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 LIBRARY 
 
 
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A NEW AMERICAN 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTION AUY: 
 
 OH, 
 
 REMEMBRANCER 
 
 OF THE 
 
 DEPARTED HEROES. SAGES, AND STATESMEN 
 
 CONFINED EXCLUSIVELY 
 
 TO THOSE WHO HAVE SIGNALIZED THEMSELVES IN EITHEE 
 
 CAPACITY, 
 
 IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR WHICH OBTAINED THE 
 INDEPENDENCE OF THEIR COUNTRY. 
 
 THIRD EDITION ; 
 
 WITH IMPORTANT ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS. 
 
 COMPILED BY THOMAS J. ROGERS. 
 
 Whether we consider the intrinsic gallantry of our revolutionary heroes an $ 
 statesmen, the sufferings they endured, or the inestimable value of the Met 
 sings they obtained, no nation has prouder examples to appeal to than th< 
 American people : no nation was ever called on by stronger obligations of gn 
 titude, to honor their characters and to consecrate their memories. 
 
 EASTON, PENN : 
 PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY THOMAS J. ROGERS. 
 
 4824. 
 
Eastern District of Pennsylvania, to wit. 
 
 Be it kemembehed, that on the fourth day of August in the 
 forty-ninth year of the Independence of the United States of 
 America, A. D. 1824, Thomas J. Rogers, of the said District, 
 hath deposited in this office the Title of a Book, the right 
 whereof he claims as proprietor, in the words following, to- 
 wit: 
 
 "A new American Biographical Dictionary ; or Remembrancer of the de- 
 parted Heroes, Sages, and Statesmen, of America. Confined exclusively to 
 those who have signalized themselves in either capacity in the Revolutionary 
 War, which obtained the Independence of their countiy. Third Edition, with 
 important alterations and additions. Compiled by Thomas J. Rogers." 
 
 "Whether we consider the intrinsic gallantly of our revolutionary heroes and 
 "statesmen, the sufferings they endured, or the inestimable value of the 
 "blessings they obtained, no nation has prouder examples to appeal to than 
 " the American people : no nation was ever called on by stronger obliga- 
 "tions of gratitude, to honor their characters and to consecrate their me- 
 "mories." 
 
 In conformity to the Act of the Congress of the United States, entitled, "An 
 act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of maps, charts 
 and books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies during the times 
 therein mentioned." And also to the act entitled, "An act supplementary 
 to an act, entitled "An act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the 
 copies of maps, charts, and books, to the authors and proprietors of such 
 copies during the times therein mentioned," and extending the benefits 
 thereof to the arts of designing, engraving, and etching historical and othe? 
 
 pnntS " D. CALDWELL, 
 
 Clerk of the Eastern district of Pennsylvania. 
 
TWO editions of this work have heen published, and the 
 second has received the decided and unequivocal approbation 
 4)f some of the most distinguished individuals in our country. 
 The present edition is considerably enlarged, and essentially 
 improved, by numerous original sketches of individuals, whose 
 characters, conduct, and patriotism, in all probability, never 
 would have been recorded, but for this publication. Every 
 day more solicitude and interest is manifested for the history 
 and events of the revolutionary war, and more veneration is 
 paid to the memory of those illustrious statesmen and soldiers, 
 who laid the foundation of the American republic. Those 
 venerable men are rapidly departing from among us. Every 
 day adds to the number of those who have gone, and few now 
 remain. It becomes us the more then to cherish their princi- 
 ples, which will, ere long, be all that survives them, except 
 indeed the history of their virtues, patriotism, and gallant 
 exploits. These, we trust, will never be forgotten by their 
 descendants. There is no task more delightful to a grateful 
 posterity, nor more worthy of a patriot, than to search out the 
 rolls of honourable exploit, and to promulgate it to our coun- 
 try. Every endeavour to rescue from forgetfulness the men 
 who distinguished themselves in our glorious revolution, 
 ought to be encouraged by all patriotic Americans. We ought 
 to implant their memory in the hearts of our children, to be 
 handed down to their children, in proud remembrance of their 
 virtues, talents, and patriotism : for " never, in any country 
 or in any age, did there exist a race of men whose souls 
 were better fitted to endure the trial. Patient in suffering, 
 firm in adversity, calm and collected amidst the dangers 
 which pressed around them ; cool in council, and brave in 
 battle, they were worthy of the cause and the cause was wor- 
 thy of them." Whether we consider their intrinsic gallantry, 
 the sufferings they endured, or the inestimable blessings they 
 obtained for themselves and their posterity, no nation has 
 prouder examples to appeal to than the American people : no 
 nation was ever called on by stronger obligations of grati- 
 tude, to honour their characters and to consecrate their me- 
 mories. 
 g In contemplating the characters of those illustrious men, 
 
 who have been emphatically called the founders of our repub- 
 lic, we have before us models of every public and private vir- 
 
 I 100323 
 
IV PKEi'ACJi. 
 
 rue. Here lie who is ambitious of acting a distinguished part 
 in the cabinet, may learn to imitate a Franklin, a Henry, an 
 Adams, a Hancock, and others. Here the soldier, whose am- 
 bition is patriotism and glory, may be stimulated to acquire 
 ihe laurels gained by a Washington, a Greene, a Montgome- 
 ry, a Wayne, a Warren, and their compatriots. And here 
 the naval aspirant, may dwell with delight and satisfaction, 
 oo the heroic actions of a Biddle, Barney, and others. In a 
 ward, here may the sons of America trace the lineaments of 
 heir fathers' glory, and by their example learn to imitate 
 their deeds. " The authors of our independence will indeed 
 occupy a high rank in the veneration of posterity ; and for 
 the gratification of the present and all future times, it is now 
 proper to collect the scattered notices of their personal and 
 oolitical history ; to mould them into form, and to exhibit 
 the result to the contemplation of an admiring world. " 
 
 The introduction contains a succinct account of the events 
 which led to the rupture between Great Britain and her then 
 olonies. The declaration of 1775, and the other papers 
 which emanated from congress, during the revolutionary con- 
 -;st, contain the manful remonstrances of freemen against 
 oppression ; an elegant and eloquent exposition of the rights 
 »f the people, and of the causes which impelled our fathers to 
 he separation. The biographies of the sages and heroes, 
 ontain much instructive history of the revolution ; calculated 
 to incite the young, instruct the old, and improve the moral 
 haracter of the nation, by holding up to public view and imi- 
 ation, portraits of virtue and patriotism, of which the histo- 
 ry of mankind affords no brighter examples. To which is 
 .dded the Farewell Address of Washington, in which we 
 nay read with delight and instruction, the advice of the father 
 four country, and the importance and necessity of preserv- 
 ing the union of our confederated republic. 
 
 The compiler claims no other merit for this work, than a 
 persevering industry to collect and save from oblivion, the 
 names and deeds of those brave men, whose wisdom in coun- 
 cil, and valour in battle, gave liberty and independence to a 
 n*eat, powerful, and flourishing nation. 
 
 Easton, Pennsylvania. September 1, 1824. 
 
a 
 
 THE compiler deems it proper to state the gradual ap- 
 proaches which the colonies made towards independence, pre- 
 vious to the declaration by the immortal Congress of 1776, 
 and in a summary mode to trace the current of events, from 
 the origin of the plan of taxing America, up to the Fourth of 
 July of that year. 
 
 In 1764, the British parliament passed resolutions, pre- 
 paratory to laying a tax on the colonies, by a stamp act. In 
 March, 1765, the famous stamp act was passed, to take effect 
 in the colonies on the first of November following. This was 
 the first act of the mother country, which created alarm, and 
 which eventually caused a separation of these states from 
 Great Britain. It passed the house of Commons by a ma- 
 jority of two hundred votes. The bill met with no opposition 
 in the house of Lords. The very night the act passed, Dr. 
 Franklin who was then in London, wrote to Charles Thomp- 
 son, afterwards secretary of congress: " The sun of liberty is 
 set ; the Americans must light the lamps of industry and econo- 
 my." To which Mr. Thompson answered : "Be assured 
 we will light torches of quite another sort." He here predic- 
 ted the opposition and convulsions, that were about to follow 
 this odious act. The torch of the revolution was indeed very 
 soon lighted. When the information of the passage of the act 
 reached the colonies, the assembly of Virginia was the only 
 one in session ; and Virginia led the way in opposition to it. 
 The resolutions offered by Patnck Henry, assumed a lofty and 
 open ground against taxation. In New England, and par- 
 ticularly in Massachusetts, the same opposition was mani- 
 fested, and, indeed, the whole continent was in a flame. It 
 spread from breast to breast, till the conflagration became 
 general. The legislature of Massachusetts met on the last day 
 of May, 1765. A committee reported the expediency of hav- 
 ing a general meeting of '•committees." from the several as- 
 semblies of the colonies, to beheld at New York, in October 
 following. They also resolved to send circulars to the seve- 
 ral assemblies, requesting their concurrence. Twenty-eight 
 deputies, from Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, 
 New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland 
 and South Carolina, met at New York, on Monday the 7th 
 of October, 1765. They passed resolutions expressing their 
 motives and principles, and declaring their exemption from 
 all taxes, not imposed by their own representatives. They 
 also agreed upon a petition to the king, a memorial to the 
 house of lords, and a petition to the house of commons. 
 
Vi INTRODUCTION. 
 
 From the decided opposition to this act, and the indignation 
 manifested against it, in all parts of the colonies, it was deem* 
 ed proper to repeal it. It was accordingly repealed on the 
 18th of March, 1766. Much opposition, however, was made 
 to its repeal. Several speakers in hoth houses of parliament 
 denied the right of taxing the colonies. Mr. Pitt, afterwards 
 lord Chatham, said, "it is my opinion that this kingdom has 
 no right to lay a tax upon the colonies. We are told that 
 America is obstinate, almost in open rebellion. I rejoice that 
 America has resisted. Three millions of people so dead to 
 all the feelings of liberty, as voluntarily to submit to be slaves, 
 would have been fit instruments to make slaves of all the 
 rest. The Americans have been wronged ; they have been dri- 
 ven to madness by injustice. Will you punish them for the 
 madness you have occasioned ? No ; let this country be the 
 first to re'sume its prudence and temper." He concluded by 
 saying that it was his opinion that the stamp act be repealed, 
 absolutely, totally, and immediately. 
 
 In 1767, an act passed the British parliament, laying a hea- 
 vy duty on tea, glass, paper, and other articles. This act 
 re-kindled the resentment and excited a general opposition 
 among the people of the colonics ; and they contended that 
 there was no real difference between the principle of the new 
 act and the stamp act. This act produced resolves, petitions, 
 &c. similar to those with which the colonies opposed the stamp 
 act, and in various parts, particularly in Massachusetts, on 
 the suggestion of Samuel Mams, it was agreed not to import 
 and consume British manufactures. 
 
 In 1769, both houses of parliament passed a joint address 
 to his majesty, approbatory of his measures, and that they 
 would support him in such further measures as might be found 
 necessary, to maintain the civil magistrates in a due execu- 
 tion of the laws in Massachusetts-Bay. The assembly of 
 Virginia, in tins year, passed resolutions complaining of the 
 recent acts of parliament, and remonstrated against the 
 right of transporting the freeborn subjects of America to Eng- 
 land, to be tried for alledged offences committed in the colo- 
 nies. In 1770, on the 2d of March, the Boston massacre took 
 place. 
 
 In 1773, the people of Boston who were determined not to 
 pay duties on tea, collected in a town meeting and resolved 
 that the tea should not be landed. At the dissolution of the 
 meeting, about twenty persons, in the disguise of Mohawk In- 
 dians, went on board some ships, broke open three hundred 
 and forty-two chests of tea, and discharged their contents in- 
 to the water. In Philadelphia, where the spirit of opposition, 
 although not less deep, was less loud, they unloaded some of 
 the cargoes and stored the tea in damp cellars, where it soo*i 
 
INTRODUCTION'. Vll 
 
 moulded. Whole cargoes were returned from New York and 
 Philadelphia. When the news of the destruction of the tea 
 reached England, they determined to punish the people of 
 Boston. In 1774, a bill was passed in parliament, called the 
 Boston Port Bill, to discontinue the landing or shipping of 
 any goods, wares, or merchandize, at the harbour of that 
 city. This was followed by an act authorising the quarter- 
 ing of soldiers in the houses of the citizens. General Gage, 
 in character of commander in chief of the royal forces, and 
 governor of Massachussetts, arrived at Boston, with a mili- 
 tary force, to enforce the acts of the parliament. 
 
 The words whigs and tories were now introduced, to dis- 
 tinguish the names of the parties. By the former, were meant 
 those who were for supporting the colonics in their opposition 
 to the tyrannical acts of the British parliament. By the 
 latter, those who were in favour of Great Britain and oppo- 
 sed to resistance. 
 
 During these commotions, the first Congress of delegates, 
 ehosen and appointed by the several colonies and provinces, 
 met at Carpenter's Hall, in the city of Philadelphia, on the 
 5th of September, 1774. Peyton Randolph, of Virginia, was 
 unanimously elected President, and Charles Thompson, Se- 
 cretary. On the 27th September, congress unanimously re- 
 solved, that from and after the 1st of December, 1774, there 
 should be no importation from Great Britain or Ireland, of 
 British goods. On the 8th of October, it was resolved that 
 the congress approve the opposition of the inhabitants of 
 Massachusetts Bay, to the execution of the obnoxious acts of 
 Parliament. On the 22d of September, they passed a resolu- 
 tion recommending delegates to meet again at Philadelphia, 
 on the 10th May, 1775. The congress was then dissolved. 
 
 On the 19th of April, 1775, the first battle was fought be- 
 tween the Americans and the king's troops, at Lexington, 
 Massachusetts. The revolutionary war began with this bat- 
 tle ; for here the first blood was spilt. The British had sixty 
 five killed, one hundred and eighty wounded, and twenty eight 
 made prisoners. Of the Americans, fifty one were killed, 
 thirty eight wounded, and four were missing. At Lexington 
 a monument has been erected to the memory of those who 
 were killed in that town, with a suitable inscription on it, 
 including the names of those who fell. The die was cast! 
 the blood of these martyrs was the cement of the union of 
 these states: the Americans rose as one man to revenge their 
 brethren's blood, and at the point of the sword to assert and 
 defend their native rights. Those who fell in this battle were 
 revered by their countrymen, as martyrs who had died in the 
 cause of liberty. 
 
Vlii INTRODUCTION. 
 
 On the 10th May, 1775, the delegates from the several co- 
 lonies, with the exception of Rhode Island, assembled at the 
 state house in Philadelphia, when Peyton Randolph, was a se- 
 cond time unanimously elected president, and Charles Thomp- 
 son, secretary. A few days after they met, Mr. Randolph 
 being under the necessity of returning home, John Hancock, 
 of Massachusetts, was unanimously elected president. 
 
 On the 17th of June, the memorable battle of Bunker's Hill 
 took place, where the gallant resistance of a handful of un- 
 disciplined troops, taught a lesson to the British which they 
 remembered during the contest. 
 
 In the same month Congress resolved to raise several com- 
 panies of riflemen, &c. and that a general should be appoint- 
 ed to command all the continental forces raised, or to be rais- 
 ed, for the defence of American liberty : and George Wash- 
 ington, was unanimously elected. Congress, at the same 
 time, resolved, that they would maintain, assist, and adhere 
 to George Washington, with their lives and fortunes. 
 
 On the first of August, Congress adjourned to meet on the 
 5th of September. On the 5th of September. 1775, Congress 
 again convened, and proceeded to the important business en- 
 trusted to them. They provided for raising armies, building 
 vessels of war, and authorised the capture of all ships and 
 vessels belonging to the inhabitants of Great Britain. They 
 also resolved that ten millions of dollars should be raised for 
 the purpose of carrying on the war. 
 
 On the 10th of June, 1776, a motion was made by Richard 
 Henry Lee, of Virginia, seconded by John Adams, of Massa- 
 chusetts, that a committee should be appointed to prepare a 
 declaration to the following effect : " That these United Colo- 
 nies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states ; 
 that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British 
 crown ; and that all political connexion between them and the 
 state of Great Britain, is, and ought to be, totally dissolved." 
 The committee consisted of Mr. Jefferson. Mr. J. Adams. Mr. 
 Franklin, Mr. Sherman, an! Mr. R. R. Livingston. Mr. 
 Jefferson, though the youngest on the committee, was chair- 
 man, he having received oue more vote than Mr. Adams. — 
 The committee met and appointed Mr. Jefferson and Mr. 
 Adams, a sub-committee. Mr. Jefferson urged Mr. Adams 
 to write the declaration, and Mr. Adams urged Mr. Jefferson 
 to do it. Mr. Jefferson consented, and the next day submit- 
 ted the original draft, as it was presented to Congress. On 
 the first day of July, the committee reported the declaration 
 to Congress, and it was discussed and amended on the second 
 and third, and finally, on the fourth of July, the Declaration 
 of Independence was agreed to and signed. 
 
A NEW AMERICAN 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY. 
 
 ADAMS, Samuel, one of the most distinguished patriots 
 fyf the American Revolution, was horn in Boston, Massa- 
 chusetts, on the 22d of September, 1722. His ancestors were 
 among the first settlers in New England. His parents were 
 highly respectable. His father was, for many years, a repre- 
 sentative for the town of Boston, in the Massachusetts house 
 of Assembly, in which he was annually elected till his death. 
 
 Samuel Adams received the rudiments of a liberal education 
 at the grammar school under the care of Mr. Lovell, where 
 he was remarkably attentive to his studies. His conduct was 
 cimilar while he was at college, and during the whole term he 
 had to pay but one fine, and this was for not attending morn- 
 ing prayers, in consequence of having overslept himself. By 
 a close and steady application, he made considerable profi- 
 ciency in classical learning, logic, and natural philosophy; 
 but as he was designed for the ministry, a profession to which 
 he seems to have been much inclined, his studies were partic- 
 ularly directed to systematic divinity. Why Mr. Adams did 
 not assume the clerical character, so congenial to his views 
 and habits, does not appear. In 1740, and 1743, the respec- 
 tive degrees of bachelor and master of arts were conferred 
 upon him. On the latter occasion, he proposed the following 
 question for discussion, " whether it be lawful to resist the su- 
 preme magistrate, if the commonwealth cannot otherwise be 
 preserved :" He maintained the affirmative of this proposi- 
 ' iion, and thus evinced, at this period of his life, his attach- 
 ment to the liberties of the people. While he was a student, 
 his father allowed him a regular stipend. Of this, he saved a 
 ^ijficient sum, to publish, at his own expense, a pamphlet, call- 
 ed " Englishmen's Rights." 
 
10 ADAMS. 
 
 He was put an apprentice to the late Thomas Costing, an 
 eminent merchant. For this profession he was ill adapted, and 
 it received but a small share of his attention. The study of 
 politics was his chief delight. At this time he formed a club, 
 each member of which agreed to furnish a political essay for 
 a newspaper called the Independent Advertiser. These es- 
 says brought the writers into notice, who were called, in deri- 
 sion, ''the Whipping Post Club." 
 
