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as the Philosopher 'of the Ne as « 9 u i S e ' t0 °' 1,ke hls old companion. Adams w finished his earthly career on (lie jubilee day of ' oufn P a e thn a Tf 5 and left a name Which is one Si our naticnal treasures. f 50 ISRAEL PUTNAM. « Old Put ; ' will live in enduring fame, as a brave and honest man — as one who proved that common sense was as valuable to prepare for public service, as an education founded on ab- struse study. He was born at Salem in Massa- chusetts, January 7, 1718. He was a farmer — of tne right kind of working- men — and the call of his country to duty, found him engaged in the pursuits of agriculture. He despised dan- ger, and the story of Putnam and the "Wolf is familiar to all our citizens. He early commen- ced the trade of war — having been engaged in the old French campaign — and commanded a company. Here his adventurous bravery at- tracted :he attention of his commanding officer. Not merely the glories of war, but its hardships were his also; for, in 1756", himself and his sol- diers were decoyed into an ambuscade, and suf- fered the horrors of Indian cruelty. In 1759 he was released, and went back to his farm. In the expedition against Cuba, he acted as Lieu- tenant-Colonel; and, in 1764, he was promoted to the rank of Colonel. But it was in the day of the Revolution that the courage and soldier- like conduct of Putnam shone out. In the me- morable fight of Bunker-Hill, he was among the foremost. It has been a source of regret to all lovers of the fame of the Revolutionary fathers, t' at an attempt has been made to attack the old 37 soldier's memory about his conduct at this bat- tle; but they who were at the battle, testify that Old Put was a lion in the fight. During the remainder of the time, and until he was dis- abled by a paralytic attack, which took place in 1779, he was one of the most valuable offi- cers that Washington had. The patriotism of Putnam was pure — his courage unquestioned — his honor unsullied. He is one of those iron men who were among the pillars of the Revolution. If such men had not been in existence, our struggle with a na- tion of the tremendous power which Great Eritain possessed, might not have resulted as it did. It was no holiday contest to cope with the pecuniary and military power of England. That kingdom had the physical strength; but in such men as Putnam, America had a moral force that could not be resisted. 39 ALEXANDER HAMILTON. Talleyrand once said to a friend, that he, in his long and wonderful acquaintance "with the movements of society, had known three men, who, to his judgment, had seemed to fill the measure of the human intellect in all its power. One of those three was Alexander Hamil'1 on ; the others were, Charles James Fox and Napo- leon. This is high praise, and from a source that had seen much, very much of the world. Hamilton was horn in the island of Nevis, one of the AVest Indies, in 1757: but was educated in the city of New-York At a very early age he grasped the great truths of the dawning po litical struggle with such sagacity, and depicted them with such force of expression, that his writings were attributed to the classic pen of John Jay. He was an officer of artillery at the age of 18. That he conducted himself like a soldier, is evident from the fact that Washing- ton selected him as a Lieutenant-Colonel, so early as 1777. In the glorious battle of York- town, he led a battallion and was a chief sharer in the honors of that memorable day. When the war ceased, he entered with ardor into the profession of the law, and was immediately eminent. Again, that noblest certificate of use- fulness and talent was awarded him, by his be- ing appointed by Washington to the Treasury Department. Here his talent was resplendent; 40 and, like Pitt on the other side of the water th* administration of the Treasury was thl *?i,T of the nation. When in lS Wnl- f " IOry called to the leadeSii^ft&eT^aSS V h1wi,c •« cnt m every undertaking w fl ^ rifice » " ^e zenith of his intellect — in the fulness of his nnwcro ^ ,L Jmei * ect detestation. New- York ranks General Hamif wiVf -T e , ° f her noblest sons- Sne of those rX"^ aml deep the foundatlonsof^ 41 PATRICK HENRY. The voice of eloquence was uttered whenever this great ornament of his couniry was heard. His name has become identified with ihe bright- est pjgesof his country's history, and whenever a stirring appeal is made to the peop.e in any ptrt of our country, it receives a powerful im- pulse when it is characterized as the voice of Patrick Henry. He was born in Hanover county, Virginia — for this Sta;e has been the nursery of very many of our good and great men. His education was in the common school, and even there he showed that the keys 10 knowledge would never rust in his possession. He worked on the farm — his mind doubtless expanding and invigorating under the influen- ces of nature. He then pursued the business of merchandize, gathering accessions of informa- tion from the busy scenes around him, as well in this sphere as in the other. But his held of labor was that of the civilian and the states- man: and when his mind grasped ihe truths of the law, (hey were engrafted on a foundation of the strongest common sense and intuitive saga- city. In 1765 he was placed by the people in the House of Burgesses of Virginia, and there he commenced the opposition to the oppressive measures of the British government. This high honor history will award to Patrick Henry. The Revolution was urged on by his eloquent Wo 43 appeals, and the arguments given by