid from age. She lived to the age of ninety-two years and eight months, and like many other aged persons, dwelt more in the past than in the present. Her father, Mr. Bull, one of first lawyers of his time, was the friend of Dean Berkeley, who stood godfather to Mrs. Wanton when she was christened — always proud of this distinc- tion she kept a copy of his Minute Philosopher in her possession as long as she lived. Reininisce7ice of Newport 5 Newport was remarkable at that period for its liberal hospitality, "for its feast of reason and its flow of soul," and this probably led to the introduction of so many distinguished strangers, who, delighted with their reception, and fascinated with the society of the place, lingered there for a long time to enjoy its delicious climate and revel amid its pleasant scenes. There was a close connection between New- port and Boston in those days. Boston Neck in the Narragansett Country, a fertile tract of land, a peninsula, was settled by a number of wealthy proprietors, who, flying from religious intolerance, chose this beautiful country for an asylum. They brought with them both wealth and luxury, and it was delightful for the inhab- itants of Newport to exchange visits with them. They had a fine breed of horses termed Narra- gansett Pacers, on which they rode through this beautiful country. The ladies prided themselves on being fine horsewomen, and there was many a Di Vernon among them. Perhaps no country possesses more natural advantages than this. Reaching on the south the ocean in all its sublimity, it is separated from the main land on the west by a peaceful 6 Reminiscence of Newport river bearing the beautiful name of Pettiquam- scott "narrow river," which winds along with ''sweet delay." It was the Pettiquamscott that Emma Robinson celebrated in that beautiful poem which bears its name. She had an uncle of the name of Robinson, one of the original proprietors, to whose hospitable mansion she frequently repaired to avoid the importunities of her numerous admirers. There is no finer description of this sublime scenery than her poem affords. Rambling on the magnificent beach and viewing the mighty expanse of waters, boundless, endless and sublime in their extent, her vivid imagination kindled at the sight, and she became a poetess. Another singular and striking feature in this country is its salt water ponds, filled with oys- ters and innumerable kinds of fish, which render it the resort of game from the wild duck to the green headed plover. The finest sheep are raised on these shores, and the butter, cheese and poultry are unequalled. The early history of this country affords many a romantic legend, one of which I will here relate: — An Indian sachem of this country had a beautiful daughter who became very much attached to a warrior of another tribe; her Reminiscence of Newport 7 father would not give his consent to this union; wretched, despairing, the unhappy girl mounted her spirited courser, urged him up a steep rock that overlooks the Pettiquamscott, and plunged with him over a precipice a hundred feet high, killing both horse and rider. This rock is now the resort of picnic parties, and is on the Watson estate, at present owned by Isaac Rodman of Rocky Brook. The early history of Rhode Island abounds in romantic incident and chivalrous achieve- ment. Roger Williams was not the only pio- neer, though the first of that heroic band who fled from the relifiious intolerance of Massachu- setts, to found a colony in Rhode Island. John Clarke and William Coddington obtained a gift of the beautiful Isle of Aquidneck, Rhode Island, from Miantonomo, chief of the Narra- gansetts, and named it after the Isle of Rhodes. Mr. Clarke and eighteen others began their settlement on the north end of the island, and made Coddington, Judge, at Portsmouth, the name of the new settlement. Edward Wanton who held a commission under the King, and who was present at the official murder of one of the Quakers (for their religious opinions) in Boston, by hanging — was 8 Reminiscence of Newport SO disgusted by this act of tyranny and cruelty, that he broke his sword on the field, resigned his commission and left Boston. He settled in Scituate, became a Quaker, and one of his sons wishing to marry a Presbyterian, both societies refused to sanction their union. Pro- voked at this intolerance, he said to her, "Come Ruth, let's get married and go to the devil to- gether." They were united in the Episcopal church and from that time became members, as likewise did their descendants. The other members of the family remained Quakers. On account of these religious dif- ferences, William with his brother John, re- moved to Newport. He was soon discovered to be a man of sound mind, active, industrious and brave; he rose in the public esteem and became active in the government, and with his brother John was personally concerned in a suc- cessful attack upon a piratical vessel which in- fested the coast, for which brave act Queen Anne honored them with an addition to their coat of arms, (a game cock alighting upon a hawk). She also presented them with a silver punch bowl and salver with this inscription in Latin. "Omnipotente nuniine Magistro Novlat hie Hercules oryon enio Reminiscence of Newport 9 Multo non sanguine capientum hostes Vincente poculum debitur Wantones". Which may freely be translated thus: — "Swift as the wind the intrepid Warrior flies, Under the smiles of all approving