 His limited knowledge of commerce rendered him incompe- 
 tent to support himself by that pursuit. His father, however, 
 gave him a considerable capital, with which he commenced 
 business. He had not been long in trade when he credited 
 one of his countrymen with a sum of money. This person, 
 soon after, met with heavy calamities, which he represented to 
 Mr. Adams, who never demanded the amount, although it was 
 nearly half the value of his original stock. This, and other 
 losses, soon consumed all he had. 
 
 At the age of twenty-five, his father died, and, as he was 
 the oldest son, the care of the family and management of the 
 estate, devolved upon him. 
 
 Early distinguished by talents, as a writer, his first at- 
 tempts were proofs of his filial piety. By his efforts he pre- 
 served the estate of his father, which had been attached on 
 account of an engagement in the land bank bubble. He be- 
 came a political writer during the administration of Shirley, 
 to which he was opposed, as he thought the union of so much 
 civil and military power, in one man, was dangerous. His in- 
 genuity, wit, and profound argument, are spoken of with the 
 highest respect by those who were contemporary with him. 
 At this early period he laid the foundation of public confidence 
 and esteem. 
 
 It may be proper to mention that his first office in the town 
 was that of tax-gatherer, which the opposite party in politics 
 often alluded to. and in their controversies would style him 
 Samuel the Publican. While the British regiments were in 
 town, the tories enjoyed a kind of triumph, and invented every 
 mode of burlesquing the popular leaders : but, where the peo- 
 ple tax themselves, the office of collector is respectable ; it 
 was, at that time, given to gentlemen who had seen better 
 days, and needed some pecuniary assistance, having merited 
 the esteem and confidence of their fellow townsmen. Mr. 
 Adams was ill qualified to fill an office which required such 
 constant attention to pecuniary matters; and, his soul being 
 bent on politics, he passed more time in talking against Great 
 Britain than in collecting the sums due to the town. He grew 
 embarrassed in his circumstances, and was assisted, not only 
 
ADAMS, li 
 
 by private friends, but by many others who knew him only as 
 a spirited partisan in the cause of liberty. 
 
 From this time, the whigs were determined to support him 
 to the utmost of their power. He had heen always on their 
 side, was firm and sagacious, one of the best writers in the 
 newspapers, ready upon every question, but especially conver- 
 sant with all matters which related to the dispute between 
 Great Britain and the colonies. 
 
 We have said that there was a private political club in Bos- 
 ton, where derisive measures originated, which gave a secret 
 spring and impulse to the motions of the public body, and that 
 Mr. Adams was one of the patriotic conclave. This confed- 
 eracy came to a determination to resist every infringement of 
 their rights. The stamp act was a flagrant violation of them, 
 and to suffer it quietly to be carried into effrct, would estab- 
 lish a precedent, and encourage further proceedings of a simi- 
 lar nature. Mr. Adams was one of those who opposed it in 
 every step. He was not averse to the manner in which the 
 people evinced their determinate opposition, by destroying the 
 stamped papers and office in Boston; but he highly disap- 
 proved of the riots and disorders which followed, and person- 
 ally aided the civil power to put a stop to them. 
 
 The taxes upon tea, oiU and colours, were still more odious 
 to the Americans than the stamp act; especially to the inhab- 
 itants of Boston, where the board of commissioners was es- 
 tablished. The people looked to Mr. Adams as one of the 
 champions of liberty, who must stand forth against every 
 claim of Great Britain, and deny the right of the parent state 
 to lay a tax; nor were they disappointed. He was so strenu- 
 ous in his exertions to make the people sensible of their char- 
 ter privileges, that he obtained the appellation of the patriot 
 Samuel Mams. 
 
 In 1765, he was elected a member of the general assembly 
 of Massachusetts. He was soon chosen clerk, and he gradu- 
 ally acquired influence in the legislature. This was an event- 
 ful time. But Mr. Adams possessed a courage which no dan- 
 gers could shake. He was undismayed by the prospect, which 
 struck terror into the hearts of many. He was a member of 
 the legislature near ten years, and he was the soul which ani- 
 mated it to the most important resolutions. No man did so 
 much. He pressed his measures with ardour : yet he was pru- 
 dent; he knew how to bend the passions of others to his pur- 
 pose. 
 
 The congress which assembled at New York, at this period, 
 was attributed to a suggestion made by Mr. Adams. It has 
 been said, with confidence, that he was the first man who pro- 
 posed i* in Massachusetts. 
 
12 ADAMS. 
 
 In consequence of the act imposing duties, in 176/, Mn 
 Adams suggested a non-importation agreement with the mer- 
 chants. This was agreed to, and signed by nearly all of them 
 in the province. They bound themselves, if the duties were 
 not repealed, not to import, or to order any, but certain enu- 
 merated articles, after the first of January, 1769. 
 
 On the evening of the fifth of March, 1770, an affray took 
 place between the military quartered in Boston, and some citi* 
 zens, which resulted in a loss of lives on both sides. On the 
 following morning, a public meeting was called, and Samuel 
 Adams addressed the assembly, with that impressive eloquence 
 which was so peculiar to himself. The people, on this occa- 
 sion, chose a committee to wait upon the lieutenant governor, 
 to require that the troops be immediately withdrawn from the 
 town. The mission, however, proved unsuccessful, and an- 
 other resolution was immediately adopted, that a new com- 
 mittee be chosen to wait a second time upon governor Hutch- 
 inson for the purpose of conveying the sense of the meeting 
 in a more peremptory manner. Mr. Adams acted as chair- 
 man. They waited on the lieutenant governor, and commu- 
 nicated this last vote of the town ; and, in a speech of some- 
 length, Mr. Adams stated the danger of keeping the troops 
 longer in the capital, fully proving the illegality of the act it- 
 self; and enumerating the fatal consequences that would en- 
 sue, if he refused an immediate compliance with the vote. 
 Lieutenant governor Hutchinson, with his usual prevarication, 
 replied, and roundly asserted, that there was no illegality in 
 the measure ; and repeated, that the troops were not subject 
 to his authority, but that he would direct the removal of the 
 twenty-ninth regiment. Mr. Adams again rose. The mag- 
 nitude of the subject, and the manner in which it was treated 
 by lieutenant governor Hutchinson, had now roused the im- 
 petuous feelings of his patriotic soul. With indignation 
 strongly expressed in his countenance, and in a firm, resolute, 
 and commanding manner, he replied, "that it was well 
 known, that, acting as governor of the province, he was, by 
 its charter, the commander in chief of his majesty's military 
 and naval forces, and as such, the troops were subject to his 
 orders ; and if he had the power to remove one regiment, lie 
 had the power to remove both, and nothing short of this would 
 satisfy the people, and it was at his peril, if the vote of the 
 town was not immediately complied with, and if it be longer 
 delayed, he, alone, must be answerable for the fatal conse- 
 quences that would ensue." This produced a momentary si- 
 lence. It was now dark, anil the people were waiting in anx- 
 ious suspense for the report of the committee. A conference 
 in whispers followed between lieutenant governor Hutchinson. 
 
ADAMS. 13 
 
 aud colonel Dalrymple. The former, finding himself so close- 
 ly pressed, and the fallacy and absurdity of his arguments 
 thus glaringly exposed, yielded up his positions, and gave his 
 consent to the removal of both regiments ; and colonel Dal- 
 rymple pledged his word of honour, that he would begin his 
 preparations in the morniug, and that there should be no un- 
 necessary delay, until the whole of both regiments were re- 
 moved to the castle. 
 
 At a very early period of the controversy between the mo- 
 ther country and the colonists, Mr. Adams was impressed 
 with the importance of establishing committees of correspon- 
 dence. In 1766, he made some suggestions on this subject in 
 a letter to a friend in South Carolina ; but it was found to be 
 either impracticable or inexpedient before the year 1 772, when 
 it was first adopted by Massachusetts, on a motion of Mr. 
 Adams at a public town meeting in Boston. This plan wag 
 followed by all the provinces. Mr. Adams's private letters" 
 may have advanced this important work. In a letter to Rich- 
 ard Henry Lee, Esq. of Virginia, which, unfortunately, is 
 without a date, is the following remark : " I would propose it 
 for your consideration, whether the establishment of commit- 
 tees of correspondence among the several towns in every col- 
 ony, would not tend to promote the general union upon which 
 the security of the whole depends." It will be remembered 
 that the resolutions for the establishment of this institution in 
 Virginia, were passed March 12, 1773, which was more than- 
 four months subsequently to the time it had been formed in 
 Boston. 
 
 Every method had been tried to induce Mr. Adams to aban- 
 don the cause of his country, which he had supported with 
 so much zeal, courage, and ability. Threats and caresses had 
 proved equally unavailing. Prior to this time there is no 
 certain proof that any direct attempt was made upon his vir- 
 tue and integrity, although a report had been publicly and 
 freely circulated, that it had been unsuccessfully tried by gov- 
 ernor Bernard. Hutchinson knew him too well to make the 
 attempt. But governor Gage was empowered to make tho 
 experiment He sent to him a confidential and verbal mes- 
 sage by colonel Fenton, who waited upon Mr. Adams, and 
 after the customary salutations, he stated the object of his vi- 
 sit. He said that an adjustment of the disputes which existed 
 between England and the colonies, and a reconciliation, was 
 very desirable, as well as important to both. That he was 
 authorized from governor Gage to assure him, that he had 
 been empowered to confer upon him such benefits as would be 
 satisfactory, upon the condition, that he would engage to cease 
 in his opposition to the measures of government. He also 
 
14 ADAMS. 
 
 observed, that it was the advice of governor Gage, to him, 
 not to incur the further displeasure of his majesty ; that his 
 conduct had been such as made him liable to the penalties of 
 an act of Henry VIII. by which persons could be sent to En- 
 gland for trial of treason, or misprison of treason, at the dis- 
 cretion of a governor of a province, but by changing his po- 
 litical course, he would not only receive great pergonal advan- 
 tages, but would thereby make his peace with the king, Mr. 
 Adams listened with apparent interest to this recital. He 
 asked colonel Fenton if he would truly deliver his reply as it 
 should be given. After some hesitation he assented. Mr. 
 Adams required his word of honour, which he pledged. 
 
 Then rising from his chair, and assuming a determined 
 manner, he replied, ' ' I trust I have long since made my peace 
 with the kixg of kings. No personal consideration shall 
 induce me to abandon the righteous cause of my country. 
 Tell governor Gage, it is the advice of Samuel Adam9 
 to him ; no longer to insult the feelings of an exasperated 
 people." 
 
 With a full sense of his own perilous situation, marked out 
 an object of ministerial vengeance, labouring under severe 
 pecuniary embarrassment, but fearless of consequences, he 
 steadily pursued the great object of his soul, the liberty of the 
 people. 
 
 The time required bold and inflexible measures. Common 
 distress required common counsel. The aspect was appalling 
 to some of the most decided patriots of the day. The severi- 
 ty of punishment which was inflicted on the people of Boston, 
 by the power of England, produced a melancholy sadness oil 
 the Mends of American freedom. The Massachusetts house 
 of Assembly was then in session at Salem. A committee of 
 that body was chosen to consider and report the state of the 
 province. Mr. Adams, it is said, observed, that some of the 
 committee were for mild measures, which he judged no way 
 suited to the present emergency. He conferred with Mr. 
 Warren, of Plymouth, upon the necessity of spirited mea- 
 sures, and then said, " do you keep the committee in play, 
 and I will go and make a caucus by the time the evening ar- 
 rives, and do you meet me." Mr. Adams secured a meeting 
 of about five principal members of the house at the time spe- 
 cified, and repeated his endeavours for the second and third 
 nights, when the number amounted to more than thirty. The 
 friends of the administration knew nothing of the matter. 
 The popular leaders took the sense of the members in a pri- 
 vate way, and found that they would be able to carry their 
 scheme by a sufficient majority. Thev had their whole plan 
 completed, prepared tbeir resolutions, and then determined to 
 
ADAMS. 15 
 
 bring the business forward ; but, before they commenced, the 
 door-keeper was ordered to let no person in, or suffer any one 
 to depart. The subjects for discussion were then introduced 
 by Mr. Adams, with his usual eloquence on such great occa- 
 sions. He was chairman of the committee, and reported the 
 resolutions for the appointment of delegates to a general con- 
 gress to be convened at Philadelphia, to consult on the general 
 safety of America. This report was received by surprise and 
 astonishment by the administration party. Such was the ap- 
 prehension of some, that they were apparently desirous to de- 
 sert, the question. The door-keeper seemed uneasy at his 
 charge, and wavering with regard to the performance of the 
 duty assigned to him. At this critical juncture, Mr. Adams 
 relieved him. by taking the key and keeping it himself. The 
 resolutions were passed, five delegates, consisting of Samuel 
 Adams, Thomas Cushing. Robert Treat Paine, John Adams, 
 and James Bowdoin, were appointed, the expense was estima 
 ted, and funds were voted for the payment. Before the busi- 
 ness was finally closed, a member made a plea of indisposi- 
 tion, and was allowed to leave the house. This person went 
 directly to the governor, and informed him of their high-hand- 
 ed proceedings. The governor immediately sent his secretary 
 to dissolve the assembly, who found the door locked. He de 
 manded entrance, but was answered, that his desire could not 
 be complied with, until some important business, then before 
 the house, was concluded. Finding everv method to gain ad- 
 mission ineffectual, he read the order on the stairs for an im- 
 mediate dissolution of the assembly. The order, however, 
 was disregarded by the house. They continued their deliber- 
 ations, passed all their intended measures, and then obeyed the 
 mandate for dissolution. 
 
 The battle of Lexington, which took place on the 19th of 
 April, 1775, now announced the commencement of the revo- 
 lutionary war. Adams and Hancock were in Lexington the 
 very night the British troops left Boston. To gain posses- 
 sion of the papers of Messrs. Adams and Hancock, who lodg- 
 ed together in the village, was one of the motives, it is said, 
 of the expedition which led to that memorable conflict. The 
 design, though covered with great secrecy, was anticipated, 
 and the victims escaped upon the entrance of their habitation 
 by the British troops. General Joseph Warren, who was the 
 first victim of rank who fell in the revolutionary contest with 
 Great Britain despatched an express, at ten o'clock at night, 
 to Adams and Hancock, to warn them of their danger. A 
 friend of Mr. Adams spread a report that he spake with plea- 
 sure on the occurrences of the 19th of April. "It is a fine 
 day," said he, walking in the field after the day dawned 
 
16 ADAMS. 
 
 "Very pleasant," answered one of his companions, supposing 
 him to be contemplating the beauties of the sky. "I mean," 
 he replied, "this day is a glorious day tor America." 
 So fearless was he of consequences, so intrepid was he in the 
 midst of danger, so eager to look forward to the lustre of 
 events that would succeed the gloom which then involved the 
 minds of the people. Mr. Adams had been a member of the con T 
 tinental congress the preceding year. In this situation he ren- 
 dered the most important services to his country. His eloquence 
 was well adapted to the times in which he lived. The energy of 
 his language corresponded with the firmness and vigour of his 
 mind. His heart glowed with the feelings of a patriot, and 
 his eloquence was simple, majestic, and persuasive. He was 
 one of the most efficient members of congress. He possessed 
 keen penetration, unshaken fortitude, and permanent decision. 
 
 After many unavailing efforts, both by threats and promises, 
 to allure this inflexible patriot from his devotion to the sacred 
 cause of independence, governor Gage, at length, on the 12th 
 of June, issued that memorable proclamation, of which the 
 following is an extract. "In this exigency of complicated ca- 
 lamities, I avail myself of the last effort within the bounds of 
 my duty, to spare the further effusion of blood, to offer, and I 
 do hereby in his majesty's name, offer and promise, his most 
 gracious pardon to all persons, who shall forthwith lay down 
 their arms, and return to the duties of peaceable subjects, ex- 
 cepting only from the benefit of such pardon. Samutiddams, 
 and John Hancock, whose offences are of too flagitious a nature 
 to admit of any other consideration than that of condign pun- 
 ishment." This was a diploma, conferring greater honours 
 en the individuals, than any other which was within the power 
 of his Britannic majesty to bestow. 
 
 In a letter dated April, 1776, at Philadelphia, while he was 
 in congress, to major Hawley, of Massachusetts, he said, "I 
 am perfectly satisfied of the necessity of a public and explicit 
 declaration* of independence. I cannot conceive what good 
 reason can be assigned against it. Will it widen the breach ? 
 This would be a strange question after we have raised armies 
 imd fought battles with the British troops ; set up an American 
 navy, permitted the inhabitants of these colonies to fit out arm- 
 ed vessels to capture the ships, &c. belonging to any of the in- 
 habitants of Great Britain; declaring them the enemies of 
 the United Colonies, and torn into shivers their acts of trade, 
 by allowing commerce, subject to regulations to be made by 
 ourselves, with the people of all countries, except such as are 
 subject to the British king. It cannot, surely, after all this, 
 be imagined, that we consider ourselves, or mean to be con- 
 
ADAMS. 17 
 
 sidered by others, in any other state, than that of indepen- 
 dence." 
 
 In another letter to James Warren, Esq. dated Baltimore, 
 December 31, 1776, he said, "I assure you, business has 
 been done since we came to this place, more to my satisfac- 
 tion than any or every thing done before, excepting the De- 
 claration of Independence, which should have been made im- 
 mediately after the 19th of April, 1775." 
 
 The character of Mr. Adams had become celebrated in 
 foreign countries. In 1773, he had been chosen a member 
 of the society of the bill of rights in London; and in 1774, 
 John Adams and doctor Joseph Warren were elected on his 
 nomination. 
 
 Mr. Adams was a member of the continental congresg 
 when the declaration of independence was made. He was a 
 warm and ardent friend of that measure, and supported it 
 with great zeal. 
 
 In the year 1777, our patriots encountered many dihVulties. 
 It was at this critical juncture, after Congress had resolved 
 to adjourn from Philadelphia to Lancaster, that some of the 
 leading members accidentally met in company with each 
 other. A conversation in mutual confidence ensued. Mr. 
 Adams, who was one of the number, was cheerful and undis- 
 mayed at the aspect of affairs, while the countenances of his 
 friends were strongly marked with the desponding feelings of 
 their hearts. The conversation naturally turned upon the 
 subject which most engaged their feelings. Each took occa- 
 sion to express his opinions on the situation of the public 
 cause. Mi-. Adams listened in silence till they had finished. 
 He then said, " Gentlemen, your spirits appear to be heavily 
 oppressed with our public calamities. I hope you do not de- 
 spair of our final success?" It was answered, "That the 
 chance was desperate." Mr. Adams replied, "if this be our 
 language, it is so, indeed. If we wear long faces, they will 
 become fashionable. Let us banish such feelings, and show 
 a spirit that will keep alive the confidence of the people. 
 Better tidings will soon arrive. Our cause is just and right- 
 eous, and we shall never be abandoned by Heaven while wc 
 show ourselves worthy of its aid and protection," 
 
 At this time there were but twenty-eight of the members of 
 Congress present at Philadelphia. Mr. Adams said, "that 
 this was the smallest, but the truest Congress, they ever had." 
 But a few days had elapsed, when the news arrived of the 
 glorious success at Saratoga, which gave a new complexion 
 to our affairs, and confidence to our hopes. 
 