his noble powers as a public speaker. In the Continental Congress he was conspicuous. He was the first Governor of Virginia; and that State may well be proud of the illustrious name which is at the head of its chief magistrates. The judgment of Washington was manifested in his honor — for he nominated him as Secretary of State; and by John Adams, as Ambassador to France. But both these high positions he declined. He died but a few months before General Washington — on the 6th June, 1799. His reputation as an ora- tor is co-extensive with our country's history; and has been acknowledged by the best autho- rities in Europe. The stern, simple republican virtue of Patrick Henry — his power to win the hearts of men — his exercise of that power in the defence of his country, have graven his name deep in the records of an honorable fame. 4o ROBERT FULTON. The world owes more to this eminent man than is even yet appreciated. It is a much smaller, more condensed, more usable world, by reason of his genius, than it was before. The great mechanical truth, that the talent of < going- ahead ' is derived from steam, is one which has set trade, commerce, the arts, the people, all in progressive motion. He was a native of the United States; but his genius belonged to mankind. His birth was during the colonial period of our existence; but States are every year being added to the Union, because his sci- ence planned the way to bind East and West together. So early as his eighteenth year, he developed a genius for mechanics and paint- ing. The taste for the latter art, led him to the association with Benjamin West. His practice of the painter's profession was for some time in Devonshire; and here he became acquainted with the famous Duke of Bridgewater and Lord Stanhope, both of them well known as devoted- ly fond of watching the advance of mechanical science. Little, however, did they, could they predict that the poor artist by their side should revolutionize the social condition of mankind. It is not necessary to follow his onward course of successive and successful invention, till in 1803, he put in motion a boat, on the river Seine, that was propelled by steam. That day 46 was an era in the history of the world. When the wheel first felt the motive power of the vapor, the impulses of a new movement had begun — a movement which is even now scarce- ly in its manhood. The first steamboat in Ame- rican waters was used in 1807. Its voyage up the Hudson was the greatest of all triumphs to Fulton. He had been ridiculed, laughed at, derided; denounced as a schemer and an adven- turer: but his boat ivent ; and thenceforward h's was a bright page in -the history of those who have been useful to their fellow-men. He was one of the early Canal Commissioners of this State. His active agency in planning and exe- cuting schemes for nautical defence, is a part of the military records of our country. His death took place 24th February, 1315, just at the close of the last war. His name has ;he great, the inestimable honor of being interwoven with the history of the future progress of our race. 47 JOHN RANDOLPH. "Never man had such constituents," said Ran- dolph one day in Congress. The truth was equally palpable, that never did constituents have such a representative. " You might as well run against the northwest wind as against Randolph,'' said an opponent, when talking of his popularity in the Charlotte Congressional District. Mr. Randolph was one of the most remarkable men of his day. He certainly was eccentric, and to such a degree, that, it seemed at times to approach to insanity : but there was always a me. hod in his madness. He was a dis- tinguished member of the House of Representa- tives, and in that arena was always prominent, and was influential. When he talked — for his oratory was discursive enough to be called con- versation — the whole House was fixed in its attention. He enchained the audience by sal- lies of wit — episodes of brilliant imagining — biographical sketches — historical reminiscen- ces. Mr. Randolph's speeches were without any plan or pot; but in one sphere — satire and invective — he was unequalled. His long, at- tenuated finger was pointed at the subject of his attack; his eye flashed, and his quick word of bitterness stung where it fell. For a long series of years, Mr. Randolph re- presbnted :he Charlotte District — and the peo- ple crowded around him at election day — and 49 when he appeared at the Court-House, his con- stituents were as delighted as if he had been a friend of each one personally. His true field of action was the House of Representatives. When he figured in the walks of diplomacy, it was not in a manner that added to his reputation. He will not be forgotten by any who ever knew him, for he was not a man of common place ac- tion. History will record him as one of ihe Orators of the Century. His death was as re- markable as his life had been peculiar. The conversations that passed between him and his physician, were of a character to fall deep in the memory of all who read them. John Ran- dolph of Roanoke was ever proud of Virginia, and the Old Commonwealth never ceased to admire him. 3 51 OLIVER HAZARD PERRY. This brave sailor was born in the city of New- port, Rhode-Island, in 1785. He was in our navy at a very early age, and soon identified Himself with its honor. Perhaps to no name does it owe its glory more than to that of this gallant Commodore. He was an active actor in our strange war with the Barbary powers; — strange, because it was most extraordinary that that far off nation — semi-civilized — should provoke the severe discipline which they re- ceived at our hands; and more strange, indeed, that ihe powerful kingdoms of Europe should so long have allowed the Mediterranean to be disgraced with such scenes of piracy and plun- der. In 1810 he was made a Lieutenant, and in 1812 had charge of a flotilla of gun-boa s in the harbor of New-York. The war with Great Britain soon called forth the energies of our na\ y, and placed it among the most renowned of maritime powers. But it was on our inland seas that his chief glory was won. The great lakes are a theatre of action how for a com- merce so vast, that its details astonish the re- jecting-, and are almost discredited by those in .ids who watch the progress of the hu- man race. The red light of war was seen on Erie in the course of the conflict with Great . The famous 10th of September, is a memorable day in the annals of the American 52 people ; for it was on that day that Perry met a hostile fleet on Lake Erie, and after a vigorous conflict, which was waged with great severity, he succeeded in capturing them, anil thus achieved a victory which has associated his name with the laurel of honorable conquest. When peace came, he was continued in ihe na- val service, and commanded the Java in the expedition under the brave Decatur, to the Me- diterranean. But the gallant sailor was soon to make his last cruise. His orders were for a West-India station; and he proceeded thither to discharge his duty; — and in that discharge, he died — at Trinidad, August 23, 1S20. The yellow fever has swept from the earth many names of note and worth, but few like Perry. The waves of Erie are hushed in the calm, and roused by the surges of the storm; but in peace or war, the memory of the noble-hearted Perry will never be dissevered from her waters. 53 BENJAMIN WEST. This eminent painter was a native of the State of Pennsylvania, but when his youth was form- ing, the peaceful Quaker commonwealth offered very few inducements to the fostering of the fine arts. He was born in 1738. His talents as a master of this great art, soon developed them- selves; and his pure and good principles contri- buted to make for him a circle of valuable or at- tached associates. Even the Society of Friknds, whose tenets led them to regard historic paint- ing as a luxury, looked gently on the efforts of the young Benjamin; and it is not to be doubted that, as they saw him rise to eminence, they regarded it as a pleasing proof that their profession was not altogether inconsistent with a love for the beautiful. He soon left for Italy, and revelled in delight, as he gazed on the works of the old masters of the art, who had written their names on the roll of immortality in such characters of beauty. From the soft skies of Italy, he proceeded to England, and found in Mr. Drummond an efficient friend. The Duke of York became his friend ; and in a long after life, Mr. West never gave his benefactor cause of regret. The Royal Society is known all over the civi- lized world, as an institution where is concen- trated the first talent of England; and to be a member of this association, is always an honor 55 — a high honor. But a greater was reserved for the American Quaker. When the great Sir Joshua Reynolds died, the Presidency of the Society was given to West, and long and ably did he fill the station. It is a noble trait in the character of Benjamin West, that he never forgot or forsook his coun- try. In the Revolutionary struggle, his patriot- ism stood every test; and he was faithful to his native land, though surrounded by royalty and aristocracy in the Court of England. His great pictures are yet in existence : Death on the Pale Horse has a world-wide fame. He died in Eng- land on the 10th March, 1820, respected alike in tke Old World and the New. 57 - DE WITT CLINTON This illustrious Statesman was born in the county of Orange, in the State of New- York, in the year 1769; and in all the long list of the great men of this State, there is not a nobler name. His career is identified with the pros- perity and growth of New-York, and to no man is it indebted for its high position, so much as to De Witt Clinton. "He was at an early age a member of the first legislative body in the world — the Senate of the United States — where he sustained himself with ability. It was in his own State, however, that his greatest efforts were put forth, and the scheme of Inter- nal Improvement policy originated, or at all events carried into successful result by him, was the era of the Age for New-York. His great mind grasped with wonderful vigor, and sustained with a talent that was the admiration of the nation, the plan of uniting the great lakes of the West with the Hudson river. He lived to see the work accomplished — to be the witness of the rejoicings — to see the swellings of the tide of full prosperity. On the 4th of July, 1817, he commenced the work of excava- tion for the canals, at the village of Rome ; and had he lived to see the year 1847 — but thirty years — it would have been officially announced to him, as it was to the Legislature of that year, that thirty-Jive millions of dollars had already 58 been poured into the treasury of the State, by the tolls on these public works. Of all this towering column of prosperity, Clinton laid the foundation-stone — strong- and durable. He re- ceivedj at the time when President Madison was elected, a very large suffrage for the Chief Magistracy. He was for several years the Go- vernor of New-York ; and, it is not improper to say, that even when his political friends suf- fered defeat, his