Heaven; The trembling captive feels his power, and dies; To conquering Wanton let the bowl be given." The mode in which the pirate was taken we have by tradition : A ship of three hundred tons, mounting twenty cannon, appeared off the harbor of Newport, cruising between Block Island and Point Judith, interrupting every vessel that attempted to pass and treating them with great severity. To remove an an- noyance so injurious to the comfort and pros- perity of the inhabitants of Newport, two young men, John and William Wanton, deter- mined to attempt her capture, and the means they resorted to were as novel, as the success was glorious. They no sooner intimated their intention, than they were joined by about thirty young men of their acquaintance ; a sloop of thirty tons was engaged for the enter- prise. This noble band went on board with only their small arms to defend themselves, sailed out of the harbor, to all appearance on a country voyage, every person being below lo Reminiscence of Newport except enough to navigate the sloop. As they drew near with an intention apparently to pass by, a shot was fired at them, they immediately lowered the peak of the mainsail and luffed up for the ship, but instead of bringing her along- side, they came directly under her stern, when tlie men jumped upon deck, and with irons prepared for the purpose, grappled the sloop to the ship, and jammed her rudder by driving wedges between it and the stern post, so as to render the ship unmanageable. Having so far succeeded in their enterprise each man took aim with his musket and shot every pirate who appeared on deck. After making great efforts to disengage themselves, and finding it impos- sible, the rest surrendered and were brought into the harbor by this gallant band. They likewise captured a French privateer that was cruising off the coast. This bold and successful act soon brought them into further notice; especially William, who in the year 1732 was elected Governor of the colony, which place he filled until his death, which occurred in the winter of 1733-4. He was of easy, polite and engaging manners, exceedingly hospitable and fond of entertaining his friends. Dean Berkeley dined with him every Sunday as long Reminiscence of Newport IT as he lived on the Island, and when he left he presented Mrs. Wanton with a diamond ring which until recently remained in the family. John Wanton was likewise a useful man m public afTairs, and filled a number of stations under the Government before he was elected Governor. • After the death of his brother William, when the colony was agitated by violent party strife, principally respecting the excessive issue of paper money, he was induced by his friends to stand as a candidate for Governor, with the hope of allaying party rage by adopting a middle course which might reconcile the par- ties. His personal quahf^cations, his excellent character, his distinguished bravery, his great wealth, his exemplary habits and extensive benevolence, rendered him the most suitable person to heal the political discord of the state, in which it is said he partly succeeded. In one of the years of his administration, he was appointed together with the Governors of Massachusetts and Connecticut to determine a great cause between some Connecticut people and the Indians within their jurisdiction, as to the title of their lands. At this trial, a ques- tion was raised whether the Indian sachems 12 Reminiscence of Newport should be allowed to speak in their own case. Council contested that they should not, and two of the board inclined to that opinion, when Governor Wanton remarked, that as they had agreed to admit the testimony of the natives, their chiefs ought to be allowed to speak like- wise. "I have," said he, ''been accounted a man of courage in my day, but I should turn coward and flee, if you bring in a body with- out a head." This sally carried the point. Not long after he came to Newport, he joined the Society of Friends as a member, and about the year 1710, became an eminent preacher,and so continued for a number of years before his death. His fondness for children was remark- able. At that time Newport was celebrated for its commercial prosperity. It carried on an ex- tensive trade with England, France, the low countries and Africa. They imported glass, damask, china, brocades, of which some speci- mens may even now be found among the descendants of the wealthy families, though many a private museum has been furnished from them and carried off since the war. Priva- teers brought great wealth into Newport; it is said there were twenty in one year. Reinmiscence of Newport ij It was the custom to send home to the mother country for all these articles of luxury which could not be procured here. Newport then imported goods for Boston, New York and Philadelphia, and merchants came from those cities to purchase them. The state of manners must have been de- lightful before the war; the most unbounded hospitality prevailed; there were plenty of ser- vants to discharge the household duties, and it was a common thing for a young couple when they married to receive several trained ones born and nurtured under the paternal roof. It was partly owing to this reputation, so justly acquired, that Rhode Island was con- sidered the paradise of America, and this fame drew many distinguished strangers to our shores. The salubrity of the climate, the beauty of the scenery and the fertility of the soil, ''make it a dream of beauty forever." Here Dean Berkeley was inspired to write his Minute Philosopher. It kindled the genius of a Copley, a Stuart, a Malbone and an Alston, the last mentioned of whom passed many of his early years here in the society of Dr. Channing, whose sister he afterwards married. 