 Soon after this, lord Howe, the earl of Carlisle, and Mr, 
 Eden, arrived as commissioners to treat for peace, under lord 
 
18 ADAMS. 
 
 North's conciliatory proposition. Mr. Adams was one of 
 the committee chosen by congress to draught an answer to 
 their letter. In this, it is related, ''That congress will rea- 
 dily attend to such terms of peace, as may consist with the 
 honour of an independent nation." 
 
 In 1779, Samuel Adams was placed, by the state conven- 
 tion, on a committee to prepare and report a form of govern- 
 ment for Massachusetts. By this committee he and John 
 Adams were appointed a sub-committee to furnish a draught of 
 the constitution. The draught produced by them was report- 
 ed to the convention, and, after some amendments, accepted. 
 The address of the convention to the people was jointly writ- 
 ten by them. 
 
 In 1787, he was chosen a member of the Massachusetts 
 convention for the ratification of the constitution of the United 
 States. He had some objections to it in its reported form ; 
 the principal of which was to that article which rendered the 
 several states amenable to the courts of the nation. He 
 thought that this would reduce them to mere corporations. 
 There was a very powerful opposition to it, and some of its 
 most zealous friends and supporters were fearful that it would 
 not be accepted. 
 
 Mr. Adams had not then given his sentiments upon it in the 
 convention, but regularly attended the debates. Some of the 
 leading advocates waited upon Mr. Adams to ascertain his 
 opinions and wishes, in a private manner. Mr. Adams sta- 
 ted his objections, and stated that he should not give it his 
 support, unless certain amendments were recommended to be 
 adopted. These he enumerated. Mr. Adams prepared his 
 amendments, which were brought before the convention, and 
 referred to a committee, who made some inconsiderable al- 
 terations, with which the constitution was accepted. Some 
 of these were afterwards agreed to as amendments, and form, 
 at present, a part of that instrument. 
 
 In 1789, he was elected lieutenant governor of the state of 
 Massachusetts, and continued to fill that office till 1794, when 
 he was chosen governor of that state. He was annually re- 
 elected till 1797, when, oppressed with years and bodily in- 
 firmities, he declined being again a candidate, and retired t<» 
 private life. 
 
 After many years of incessant exertion, employed in the 
 establishment of the independence of America, he died on the 
 3rd of October, 1803, in the 82d year of his age, in indigent 
 circumstances. 
 
 Though poor he possessed a lofty and incorruptible spirit, 
 and looked with disregard upon riches, if not with contempt ; 
 while at the same time he did not attempt to disguise that re- 
 
ADAMS. 19 
 
 putation and popular influence were the great objects of his 
 ambition. 
 
 His private morals were pure, his manners grave and aus- 
 tere, and bis conversation, which generally turned on public 
 characters and events, hold, decided, and sometimes coarse. 
 Besides the occurrences of the passing day, he is said to have 
 had three topics of conversation on which he delighted to ex- 
 patiate, and to have always dwelt upon w it h great earnestness ; 
 British oppression, the manners, laws, and customs of New 
 England, and the importance to every republican government, 
 of public schools for the instruction of the whole population 
 of the state. 
 
 The person of Samuel Adams was of the middle size. His 
 countenance was a true index of his mind, and possessed those 
 lofty and elevated characteristics, which are always found to 
 accompany true greatness. 
 
 He was a steady professor of the Christian religion, and 
 uniformly attended public worship. His family devotions 
 were regularly performed, and his morality was never im- 
 peached. 
 
 In his manners and deportment, he was sincere and unaf- 
 fected : in conversation, pleasing and instructive; and in his 
 friendships, steadfast and affectionate. 
 
 His revolutionary labours were not surpassed by those of 
 any individual. From the commencement of the dispute with 
 Great Britain, he was incessantly employed in public service; 
 opposing at one time, the supremacy of "parliament in all 
 cases ;" taking the lead in questions of controverted policy 
 with the royal governors ; writing state papers from 1765 to 
 1774; in planning and organizing clubs and committees; ha- 
 ranguing in town meetings, or filling the columns of public, 
 prints adapted to the spirit and temper of the times. In addi- 
 tion to these occupations, he maintained an extensive ami la- 
 borious correspondence with the friends of American free- 
 dom in Great Britain and in the provinces. 
 
 His private habits, which were simple, frugal, and unosten- 
 tatious, led him to despise the luxury and parade affected. by 
 the crown officers ; and his detestation of royalty, and privi- 
 leged classes, which no man could have felt more deeply, stim- 
 ulated him to persevere in a course, which he conscientiously 
 believed to be his duty to pursue, for the welfare of his 
 country. 
 
 The motives by which he was actuated, were not a sudden 
 ebullition of temper, nor a transient impulse of resentment, 
 but they were deliberate, methodical and unyielding. There 
 was no pause, no hesitation, no despondency; every day and 
 every hour, was employed in some contribution towards the 
 
20 ADAMS. 
 
 main design, it not in action, in writing ; if not with the pen, 
 • in conversation ; if not in talking, in meditation. The means 
 he advised were persuasion, petition, remonstrance, resolu- 
 tions, and when all failed, defiance and extermination sooner 
 than submission. With this unrelenting and austere spirit, 
 there was nothing ferocious, or gloomy, or arrogant in his 
 demeanor. His aspect was mild, dignified and gentlemanly. 
 In his own state, or in the congress of the union, he was al- 
 ways the advocate of the strongest measures, and in the dark- 
 est hour he never wavered nor desponded. 
 
 No man was more intrepid and dauntless, when encompass- 
 ed by dangers, or more calm and unmoved amid public disas- 
 ters and adverse fortune. His bold and daring conduct and 
 language, subjected him to great personal hazards. Had any 
 fatal event occurred to our country, by which she had fallen 
 in her struggle for liberty, Samuel Adams would have been 
 the first victim of ministerial vengeance. His blood Avould 
 have been first shed as a sacrifice on the altar of tyranny, for 
 the noble magnanimity and independence, with which he de- 
 fended the cause of freedom. But such was his firmness, that 
 he would have met death with as much composure, as he re- 
 garded it with unconcern. 
 
 His writings were numerous, and much distinguished for 
 their elegance and fervour : but unfortunately the greater part 
 of them have been lost, or so distributed, as to render their 
 collection impossible. 
 
 He was the author of a letter to the earl of Hillsborough ; 
 of many political essays directed against the administration 
 of governor Shirley ; of a letter in answer of Thomas Paine, 
 in defence of Christianity, and of an oration published in the 
 year 1776. Four letters of his correspondence on government, 
 are extant, and were published in a pamphlet form in 1800. 
 
 Mr. Adams's eloquence was of a peculiar character. His 
 language was pure, concise, and impressive. He was more 
 logical than figurative. His arguments were addressed rather 
 to the understanding, than to the feelings ; yet he always en- 
 gaged the deepest attention of his audience. On ordinary oc- 
 casions, there was nothing remarkable in his speeches ; but, 
 on great questions, when his own feelings were interested, he 
 would combine every thing great in oratory. In the language 
 of an elegant writer, the great qualities of his mind were fully 
 displayed, in proportion as the field for their exertion was 
 extended ; and the energy of his language was not infe- 
 rior to the depth of his mind. It was an eloquence admirably 
 adapted to the age in which he flourished, and exactly calcu- 
 lated to attain the object of his pursuit. It may well be de- 
 scribed in the language of the poet, "thoughts which breathe, 
 
ALLEN. 21 
 
 and words which burn." An eloquence, not consisting of 
 theatrical gesture, or with the sublime enthusiasm and ardour 
 of patriotism ; an eloquence, to which his fellow-citizens lis- 
 tened with applause and rapture ; and little inferior to the best 
 models of antiquity for simplicity, majesty, and persuasion. 
 
 The consideration of the character of Samuel Adams, when 
 taken in connexion with the uncommon degree of popularity 
 which his name had obtained in this country, may suggest an 
 important moral lesson to those of our youth, whom a gener- 
 ous ambition incites to seek the temple of glory th rough the 
 thorny paths of political strife. Let them compare him with 
 men confessedly very far his superiors in every gift of intel- 
 lect, of education, and of fortune: with those who have gov- 
 erned empires, and swayed the fate of nations ; and then let 
 them consi'ler how poor and how limited is their fame, when 
 placed in competition with that of this humble patriot. The 
 memory of those men, tarnished as it is by the history of their 
 profligacy, their corruption, and their crimes; is preserved 
 only among the advocates and slaves of legitimacy, while the 
 name of Samuel Adams is enrolled among the benefactors of 
 his country, and repeated with respect and gratitude by the 
 lowest citizens of a free state. 
 
 ALLEN, Ethan - , a brigadier general in the revolutiona- 
 ry war, was born in Salisbury, Connecticut. While he was 
 young, his parents emigrated to Vermont. At the commence- 
 ment of the disturbances in this territory, about the year 1770, 
 he took a bold and active part in favor of the Green Moun- 
 tain Boys, as the settlers were then called, in opposition to 
 the claims of the government of the state of New York. So 
 obnoxious had he rendered himself, that an act of outlawry 
 against him was passed by the government of that colony, 
 and five hundred guineas were offered for his apprehension; but 
 his party was too numerous and too faithful, to permit him to 
 be disturbed by any ^prehensions for his safety. During the 
 period that this subject was agitated, in all the struggles 
 which it occasioned, and in which he took a part, he was 
 uniformly successful. He not only proved a valuable friend 
 to those, whose cause he had espoused, but he was humane and 
 generous towards those with whom he had to contend. When 
 called to take the field, lie showed himself an able leader and 
 an intrepid soldier. 
 
 The history of this celebrated controversy, between Ver- 
 mont and New York, is fully explained in the Vermont State 
 Papers, lately compiled and published by William Slade, 
 Jun. Esq. from which we select the following brief view of 
 >he dispute: 
 
 "It will be recollected that the whole property of the set- 
 
£2 alle:n. 
 
 tiers, on the New-Hampshire grants, had been long put at 
 hazard by the claims of New-York. In face of the royal pro- 
 hibition of the 24th of July, 1767, the government of that 
 Province had proceeded to convey the lands, occupied under 
 grants from the same royal authority. The Courts at Alba- 
 ny had, uniformly, decided in favor of the New- York grantees. 
 Writs of possession had been issued; the execution of which 
 was regarded by the settlers as nothing less than legalized 
 robbery. They therefore resisted; and, for uniting in this 
 resistance, had been indicted as rioters, and subjected to heavy 
 penalties. Notwithstanding the attempt which had been 
 made to arrest the progress of the controversy, it does not ap- 
 pear that the government of New-York had, at any time, ta- 
 ken measures to restrain the location and settlement of lands 
 under New- York titles. The bone of contention, therefore, 
 still remained; and the failure of an attempted reconciliation 
 had served to embitter the resentment of the contending par- 
 ties, and produce a state of hostility, more decided and alarm- 
 ing. 
 
 "The mass of the settlers, on the New Hampshire grants, 
 consisted of a brave, hardy race of men. Their minds, na- 
 turally strong and active, had been roused to the exercise of 
 their highest energies, in a controversy, involving every thing 
 that was dear to them. Though unskilled in the rules of lo- 
 gic, they, nevertheless, reasoned conclusively; and having 
 once come to a decision, they wanted not the courage or con- 
 duct necessary to carry it into execution. 
 
 "Foremost among them, stood Ethan Axlen. Bold, ar- 
 dent, and unyielding; possessing a vigorous intellect, and an 
 uncommon share of self-confidence, he was peculiarly fitted 
 to become a successful leader of the opposition. In the pro- 
 gress of this controversy, several pamphlets were written by 
 him, exhibiting, in a manner peculiar to himself, and well 
 suited to the state of public feeling, the«injustice of the New 
 York claims. These pamphlets were extensively circulated, 
 and contributed much to inform the minds, arouse the zeal, 
 and unite the efforts, of the settlers." 
 
 "Enjoying, as we now do, the protection of just and equal 
 laws, it is difficult to form a proper estimate of the measures 
 we are reviewing. We shall be less inclined to censure them 
 as unnecessarily severe, if we reflect, that there was no choice 
 left to the New-Hampshire grantees, between an entire sur- 
 render of their farms, rescued from the wildness of nature, 
 and made valuable, by their industry; and a determined and 
 persevering resistance by force. Necessity drove them to re- 
 sistance, and sound policy dictated that it should be of a cha- 
 racter to inspire a full belief that it would be made effectual." 
 
ALLEN". S3 
 
 <<It is difficult to conjecture what would have been the issue 
 of this controversy, had not its progress been suddenly ar- 
 rested by the commencement of the revolutionary war. The 
 
 events of the memorable 19th of April. 1775, produced a 
 shock, which was felt to every extremity of the colonies: and 
 
 "local and provincial contests were, at once, swallowed up 
 by the novelty, the grandeur, and the importance of the con- 
 test thus opened bf tv eei. Great Britain and America." 
 
 The news of The battle of Lexington determined col .-.el 
 Alien to engage on the side of his country, and inspired birn 
 with the desire of demonstrating his attachment to liberty by- 
 some hold exploit. While his mind was in this state, a plan 
 for taking Ticonderoga and Crown Point by surprise, which 
 was formed by several gentlemen in Connecticut, was com- 
 municated to him. and he readily engaged in the project. 
 Receiving directions from the general assembly of Connecti- 
 cut, to raise the green mountain boys, and conduct the enter- 
 prise, he collected two hundred of the hardy settlers, and pro- 
 ceeded to Castleton. Here he was unexpectedly joined by col- 
 onel Arnold, who had been commissioned by the Massachu- 
 setts' committee to raise four hundred men and effert the same 
 object, which was now- about to be accomplished, As he had 
 not raised the men. he was admitted to act as assistant to col- 
 onel Allen. They reached the lake opposite Ticonderoga on 
 the evening of the 9th of May. 1775. With the utmost diffi- 
 culty, boats were procured, and eighty -three men were landed 
 near the garrison. The approach of day rendering it danger- 
 ous to wait for the rear, it was determined immediately to pro- 
 ceed. The commander in chief now addressed his men. repre- 
 senting that they had been, for a number of years, a scourge to 
 arbitrary power, and famed for their valor: and concluded 
 with saying. 'T now propose to advance before you, and in per- 
 son conduct you through the wicket gate, and you that w ill go 
 with me voluntarily in this desperate attempt, poise your fire- 
 locks." At the head of the centre file he marched instantly to 
 the gate, where a sentry snapped his gun at him. and retreat- 
 ed through the covered way: he pressed forward into the fort, 
 and formed his men on the parade in such a manner as to face 
 two opposite barracks. Three huzzas awakened the garri- 
 son. A sentry, who asked quarter, pointed out the apart- 
 ments of the commanding officer: and Allen, with a drawn 
 sword over the head of captain De la Place, who was un- 
 dressed, demanded the surrender of the fort. "By what au- 
 thority do you demand it?" inquired the astonished comman- 
 der. 4, I demand it," said Allen, "in the name of the great 
 Jehovah and of the continental congress." The summons 
 could not be disobeved. and the fort with its very valuable 
 
24 ALLEN. 
 
 stores and forty -nine prisoners, was immediately surrendered. 
 Crown Point was taken the same day, and the capture of a 
 sloop of war soon afterwards made Allen and his brave party 
 complete masters of lake Champlain. 
 
 In the fall of 1775, he was sent twice into Canada, to ob- 
 serve the dispositions of the people, and attach them, if possi- 
 ble, to the American cause. During this last tour, colonel 
 Brown met him, and proposed an attack on Montreal, in con- 
 cert. The proposal was eagerly embraced, and colonel Al- 
 len with one hundred and ten men, near eighty of whom were 
 Canadians, crossed the river in the night of the 24th of Sep- 
 tember. In the morning he waited with impatience for the sig- 
 nal of colonel Brown, who agreed to co-operate with him; but 
 he waited in vain. He made a resolute defence against an at- 
 tack of live hundred men, and it was not till his own party was 
 reduced, by desertions, to the number of thirty-one* and he 
 had retreated near a mile, that he surrendered. A moment 
 afterwards a furious savage rushed towards him, and present- 
 ed his firelock with the intent of killing him. It was only by 
 making use of the body of the officer, to whom he had given 
 his sword, as a. shield, that he escaped destruction. 
 
 He was now kept for some time in irons and treated with 
 great severity and cruelty. He was sent to England as a 
 prisoner, being assured that the halter would be the reward 
 of his rebellion when he arrived there. After his arrival, 
 about the middle of December, he was lodged for a short 
 time in Pendennis castle, near Falmouth. On the 8th of Ja- 
 nuary, 1776, he was put on board a frigate and by a circuitous 
 route carried to Halifax. Here he remained confined in the 
 jail from June to October, when he was removed to New York. 
 During the passage to this place, captain Burke, a daring 
 prisoner, proposed to kill the British captain and seize the 
 frigate; but colonel Allen refused to engage in the plot, and 
 was, probably, the means of preserving the life of captain 
 Smith, who had treated him very politely. He was kept at 
 New York, about a year and a half, sometimes imprisoned 
 and sometimes permitted to be on parole. While here, he had 
 an opportunity to observe the inhuman manner, in which the 
 American prisoners were treated. In one of the churches, in 
 whicb they were crowded, he saw seven lying dead at one 
 time, and others biting pieces of chips from hunger. He cal- 
 culated, that of the prisoners taken at Long Island and fort 
 Washington, near two thousand perished by hunger and cold, 
 or in consequence of diseases occasioned by the impurity of 
 their prisons. 
 
 Colonel Allen was exchanged for colonel Campbell, May 6, 
 1778, and after having repaired to head quarters, and offer- 
 
ALLEN. S3 
 
 ed his services to general Washington in case his health should 
 be restored, he returned to Vermont. His arrival on the 
 evening of the last of May, gave his friends great joy, and it 
 was announced by the discharge of cannon. As an expression 
 of confidence in his patriotism and military talents, he was 
 very soon appointed to the command of the state militia. It 
 docs not appear, however, that his intrepidity was ever again 
 brought to the test, though his patriotism was tried by an un- 
 successful attempt of the British to bribe him to attempt a 
 union of Vermont with Canada. He died suddenly at his 
 estate in Colchester, February 13, 1789. 
 
 Colonel Allen possessed a mind naturally strong, vigorous 
 and eccentric, but it had not been improved by an early edu- 
 cation. He was brave in the most imminent danger, and 
 possessed a bold, daring, and adventurous spirit, which nei- 
 ther feared dangers nor regarded difficulties. He was also 
 ingenuous, frank, generous and patriotic, which are the usual 
 accompanying virtues of native bravery and courage. He 
 wrote and published a narrative of his sufferings during his 
 imprisonment in England and in New York; comprising also 
 various observations upon the events of the war. the conduct 
 of the British, and their treatment of their prisoners. 
 
 ALLEN, Euenezer, was one of the first soldiers of the 
 revolution. He was in the party that went against Ticoude- 
 roga. With forty men he went upon the hill Defiance, and 
 carried the fortress without loss of a man. He also distin- 
 guished himself in the battle of Bennington; taking advan- 
 tage of a breastwork of rocks, he contended with the front of 
 the enemy, till he caused a temporary retreat. He was among 
 those who exerted themselves in making Vermont a separate 
 state, and lived to see not only the wilderness subdued, where 
 he first ploughed the ground, but the places filled with inhab- 
 itants. The account of his death is mentioned in the newspa- 
 pers of the year 1805. 
 