great name and talent preser- ved him unscathed. Governor Clinton had a noble and dignified person — so much so, as to be the object of con- stant interest when mingling in society. An excellent scholar, his discourses and messages were considered models of composition; and his State papers were read with great interest every where. After a life of usefulness to his fellow-men, and of untarnished honor to him- self, he died suddenly at Albany, February 11, 1328, amid the deep-felt grief of the people. S9 JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. Clarum ct vencrabilc nomen. The sound of the grief of a great nation has just ceased to be heard for the loss of the Statesman whose name heads this sketch. Great in every department of human knowledge — experienced in every variety of human action in things of State — he saw the world in its strongest features. Mr. Adams was a son of Massachusetts — almost her worthiest son. Indeed, history will assign him that place. All the departments of honor .that our country could confer, were in succession bestowed on him. He was in diplomatic service almost from his childhood, and his old age was ended in the duty of a Representative. Born in 1707, he was of an age to remember vividly the startling ami wonderful things of the Revo- lution; and he lived to see all the mighty chan- ges in social and physical life, now so familiar to us. All the Courts in Europe were familiar to him; and his converse with the great and the illustrious has been exceeded by few, if by any one of the sons of earth. He was the friend and the trusted of Washington. With Franklin he was intimate as the pupil with the instruc- tor. .\ T o man saw more of the movements of Europe in the eventful period succeeding our Revolution. He was an auditor of Burke, and Pitt, and Fox, and Sheridan; and could recall, in after days, the memory of their magnificent fil oratory. The friend of freedom ever, he battled for it by tongue and pen — and if this century has received an impress of high and honorable feeling- from any statesman, "it has from him. His administration as President was in a period of high partizan strife; but we transcend no rule of impartiality when we say, that it has been by the voice of after years pronounced pure. So lived the Great Adams. After tasting; — nay, drinking deeply, of all the honors of men — after establishing a name and fame in all that is illustrious in diplomacy — in oratory — in government — in statesmanship — in learn- ing — he died — in the overflowing love of his fellow-men, who bore testimony in every commonwealth in the Union, that the greatest had fallen. With such a life — with the pros- pect of such a death — it was not strange that he should leave as his last words — I am content. 1 63 ANDREW JACKSON. The victory at New-Orleans was but one of a long series of remarkable passages in the life of this great man — the creation of his own vigor of purpose and brave and determined character. He, like his distinguished contem- porary, Mr. Adams, was born in 1767, and like him, must have recollected many of the inci- dents of the Revolutionary struggle. It soon became apparent in his progress in life, that he was no ordinary man, but. one of those who carve in deep letters their inscription of great- ness on the history of their times. He early emigrated from South Carolina, the place of his birth, to Tennessee, and grew with the growth of that commonwealth. A lawyer by profes- sion, while he maintained himself with abilit)', it was evident that his heart was on a bolder destiny, and when he grasped the sword of the soldier, the touch was familiar. It is unneces- sary to follow his progress from one stirring campaign to another. Among the Indian wars, he bore a prominent and a distinguished part; but it was the 8th January, 1815, that gave him a high place among the defenders of his coun- try. At that battle, he had against him the good soldiers of England, led on by a trusted com- mander; but the skill and bravery of Jackson proved too strong, and the victory was over- whelming:. Successive civil services followed 64 after that — crowned in 1828, by an election by a very large majority to the Presidential Chair. In the administration of that high office — while history will judge better than we can of all the questions of public policy — it is truthful to say, that he was sustained by the voice of the people. They elected and re-elected him, and accompanied him to his retirement with the expression of their approbation. He died at the Hermitage, his home residence near Nash- ville, in 1845. A great and powerful influence was exerted by him on the character of the times in which he lived, and one which will always find ardent admirers. 65 WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON. Invested with almost supreme power over the great Northwestern Territory by the confidence of the people of the United States, through their Chief Magistrate, he showed that he had the strength of mind, the honesty of principle, which made the material for a ruler among men. His life was a varied and a remarkable one; for it had the vicissitudes of a new coun- try, and the polished refinements of crowded civilization, to impress their characteristics on it. He had the education, of all others best calculated to prepare him for a patriotic and distinguished career. His father was Benjamin Harrison, one of the great men of Virginia — a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and a champion of the revolutionary principle. In the counsels of such a glorious teacher, William