14 Reminiscence of Newport and who also acknowledged with gratitude the inspiration he drew from these scenes of his early studies. The fine harbor of Newport and its healthy- location, made the place one of the most im- portant sea-port towns on the American coast, and before the Revolution it was said that if New York continued to increase as rapidly as it had done, it would rival Newport in commerce. The harbor is so capacious that within it — "All the navies of the earth Their thousand keels might lay." During the war with the French, English and Colonial privateers, made Newport their chief rendezvous, and this brought great wealth into the place. Mr. Waterhouse says, "The island of Rhode Island from its surpassing beauty and salubrity before the Revolutionary War so sadly defaced it, was the chosen resort of the rich and philosophical from all parts of the world. In no spot of the twelve colonies was there con- centrated more individual opulence, learning and liberal leisure. It likewise possessed good classical schools. The Hebrew language was publicly read and Reminiscence of Newport i ^ chanted in the Synagogue by more than three hundred of the descendants of Abraham. After the great earthquake of Lisbon, several families came over to Rhode Island to en- deavor to retrieve their fallen fortunes. Mr. Updike says in his history of the Rhode Island Bar: "The people of Newport talk of their city as it was before the Revolution in the classical days of Lightfoot, and mourn over those de- parted times when their Island was the seat and intellectual constellation of this western hemisphere. She could boast of her Halibur- ton, Hunter and Moffatt in medicine and surgery, Brown, Clapp, Callendar, Honeyman, Stiles, Hopkinson, Thurston and Berkeley for a while in divinity, Lightfoot, Updike, Scott, Robinson, Elery, Johnston, Honeyman, Mar- chant, Channing, Simpson and others within her bar. Her general society was learned, polished and urbane. To which may be added ac- complished strangers, military and naval, in- duced from the love of science and the charm of climate to reside there." And here we must speak of the grace, beauty, and refinement of the ladies of that period. There is no higher proof of cultivation than i6 Reminiscence of Newport they presented. The softness of the atmos- phere is peculiarly favorable to the complexion and hair; it preserves the delicacy of the former, and gives a graceful curl to the latter. At the same time the polished society gave an ease and grace to the manners rarely equalled. Lord Percy, afterwards Duke of Northcum- berland, who was one of the commanders of the British garrison, and who was captivated by a beautiful young Quakeress, Miss Robinson, speaks with great admiration of their man- ners, — in a conversation with Earl St. Vincent, he said, ''they would grace the court of St. James." There were two grades of society then exist- ing, one highly fashionable and aristocratic, not only gifted with beaut}^ but possessing all the advantages to be derived from dress. The other consisted of the beautiful young Quaker girls, as attractive from their simpli- city, high cultivation, and grace of deportment, as the former was for its fashion and display The Miss Hunters were distinguished among the first, the Miss Robinsons among the last. Fine specimens still remain of their talent for letter writing and poetry. Emma Robinson was regarded almost as the tenth muse, for her Re7mniscence of Newport 17 fine poetical genius. She was so celebrated that three gentlemen came in the same vessel from Philadelphia and New York to try to win the prize; she refused them all and they took their leave, but the winds proving ad- verse, they returned. One remained and at length received her hand. She lived but a short time after her marriage — too lovely for earth, she found her native element in a higher sphere. It may well be supposed the British and French officers were ready to admire these lovely women. Many among the first circles were Tories, attached by birth and education to the mother country, they could not for a moment listen to the disruption of all their early ties — some few married British officers, others left for England, where they were mar- ried and caressed by the higher classes soon after the war, — among these were the Hunters and Robinsons. Mrs. Hunter took her beau- tiful daughters to Europe, one married a French Count, another an Italian banker: — it was said of her that she conversed with the differ- ent guests at her table in each ones native language. The eldest and most beautiful be- came blind from her devotion to study. She i8 Reminiscence of Newport acquired the German language after losing her sight, from her German attendant. Among her other conquests the Duke de Lauzan was deeply in love with her. He rode from Providence during the night to spend one hour with her before he left the country. Her picture and her mother's are still to be seen in Newport. I will quote here from Count Segur's memoirs — his description of a young Quakeress and her father. *' There were many other beautiful women. The Miss Robinsons, Miss C., Miss the Miss