 ALLEN, Moses, minister of Midway. Georgia, and a dis- 
 tinguished friend of his country, Avas born in Northampton, 
 Massachusetts, September 14, 1748, He was educated at the 
 college in New Jersey, where he graduated in 1776, and was 
 licensed by the presbytery of New Brunswick, February 1, 
 1774, and recommended by them as an ingenious, prudent, 
 pious man. In March following he preached first at Christ's 
 church parish, about twenty miles from Charleston, in South 
 Carolina. Here he was ordained, March 1 6, 1775, by the Rev. 
 Mr. Zubly, Mr. Edmonds and William Tennent. He preach- 
 ed his farewell sermon in this place. June 8, 1776, and was 
 soon afterwards established at Midway, to which place he 
 had been earnestly solicited to remove. 
 
 4 
 
26 ALEXANDER. 
 
 The British army from Florida under General Prevost dis- 
 persed his society in 1778, and burned the meeting house, al- 
 most every dwelling house, and the crops of rice then in 
 stacks. In December, when Savannah was reduced by the 
 British troops, he was taken prisoner. The continental offi- 
 cers were sent to Sunbury on parole, but Mr. Allen, wbo was 
 chaplain to the Georgia brigade, was denied that privilege. 
 His warm exhortations from the pulpit, and his animated ex- 
 ertions in the field exposed him to the particular resentment 
 of the British. They sent him on board the prison ships. 
 Wearied with a confinement of a number of weeks in a loath- 
 some place, and seeing no prospect of relief, he determined to 
 attempt the recovery of his liberty by throwing himself in the 
 river, and swimming to an adjacent point; but Le was drown- 
 ed in the attempt on the evening of February 8, 1779, in the 
 31st year of his age. His body was washed on a neighbor- 
 ing island, and was found by some of his friends. They re- 
 quested of the captain of a British vessel some boards to make 
 a coffin, but could not procure them. 
 
 Mr. Allen, notwithstanding his clerical function, appeared 
 among the foremost in the day of battle, and on all occasions 
 sought the post of danger as the post of honor. The friends 
 of independence admired him for his popular talents, his cou- 
 rage, and his many virtues. The enemies of independence 
 could accuse him of nothing more, than a vigorous exertion 
 of all his powers in defending what he conscientiously believ- 
 ed to be the rights of his injured country. 
 
 ALEXANDER, William, commonly called lord Ster- 
 ling, a major-general in the American army, in the revolu- 
 tionary war with Great Britain, was a native of the city of 
 New York, but spent a considerable part of his life in New 
 Jersey. He was considered by many as the rightful heir to 
 the title and estate of an earldom in Scotland, of which coun- 
 try his father was a native; and although, when he went to 
 North Britain in pursuit of this inheritance, he failed of ob- 
 taining an acknowledgment of his claim by go\ernment: yet, 
 among his friends and acquaintances, lie received by courtesy 
 the title of lord Sterling. He discovered an early fondness 
 for the study of mathematics and astronomy, and attained 
 great eminence in these sciences. 
 
 In the battle on Long Island, August 27, 1 776, lie was taken 
 prisoner, after having secured to a large part of the de- 
 tachment an opportunity to escape by a bold attack, with four 
 hundred men, upon a corps under lord Cornwallis. In the 
 battle of Germantown, his division and the brigades of Gen- 
 erals Nash and Maxwell, formed the corps de reserve. At the 
 battle of Monmouth he commanded the left wing of the Ame- 
 rican army. 
 
ALEXANDER. 27 
 
 Ramsay, in his history of the American revolution, gives 
 the following account of the battle of Monmouth: 
 
 "The royal army passed over the Delaware into New Jer- 
 sey. General Washington, having penetrated into their de- 
 sign of evacuating Philadelphia, had previously detached gen- 
 eral Maxwell's brigade, to co-operate with the Jersey militia 
 in obstructing their progress, till time would be given for his 
 army to overtake them. The British were encumbered with 
 enormous baggage, which, together with the impediments 
 thrown into their way, greatly retarded their march. The 
 American army, having, in pursuit of the British, crossed 
 the Delaware, six hundred men were immediately detached, 
 under colonel Morgan, to reinforce general Maxwell. Wash- 
 ington halted his troops, when they had marched to the vicin- 
 ity of Princeton. The general officers in the American army, 
 being asked by the commander in chief, "Will it be advisa- 
 ble to hazard a general action" answered in the negative, 
 but recommended a detachment of fifteen hundred men, to be 
 immediately sent, to act as occasion might serve, on the ene- 
 my's left flank and rear. This was immediately forwarded 
 under general Scott. When sir Henry Clinton had advanced 
 to Allentown, he determined, instead of keeping the direct 
 road towards Staten Island, to draw towards the sea coast 
 and to pass on towards Sandy Hook. General Washington, 
 on receiving intelligcncethat sir Henry was proceeding in 
 that direction towards Monmouth court-house, despatched 
 one thousand men under general Wayne, and sent the mar- 
 quis de la Fayette to take command of the whole advanced 
 corps, with orders to seize the first fair opportunity of attack- 
 ing the enemy's rear. General Lee, who, having been late- 
 ly exchanged, had joined the army, was offered this command, 
 but he declined it, as he was in principle against hazarding 
 an attack. The whole army followed at a proper distance, 
 for supporting the advanced corps, and readied Cranberry 
 the next morning. Sir Henry Clinton, sensible of the ap- 
 proach of the Americans, placed his grenadiers, light infan- 
 try and chasseurs, in his rear, and his baggage in his front. 
 General Washington increased his advanced corps with two 
 brigades, and sent general Lee, who now wished for the com- 
 mand, to take charge of the whole, and followed with the main 
 army to give it support. On the next morning orders were 
 sent to Lee, to move on and attack, unless there should be 
 powerful reasons to the contrary; When Washington had 
 marched about five miles, to support the advanced corps, he 
 found the whole of it retreating by Lee's orders, and without 
 having made any opposition of consequence. Washington 
 rode up to Lee and proposed certain questions to him, which 
 
28 ALEXANDER. 
 
 implied censure. Lee answered with warmth and unsuitable 
 language. The commander in chief ordered colonel Stewart's 
 and lieutenant colonel Ramsay's battalions, to form on a piece 
 of ground, which he judged suitable for giving a check to the 
 advancing enemy. Lee was then asked if he would command 
 on that ground, to which he consented, and was ordered to 
 take proper measures for checking the enemy, to which he 
 replied, "your orders shall be obeyed, and I will not be the 
 first to lca\e the field." Washington then rode to the main 
 army, which was formed with the utmost expedition. A warm 
 cannonade immediately commenced, between the British and 
 American artillery, and heavy firing between the advanced 
 troops of the British army, and the two battalions which gen- 
 eral Washington had halted. These stood their ground, till 
 they were intermixed with a part of the British army. Lieu- 
 tenant colonel Ramsay, the commander of one of them, was 
 wounded and taken prisoner. General Lee continued till the 
 last on the field of battle, and brought off the rear of the re- 
 treating troops. 
 
 "The check the British received, gave time to make a dis- 
 position of the left wing, and second line of the American 
 army in the wood, and on the eminence to which Lee was re- 
 treating. On this some camion were placed by lord Ster- 
 ling, who commanded the left wing, which, with the co-oper- 
 ation of some parties of infantry, effectually stopped the ad- 
 vance of the British in that quarter. General Greene took 
 a very advantageous position, on the right of lord Sterling. 
 The British attempted to turn the left flank of the Americans, 
 but were repulsed. They also made a movement to the right, 
 with as little success, for Greene with artillery disappointed 
 their design. Wayne advanced with a body of troops, and 
 kept up so severe and well directed a fire, that the British 
 were soon compelled to give way. They retired and took the 
 position which Lee had before occupied. Washington re- 
 solved to attack them, and ordered general Poor to move 
 round upon their right, and general Woodford to their left: 
 but they could not get within reach before it was dark. These 
 remained on the ground which they had been directed to oc- 
 cupy during the night, with an intention of attacking, early 
 next morning, and the main body lay on their arms in the 
 field to be ready for supporting them. General Washington 
 reposed himself in his cloak, under a tree, in hopes of renew- 
 ing the action the next day. But these hopes were frustrat- 
 ed: The British troops marched away in the night, in such 
 silence, that general Poor, though he lay very near them, 
 knew nothing of their departure. They left behind them, 
 four officers and about forty privates, all so badly wounded, 
 
ARNOLD. 29 
 
 that they could not be removed. Their other wounded were 
 carried off. The British pursued their march without fur- 
 ther interruption, and soon reached the neighborhood of San- 
 dy Hook, without the loss of either their covering party or 
 baggage. The American general declined all further pursuit 
 of the royal army, and soon after drew off his troops to the 
 borders of the North river. The loss of the Americans, in 
 killed and wounded, was about two hundred and fifty. The 
 Joss of the royal army, inclusive of prisoners, was about three 
 hundred and fifty. Lieutenant colonel Monckton, one of the. 
 British slain, on account of his singular merit, was univer- 
 sally lamented. Colonel Bonner, of Pennsylx ania, and major 
 Dickenson, of Virginia, officers highly esteemed by their coun- 
 try, fell in this engagement. The emotions of the mind, 
 added to fatigue in a very hot day, brought on such a fatal 
 suppression of the vital powers, that some of the Americans, 
 and fifty-nine of the British were found dead on the field of 
 battle, without any marks of violence upon their bodies." 
 
 Lord Sterling died at Albany, January 15, 1783, aged 57 
 years. He was a brave, discerning, and intrepid officer. 
 
 ARNOLD, Benedict, a major general in the American 
 army, during the revolutionary war, and infamous for desert- 
 ing the cause of his country, was early chosen captain of a 
 volunteer company in New Haven, Connecticut, where he 
 lived. After hearing of the battle of Lexington, he immedi- 
 ately marched, with his company, for the American head 
 quarters, and reached Cambridge, April 29, 1775. 
 
 He immediately waited on the Massachusetts committee of 
 safety, and informed them of the defenceless state of Ticon- 
 deroga. The committee appointed him a colonel, and com- 
 missioned him to raise four hundred men, and to take that 
 fortress. He proceeded directly to Vermont, and when he 
 arrived at Castleton was attended by one servant only. Here 
 he joined colonel Allen, and on the 10th of May the fortress 
 was taken. 
 
 In the fall of 1775, he was sent by the commander in chief 
 to penetrate through the wilderness of the district of Maine, 
 into Canada. On thel6th of September, he commenced his 
 march with about one thousand men, consisting of New Eng- 
 land infantry, some volunteers, a company of artillery, and 
 three companies of riflemen. One division was obliged to re- 
 turn, or it would have perished by hunger. After sustain- 
 ing almost incredible hardships, he, in six weeks, arrived at 
 Point Levi, opposite Quebec. The appearance of an army, 
 emerging from the wilderness, threw the city into the greatest 
 consternation. In this moment of surprise Arnold might pro- 
 
so ARNOLD. 
 
 bably have become master of the place, but the small crafts 
 and boats in the river were removed out of his reach. 
 
 It seems that his approach was not altogether unexpected. 
 He had, imprudently, a number of days before, sent forward 
 a letter to a friend by an Indian, who betrayed him. A de- 
 lay of several days on account of the difficulty of passing the 
 river was inevitable, and the critical moment was lost. 
 
 On the 14th of November he crossed the St. Lawrence in 
 the night; and, ascending the precipice, which Wolfe had 
 climbed before him, formed his small corps on the height, 
 near the memorable plains of Abraham. With only about 
 seven hundred men, one third of whose muskets had been ren- 
 dered useless in the march through the wilderness, success 
 could not be expected. After parading some days on the 
 heights, near the town, and sending two flags to summon the 
 inhabitants, he retired to Point aux Trembles, twenty miles 
 above Quebec, and there waited the arrival of Montgomery, 
 who joined him on the first of December. The city was im- 
 mediately besieged, but the best measures had been taken for 
 its defence. On the morning of the last day of the year, an 
 assault was made on the one side of the city by Montgomery, 
 who was killed. At the same time, colonel Arnold, at the 
 head of about three hundred and fifty men, made a desperate 
 attack on the opposite side. Advancing with the utmost in- 
 trepidity along the St. Charles, through a narrow path, ex^ 
 posed to an incessant fire of grape shot and musquetry, as he 
 approached the first barrier he received a musket ball in the 
 leg, which shattered the bone; and he was carried off to the 
 camp. Though the attack was unsuccessful, the blockade of 
 Quebec was continued till May, 1776, when the army, which 
 was in no condition to risk an assault, was removed to a 
 more defensible position. Arnold was compelled to relin- 
 quish one post after another, till the 18th of June, when he 
 quitted Canada. After this period, he exhibited great bra- 
 very in the command of the American fleet on lake Cham- 
 plain. 
 
 In August, 1777, he relieved fort Schuyler, under the com- 
 mand of colonel Ganscvoort, which was invested by colonel 
 St. Lcgcr, with an army of from fifteen to eighteen hundred 
 men. In the battle, near Stillwater, September 19th, he 
 conducted himself with his usual intrepidity, being engaged, 
 incessantly, for four hours. In the action of October 7th, 
 after the British had been driven into the lines, Arnold press- 
 ed forward, and under a tremendous fire, assaulted their 
 works from right to left. The intrench ments were at length 
 forced, and with a few men he actually entered the works ; 
 hut his horse being killed, and he himself badly wounded in 
 
ARNOLD. 31 
 
 the leg, lie found it necessary to withdraw, and as it was now 
 almost dark, to desist from the attack. 
 
 Being rendered unfit for active service in consequence of 
 his wound, after the recovery of Philadelphia, he was ap- 
 pointed to the command of the American garrison. When 
 he entered the city, he made the house of governor Penn, the 
 best house in the city, his head quarters. This he furnished 
 in a very costly manner, and lived far beyond his income. 
 He had wasted the plunder, which he had seized at Montreal, 
 in his retreat from Canada; and at Philadelphia, he was de- 
 termined to make new acquisitions. He laid his hands on 
 every tiling in the city, which could he considered as the pro- 
 perty of those who were unfriendly to the cause of his coun- 
 try. He was charged with oppression, extortion, and enor- 
 mous charges upon the public, in his accounts; and with ap- 
 plying the public money and property to his own private use. 
 Such was his conduct, that he drew upon himself the odium 
 of the inhabitants, not only of the city, but of the province 
 in general. He was engaged in trading speculations, and 
 had shares in several privateers, but was unsuccessful. 
 
 From the judgment of the commissioners, who had been 
 appointed to inspect his accounts, and who had rejected above 
 half the amount of his demands, he appealed to congress ; 
 and they appointed a committee of their own body to examine 
 and settle the business. The committee confirmed the report 
 of the commissioners, and thought they had allowed him 
 more than he had any right to expect or demand. By these 
 disappointments he became irritated, and he gave full scope 
 to his resentment. His invectives against congress were not 
 less violent, than those which he had before thrown out against 
 the commissioners. He was, however, soon obliged to abide 
 the judgment of a court-martial, upon the charges exhibited 
 against him by the executive of Pennsylvania ; and he was 
 subjected to the mortification of receiving a reprimand from 
 Washington. His trial commenced in June, 1778, but such 
 were the delays occasioned by the movements of the army, 
 that it was not concluded until the 26th of January, 1779. 
 The sentence of a reprimand was approved by congress, and 
 was soon afterwards carried into execution. 
 
 Such was the humiliation, to which general Arnold was re- 
 duced, in consequence of yielding to the temptations of pride 
 and vanity, and indulging himself in the pleasures of a sump- 
 tuous table and expensive equipage. 
 
 From this time, probably, his proud spirit revolted from 
 the cause of America. He turned his eyes to West Point as 
 an acquisition, which would give value to treason, uhile its 
 loss would inflict a mortal wound on his former friends. He 
 
32 ARNOLD. 
 
 addressed himself to the delegation of New-York, in which 
 state his reputation was peculiarly high : and a member of 
 congress from this state, recommended him to Washington 
 for the service which he desired. But this request could not 
 be immediately complied with. The same application to the 
 commander in chief was made not long afterwards through 
 general Schuyler. Washington observed, that, as there was 
 a prospect of an active campaign, he should be gratified with 
 the aid of general Arnold in the field, but intimated, at the 
 same time, that he should receive the appointment requested, 
 if it should be more pleasing to him. 
 
 Arnold, without discovering much solicitude, repaired to 
 camp in the beginning of August and renewed, in person, 
 the solicitations, which had been before indirectly made. He 
 was now offered the command of the left wing of the army, 
 which was advancing against New-York, but he declined it 
 under the pretext, that in consequence of his wounds, he was 
 unable to perform the active duties of the field. Without a 
 suspicion of his patriotism, he was invested with the command 
 of West Point. Previously to his soliciting this station, he 
 had, in a letter to colonel Robinson, signified his change of 
 principles, and his wish to restore himself to the favour of 
 his prince, by some signal proof of his repentance. This 
 letter opened to him a correspondence with Sir Henry Clinton, 
 the object of which was to concert the means of putting the 
 important post, which he commanded, into the possession of 
 the British general. 
 
 His plan, it is believed, was to have drawn the greater part 
 of his army without the works, under the pretext of fighting 
 the enemy in the defiles, and to have left unguarded a desig- 
 nated pass, through which the assailauts might securely ap- 
 proach, and surprise the fortress. His troops he intended to 
 place, so that they would be compelled to surrender, or be cut 
 in pieces. But just as his scheme was ripe for execution, 
 the wise Disposer of events, who so often and so remarkably 
 interposed in favour of the American cause, blasted his de- 
 signs. 
 