Henry Harrison entered iiito life ; and the effect of such training was soon manifested. He be- came a soldier; and this sketch need say no more of the valor and gallantry of his career, than to quote the testimony of a cotemporary, himself a man of unquestioned bravery: "He never lost a battle." The Western States re- cognized General Harrison as their founder — and they never forgot their friend. Death has long since closed all political differences of opinion; and it is not inappropriate to refer to the enthusiastic support which the States of E 67 Ohio and Indiana yielded him. He was at one period of his life in the diplomatic service — being the representative of his country a: one of the South American Courts. But a higher rank in the roll of his country's fame, was awarded him. After a vigorous con- test in 1310, he was elec : ed the Chief Magistrate of the United States. But the honors of Earth were destined to be temporary and fleeting. One month after his inauguration — with the shouts of the multitude ringing in the Halls of power — with a Nation looking with hope and confidence to his administration — he met the end of all the earth — and the people fo' lowed to the grave the man who had but so short time before been in the full flush of life. He had just put to his lips the full cup of earthly glory — and Destiny dashed it to the ground. 69 MARTIN VAN BUREN. But few men out of the many millions that throng our busy land, will, in the necessity of things, ever reach the high honor of the Presi- dential Chair. So much the more glory for him Avho can, from a humble beginning, attain a position of this eminence. Mr. Van Burex was born in Kinderhook, Columbia county, in 178o; and when he looked ahead to the prospect which awaited him, he saw that it was by his own eiforc diac he must succeed. Those efforts were put forth, and the poor boy rose to the Presidency. In -he annals of the bar of New -York, Mr. Van Buren is remembered as a most able law- yer — one Avho studied his cause thoroughly, and when he came before the Court and Jury, he knew all the points in his case, and the con- sequence was, as it ought to have been, lhat he accumulated a large properly — a result, which, when it follows the exercise of active industry, is always to be regarded as a gratify- ing evidence of well-directed energies. Mr. Van Buren \vas a prominent member of the Senate of New- York — a distinguished Sen- ator of the National Senate — Governor of New- York — and, at last, President of the United States. In all of these honorable places, he left the impression of his intellect. His adminis- tration was an arduous one. Posterity will, 70 with impartial justice, declare its worth to the nation. Of polished and agreeable manners — of varied experience — of associations the most valued, both in this country and in Europe — he is passing the evening of his life in the pleasures of an happy home — surrounded by the comforts and refinements of life. His example has been that of a young man, becoming great — holding the highest oifice in the civilized world — and all this accomplished, because of the well-directed energy — the wise- ly aimed effort. As a lawyer, eminent — as a statesman, cool, accurate, well-informed — as a public officer, passing through the ordeal of public life with unblemished honor — he may well be classed among the distinguished men of the present century. 71 HENRY CLAY. The State of Virginia has been called the " Old Dominion." If it was intended to express by the use of this phrase, that there had emanated from within her borders, a great gathering of the distinguished in all the departments of hu- man greatness, then was the name well-applied. Her fist of illustrious men has in it few names more identified with all that is honorable and honored among men, than he whose name is affixed to this notice. It is not our province to mention him as identified with any of the great political parties or divisions of the day. It is those qualities alone which are recognized with approbation by all the people, which we may notice. He started in life a poor boy — his father a Baptist clergyman — himself taught from early life to look, under Providence, to his own efforts and industry to sustain himself in the conflict with this busy world — this scene of earnest struggle — so well denominated by Dickens, the Battle of Life. Mr. Clay was not discouraged by being poor. His nature was not of that kind, but pressed the more vigorously onward. He migrated to Kentucky, when that great State was but a new and almost unsettled territory. His eloquent tongue soon found its way to the hearts of the gallant Western men, and he soon became a cherished favorite. From one place of public trust and usefufulness he 73 passed to another. The first hour he trod tha Hall of the House of Representatives he was chosen the Speaker; and all parties unite in giving the highest praise to his parliamentary talent. For many years in both Houses of Con- gress, he has been most conspicuous; and for many years he has been placed in the front rank of the Orators of the Age. It is not yet the time to examine impartially his acts as a Statesman ; but the long array of public service which has distinguished his life, is the property of the Na- tion — not of a party. Mr. Clay, at the date of this article, is an old man, but his vigor of mind remains; and he is yet, the active Suites- man — the eloquent Ora'or. His history may well be studied by all our young men. as an ex- ample of what can be done by the energy of a mind determined to succeed. Henry Clay lett