Ls, Miss Wanton, Miss Bull, who was very beautiful, and another Miss W. who the French officers said, was very handsome, "Malgre les dents." All the French officers who knew them recollect the names and beauty of Miss C. the Misses Hunters and many others, Like the rest of my companions, I rendered them the homage to which they were entitled, but my longest visits were paid to an old man, very silent, who seldom bared his thoughts and never bared his head. His gravity and monosyllabic conversation announced at first sight that he was a Quaker. It must however be confessed, — that in spite of all the veneration felt for his virtues, our first Reminiscence of Newport 19 interview would have been our last, had I not seen the door of the drawing-room open and a being, who resembled a nymph rather than a woman enter the apartment. So much beaut)% so much grace, so much simplicity and modesty combined, were never before seen in the same person. It was Polly Lawton, the daughter of my grave host. Her gown was white like herself, whilst her ample muslin kerchief, and the envious cambric of her cap which scarcely allowed me to see her light colored hair, and the modest attire of a pious Virgin, seemed vainly to endeavor to conceal the most grace- ful figure — and the most beautiful form imag- inable. In our conversations she excited my surprise by the candor and originality of her questions. ''Thou hast then neither wife nor children in Europe, since thou leavest thy country and comest so far to engage in that cruel occupation. War." "But it is for your good," I replied, that I quit all I hold dear, and it is to defend your liberty that I come to fight the English." "The English," she re- joined, "have done thee no harm, and wherefor shouldst thou care about our liberty? We ought never to interfere in other people's business, unless it be to reconcile them to- 20 Reminiscejice of Newport gether and prevent the effusion of blood." '*But," said I, ''my King has ordered me to come here and engage his enemies and your own" — *'Thy King then orders thee to do a thing which is unjust, inhuman and contrary to what thy God ordereth — "Thou shouldst obey thy God and disobey thy King, for He is a King to preserve and not to destroy. I am sure thy wife, if she have a good heart is of my opinion." What could I reply to that angel? for in truth I was tempted to believe she was a celestial being. Certain it is, if I had not been married and happy, I should have laid down my sword and myself at the feet of Polly Lawton." This extract from Count Segur's memoirs will give some idea of the opinion the French of^cers entertained with regard to the at- tractions of the female society of Newport at this period. General Rochambeau, the Duke de Lauzan and Count Vumas have likewise written their memoirs, but their works are not to be ob- tained here. The French noblemen who came to this country were highly educated men, not only as regarded their profession of arms, but as men of science; and their letters as well as memoirs would be highly interesting to us at this time. Reminiscence of Newport 21 The Queen, Marie Antoinette, it is said, was always opposed to the interference of France in our affairs — could she have foreseen the evils it was to entail upon that ill fated country, how would she have shuddered at it. The Quakers at this period were much more numerous and influential than they are at present. George Fox and William Penn had placed them on a lofty elevation both here and in England. The former, by the Christian fortitude with which he endured persecution for conscience sake, and the latter, in this country, for the firm yet paternal treatment of the Indians in the settlement of Pennsylvania. The suffering the Quakers endured in Boston too, excited the sympathy of the public and made many converts to their opinions. It professed to be eminently a spiritual religion, governed entirely by the principals of our Saviour and by the internal light of conscience. This doctrine in its faith and simplicity, when opposed to the worldly pomp and ceremony of the Romish Church, drew towards it many seekers after truth, who adopted its principles. Many of the benevolent institutions of Phila- delphia were originated by William Penn, and improved by Dr. Franklin, and to this day 22 Reminiscence of Newport they do honor to their memory. This society was then more enlightened than it is at present, though the labors and exertions of Mrs. Fry in the cause of humanity have recently con- ferred upon it an immortal fame. Another of the leading Quakers of those times, was the first William Rotch of New Bedford, who commenced the whale fishery in this country. He possessed commanding talents united to great dignity of deportment, and had an interview with the sovereigns of France and England without dofifing his hat, for he would not consent to pay that outward sign of respect to any earthly monarch. His object was to furnish the public lighthouses with oil, by which he made an immense for- tune and spent it like a nobleman. If he had commenced business in Newport, as he talked of doing, we should not now have to mourn over the ruins of that once flourishing city. Whoever has attended the yearly meeting in former days, must have been charmed by the beauty and simplicity of the young females of that period. Perhaps there is no dress more elegant and becomingto abeautiful woman than theirs. Gauze caps and kerchiefs, white silk