 Major Andre, Adjutant general of the British army, was 
 selected as the person, to whom the maturing of Arnold's 
 treason, and the arrangements for its execution should be 
 committed. A correspondence was, for some time, carried 
 on between them under a mercantile disguise, and the feigned 
 names of Gustavus and Anderson ; and at length, to facilitate 
 their communications, the Vulture sloop of war moved up the 
 North river and took a station convenient for the purpose, 
 but not so near as to excite suspicion. An interview was 
 agreed on, and in the night of September the 2 1st, 1780, he 
 
ARNOLD. 33 
 
 was taken in a boat, which was dispatched for the purpose, 
 and carried to the beach without the posts of both armies, 
 under a pass for John Anderson. He met general Arnold at 
 the house of a Mr. Smith. While the conference was yet un- 
 finished, daylight approached ; and to avoid the danger of 
 discovery, it was proposed, that he should remain concealed 
 till the succeeding night. He is understood to have refused 
 to be carried within the American posts, but the promise 
 made him by Arnold, to respect this objection, was not ob- 
 served. He was carried within them contrary to his wishes 
 and against his knowledge. He continued with Arnold the 
 succeeding day, and when, on the following night, he pro- 
 posed to return to the Vulture, the boatmen refused to carry 
 him, because she had, during the day, shifted her station, in 
 consequence of a gun having been moved to the shore, and 
 brought to bear upon her. This embarrassing circumstance 
 reduced him to the necessity of endeavouring to reach New- 
 York by land. Yielding, with reluctance, to the urgent re- 
 presentations of Arnold, lie laid aside his regimentals, which 
 he had hitherto worn under a surtout, and put on a plain suit 
 of clothes ; and, receiving a pass from the American general, 
 authorising him, under the feigned name of John Anderson, 
 to proceed on the public service, to the White Plains, or 
 lower, if he thought proper, he set out on his return. He 
 had passed all the guards and posts on the road without sus- 
 picion* and was proceeding to New- York in perfect security, 
 when, on the 23d of September, one of the three militia-men, 
 who were employed with others in scouting parties between 
 the lines of the two armies, springing suddenly from his co- 
 vert into the road, seized the reins of his bridle and stopped 
 his horse. Instead of producing his pass, Andre, with a 
 want of self-possession, which can be attributed only to a 
 kind Providence, asked the man hastily, where he belonged; 
 and being answered "to below," replied immediately, "and 
 so do I." He then declared himself to be a British officer, 
 on urgent business, and begged that he might not be detained. 
 The other two militia men' coming up at this moment, he dis- 
 covered his mistake ; but it was too late to repair it. He of- 
 fered a purse of gold and his gold watch, and said, "this 
 will convince you that I am a gentleman, and if you will suf- 
 fer me to pass*, I will send to New York, and give you any 
 amount you shall name, in cash, or in dry goods ;" and, point- 
 ing to an adjacent wood, "you may keep me in that wood till 
 it shall be delivered to you/' All his offers, however, were 
 rejected with disdain, and they declared that ten thousand 
 guineas, or any other sum would be no temptation. It is t© 
 
 5 
 
U ARNOLD. 
 
 their virtue, no less glorious to America, than Arnold's apoa* 
 tacy is disgraceful, that his detestable crimes were discovered. 
 The militiamen, whose names were John Paulding, David 
 Williams, and Isaac Vanwert, proceeded to search him. 
 They found concealed in his boots, exact returns, in Arnold's 
 hand writing, of the state of the forces, ordnance, and de- 
 fences of West Point and its dependencies; critical remarks 
 on the works, and an estimate of the men ordinarily employ- 
 ed in them, with other interesting papers. Andre was car- 
 ried before lieutenant colonel Jameson, the officer command- 
 ing the scouting parties on the lines, and regardless of him- 
 self, and only anxious for the safety of Arnold, he still main- 
 tained the character which he had assumed, and requested 
 Jameson to inform his commanding officer that Anderson was 
 taken. An express was accordingly dispatched, and the trai- 
 tor, thus becoming acquainted with his danger, escaped. 
 
 Major Andre, after his detection, was permitted to send a 
 message to Arnold, to give him notice of his danger ; and 
 the traitor found opportunity to escape on board the Vulture, 
 on the 25th of September, 1780, a few hours before the return 
 of Washington, who had been absent on a journey to Hart- 
 ford, Connecticut. It is supposed, however, that he would 
 not have escaped, had not an express to the commander in 
 chief, with an account of the capture of Andre, missed him 
 by taking a different road from the one which he travelled. 
 
 Arnold, on the very day of his escape, wrote a letter to 
 Washington, declaring that the love of his country had gov- 
 erned him in his late conduct, and requesting him to protect 
 Mrs. Arnold. She was conveyed to her husband at New 
 York, and his clothes and baggage, for which he had written, 
 were transmitted to him. During the exertions which were 
 made to rescue Andre from the destruction, which threatened 
 him, Arnold had the hardihood to interpose. He appealed 
 to the humanity of the commander in chief, and then sought 
 to intimidate him by stating the situation of many of the prin- 
 cipal characters of South Carolina, who had forfeited their 
 lives, but had hitherto been spared through the clemency of 
 the British general. This clemency, he said, could no longer, 
 in justice, be extended to them, should major Andre suffer. 
 
 When Arnold's treason was known at Philadelphia, an 
 artist of that city constructed an effigy of him, large as life, 
 and seated in a cart, with the figure of the devil at his elbow, 
 holding a lantern up to the face of the traitor, to show him to 
 the people, having his name and crime in capital letters. 
 The cart was paraded the whole evening through the streets 
 of the city with drums and fifes playing the rogue's march, 
 with other marks of infamy, and was attended by a vast con- 
 
ARNOLD. 35 
 
 course of people. The effigy was finally hanged for the want 
 of the original, and then committed to the flames. Yet this 
 is the man on whom the British bestowed ten thousand pounds 
 sterling as the price of his treason, and appointed to the 
 rank of brigadier general in their service. It could scarcely 
 be imagined that there was an officer of honour left in that 
 army, who would debase himself and his commission by ser- 
 ving under or ranking with Benedict Arnold! 
 
 Arnold preserved the rank of brigadier general throughout 
 the war. Yet he must have been held in contempt and detes- 
 tation by the generous and honourable. It was impossible 
 for men of this description, even when acting with him, to 
 forget that he was a traitor, first the slave of his rage, then 
 purchased with gold, and finally secured by the blood of one 
 of the most accomplished officers in the British army. One 
 would suppose that his mind could not have been much at ease; 
 but he had proceeded so far in vice, that perhaps his reflec- 
 tions gave him but little trouble. "lam mistaken," says 
 Washington, in a private letter, "if, at this time, Arnold is 
 undergoing the torments of a mental hell. He wants feeling. 
 From some traits of his character, which have lately come to 
 my knowledge, he seems to have been so hacknied in crime, 
 so lost to all sense of honour and shame, that while his facul- 
 ties still enable him to continue his sordid pursuits, there will 
 be no time for remorse." 
 
 Arnold found it necessary to make some exertions to secure 
 the attachment of his new friends. With the hope of alluring 
 many of the discontented to his standard, he published an ad- 
 dress to the inhabitants of America, in which he endeavoured 
 to justify his conduct. He had encountered the dangers of 
 the field, lie said, from apprehension that the rights of his coun- 
 try were in danger. He had acquiesced in the declaration of 
 independence, though he thought it precipitate. But the re- 
 jection of the overtures, made by Great Britain in 1778, and 
 the French alliance, had opened his eyes to the ambitious 
 views of those, who would sacrifice the happiness of their 
 country to their own aggrandizement, and had made him a 
 confirmed loyalist. He artfully mingled assertions, that the 
 principal members of congress held the people in sovereign 
 contempt. 
 
 This was followed in about a fortnight by a proclamation, 
 addressed " to the officers and soldiers of the continental 
 army, who have the real interest of their country at heart, 
 and who are determined to be no longer the tools and dupes of 
 congress or of France." To induce the American officers and 
 soldiers to desert the cause, which they had embraced, he re- 
 presented that the corps of cavalry and infantry, which he 
 
36 AP 4 NOLD. 
 
 was authorized to raise, would be upon the same looting with 
 the other troops in the British service ; that he should with 
 pleasure, advance those, whose valour he had witnessed ; and 
 that the private men, who joined him, should receive a bounty 
 of three guineas each, besides payment, at the full value, for 
 horses, arms, and accoutrements. His object was the peace, 
 liberty, and safety of America. " You are promised liberty," 
 lie exclaims, "but is there an individual in the enjoyment of 
 it saving your oppressors? Who among you dare to speak or 
 write what he thinks against the tyranny, which has robbed 
 you of your property, imprisons your persons, drags you to 
 the field of battle, and is daily deluging your country with 
 your blood?" "What," he exclaims again, "is America but 
 a land of widows, orphans, and beggars? As to you, who 
 have been soldiers in the continental army, can you at this 
 day want evidence, that the funds of your country are ex- 
 hausted, or that the managers have applied them to their pri- 
 vate uses? In either case you surely can no longer continue 
 in their service with honour or advantage. Yet you have 
 hitherto been their supporters in that cruelty, which, with 
 equal indifference to yours, as well as to the labour and blood 
 of others, is devouring a country, that from the moment you 
 quit their colours, will be redeemed from their tyranny." 
 
 These proclamations did not produce the effect designed, 
 and in all the hardships, sufferings, and irritations of the 
 w r ar, Arnold remains the solitary instance of an American 
 officer, who abandoned the side first embraced in the contest, 
 and turned his sword upon his former companions in arms. 
 
 He was soon despatched by sir Henry Clinton, to make a 
 diversion in Virginia. With about seventeen hundred men 
 he arrived in the Chesapeake, in January, 1731, and being- 
 supported by such a naval force, as was suited to the nature 
 of the service, he committed extensive ravages on the rivers 
 and along the unprotected coasts. It is said, that while on 
 this expedition, Arnold enquired of an American captain, 
 whom he had taken prisoner, what the Americans would do 
 with him if he should fall into their hands. The captain at 
 first declined giving him an answer, but upon being repeatedly 
 urged to it, he said, "Why, sir, if I must answer your ques- 
 tion, you must excuse my telling you the plain truth: if my 
 "countrymen should catch you, I believe they would Jirst cut 
 "off that lame leg, which %cas wounded in the cause of freedom 
 ii and virtue, and bury it with the honours of war, and after- 
 awards hang the remainder of your body in gibbets." The 
 reader will recollect that the captain alluded to the wound 
 Arnold received in one of his legs, at the attack upon Quebec, 
 in 1776. 
 
ARNOLD. 37 
 
 After his return from Virginia, he was appointed to con- 
 duct an expedition, the object of which was the town of New- 
 London, in his native county. The troops employed therein, 
 were landed in two detachments, one on eacli side of the har- 
 bour. The one commanded by lieutenant colonel Eyre, and 
 the other by Arnold. He took fort Trumbull without much 
 opposition. Fort Griswold was furiously attacked by lieu- 
 tenant colonel Eyre. The garrison defended themselves with 
 great resolution, but after a severe conflict of forty minutes, 
 the fort was carried by the enemy. The Americans had not 
 more than six or seven men killed, when the British carried 
 the lines, but a severe execution took place afterwards, 
 though resistance had ceased. An officer of the conquering 
 troops enquired, on his entering the fort, who commanded. 
 Colonel Ledyard, presenting his sword, answered, "I did, 
 but you do now;" and was immediately run through the body 
 and killed. Between thirty and forty were wounded, and 
 about forty were carried off prisoners. On the part of the 
 British forty-eight were killed, and one hundred and forty- 
 five wounded. About fifteen vessels loaded with the effects of 
 the inhabitants retreated up the river, and four others re- 
 mained in the harbour unhurt ; but all except these were burn- 
 ed by the communication of fire from the burning stores. 
 Sixty dwelling houses and eighty-four stores were reduced to 
 ashes. The loss which the Americans sustained by the de- 
 struction of naval stores, of provisions, and merchandize, 
 was immense. General Arnold having completed the object 
 of the expedition, returned in eight days to New York. 
 
 At the close of the war, he accompanied the royal army to 
 England. '• The contempt that followed him through life," 
 says a late elegant writer, "is further illustrated by the 
 speech of the present lord Lauderdale, who, perceiving Ar- 
 nold on the right hand of the king, and near his person, as 
 he addressed his parliament, declared, on his return to the 
 commons, that, however gracious the language he had heard 
 from the throne, his indignation could not but be highly ex- 
 cited, at beholding as he had done, his majesty supported by 
 a traitor." "And on another occasion, Lord Surry, since 
 duke of Norfolk, rising to speak in the house of commons, 
 and perceiving Arnold in the gallery, sat down with precipi- 
 tation, exclaiming, * I will not speak while that man, pointing 
 to him. is in the house.' 
 
 As the treason and treachery of Arnold, and the capture of 
 Andre, by three American militia men, excited great interest 
 and feeling, from the circumstance that Arnold was the only 
 instance of an American officer basely turning against his coun- 
 try in that doubtful contest, and the contrast so striking, be- 
 
3& BARNEY. 
 
 tween Arnold and tliose virtuous private soldiers, we deem it 
 proper to refer to the journals of the old congress, for authen- 
 tic facts, in relation to this most important transaction. 
 
 On the 30th September, 1780, we find in the journals, 
 the following facts connected with this affair: " A letter, 
 of the 26th, from general Washington, was read, confirming 
 the account given in the letter of the 25th, from major general 
 Greene, of the treasonable practices of major general Bene- 
 dict Arnold, and his desertion to the enemy. On the 4th Oc- 
 tober, 1780, congress adopted the following resolution: Re- 
 solved, That the board of war be, and hereby are directed to 
 erase from the register of the names of the officers of the army 
 of the United States, the name of Benedict Arnold." 
 
 BARNEY, JOSHUA, was born in Baltimore, in the state 
 of Maryland, on the 6th of July, 1759. His parents lived on 
 a farm between the town and North Point, where he was sent 
 to school until ten years of age, by which time he had learned 
 all his master could teach, reading, writing, and arithmetic. 
 He was then put into a retail store at Alexandria; but soon 
 became tired of that occupation. In 1771, he came to Balti- 
 more on a visit, and insisted on going to sea, which he al- 
 ways had an inclination for. He went out in a pilot boat with 
 a friend of his father, for several months. He was then 
 bound an apprentice to captain Thomas Drisdale, and sailed 
 witli him in a brig to Ireland. They arrived at the cove of 
 Cork, after a rough passage, where they remained two days, 
 and then proceeded to Liverpool. The vessel being sold, 
 young Barney returned home by the way of Dublin. Shortly 
 after his return his father died, having been shot by the acci- 
 dental discharge of a pistol in the hands of a brother, a child 
 of seven years of age. He made a voyage to Cadiz and 
 Genoa, and in 1775, sailed for Italy. The captain being 
 sick, and the mate having been discharged, the whole duty 
 fell on young Barney, although not 16 years of age. In July, 
 1775, he repaired to Alicant, at the time the Spaniards were 
 preparing an expedition against Algiers. His ship was taken 
 in the transport service. The expedition failed, and he re- 
 turned to America. On his arrival in the Chesapeake Bay, 
 the 1st of October, 1776, his vessel was boarded by the sloop 
 of war King Fisher, and informed of the battle of Bunker's 
 Hill. The ship was searched, and all the letters and arms 
 were taken from her. On arriving in Baltimore, the ship was 
 laid up. Thus he had been a captain eight months, and had 
 gone through some very difficult scenes. He was only a little 
 over 16 years of age. At this period, finding the. whole coun- 
 try had taken up arms against the injustice of England, his 
 breast soon caueht the flame. He obtained the situation of 
 
BARNEY. 59 
 
 master's mate in the sloop Hornet, commanded by captain 
 William Stone, and on receiving a flag from commodore Hop- 
 kins, he placed it on a staff, and with drums and fifes beat up 
 for volunteers, and in one day engaged a crew for their vessel. 
 This was the first flag of the United States seen in the state 
 of Maryland, and Barney claimed some credit for carrying it. 
 In November, 1775, they sailed in company with the schooner 
 Wasp, to join commodore Hopkins in the Delaware, where 
 they arrived in a few days, passing the enemy's squadron, 
 which was lying in Hampton roads. The American fleet 
 consisted of two frigates, two brigs, and four sloops. They 
 sailed to New Providence, one of the Bahama Islands. The 
 town and fort surrendered, with the ships and vessels in the 
 harbour, without resistance. The cannon, powder, mortars, 
 shells, &c. were secured, and the island given up again. On 
 their return they had bad weather, but they got into the Dela- 
 ware Avith some difficulty. 
 
 In 1776, Barney embarked in the schooner Wasp, under 
 the orders of captain Charles Alexander, a brave Scotchman, 
 and they convoyed off the coast the vessel in which Dr. 
 Franklin was going to Europe. The Wasp returned into 
 Cape May channel with great hazard, as the English ships 
 Roebuck of forty-four guns, and Liverpool of twenty-eight 
 guns, lay in the roads. As the Wasp returned up the bay she 
 was chased by the Roebuck and Liverpool, but she got into 
 Wilmington creek. The next morning several row gallies 
 went down from Philadelphia, under commodore Hazlewood, 
 and attacked the British ships. The captain of the Wasp 
 took advantage of the cannonade to come out, and he attacked 
 and took the brig Tender, from the British, although under the 
 guns of the enemy. The Americans took her into a port of New 
 Jersey. This little affair was thought a bold one ; but they 
 had afterwards harder fighting, for getting under the enemy's 
 guns in a fog, they with difficulty succeeded in joining the 
 galleys, which fought all day. Barney joined one of the ves- 
 sels which wanted hands, and had his share of fighting. He 
 was now sent on board the sloop Sachem, then fitting out, as 
 commanding officer, and he was complimented for his con- 
 duct on the Delaware, by Robert Morris, president of the 
 Marine Committee, who presented him with a lieutenant's 
 commission. He was not seventeen years of age. In this capa- 
 city he sailed in the Sachem under captain Isaiah Robinson, 
 and they had not been long out, when they captured an En- 
 glish brig, after a severe action of two hours. A large turtle 
 on board, intended for Lord North, was presented to Mr. 
 Morris, after young Barney brought the prize into port. 
 The Sachem and Andrew T Doria, of fourteen guns, with the 
 
40 BARNEY. 
 
 Lexington, captain Barry, departed for the West Indies 
 On their return, they captured a sloop of twelve guns, after 
 an action of two hours, cutting her to pieces. It was the 
 sloop Race Horse, tender to admiral Parker's fleet at Ja- 
 maica, sent to take the Sachem and Andrew Doria. The 
 next prize was a Snow from Jamaica, on board which Barney 
 was sent as prize master. His difficulties began here, for 
 being several days in a heavy gale of wind, and the sea 
 breaking over the vessel so as to oblige them to stay in the 
 tops, he was captured by the Perseus of twenty guns. Being 
 ill treated by the purser of the Perseus. Barney knocked bin 
 down the hatchway, which met tbe approbation of the captain 
 of the British vessel, who exchanged his prisoners at Charles- 
 ton, South Carolina. On their way to Philadelphia on horse- 
 back, Barney and his companions annoyed the tories when- 
 ever they found an opportunity, making them drink success 
 to Congress, &c. 
 
 In the spring of 1777, Barney again joined the Andrew 
 Doria, and took part in the defence of the Delaware. The 
 American force consisted of the Delaware frigate of thirty-two 
 guns, and several small vessels, all under commodore Hazle- 
 wood. They were stationed at Mud Island or fort Mifflin, 
 which was commanded by lieutenant colonel Samuel Smith, 
 at present a member of the senate of the United States, from 
 Maryland. All the summer the war was carried on with 
 great rigour in the neighborhood; but in the fall the fort was 
 necessarily given up, and the fleet destroyed. Barney was 
 ordered to Baltimore to join the Virginia frigate, captain 
 Nicholson. In attempting to get the frigate to sea, the pilot 
 ran her on shore in the night, and was captured by the British. 
 In August, 1778, Barney was exchanged for the lieutenant of 
 the Mermaid frigate, but on going to Baltimore, where he 
 took command of a schooner with two guns and eight men, he 
 was again taken in the bay by a privateer of four large guns 
 and sixty men. The United States, at this time, having no 
 vessels out of the middle states, Barney accepted the offer of 
 his old friend and commander, captain Robinson, in Novem- 
 ber, 1778, to go out with him from Alexandria in a ship, with 
 a letter of marque. She had twelve guns, but little powder, 
 and only thirty-five men. When three days out, in the night, 
 they fell in with the privateer Rosebud, captain Duncan, full 
 of men, with which they had a running fight all night, killed 
 and wounded forty-seven of their men, and got off with only 
 one man wounded. They arrived at Bordeaux, took a cargo 
 of brandy, mounted eighteen guns, and shipped seventy men. 
 On their return, they made a valuable prize, after a running 
 
BARNEY. 41 
 
 fight of near two days. Barney took command of the prize, 
 and arrived safe in Philadelphia, in October, 1779. 
 