Virginia a poor boy. He has often visited it again — the honored guest of the people. Such will ever be the destiny, high and glorious, of the pure and upright statesman. *Jf$ff 75 BENJAMIN FRANKLIN. It is a high honor to go to posterity with a» association, so replete with all that is pure and virtuous and ennobling 1 as the name of Wash- ington ; and this high fame is that of Franklin. These two illustrious names are linked together, and when the New World is asked for her brightest and best, the response is made in the names of Washington and Franklin. This emi- nent Philosopher and Statesman was born in Boston in 1704. Of all the patriots of the Re- volution, he was the oldest, and had seen most of our Colonial history. Even before the Revo- lution, his countrymen and the king had com- mitted (rusts of importance to his hands. The General Post-Office felt his business-like vigor, and wherever common sense was precious, Franklin was consulted. But he shone most in the councils of the war of Independence. While others hesitated and spoke tremblingly, he saw with eagle eye the result of the differences, and was among the first to call the sword from its sheath. In all the war, he was a right arm to his country. Trusted and honored by Washing- ton, he and that great man were together those to whom the struggling colonies looked for aid. When the war was over, Franklin went to Eu- rope, -and found every where he moved, ;he love and friendship of an admiring nation. France, especially, admired him; and Paris, 76 that fluttered about the gay and the fashionable, joined in delighted offerings of friendship to the plain and practical Philosopher. He studied the skies, not to gaze idly at its stars, but to read, if he might, what lessons its phenomena taught the earth that might be of benefit and advance the progress of mankind: And his in- tellectual strength won the great prize. The mighty and wonderful Telegraph ;hat is at this hour more than bringing intelligence through the land, is but a deduction from, and an appli- cation of, the discoveries of Franklin. In the Convention that framed the Constitution of the United States held at Philadelphia, his clear good sense was of the utmost value — and our country rises to .prosperity on the foundation that was then laid so strong. The name of Franklin is a national possession. The Union loves — cherishes — reveres his memory, and points the world to him, as one of the noblest specimens of an honorable ami honest and wise man. 77 JAMES MADISON. The chief glory of this great man is his iden- tification with the formation of the Constitution of the United States; and this is but one of the illustrious features of a life of public service. Another of the sons of Virginia, he has written the name of that old State, high in the record of those who adhered to and matured to being, the instrument on which our, now, thirty States stand safely. James Madison had his youthful heart quickened by the impulses of the Revolu- tion — his latest hour cheered by the universal love of his fellow-countrymen. His election to the Presidency was under the most gratifying circumstances, and his re-election equally so. His administration was signalized by the occur- rence of the second war with England. In tfiat struggle he was the firm Chief Magistrate, up- holding with dignity and efficiency the honor of our flag in every peril. Surrounded by cir- cumstances of danger, he was yet the Stales- man and the Sage ; and when our country passed, as it did pass, with honor, the ordeal of the war, the people clustered around him. Mr. Madison is generally acknowledged, as more identified with the Constitution, than any other of our great men. Its best history is to be found in the "Madison Papers;" for, with a fore- thought that could only have been exercised by a srreat and sagacious mind, he recorded all that 79 occurred at that venerable gathering- of the great and good of the infant Republic, that fra- med that charter of our rights. Profoundly ac- quainted with all its requirements, his admi- nistration was a successful commentary on its doctrine, and his life was in illustration of what a Republican States an should be. Virginia called him, in 1S24, to the task of revising her own Constitution; and it was a most impressive spectable to witness the mingled love and ad- miring attention which pervaded the entire as- semblage, whenever this Sage arose. He lived to a very late period — indeed, quite down to our own day — and at his death, the Nation mourned. His eulogy was pronounced by the man, of all others, most fitted to the congenial task — John Quincy Adams; and the discourse which he delivered will be memorable always in the archives of the history of our country. 81 DANIEL BOON. Majestic, indeed, is the solitude of the wil- derness, even when the sojourn therein is but for an hour or a day ; but when to this solitude is added the feeling of Empire — we might al- most say, of exclusive Empire — it has a grand- eur and loftiness of sentiment, of which it is difficult to form a just conception. This pioneer of the West, is known all over the vast area of the world where the English language is known, as having been the man who dared to brave the silence of the wood, to taste the wildest — purest cup of freedom. He was im- patient of the crowd — and his axe carved out the way for States. To the West — the great, the mighty West — his ardent, adventurous heart turned; and thither he went — turning aside for no danger — defying the terrors of the wild man and the wild beast — looking to the sky as his canopy — the earth as his bed. On- ward, beyond the tread of the foot of the white man, he went — not to slaughter, but to con- quer — by the arts of life eventually, though at first by ruder civilizers — the gun and the axe. He laid the foundation of what is now the great Commonwealth of Kentucky; and that State within the present year (1847) brought his re- mains back to the resting place provided for them within her own limits. His name is en- rolled in the list of the distinguished — because F 82 he had a courage of adventure which opened a pathway for civilization and all its blessings to come. He was a frontier outpost — a species of human fortress — which dared to array itself against obstacles which might have daunted a heart less active and courageous. Byron, with his quick eye of genius, recognized the fine, tures of the Hunter Statesman, and im- to( ze 1 his name in the creations of his own t. While others wrote constitutions on paper, he marked the course and boundaries of J on the blazed trees — and the sounds of his axe and his gun told the forests that the People v oraing. Boon is the Forest Fa- ther of Old Kentucky, and is an example to mankind of enterprise and energy. 83 BISHOP WHITE. " Only the actions of the just Smell sweet and blossom in the dust.'' This venerable father was beloved by the peo- ple in whose midst he resided for so many long years. His greatness was in the things which make for the ever-during good of mankind. He was, for the larger part of a century., the cherished and valued friend of the poor — of all who needed the word of kind counsels — of all who belonged to the weary and way worn. The Church, of which he was an eminent orna- ment and patriarch, clustered around the good old man to his latest day, as to a relic ot the purer days of the republic — of the young years of the Church struggling for a time in this New World. Bishop White received his ordination from "holy hands, lifted up without fear or doubting," in England, and was himself the beloved consecrator of most of the Bishops who since that time have gone out to minister to the spiritual wants of their respective dioce- ses. He was the friend of Washington — who often heard, with glad attention, his expressions of "the faith once delivered to the saints." To the Revolution he was a steadfast friend; and his prayers were given for the success of the brave men who maintained themselves so firm ly against the power of the British Throne Such friendship was of inestimable value. The 85 Men of War have no friends so valuable as the holy Men of Peace. He grew up with the growth of Philadelphia; and it is remembered, to the exceeding honor of his judgment and of his Christian courage, that when Mr. Girard left a vast sum of money to that city for educational purposes, coupled with restrictions that seemed to savor of a willingness to forget the obliga- tions of mankind to the Author of all good, the Bishop besought tbe constituted authorities of the city not to accept such a trust, warning them that it would be a gift, which would entail danger on its recipient : and there are many who think that events have shown that there was much of prophecy in the good minister's expostulation. He lived to be over 90 years of age, and the blessing of the people followed him wherever he went. 87 DANIEL WEBSTER. As Madison has been styled the Father of the Constitution, so has this distinguished man been designated its Defender. Imbued with its spi- rit, and conversant with all its principles, he had been foremost in adhering to all the truths which he considered to be interwoven with it, and in vindicating all its provisions against every opponent — against all opposition. "New- Hampshire claims him for her own. Her rock- bound farms — her busy, industrious, reflecting people, were the companions of his early years. His father was a man of noble purposes — for he mortgaged his farm that he might give a suitable education to his children. He soon pushed forward, for a larger sphere of action than was afforded him in his native State, and entered Massachusetts. He was soon apprecia- ted in that great Commonwealth, and rapidly rose to honor. He represented the ciiy of Bos- ton, at a period of great interest in the history of the Nation, and the Cradle of Liberty never rocked into the manhood of duty, a nobler mind. His labors in the House of Representa- tives, and in the Senate, are familiar to all who have been in any wise conversant with the course of public affairs. As a Senator, he has distinguished himself by debates which are part of the classic eloquence of the age. In all the science of political economy, he has proved 88 himself conversant, and Massachusetts holds him up to the world as her characteristic Re- presentative. When he visited England, the best intellect of the nation rushed forward to honor him, and to manifest their appreciation of his talent, as belonging to the civilized world. As a lawyer, he has proved himself pre-eminent ; and many of the leading questions of the times, have received their impress from his opinions. Perhaps the proudest period of his life, (as it might well have been to any man,) was, when he stood by the side of La Fayette, as the latter laid the corner stone of the Bunker-Hill Monument. Then his words reached the heart of the Men of the Revolution — and the past age and the present, were stirred up by his magnificent oratory. 