bon- nets and shawls, and white cambric or light silk Retniniscence of Newport 2J dresses, displayed their charms to the greatest advantage, while an air of perfect modesty presided over their whole appearance. Many a conquest was made at that time, for the most innocent gaiety and freedom of manner prevailed among the young people at these annual meetings, under the eye of their friends. In noticing the distinguished characters of that period, female as well as male, we must not omit to mention Mrs. Robinson and her three daughters, all remarkably elegant, highly gifted and accomplished women. At that time the Quaker meeting in Newport was a large, influential and wealthy society — in this religious sect the females possess great in- fluence. They are not only allowed to preach, but have their business meetings entirely in- dependent of the other sex, and merely report to them when they have any communication to make at the yearly meeting. Mrs. Robinson's ascendancy in these meetings was supreme, but it was the supremacy of superior talent, united to the greatest refinement and suavity of manner. The eldest daughter inherited all her mother's dignity and sweetness of manner, and likewise her authority in the Quaker meet- ing — no one ever disputed it; she ruled with 24 Reminiscence of Newport gentle but supreme sway. She never married, in consequence of an early disappointment, but lived and died in her father's house at the Point (so called) in Newport, which was then considered one of the most fashionable parts of the town. It was of her, that her youngest sister wrote: "Ever since I was born, I was taught to believe, That Abby could neither mistake nor deceive." Could she have paid her sister a higher com- pliment ? The second daughter married an English gentleman in Philadelphia — a man of fortune, and a highly respected President of the Bank of North America. Mrs. Morton became eminent as a Quaker preacher — she was singularly gifted in prayer, and who that once heard the silver tones of her voice could ever lose the impression. It seemed like the pleadings of an angel of mercy. She had a brother in New York who failed for a large amount, and whose creditors refused to compromise with him. She directly repaired to New York, requested a meeting of them, and by her gentle and persuasive eloquence, arranged everything to their mutual satis- faction. During her residence in Philadelphia she was in the habit of visiting the hospital as Reminiscence of Newport 2^ public minister; there she administered to the sick and dying and prepared their souls for Heaven. Her life was spent in doing good. The youngest daughter, Emma, we have spoken of before, but I will here relate a striking anecdote of her experience. She had .a favorite brother at sea, and one night she dreamt : — "I saw my darling floating on the wave I saw him sink but had no power to save." She arose from her bed under this painful impression, and minuted down the day and hour. He was drowned precisely at the time, and she afterward wrote a poem upon it. I will now give a few extracts from an old diary kept in Newport while it was held by a British garrison. "The British Army and Navy arrived here on the 7th December 1776, and landed on the 8th, without opposition, about nine thousand men under General Clinton and Earl Percy. The town remained peaceful for a few days. A woman was committed to the military jail for wishing the provincials to come to the Island. The whole command was invested in Major Barry, formerly Town Major. He abused those of the inhabitants who were friends to liberty in a shocking man- 26 Reminiscence of Newport ner, not suffering them to converse in the streets. No fire wood was allowed to be brought from the country for the inhabitants, notwithstanding numbers of families were ready to perish with cold for want of that article. Those who were able sent their fami- lies off the island, but those who were too poor to leave, endured great hardships from loss of property, want of provisions, and fire wood, and the destruction of buildings and churches. The latter were turned into bar- racks, and to contribute to the general dis- tress the small pox broke out. Without food and necessary clothing, they suffered terribly. The Tory party was quite numerous at that time in Newport, many of the first families were quite strongly attached to the mother country and disapproved of the rebellion, as it was called — many stood on the fence waiting to go over to the strongest side; but there was a noble band of patriots determined to stand by their country till the last moment. These citizens sent their wives and children off the island, and remained themselves to breast the storm. During the winter season the troops were quartered in the houses of the inhabi- tants, from ten to forty in each house. For Reminiscence of Newport 2^ three years from 1776 to 1779 the inhabitants of Newport were doomed to suffer all the horrors of a beseiged town, garrisoned by their enemies with a hostile fleet. The winter of '79-'8o was a terrible one for the people of Rhode Island. It was the severest one ever experienced in America. Narragansett Bay was frozen over, and the British having destroyed the trees, fuel was very scarce — it sold for twenty dollars a cord. Food likewise was obtained with difficulty, corn sold for four dollars a bushel, and potatoes at two dollars a bushel. A tax of ten thou- sand dollars was raised for the relief of the poor, to which the neighboring towns gener- ously contributed. Can it be wondered at that the prosperity and beauty of Rhode Island should be ruined and defaced by this state of things — made a battle ground by the British and American armies, its commerce destroyed by the enemy's fleet, its very homes invaded, and the best patriots treated with neglect and insult? Gen- eral Prescott made himself very obnoxious to the inhabitants by his treatment of them, but their cause was amply avenged by his capture at the hands of Colonel Barton. 