 In 1780, he married a most estimable woman, the daughter 
 of alderman Bedford. The following month he proceeded to 
 Baltimore, having all his fortune with him in paper money, in 
 his gig-box ; on arriving he found he had been robbed of every 
 Cent he had in the world. He returned to Philadelphia with- 
 out mentioning his loss, and soon after went into service on 
 board the United States ship Saratoga, of sixteen guns, com- 
 manded by captain John Young. In a few days after going 
 to sea, they captured a ship of twelve guns. Soon after they 
 took a ship mounting thirty-two guns, ninety men, and two 
 brigs, having boarded the first running up under English co- 
 lours. Barney was afterwards taken by the intrepid, 74* 
 captain Malloy, who treated his prisoners with great bar- 
 barity. In 1780, Barney and seventy other prisoners, at New 
 York, were sent on board the Yarmouth. 74, and ordered to 
 England by admiral Rodney. They were confined under 
 five decks, in a place three feet high, twelve feet long, and 
 twenty feet wide, without light, and were fifty-three days on 
 the passage. Eleven died from the filth and the fever getting 
 among them, and when they landed at Plymouth, the survi- 
 vors were very feeble and emaciated, covered with vermin, 
 and so weak they could hardly stand, or their eyes bear the 
 light. After remaining some time in a prison ship, they were 
 sent to Mill prison, where they found between two and three 
 hundred other rebels, as they were called. They gave their 
 jailors a good deal of trouble, by digging, undermining, cut- 
 ting bars, &c. and some escaped. Barney was suspected, 
 and was put in the dungeon thirty days, loaded with heavy 
 irons. By the assistance of a soldier who had been in Ame- 
 rica, on the 18th May, 1781, he escaped in an English offi- 
 cer's undress uniform. After being taken, he again escaped, 
 and went to Bristol and London. He also visited Amsterdam, 
 Rotterdam, and the Hague. He arrived in Philadelphia in 
 March following, after an absence of nineteen months. When 
 a few days in the bosom of his family, the state of Pennsyl- 
 vania gave him the command of the Hyder Ally, a small ship 
 of sixteen guns, and one hundred and ten men. Thirteen 
 days after, he proceeded with a convoy down the bay, and 
 was laying in Cape May road, waiting for a wind. The fol- 
 lowing are the particulars of the action between the Hyder 
 Ally, captain Barney, and the general Monk, captain Rogers, 
 furnished by a gentleman well acquainted with the par* 
 ticulars : 
 
 April 8th, 1782, at 10, A. M. laying at anchor under Cape 
 May, (Delaware) discovered three sail standing in from sea. 
 
 6 
 
43 BARNEY. 
 
 with a light wind from the eastward; at 11 perceived thai 
 they were a frigate, a ship, a sloop of war, and an armed 
 brig. At meridian, the frigate stood for Cape Henlopen 
 channel, the ship and brig standing in for Cape May: made 
 a signal for our convoy to get under weigh, and stand up the 
 hay ; we then got under weigh, and followed the convoy. At 
 1, P. M. the ship and brig came into the hay, hy Cape May 
 channel, the frigate coming round Under Cape Henlopen; 
 prepared for action, all hands to quarters. At three quarter* 
 past one. the brig passed us. after giving us two fires; we 
 reserved our fire for the ship, then fast coming up : we re- 
 ceived very little damage from the brig, who stood after our 
 convoy; she mounted sixteen guns, and was formerly the 
 American privateer "Fair American," commanded hy cap- 
 tain Decatur, and equal to us in force. At 2, P. M. the ship 
 ranged up on our starboard quarter, and fired two guns at us ; 
 we were then at good pistol shot; we then attempted to run 
 her on board, by laying her across the starboard how, but our 
 yard arms locked, which kept us too far off to hoard ; at the 
 same time poured in our broadside from great guns and smalt 
 arms. Our tire was briskly kept up for twenty-six minutes, 
 when she struck her colours. Immediately sent our first lieu- 
 tenant on board, and stood up the bay, the frigate at this time 
 under a press of sail in chase after us, and the brig ahead in 
 chase of our convoy ; again prepared for action, and stood af- 
 ter the brig, but on her perceiving that the ship had struck, 
 she stood for the frigate, and got aground ; we were obliged 
 to pass her, as the frigate gained upon us. At 4, P. M. the 
 frigate came to anchor in the bay y (supposed for want of a 
 pilot.) We then spoke the prize for the first time, and learned 
 she was His Majesty's ship the General Monk, captain Rod- 
 gers, of nineteen nine pounders, but fighting twenty guns, and 
 had on hoard, when the action began, one hundred and thirty- 
 six men, of whom thirty were killed, and fifty-three wounded. 
 Of sixteen officers on board, fifteen were killed or wounded. 
 The captain received three wounds. We had on board the 
 Hydcr Ally four killed, and eleven wounded. The Hyder 
 Ally mounted twelve six pounders, and four nine pounders, 
 Avith a complement of one hundred and fifteen men. During 
 the action we fired thirteen broadsides from our cannon, and 
 from sixty to seventy rounds horn our muskets. Proportion 
 of metal : The General Monk, ten nine pounders, fired ninety 
 weight of shot at one broadside. The Hyder Ally, six 
 sixes, and two nines, fired fifty-four weight of shot at one 
 broadside. Proportion — fifty to ninety. On arriving at Phi- 
 ladelphia with the prize, the wounded had every care taken of 
 them. The Legislature of Pennsylvania voted him a sword for 
 this gallant exploit, which was presented him by the governor. 
 
BARNEY. 4S 
 
 A gentleman who was on board the vessels after their ar- 
 rival at Philadelphia, gives the following particulars: 
 
 'I was then in Philadelphia, quite a lad, when the action took 
 place. Both ships arrived at the lower part of the city with 
 a leading wind immediately after the action, bringing with 
 them all their killed and wounded. Attracted to the wharf 
 by the salute which the Hyder Ally fired, of thirteen guns, 
 which was then the custom, (one for each state) I saw the two 
 ships lying in the stream, anchored near each other. In a 
 short time, however, they warped into the wharf, to land their 
 killed and wounded., and curiosity induced me, as well as 
 many others, to go on board e ach vessel. The Hyder Ally was, 
 as stated, a small ship of sixteen six pounders. The Monk, a 
 king's ship of large dimensions, of eighteen nine pounders. The 
 difference in the size and equipments of the two ships was 
 matter of astonishment to all the beholders. The General 
 Monk's decks were, in every direction, besmeared with 
 blood, covered with the dead and wounded, and resembled a 
 charnel house. Several of her bow ports were knocked into 
 one: a plain evidence of the well directed fire of the Hyder 
 Ally. She was a king's ship, a very superior vessel, a fast 
 sailer, and coppered to the bends. I was on board during the 
 time they carried on shore the killed and wounded, which 
 they did in hammocks. 
 
 'I was present at a conversation which took place on the 
 quarter deck of the General Monk, between captain Barney, 
 and several merchants in Philadelphia. I remember one of 
 them observing, " Why, captain Barney, you have been truly 
 fortunate in capturing this vessel, considering she is so far su- 
 perior to you in point of size, guns, men, and metal." Yes, 
 sir, he replied, I do consider myself fortunate — when we were 
 about to engage, it was the opinion of myself, as well as my 
 crew, that she would have blown us to atoms ; but we were de- 
 termined she should gain her victory dearly. One of the 
 wounded British sailors observed — "Yes, sir, captain Rodgers 
 observed to our crew, a little before the action commenced, 
 •Now, my boys, we shall have the Yankee ship in five 
 minutes;' and so we all thought, but here we are." 
 
 The General Monk was sold and bought by Mr. Morris for 
 the United States, and the command given to Barney, who 
 sailed with sealed orders in November, 1782, with despatches 
 to Dr. Franklin, i 11 Paris. He was well received at the 
 French court. He returned to Philadelphia with a valuable 
 loan from the French king, a large sum of money in chests of 
 gold, and barrels of silver, and carried with him a passport 
 signed by the king of England, and the information that the 
 preliminaries of peace were signed. 
 
44 BARNEY. 
 
 Thus closed his public career, being among the first to en- 
 ter, and the last to quit the service. 
 
 The character of our work will not permit us to give all the in^ 
 teresting particulars of Barney's life. Suffice to say, great in- 
 deed, was the variety of service in which he was engaged in 
 the revolutionary war, and as fluctuating his successes and his 
 misfortunes. A captive to-day, to-morrow he triumphed inthe 
 arms of victory ; but. in all situations, and under every change, 
 however eventful, supported a character of unblemished honour, 
 and nf an intrepidity that could not be exceeded. 
 
 After the termination of the revolutionary war, he com- 
 menced business, and purchased a tract of land in Kentucky, 
 which he meant to be a last resort for his family. In 1786, 
 87, and 88, he visited South Carolina, Georgia, and the wes- 
 tern country. On his return he took an active part in the 
 adoption of the constitution. In 1789, finding his health im- 
 paired by his services, he embarked for South America, and 
 arrived at Carthagena in a small brig belonging to himself 
 and partner. Thence he went to Ha\ anna, and then home. 
 In 1792, he sailed again, and arrived at Cape Francois. 
 While there the town was burnt, and he was obliged to fight 
 his way. He brought off fifty or sixty miserable women and 
 children. His vessel was captured by an English privateer 
 brig, two others in company. Three officers and eleven men 
 were put on board, and all the Americans taken out, except 
 Barney, the carpenter, boatswain and cook. They were or- 
 dered for New Providence. The keys of the iron chest were 
 demanded, but Barney would not deliver them, which occa- 
 sioned much abuse and ill treatment. He had concealed a 
 small blunderbuss, and his men some other arms, with which 
 they took an opportunity of retaking the ship. Two of the 
 English officers were wounded. The men were afterwards 
 made to work the ship, until they arrived at Baltimore. Bar- 
 ney was compelled, for his own safety, to sleep on the quar- 
 ter deck in his arm-chair. He again sailed for Cape Fran- 
 cois in 1793 ; on his return, he was again captured by an En- 
 glish brig, and taken to Jamaica. When he arrived at Kings- 
 ton he was committed to prison, and bills were found against 
 him for piracy. His ship and cargo were condemned. He 
 then returned home, and in 1794, was offered the command of 
 a frigate, but declined the offer. After this lie accompanied 
 Mr. Monroe, now President of the United States, to France, 
 and was the bearer of the American flag to the National Con- 
 vention. He received the embrace of the President of the 
 Convention, and a vote was passed that he should be employ- 
 ed in the navy of the Republic. He declined at that time, 
 hut in 1795, accepted a commission as captain. In I796 r he 
 
BARNEY. 45 
 
 arrived at Norfolk with two frigates. An English squadron 
 blockaded him for a considerable time. He offered to go out 
 and light an equal force, but the English declined. By de- 
 ceiving the British, he made his escape, and returned to 
 France. In 1800, he left the French service, and returned to 
 America. In 1805.be was offered the superintendance of the 
 Navy Yard at Washington, but declined. In 1806, he offer- 
 ed for Congress, but was defeated. In 1808. he offered for 
 Congress, and was again defeated, through the machinations 
 of his enemies. 
 
 In 1812, he had removed into the country, on Elkridge, and 
 in June, when war was declared against Great Britain, he 
 offered his services to the general government, and at the 
 same time engaged in a fine schooner to make a cruise priva- 
 vateeri ng. He was \cvy successful, having captured eighteen 
 sail, most of which were burnt or sunk; several of them were 
 of greater force than the privateer, and fought hard. In July, 
 1813, when at Newport, Rhode Island, attending the sale of 
 some prizes, he received an offer of the command of the flotil- 
 la for the defence of the Chesapeake. On his proceeding to 
 Washington, he found his old enemies had written letters to 
 the Secretary of the Navy, insulting to his feelings, which he 
 resented by calling out the writer, a merchant of Baltimore, 
 who, in the affair, had a bullet through his breast; which, how- 
 ever, he survived. In the spring of 1814, the flotilla consist- 
 ed of twenty six barges and nine hundred men, with which the 
 commodore proceeded down the bay, intending to attack the 
 enemy's black establishment, at Tangier Island; hut falling 
 in with their squadron o AT the Patuxent, he-was obliged to run 
 in there. During the summer, they kept up an active war- 
 fare with the enemy, attacking them whenever he had an op- 
 portunity, in some instances lying under the fire of the fri- 
 gates for several hours. He destroyed several of their small 
 craft, and men, besides injuring their large vessels, when his 
 shot would reach them. On the first of July, the commodore 
 was ordered to Washington, to consult about the expected in- 
 vasion, and the means of defending the capital. He returned 
 to the flotilla on the third, and removed higher up the river. 
 On the sixteenth of August, the enemy entered the Patuxent, 
 and an express was forwarded to the Secretary of the Navy. 
 The commodore landed most of his men, and marched them 
 towards Washington on the twenty first, and joined General 
 Winder at the Woodyard, where he found captain Miller, and 
 his marines, with five pieces of artillery, which were placed 
 under his command. On the 2Srd the troops were reviewed by 
 the President. The enemy, the next day, were within three 
 miles of the camp, and some skirmishing took place. The 
 
46 BARNEY. 
 
 commodore proceeded with his force to the city, crossed the 
 Eastern branch, and put up that night in the marine barracks, 
 with orders to protect the bridge. 
 
 At about 11. A. M. of the 24th, hearing the enemy had 
 proceeded on to Bladensburg, and meeting the President, &c. 
 he begged to be allowed to quit the bridge, and join the army, 
 Which was allowed, and he immediately set out for Bladens- 
 burg, with his guns and his men. Within a mile of that 
 town, he found the army drawn up in detached parties, and 
 the engagement had began. His men came up at a trot, the 
 weather excessively hot. They had hardly time to take 
 the limbers from the guns and form, when he perceived our 
 army in full retreat, and the enemy advancing. He was in 
 hopes the first line would again form near him, but was dis- 
 appointed. At length the enemy appeared, and he gave or- 
 ders to wait until they were near enough. He pointed the guns 
 and remounted. The enemy tried their rockets, and then ad- 
 vanced. They received a fire of round and grape shot, which 
 cleared the road ; grape and canister cleared it a second time; 
 they then left the road and took to the field in front and on 
 the right. They were met there by the marines and sailors with 
 muskets, and the cannon with grape and canister. Colonel 
 Thornton, colonel Woods, and several officers of the enemy, 
 fell in the charge. The American army by this time, had to 
 a man disappeared : the commodore, however, kept up his 
 fire. The English sharp-shooters had straggled about, and 
 were doing much mischief; Barney's horse fell between 
 two of his guns, pierced by two balls ; several of his officers 
 were killed and wounded; the ammunition wagon had gone 
 off in the general confusion and retreat of the army ; the 
 enemy began to flank out to the right, under cover of a thick 
 wood, and iiad nearly surrounded the commodore. His men 
 were nearly exhausted, having undergone a three day's march 
 without a regular supply of provisions. He had received a 
 wound in the thigh some time before, and was faint for loss 
 of blood, when he ordered a retreat, which was effected in 
 good order, by the men and such officers as could follow. He 
 retired a few yards, with the help of three of his officers, 
 
 whom he ordered away, except captain II , and fell 
 
 from weakness ; in which situation he was found by the enemy. 
 General Ross and admiral Cockburn came to him, and, in 
 in the most polite manner tendered him every assistance. 
 He was carried in a litter to Bladensburg. Captain Miller 
 was also carried to the same house, badly wounded. Thus 
 the battle ended ! On the 26th of August, he found the ene- 
 my had retreated, leaving eighty wounded officers and men. 
 The next day, Mrs. Barney, his surgeon, and one of his son* 
 
BARNEY. 47 
 
 cattle to Bladensburg, and, after a night's rest, earried liim 
 home in a carriage and hed hrought for that purpose. The 
 ball had been probed for by the English surgeons, but without 
 effect ; his surgeon was equally unsuccessful, and it was never 
 got out. On the 7th October, he was sufficiently recovered, 
 to proceed to Washington, and was sent with a flag of truce 
 to the enemy's fleet in the Chesapeake, to exchange prisoners. 
 He calculated the enemy lost in killed, wounded and pri- 
 soners, in their attack on Washington, eleven hundred men. 
 Our loss did not exceed sixty, fifty of which were marines and 
 flotilla men. On the 10th October, he resumed his command. 
 The corporation of Washington voted him a sword. He was 
 preparing the barges for a spring campaign, when the news 
 of peace arrived. The Legislature of Georgia gave the com- 
 modore a vote of thanks for his conduct at Washington. On 
 the 10th May, he was again sent for by the Secretary of the 
 Navy, and requested to undertake a mission to Europe ; and 
 he sailed the 25th from Baltimore, arrived at Plymouth, thence 
 went to London, and sailed the 9th August from Gravesend ; 
 arrived at Baltimore 13th October, but found his wound crip- 
 pled him so completely, he was obliged to send his despatches 
 by his son. He remained at his farm until his strength was 
 renovated; he then removed his family to Baltimore, where he 
 remained some months. Finding it necessary to form an es- 
 tablishment more independent than the one he now possessed, 
 he looked towards Kentucky as the place of final settlement, 
 and paid it a visit, carrying out his wife with him. On the 
 road he received the most gratifying attentions from all 
 classes, and his reception in that hospitable state, was such, 
 that he only returned to Maryland to settle his business, and 
 pack up his furniture, which, with his wagons, horses, ser- 
 vants, and every thing necessary for farming and housekeep- 
 ing, he sent ahead, and followed with his family. At Browns- 
 town he embarked his baggage in boats, but unfortunately 
 the season had been remarkably dry, and he was detained a 
 long time on the river. At Pittsburg he had got every thing 
 on board, and was ready to sail the next morning, the water 
 having risen, when in his boat he was taken ill, the combined 
 effect of fatigue, exposure, and the irritation kept up by the 
 ball in his thigh, calculated very much to hasten his death. 
 
 He died on the 1st day of December, 1818. in the 60th 
 year of his age. It is unnecessary to say his funeral was at- 
 tended by a great concourse of people, and received all the 
 honours the city of Pittsburg could afford. His family after 
 some detention, proceeded on to Kentucky. His widow con- 
 tinues to enjoy his pension, and in time may have possession 
 f»f the ample tract of land purchased in early life. 
 
48 BARRY. 
 
 BARRY, Johst, was born in the county of Wexford, Ire^ 
 land, in the year 1745. After having received the first ele- 
 ments of an English education, to gratify his particular incli- 
 nation for the sea, his father entered him in the merchant ser- 
 vice. When about fifteen years of age, he arrived in Pennsylva- 
 nia, and selected it as the country of his future residence. He 
 commanded the ship, Black Prince, a valuable vessel belong' 
 ing to Mr. INixon, of Philadelphia, when the revolutionary 
 war commenced. This ship was immediately purchased by 
 Congress, and converted into a vessel of war. Barry very 
 promptly took a decided stand in favour of his adopted coun- 
 try, and was the first commodore in the American navy. 
 