89 RED JACKET Sa-go-ye-wat-ha (for thus he called himself) was born on the West shore of Cayuga Lake, at a place called Canoga, about four miles south of the present Cayuga Bridge. A granite monu- ment, erected by the good taste and liberality of Judge Sackett, of Seneca Falls, marks the place of his birth — its authenticity being well established by what fell from the old Chief him- self. His chief reputation has been that of an Orator, but it cannot be doubted that he was more. He was ever a man of great influence in his tribe. He was perhaps the best specimen of the real Indian — such as he was before our fore- fathers clove their way through the forest, that has come down to this day of the complete as- cendancy of the white man. He had an eloquence which has become proverbial. It was in his own tongue, and could be but dimly known through the medium of an interpreter; and yet, with all this disadvantage, Red Jacket's voice was always potent and stirring. He appreciated better than others of his race, the real strength and the certain destiny of the white man, and vainly attempted to erect a barrier against his progress. The old Chief wanted to keep the Indian as he was — and turned aside himself, and so many as would listen to his bold and ear- nest voice, even from the efforts of those who, in sincerity, desired to do good to the poor In- 91 dian. He proudly bore on his breast a large silver medal given him by Washington — the same borne in later days, since the chieftain's death, by Ha-sa-no-en-da (Ely S. Parker of Ton- awanda). Alas! that an eloquence — so taught of Nature — should have been used for the rivet - ting upon his nation of the cruel bonds of Pagan superstition! It did not save his people — it did not keep himself from yielding to more than the weaknesses of nature. He was a great man — for his powers of intellect were coined by nature — not forged out by education. He will always live in History, as a gallant and eloquent Chief — who had the oratory of the heart in which to give forth his bold thoughts. 93 JAMES K. POLK. It is difficult to weave together the materials of an impartial biography, until death has smoothed over partizan strife, and enabled men to look at the acts and deeds of public servants as in truth and fairness they should be viewed. Yet this rule may not be used to prevent the calm and kind consideration of the doings and sayings of those even now on the stage of public life. Mr. Polk was born in North Carolina — and soon attained eminence. The States at the West, which are now considered as among the old and settled, were then the neiv lands, invi- ting the adventurous emigrant. Thither went the young Carolinian, and found in Tennessee a new and welcome home. The people of that State have in various ways signified their ap- proval of his views and acts — for he has been called to the Chief Magistracy, and has been long recognized as one of their leading repre- sentatives in Congress. The office of Speaker of the House is, next to the Secretary of State, the highest office in the Union, under the Pre- sidency. It has great power. He can so mould the committees of the House, in their financial and judicial action, as most materially to affect the legislation of the country. Mr. Polk, as Speaker, had a commanding influence ; ami when his name was announced, in 1844, as the candidate of one of the great parties of the 94 country, his public career was appreciated. The administration of Mr. Polk, as President, is even yet before the people. It has been cha- racterized by events of no ordinary character; and will long be regarded as memorable in its features. He is yet in the prime of life, having achieved the highest honor of the Nation, at an age much younger than many of his predeces- sors. Mr. P. has always been distinguished for his powers as a public speaker; and History will assign him a place among those whose names are unchangeably connected with great events. 95 JOHN TYLER. Virginia was the birth-place of this Chief Ma- gistrate, as of many others. The Stale that has been the nursery of so many who have reached the Head of the Nation, has noble annals from which to compile its history. Mr. Tyler was in many places of trust and honor. He was Governor of Virginia — Senator in Congress from that State — Vice-President — and at last President. When the troubles aris- ing out of nullification were at their height, and the coercion bill — or, as it was called in Carolina, the bill of blood — was pending, Mr. Tyler was the only Senator who remained in his place and voted in the negative. Other Se- nators who differed from the majority left their seats and vacated the Hall. When the Senate of the United States were about to pass a resolu- tion which he believed unconstitutional, rather than sanction the act, which his instructions would have led to, he resigned. He officiated as Vice-President, but for a month. Retiring after the adjournment of the special session of March 4, 1841, to his seat on James river, Virginia, he was found by the messenger that was despatched to acquaint him with the fact that the supreme power of the Nation had come to his hands, engaged in read- ing. A busy volume of power was soon opened to him. The famous Tariff of 1842, was passed 96 daring his administration — and the prelimina- ries all matured for the admission into the Union of the Republic of Texas, as a State. Mr. Tyler has seen much of public service; and has been prominent in the public councils in distinguished positions. A just account of his public life belongs to the unembarrassed pen of history. D- 4 1 i \--.**^m?zm v V- /oOBBS BROTH ERsN I LIBRARY BINDING CO. INC J - ~* f ,A V ^rtfX \ S T - AUGUST W E, FIA "/ ' - ,-s* SEP, . V ' o „ o N •^ "^ ' V • LIBRARY OF CONGRESS