28 Reminiscence of Newport The Tories, however, were treated with favor and distinction — they were entertained on board the ships, and received the British officers at their houses, with great distinction, and the most liberal hospitality. Many of them left with the English, some for the mother country, and some for Canada. The island must have been much more beautiful before the war, with waving foliage crowning its slopes and swells. The salt and humid atmosphere that envelopes it, is no doubt the principal cause of the salubrity of the climate and fertility of the soil. The north end of the island presents a differ- ent style of beauty from the south. The heights above Tiverton and the view from Quaker Hill present panoramas of unequalled extent and variety. Mount Hope, the lordly residence of King Philip, the towns of Bristol, Warren and others, the gracefully rolling sur- face of the island, smooth as a lawn, with its extensive sea views, its inlets, bays, and river dotted with steamers, and other vessels, its famous Stone Bridge with its cluster of emer- ald islets, all unite to render the scene most enchanting. The French fleet under the command of Reminiscence of Newport 2g Admiral de Tiernay entered the harbor of Newport on the evening of the loth of July, 1780. Major Lyman, first Aid to General Heath, was directed to repair to the ships, re- ceive the welcome strangers, invite them to land, and escort them over the island. As ^oon as they landed they mounted their horses and galloped into the country, escorted by the American officers. On their return they were invited to partake of refreshments at the house of Mrs. Wanton. The rooms were thronged with gay and brilliant officers, who were re- ceived and entertained by Mrs. Wanton, her daughter and niece (Miss Bull) with great hospitality and politeness. Among other re- freshments tea was served which politeness alone compelled them to drink, as they after- wards told Mrs. Wanton, ''they wished Jack in de hell for bringing them so much hot water to drink." From this time these gallant young noble- men were domesticated in the family, coming in at all times, sending presents of game, al- ways gay and agreeable, in their brilliant uni- forms, full of life and animation, they were always welcome. Many of them were nobles of the highest rank in the court of Marie JO Reminisce7ice of Newport Antoinette, then the most brilliant in Europe; what a contrast must have been presented to them by the plain, neat rooms of a Quaker family, compared to the splendid salons of Versailles ! Count Rochambeau was commander in chief of the French army, which consisted of four regiments, each containing a thousand men. The legion of horse commanded by the Duke de Lauzan, contained another thousand. These troops were completely equipped with every- thing suitable and necessary for the campaign, at a vast expense to the French government, which was already overwhelmed with debt, from the shameful and useless expenditures of Louis fourteenth and fifteenth. Their reigns had not only exhausted the treasury, but had left the finances of the king- dom almost in a state of bankruptcy. It is stated by Madame Campan in her journal, that the Queen was decidedly opposed to sending troops to America, but the Marquis de La Fayette with his chivalrous courage, gave the impulse to the French court. He was ably seconded by Silas Dean and Benjamin Franklin, our agents, the latter of whom was so popular in Paris among the high nobility Reminiscence of Newport 31 that the first ladies in France at an entertain- ment made for him, crowned him with flowers and embraced him. The writings of Voltaire, Rousseau and other French philosphers had prepared the public mind in some degree for a change of government; many a barrier had been thrown down, and the zeal and ardor of the young nobility, imbued with the most Utopian ideas of liberty, hastened the terrible catastrophe. The French revolution, the fatal gift they carried back to their country, which, like the box of Pandora, let loose a host of evils upon them, and buried in its ruins so many talents and virtues, as well as so much elegance and refinement, swept off by the guillotine many of these noble and gifted gentlemen. There were ages of misery and oppression to be revenged, and the reaction was terrible. Yet with all these bitter lessons the French nation are further from liberty than ever, for their slavery now is voluntary — after wading through oceans of blood, through the revolutions, and under Bonaparte, their standards of liberty are pros- trated in the dust, and half a dozen revolutions have only sealed their degradation. The industry of these accomplished young j * ^ ^4> ' C N « o , \^ •» .-v^ - °.i. o -^f^ ■^^J/--^\-^ .'^ ^' AO^, 5 - vT', t ' * .0' ,'^^- o ^ " * ^ x^^ .^ u •5 'J^' §«^,#&V,/'k 5n ^ LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 014 075 719 6