 Confiding in his patriotism. Congress, in February, 1776, 
 a few months prior to the declaration of independence, ap- 
 pointed him commander of the brig Lexington, of sixteen 
 guns, and his was the first Continental vessel, which sailed 
 from the port of Philadelphia. His cruises were successful. 
 The city of Philadelphia and forts on the Delaware fell into 
 the hands of the British, in the year 1777; and commodore 
 Barry, with several vessels of war, made good his retreat up 
 the river, as far as Whitehill, where, however, they were af- 
 terwards destroyed by the enemy. 
 
 Prior to the destruction of these vessels, he successfully em- 
 ployed those under his command, in annoying the enemy, and 
 cutting off the supplies. 
 
 "Whilst he commanded the Lexington, the British chased a 
 vessel on shore near Cape May, in sight of the Lexington, 
 Surprise, captain Weeks, and the Wasp, captain Barney. 
 The boats and men of those vessels were immediately sent to 
 her assistance, and they began to land her cargo, consisting 
 of small arms, powder, &c. The British kept up a brisk fire, 
 and killed captain Weeks. Finding the enemy's ships getting 
 near, and preparing to send their boats, captain Barry order- 
 ed a quantity of powder turned loose in the hold of the ves- 
 sel, and on leaving her, left a large coal of fire wrapped up 
 in the mainsail over the hatchway. When the Americans 
 retired, the British had scarcely boarded the vessel, when she 
 blew up, with a tremendous explosion ! A great number of 
 dead bodies, gold laced hats, &c. afterwards floated on shore. 
 
 After the destruction of the American squadron, and soon 
 after the capture of Philadelphia, he was appointed to com- 
 mand the Raleigh, of thirty two guns, which, on a cruise, 
 was run on shore by a British squadron, on Fox Island, in 
 Penobscot bay. 
 
 Subsequent to the above disasters, he commanded a vessel 
 commissioned with letters of marque and reprisal, and engag- 
 ed in the West India trade for some time. 
 
BARRY. 49 
 
 When Congress concluded to build a 74 gun ship in New 
 'Hampshire, he was ordered to command her. It was. how- 
 ever, afterwards, determined to make a present of this vessel 
 to His most Christian Majesty, when that august body gave 
 him the command of the Alliance frigate. 
 
 The situation of American affairs becoming important, in 
 a foreign point of view, colonel John Laurens, of South Ca* 
 rolina, son of Henry Laurens, then a prisoner in the tower of 
 London, was ordered to France on a special mission. Com- 
 modore Barry sailed in the Alliance from Boston for L'Ori- 
 ent, in February, 1781, having the minister extraordinary 
 and suite on board. After landing the ambassador and suite 
 at L'Orient, in the early part of the same year, the Alliance 
 .sailed on a cruise. 
 
 On the 29th of May, following, at day-light, Commodore 
 Barry discovered a ship and a brig on his weather bow, ap- 
 pearing afterwards to wear the British Hag. He consequent- 
 ly prepared for immediate action. The British ship proved 
 tO be the Atalanta, captain Edwards, of between twenty and 
 Unity guns, and the brig Treposa, captain Smith. An action 
 shortly commenced, and by three P. M. both vessels struck. 
 Barry was wounded early in the engagement; but notwith- 
 standing his sufferings, in consequence of this casualty, he 
 still remained on deck, and it was owing to his intrepidity 
 and presence of mind, that the Alliance was the victor. 
 
 On December 25, 1781, he sailed in the Alliance for France, 
 from Boston, having on board the Marquis de la Fayette and 
 Count de Noailles, who were desirous of going to their native 
 country on business of the highest importance. He had scarce- 
 ly arrived at his destined port (L'Orient,) than he sailed in 
 February, 1782, on a cruise, during which he fell in with an 
 enemy's ship of equal size, and had a severe engagement. 
 The enemy would have been captured, had it not been for two 
 consorts, which, however, were kept at a distance during the 
 action by a French fifty gun ship, which hove in sight. The 
 continental ship Luzerne, of twenty guns, had her guns thrown 
 overboard before the battle began, in order to facilitate her 
 escape, as she had a quantity of specie on board from Havan- 
 na, for the use of the United States. The captain of the Bri- 
 tish frigate, who was soon after advanced to be vice-admiral 
 of the red, acknowledged, that he had never received a more 
 severe flagellation than on this occasion, although it seemed 
 to have had the appearance of a drawn battle. 
 
 It is said that the British frigate had thirty-seven killed 
 and fifty wounded, in this action, and that captain Barry's 
 loss amounted to three killed and eleven wounded. 
 
 During the time that general Lord Howe was the British 
 
5© BARTLETT. 
 
 commander in chief, lie attempted to alienate the commodore 
 from the cause which he had so ardently espoused, by an offer 
 of twenty thousand guineas, and the command of the best 
 frigate in the British navy; but he rejected the offer with 
 scorn. The return of peace, however, in the year 1783, put 
 an end to all such dishonorable propositions, and our com- 
 modore returned to private life. 
 
 When our disturbances took place with the French Repub- 
 lic, he commanded the frigate United States, now in service, 
 and was very successful on the West India station. 
 
 Bold, brave, and enterprising, he was, at the same time, hu- 
 mane and generous. He was a good citizen, and greatly es- 
 teemed by all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. His 
 person was above the ordinary size, graceful and command- 
 ing; his deportment dignified, and his countenance expressive. 
 He had the art of commanding without supercilious haugh- 
 tiness, or wanton severity. Another trait in his character 
 was a punctilious observance of the duties of religion. 
 
 He died in Philadelphia, on the 30th of September, 1803, 
 and a vast concourse of his fellow-citizens testified their res- 
 pect to his memory, by attending his remains to the silent 
 grave. 
 
 BARTLETT, Josiaii, Governor of New Hampshire, was 
 born at Amcsbury, in the county of Essex. Massachusetts, 
 21st November, 1729. His ancestors came from the south of 
 England, and fixed at Newbury. The rudiments of his edu- 
 cation he received at Amcsbury, at the town school ; and hav- 
 ing a thirst for knowledge, he applied himself to books in va- 
 rious languages, in which he was assisted by a neighbouring 
 clergyman, the reverend Mr. Webster, of Salisbury, an ex- 
 cellent scholar as well as judicious divine. Mr. Bartlett had 
 the benefit of his library and conversation, while he studied 
 physic with a gentleman, who was a practitioner in his native 
 town. At the age of twenty-one, he began the practice of 
 physic in Kingston, and soon became very eminent in the line 
 of his profession. In 1764. a field was opened for the useful 
 display of his skill. The cynanche maligna became very pre- 
 valent in many towns of New Hampshire, and was a fatal 
 disease among children. The method of treating it was as a 
 highly pbilogistic complaint ; but he was led from his own 
 reason and observations, to manage it differently. He made 
 use of the Peruvian bark, as an antidote and preventative, and 
 his practice was successful. This afterwards become general 
 among physicians. 
 
 In 1765, Dr. Bartlett was chosen a member of the legisla- 
 ture, and from this time was annually elected till the revolu- 
 tion. In 1770, he was appointed lieutenant colonel of the 7th 
 
BARTLETT. 51 
 
 regiment of militia. This commission he was deprived of 
 in 1774, on account of the active part he took in the contro- 
 versy with great Britain. This was a time when " the clash- 
 ing of parties excited strong passions, which frequently gain- 
 ed the mastery of reason." The governor and council of New 
 Hampshire, saw fit to dissolve the house of Assembly, sup- 
 posing that a new one might become more flexible, or be more 
 subservient to their wishes. In the meanwhile, colonel Bart- 
 lett, with several others, planned a kind of authority, which 
 was called a committee of safety. They met at Exeter, and 
 in the course of events, were obliged to take upon themselves 
 the whole executive government of the state. When a pro- 
 vincial congress had again organized the government, colonel 
 Bartlett received a new appointment as justice of the peace, 
 and colonel of the 7th regiment. 
 
 He was one of the first members who were chosen to repre- 
 sent the state in Congress. Colonel Bartlett was prevented 
 from accepting this honourable trust by the unhappy condition 
 of his domestic affairs : his house having been burnt, his fa- 
 mily were obliged to seek a shelter without any thing but the 
 clothes they hud upon them. He was elected member of the 
 second congress which assembled at Philadelphia the next 
 year, and also attended his duty in the same station, 1776. 
 He was the first that signed the declaration of independence 
 after the president. 
 
 In 1777, colonel Bartlett and general Peabody, were ap- 
 pointed agents to provide medical aid and other necessaries 
 for the New Hampshire troops, who went with general Stark, 
 and for this purpose repaired to Bennington, a spot distin- 
 guished by a battle very important in its consequences. In 
 April, 1778, he again went as a delegate to Congress. He 
 i*eturned in November, and would no longer appear as a can- 
 didate for that office. 
 
 When the state of New Hampshire was organized, under a 
 popular government, colonel Bartlett was appointed judge of 
 the common pleas ; in June, 1782, a judge of the supreme 
 court; and in 1788, chief justice. 
 
 In June, 1790, he was elected president of the state, which 
 office he held till the constitution abrogated the office of presi- 
 dent, and substituted the title of the chief magistrate, go- 
 vernor. He was then chosen the first governor of New 
 Hampshire since the revolution. He resigned the chair in 1794, 
 on account of his infirm state of health, and then retired from 
 public business. 
 
 He had been the chief agent in forming the medical society 
 of New Hampshire, which was incorporated in 1791, of which 
 he was president, till his public labours ceased, and when he 
 
52 BEATTY. 
 
 resigned, he received a warm acknowledgement of his ser- 
 vices and patronage, in a letter of thanks, which is now upon 
 the records of the society. He was always a patron of learn- 
 ing, and a friend to learned men. Without the advantages of 
 a college education, he was an example to stimulate those who 
 have hcen blessed with every advantage in early life ; hut 
 cannot exhibit such improvement of their talents, or such ex- 
 ertions in the cause of literature. It was his opinion, that re- 
 publics cannot exist without knowledge and virtue in the 
 people. 
 
 He received an honorary degree of doctor of medicine from 
 Dartmouth University. 
 
 Governor Bartlett did not live long after he resigned his 
 public employments. His health had been declining a num- 
 ber of years. He died suddenly, May. 1795. 
 
 BEATTY, William, was born in Fredrick county, in the 
 state of Maryland, on the 19th of June, 1758. He was the 
 eldest of twelve sons. In stature he was erect and stately, and 
 in person vigorous and athletic : capable of enduring the 
 greatest fatigue, and of suffering the utmost privation. His 
 attachments were warm and permanent; his feelings glowing 
 and enthusiastic, and his patriotism ardent and almost roman- 
 tic. To a mind thus constituted, the "tented field" would 
 necessarily present charms not easily resisted, and when in 
 connection with this, an opportunity was offered for the indul- 
 gence of his ruling passion, it may readily be conceived that 
 he would not be among the last to rush to the standard of his 
 country, and offer his services in the defence of its liberties 
 and its rights. 
 
 It is to^ be regretted, that the materials for the biography 
 of men, even of the most distinguished reputation, are often 
 found so scanty and limited. When an individual has risen 
 by intellectual or moral excellence, above the ordinary level 
 of society, and becomes known to fame, the world feels an in- 
 terest in every thing that concerns him, even to the most mi- 
 nute event of his life ; and nothing is deemed tedious or un- 
 important, which serves to develope his character or to unfold 
 the secret operations of his mind, or the latent feelings of his 
 heart. On this aceount, therefore, auto-biographies arc the 
 most interesting, and perhaps the most useful ; because the 
 information we receive is derived immediately from the indi- 
 vidual himself, who lays before the world the incidents and 
 events of his life, with the full knowledge of the motives and 
 feelings, and causes that led to them, which no stranger could 
 so well understand, or so feelingly delineate. 
 
 Of the patriots of the Revolution, there are but few, for 
 whose lives materials sufficiently abundant and circumstantial 
 
BEATTY. 53 
 
 have been left ; and of the lives of those, who, though less 
 distinguished, were perhaps not less meritorious officers, it is 
 difficult at this remote period to procure more than a bare and 
 meagre outline. Such is the fact in relation to the subject of 
 this brief memoir. 
 
 In 1776, when but eighteen years of age, he obtained the 
 appointment of ensign in colonel Griffith's regiment, in what 
 was termed the -flying camp" of Maryland. This regiment, 
 which was hastily raised in the early part of the summer, and 
 was to serve until the 1st of December following, received or- 
 ders to march in July, to the city of New York, which it 
 reached without accident, and thence proceeded immediately 
 to head quarters on York island. The regiment to which 
 young Beatty was attached, continued, during the campaign, 
 under the command of general Washington, and at the expi- 
 ration of his period of service, he returned to his native state. 
 He did not, however, remain long in this state of inglorious 
 inaction, a condition which ill-suited his young and ardent 
 mind : for in a short time he was appointed alieutenant in 
 the Maryland line of continental troops, and spent the winter 
 in raising recruits for the regiment to which he belonged. In 
 the discharge of this unpleasant and difficult duty, he acquit- 
 ted himself with much credit, and in the following spring 
 joined the army at Middlebrook, in New Jersey. 
 
 His merit, as an officer, was soon discovered by the com- 
 mander in chief, and he was promoted to a captaincy in the 
 1st Maryland regiment, which had the honour of being for 
 some time under general Washington's immediate command. 
 The first regiment, however, under the command of colonel 
 Gunby, to which captain Beatty was transferred, and of 
 which he was now the senior captain, was finally ordered to 
 join the southern division of the American army in the Caro- 
 linas, and to co-operate with the force there, in resisting the 
 progress of the enemy. The distinguished feats of this divi- 
 sion arc familiar to every American, and must be peculiarly 
 gratifying to the people of Maryland, whose troops bore so 
 conspicuous a part in that contest, especially the 1st regiment, 
 which, according to Marshall, " gained the battle of Cowpens, 
 and was pre-eminently distinguished in the retreat through 
 North Carolina, and at the battle of Guilford." In this last 
 battle, which was fought on the 15th of March, 1781, young 
 Beatty signalized himself in a particular manner, by engaging 
 in single combat a gallant British soldier, whom he pierced 
 to the heart with his espontoon. This brave regiment to 
 whose valour the glory of the day must be partly attributed, 
 SAistaiiie-d its high character for courage and discipline, and 
 acquired a reputation that never will be lost. " At the same 
 
54 BEATTY. 
 
 instant," says Johnson, in his life of Greene, M Howard (who 
 now commanded this regiment, Gunby having been unhorsed) 
 rushed upon them, the British, from the left, and the battle 
 was literally fought hand to hand. It was a contest not only 
 for victory, but reputation, Officers and soldiers equally va- 
 lued themselves as the Jovians and Herculians of the two 
 armies : nor were the incidents of it destitute of the features 
 of chivalry and romance." Young Beatty rose high in the 
 estimation of his superior officers, and of the army. His con- 
 duct had been such as to merit and receive no ordinary praise, 
 and his patriotism and personal courage promised, at no great 
 length of time, to elevate him to high rank in the army of his 
 country. But fortune is not always propitious to the brave. 
 His brilliant career was destined soon to be brought to a close; 
 but the laurels he had won were doomed to acquire a fresher 
 bloom and a richer verdure by the manner of his death. At 
 the battle of Hobkick's hill, near Camden, which was fought 
 on the 25th of April, in the same year, captain Beatty, while 
 gallantly leading on the right company of the first Maryland 
 regiment, received a mortal wound, and died, as he had al- 
 ways wished to die, in the lap of glory. Thus fell this brave 
 and promising young officer, in the twenty-third year of his 
 age, who has been emphatically termed by judge Johnson, 
 "the delight of his command;" who was indeed the pride of 
 his regiment, and of the army, and whose untimely death was 
 universally lamented by a grateful and magnanimous nation. 
 
 General Lee, in his memoirs of the war in the southern de- 
 partment, speaking of this battle, says, "The British lost 
 no officer of distinction, which was not the case with us. The 
 wound of lieutenant colonel Ford proved mortal, and captain 
 Beatty, of the first Maryland, was killed, than whom the 
 army did not possess an officer of more promise." 
 
 Colonel John E. Howard, who had a distinguished com- 
 mand to the south, and whose meritorious services are so well 
 known, and recorded in all the histories of the Revolutionary 
 War, does justice to the gallantry of captain Beatty, in the 
 following extract of a letter to William B. Rochester, Esq. 
 member of Congress from New York. 
 
 "Baltimore, February 18, 1813. 
 
 "It would give me much pleasure to add my testimony to 
 that of general Greene and others, of the great merit of cap- 
 tain William Beatty. Indeed, the general in few words has 
 so strongly portrayed his character, that little can be added. 
 
 "Extract from the letter of general Greene to Congress: 
 •Among the killed is captain Beatty of the Maryland line, 
 one of the best of officers, and an ornament to his pro- 
 fession.' 
 
BIDDLE. S3 
 
 Judge Johnson, in his Life of general Greene, says, " The 
 first symptom of confusion was exhibited by the commence- 
 ment of a firing, contrary to orders. This was scarcely sup- 
 pressed, when captain Beatty, who led the right company of 
 the first Maryland regiment, and who was the delight of his 
 command, fell, pierced to the heart. Captain Beatty was un- 
 der my command." 
 
 BIDDLE, Nicholas, captain in the American navy, du- 
 ring the Revolutionary War, was born in the city of Philadel- 
 phia, in the year 1750. Among the brave men, who perished 
 in the glorious struggle for the independence of America, cap- 
 tain Biddle holds a distinguished rank. His services, and 
 the high expectations raised by his military genius and gal- 
 lantry, have left a strong impression of his merit, and a pro- 
 found regret that his early fate should have disappointed, so 
 soon, the hopes of his country. 
 
 Very early in life he manifested a partiality for the sea, and 
 before the age of fourteen, he had made a voyage to Quebec. 
 In the following year, 1765. he sailed from Philadelphia to 
 Jamaica, and the Bay of Honduras. The vessel left the Bay 
 in the latter end of December, 1765, bound to Antigua, and 
 on the 2d day of January, in a heavy gale of wind, she was 
 cast away on a shoal, called the Northern Triangles. After 
 remaining two nights and a day upon the wreck, the crew 
 took to their yawl, the long-boat having been lost, and with 
 great difficulty and hazard, landed on one of the small unin- 
 habited islands, about three leagues distant from the reef 
 upon which they struck. Here they staid a few days. Some 
 provisions were procured from the wreck, and their boat was 
 refitted. As it was too small to carry them all off. they drew 
 lots to determine who should remain, and young Biddle was 
 among the number. He, and his three companions, suffered 
 extreme hardships for the want of provisions and good water; 
 and, although various efforts were made for their relief, it was 
 nearly two months before they succeeded. 
 
 Such a scene of dangers and sufferings in the commence- 
 ment of his career, would have discouraged a youth of ordi- 
 nary enterprise and perseverance. On him it produced no 
 such effect. The coolness and promptitude with which he 
 acted, in the midst of perils that alarmed the oldest seamen, 
 gave a sure presage of the force of his character, and after he 
 had returned home, he made several European voyages, in 
 which he acquired a thorough knowledge of seamanship. 
 
 In the year 1770, when a war between Great Britain and 
 Spain was expected, in consequence of the dispute relative to 
 Falkland's Island, he went to London, in order to enter into 
 the British navy. He took with him letters of recommenda- 
 
G6 BIDDLE. 
 
 tion from Thomas Willing, Esquire, to his brother-in-law' 
 captain Sterling, on board of whose ship he served for some 
 time as a midshipman. The dispute with Spain being ac- 
 commodated, he intended to leave the navy, but was persuaded 
 by captain Sterling to remain in the service, promising that 
 lie would use all his interest to get him promoted. His ar- 
 dent mind, however, could not rest satisfied with the inactivity 
 of his situation, which he was impatient to change for one 
 more suited to his disposition. 
 
 In the year 1773, a voyage of discovery was undertaken, 
 at the request of the Royal Society, in order to ascertain how 
 far navigation was practicable towards the North Pole, to ad- 
 vance the discovery of a north-west passage into the south 
 seas, and to make such astronomical observations as might 
 prove serviceable to navigation. 
 
 Two vessels, the Race Horse and Carcase, were fitted out, 
 for the expedition, the command of which was given to cap- 
 tain Phipps, afterwards lord Mulgrave. The peculiar dan- 
 gers to which such an undertaking was exposed, induced the 
 government to take extraordinary precautions in fitting out, 
 and preparing the vessels, and selecting the crews, and a 
 positive order was issued that no boys should be received on 
 board. 
 
 To the bold and enterprising spirit of young Biddlc, such 
 an expedition had great attractions. Extremely anxious to 
 join it, he endeavoured to procure captain Sterling's permis- 
 sion for that purpose, but he was unwilling to part with him, 
 and would not consent to let him go. The temptation was, 
 however, irresistible. He resolved to go, and laying aside 
 bis uniform, he entered on board the Carcase before the mast. 
 When he first went on board, he was observed by a seaman 
 who had known him before, and was very much attached to 
 him. The honest fellow, thinking that he must have been 
 degraded, and turned before the mast in disgrace, was greatly 
 affected at seeing him, but he was equally surprised and plea- 
 sed when he learned the true cause of the young officer's dis- 
 guise, and he kept his secret as he was requested to do. Im- 
 pelled by the same spirit, young Horatio, afterwards lord Nel- 
 son, had solicited and obtained permission to enter on board 
 the same vessel. These youthful adventurers are both said to 
 have been appointed cockswains, a station always assigned to 
 the most active and trusty seaman. The particulars of this 
 expedition are well known to the public. These intrepid na- 
 vigators penetrated as far as the latitude of eighty-one degrees 
 and thirty-nine minutes, and they were, at one time, enclosed 
 with mountains of ice, and their vessels rendered almost im- 
 moveable for five davs. at the hazard of instant destruction. 
 
BIDDLE. §? 
 
 Captain Biddle kept a journal of Lis voyage, which was af- 
 terwards lost with him. 
 
 The commencement of the revolution gave a new turn to 
 his pursuits, and he repaired, without delay, to the standard 
 of his country. When a rupture hetween England and 
 America appeared inevitable, he returned to Philadelphia, and 
 soon after his arrival he was appointed to the command of the 
 Camden galley, fitted for the defence of the Delaware. He 
 found this too inactive a service, and when the fleet was pre- 
 paring, under commodore Hopkins, for an expedition against 
 New Providence, he applied for a command in the fleet and 
 was immediately appointed commander of the Andrew Doria, 
 a brig of fourteen guns, and one hundred and thirty men. 
 Paul Jones, who was then a lieutenant, and was going on the 
 expedition, was distinguished by captain Biddle, and intro- 
 duced to his friends as an officer of merit. 
 
 Before he sailed from the capes of Delaware, an incident 
 occurred, which marked his personal intrepidity. Hearing 
 that two deserters from his vessel were at Lewistown in pri- 
 son, an officer was sent on shore for them, but he returned 
 with information that the two men, with some others, had 
 armed themselves, barricadoed the door, and swore they would 
 not be taken ; that the militia of the tow n had been sent for, 
 but were afraid to open the door, the prisoners threatening to 
 shoot the first man who entered. Captain Biddle immediately 
 went to the prison, accompanied by a midshipman, and call- 
 ing to one of the deserters whose name was Green, a stout, 
 resolute fellow, ordered him to open the door ; he replied that 
 he would not. and if he attempted to enter, he would shoot 
 him. He then ordered the door to be forced, and entering 
 singly with a pistol in each hand, he called to Green, who wag 
 prepared to fire, and said, "Now, Green, if you do not take 
 good aim, you are a dead man." Daunted by his manner, 
 their resolution failed, and the militia coming in, secu- 
 red them. They afterwards declared to the officer who fur- 
 nishes this account, that it was captain Biddle'slook and man- 
 ner which had awed them into submission, for that they had 
 determined to kill him as soon as he came into the room. 
 
 Writing from the capes to his brother, the late judge Bid- 
 dle, he says, " I know not what may be our fate : be it. how- 
 ever, what it may, you may rest assured, I will never cause a 
 blush in the cheeks of my friends or countrymen.'* Soon af- 
 ter they sailed, the small-pox broke out and raged with great 
 violence in the fleet, which was manned chieflv by Ne\v En- 
 gland seamen. The humanity of captain Biddle, always 
 prompt and active, was employed on this occasion to alleviate 
 the genera] distress, by all the means in his power. His owa 
 
 8 
 
56 BIDDLE. 
 
 crew, which was from Philadelphia, being secure against tht 
 distemper, he took on hoard great numbers of the sick from 
 other vessels. Every part of his vessel was crowded, the 
 long-boat was fitted for their accommodation, and he gave up 
 his own cot to a young midshipman, on whom he bestowed the 
 greatest attention till his death. In the meanwhile he slept 
 himself upon the lockers, refusing the repeated solicitations 
 of his officers, to accept their births. On their arrival at New 
 Providence, it surrendered without opposition. The crew of 
 the Andrew Doria, from their crowded situation, became sick, 
 and before she left Providence, there were not men enough 
 capable of doing duty to man the boats; captain Biddle visited 
 them every day, and ordered every necessary refreshment, 
 but they continued sickly until they arrived at New London. 
 
 After refitting at New London, captain Biddle received or- 
 ders to proceed off the banks of Newfoundland, in order to 
 intercept the transports and storeships bound to Boston. Be- 
 fore he readied the banks, he captured two ships from Scot- 
 land, with four hundred highland troops on board, destined 
 for Boston. At this time the Andrew Doria had not one hun- 
 dred men. Lieutenant Josiah, a brave and excellent officer, 
 was put on board one of the prizes, with all the Highland 
 officers, and ordered to make the nearest port. Unfortunately, 
 about ten days afterwards, he was taken by the Cerberus fri- 
 gate, and, on pretence of his being an Englishman, was order- 
 ed to do duty, and extremely ill used. Captain Biddle hear- 
 ing of the ill treatment of lieutenant Josiah, w rote to the ad- 
 miral at New York, that, however disagreeable it was to him, 
 he would treat a young man of family, believed to be a son 
 of lord Craston, who was then his prisoner, in the manner 
 they treated lieutenant Josiah. 
 
 He also applied to his own government in behalf of this in- 
 jured officer, and by the proceedings of congress, on the 7tli 
 of August, 1776, it appears, "that a letter from captain Ni- 
 cholas Biddle to the marine committee, w as laid before con- 
 gress and read: whereupon. Resolved, That general Wash- 
 ington be directed to propose an exchange of lieutenant Jo- 
 siah, for a lieutenant of the navy of Great Britain: that the ge- 
 neral remonstrate to lord How e on the cruel treatment lieu- 
 tenant Josiah has met with, of which the congress have receiv- 
 ed undoubted information." Lieutenant Josiah was exchange 
 ed, after an imprisonment of ten months. After the capture 
 of the ships with the highlanders, such w as captain Biddle's 
 activity and success in taking prizes, that when he arrived in 
 the Delaware, he had but five of the crew with which he sail- 
 ed from New London, the rest having been distributed among 
 the captured vessels, and their places supplied by men who 
 
BIDDLE. 59 
 
 had entered from the prizes. He had a great number of pri- 
 soners, so that, for some days before he got in, he never left 
 the deck. 
 
 While he was thus indefatigably engaged in weakening the 
 enemy's power, and advancing his country's interest, he was 
 disinterested and generous in all that related to his private 
 advantage. The brave and worthy opponent, whom the 
 chance of war had thrown in his power, found in him a patron 
 and friend, who, on more than one occasion, was known to 
 restore to the vanquished the fruits of victory. 
 
 In the latter end of the year 1776, captain Biddle was ap- 
 pointed to the command of the Randolph, a frigate of thirty- 
 two guns. With his usual activity, he employed every exer- 
 tion to get her ready for sea. The difficulty of procuring 
 American seamen at that time, obliged him, in order to man 
 his ship, to take a number of British seamen, who were pri- 
 ioners of war, and who had requested leave to enter. 
 
 The Randolph sailed from Philadelphia, in February, 
 1777. Soon after she got to sea, her lower masts were dis- 
 covered to be unsound, and, in a heavy gale of wind, all her 
 masts went by the board. While they were bearing away for 
 Charleston, the English sailors, with some others of the crew, 
 formed a design to take the ship. When all was ready, they 
 gave three cheers on the gun-deck. By the decided and reso- 
 lute conduct of captain Biddle and his officers, the ringleaders 
 were seized and punished, and the rest submitted without fur- 
 ther resistance. After refitting at Charleston, as speedily as 
 possible, he sailed on a cruise, and three days after he left 
 the bar, he fell in with four sail of vessels, bound from Ja- 
 maica to London. One of them, called the True Briton, 
 mounted twenty guns. The commander of her, who had fre- 
 quently expressed to his passengers, his hopes of falling in 
 with the Randolph, as soon as he perceived her, made all the 
 sail he could from her, but finding he could not escape, he hove 
 to, and kept up a constant fire, until the Randolph had bore 
 down upon him, and was preparing for a broadside, when he 
 hauled down his colours. By her superior sailing, the Ran- 
 dolph was enabled to capture the rest of the vessels, and in 
 one week from the time he sailed from Charleston, captain 
 Biddle returned there with his prizes, which proved to be very 
 valuable. 
 
 Encouraged by his spirit and success, the state of South 
 Carolina made exertions for fitting out an expedition under 
 his command. His name, and the personal attachment to 
 him, urged forward a crowd of volunteers to serve with him, 
 and in a short time, the ship general Moultrie, the brigs Fair 
 American, and Polly, and the Notre Dame, were prepared 
 
60 BIDDLE. 
 
 for sea. A detachment of fifty men from the first regiment 
 of South Carolina continental infantry, was ordered to act as 
 marines on board the Randolph. Such was the attachment 
 which the honourable and amiable deportment of captain Bid- 
 die had impressed during his stay at Charleston, and such the 
 confidence inspired by his professional conduct and valour, 
 that a general emulation pervaded the corps to have the 
 honour of serving under his command. The tour of duty, after 
 a generous competition among the officers, was decided to cap- 
 tain Joor, and to lieutenants Grey and Simmons, whose gal- 
 lant conduct, and that of their brave detachment, did justice 
 to the high character of the regiment. As soon as the Ran- 
 dolph was refitted, and a new mainmast obtained in place of 
 one which had been struck with lightning, she dropt down to 
 Rebellion Roads with her little squadron. Tiieir intention 
 was to attack the Carysfort frigate, the Perseus twenty-four 
 gun ship, the Hinchinbrook of sixteen guns, and a privateer 
 which had been cruizing off the bar, and had much annoyed 
 the trade. They were detained a considerable time in Rebel- 
 lion Roads, after they were ready to sail, by contrary winds 
 and want of water, on the bar, for the Randolph. As soon 
 as they got over the bar, they stood to the eastward, in expec- 
 tation of falling in with the British cruizers. The next day, 
 they retook a dismasted ship from New England ; as she had 
 no cargo on board, they took out her crew, six light guns, 
 and some stores, and set her on fire. Finding that the British 
 ships had left the coast, they proceeded to the West Indies, 
 and cjuized to the eastward, and nearly in the latitude of Bar- 
 badoes, for some days, during which time they boarded a 
 number of French and Dutch ships, and took an English 
 schooner from New York, bound to Grenada, which had mis- 
 taken the Randolph for a British frigate, and was taken pos- 
 session of before the mistake was discovered. 
 
 On the night of the 7th March, 1778, the fatal accident oc- 
 curred, which terminated the life of this excellent officer. For 
 some days previously, he had expected an attack. Captain 
 Blake, a brave officer, who commanded a detachment of the 
 second South Carolina regiment, serving as marines on board 
 the general Moultrie, and to whom we are indebted for sev- 
 eral of the ensuing particulars, dined on board the Randolph 
 two days before the engagement. At dinner, captain Biddlc 
 said, " We have been cruizing here for some time, and have 
 spoken a number of vessels, who will no doubt give informal 
 fion of us, and I should not be surprised if my old ship should 
 he out after us. As to any thing that carries her guns upon 
 one deck, I think myself a match for her." About three. P. 
 M. of the 7th of March, a signal was made from tbe Kan- 
 
BIDDLE. 61 
 
 dolph for a sail to windward, in consequence of which the 
 squadron hauled upon a wind, in order to speak her. It was 
 4 o'clock before she could be distinctly seen, when she was 
 discovered to be a ship, though as sbe ncared and came before 
 the wind, she had the appearance of a large sloop, with only 
 a square sail set. About 7 o'clock, tbe Randolph being to 
 windward, hove to, tbe Moultrie being about one hundred and 
 fifty yards astern, and rather to leeward, also hove to. About 
 8 o'clock, tbe British ship fired a shot just ahead of the Moul- 
 trie, and bailed her; the answer was. tbe Polly of New York, 
 upon which sbe immediately hauled her wind, and hailed the 
 Randolph. Sbe was then, for the first time, discovered to be 
 a two decker. After several questions asked and answered, 
 as she was ranging up along side the Randolph, and had got 
 on her weather quarter, lieutenant Barnes, of that ship, call- 
 ed out. "This is the Randolph," and she immediately hoisted 
 her colours, and gave the enemy a broadside. Shortly after 
 the action commenced, captain Biddle received a wound in the 
 thigh, and fell. This occasioned some confusion, as it was at 
 first thought that lie was killed. He soon, however, ordered a 
 chair to be brougbt, said that he was only slightly wounded, 
 and being carried forward encouraged the crew. The stern 
 of the enemy's ship being clear of tbe Randolph, the captain 
 of the Moultrie gave orders to fire, but tbe enemy having shot 
 ahead, so as to bring the Randolph between them, the last 
 broadside of the Moultrie went into the Randolph, and it was 
 thought by one of the men saved, who was stationed on the 
 quarter-deck, near captain Biddle, that he was wounded by a 
 shot from the Moultrie. The fire from the Randolph was 
 constant and well directed. She fired nearly three broadsides 
 to the enemy's one. and she appeared, while the battle lasted 
 to be in a continual blaze. In about twenty minutes after the 
 action began, and while the surgeon was examining captain 
 Biddle's wound on the quarter-deck, the Randolph blew up. 
 
 The enemy's vessel was the British ship Yarmouth, of sixty 
 four guns, commanded by captain Vincent. So closely were 
 they engaged, that captain Morgan, of the Fair American, 
 and all his crew, thought that it was the enemy's ship that had 
 blown up. He stood for the Yarmouth, and had a trumpet in 
 his hand to hail and inquire how captain Biddle was, when he 
 discovered his mistake. Owing to the disabled condition of 
 the Yarmouth, the other vessels escaped. 
 
 The cause of the explosion was never ascertained, but it is 
 remarkable that just before he sailed, after the clerk had co- 
 pied the signals and orders for the armed vessels that accom- 
 panied him, he wrote at the foot of them, " In case of coming 
 to action in the night, be rery careful of your magazines." 
 
6;2 BLAND. 
 
 The number of persons on board the Randolph was three hun- 
 dred and fifteen, who all perished, except four men, who were 
 tossed about for four days on a piece of the wreck, before they 
 were discovered and taken up. From the information of two 
 of these men, who were afterwards in Philadelphia, and of 
 some individuals in the other vessels of the squadron, we have 
 been enabled to state some particulars of this unfortunate 
 event in addition to the accounts given of it by Dr. Ramsay, 
 in his History of the American Revolution, and in his History 
 of the Revolution in South Carolina. In the former work, 
 the historian thus concludes his account of the action : ''Cap- 
 tain Biddle who perished on board the Randolph was univer- 
 sally lamented. He was in the prime of life, and had excited 
 high expectations of future usefulness to his country, as a bold 
 and skilful naval officer." 
 
 Thus prematurely fell, at the age of twenty-seven, as gal- 
 lant an officer as any country ever boasted of. In the short 
 career which Providence allowed to him, he displayed all 
 those qualities which constitute a great soldier. Brave to 
 excess, and consummately skilled in his profession, no danger 
 nor unexpected event could shake his firmness, or disturb his 
 presence of mind. An exact and rigid disciplinarian, he 
 tempered his authority with so much humanity and affability, 
 that his orders were always executed with cheerfulness and 
 alacrity. Perhaps no officer ever understood better the art 
 of commanding the affections, as well as the respect of those 
 who served under him; if that can be called an art which was 
 rather the natural effect of the benevolence and magnanimity 
 of his character. 
 
 BLAND, Tiieodoric, a worthy patriot and statesman, 
 was a native of Virginia, and descended from an ancient and 
 respectable family in that state. He was bred to the science 
 of physic, but upon the commencement of the American war, 
 he quitted the practice, and took an active part in the cause 
 of his country. He soon rose to the rank of Colonel, and had 
 the command of a regiment of dragoons. While in the army 
 he frequently signalized himself by brilliant actions. In 1779, 
 he was appointed to the command of the Convention troops at 
 Albemarle barracks, in Virginia, and continued in that situ- 
 ation till some time in 1780, when he was elected to a seat in 
 congress. He continued in that body three years, the time 
 allowed by the confederation. 
 
 After the expiration of this term, he again returned to Vir- 
 ginia, and was chosen a member of the state legislature. He 
 opposed the adoption of the constitution, believing it to be re- 
 pugnant to the interest of his country, and was in the minori- 
 ty that voted against its ratification. But when it was at 
 
BLOUNT— BOUDINOT. 6S 
 
 length adopted, he submitted to the voice of the majority. He 
 was chosen to represent the district in which he lived, in the 
 first congress under the constitution. 
 
 He died at New-York, June 1, 1790, while attending a ses- 
 sion of Congress, in the forty-ninth year of his age. He was 
 honest, open, candid; and his conduct was such in his inter- 
 course with mankind as to secure universal respect. He had 
 a talent and genius for poetry. 
 
 BLOUNT, Thomas, took an early and active part in fa- 
 vour of the rights and liberties of his country, at an early 
 age. Whilst a boy, at the age of sixteen, he entered into his 
 country's service a volunteer in the Revolutionary army, in 
 which he served in ^ arious capacities until the conclusion of 
 a peace. We are not acquainted with the rank he held at the 
 close of the war, but such was the confidence of the state in 
 his patriotism and military talent, that he was raised by suc- 
 cessive promotion, to the highest rank in the militia of that 
 state, in which capacity he commanded universal approbation. 
 General Blount had been a member of congress for many 
 years, with occasional intervals. As a politician, whilst he 
 was justly considered the inflexible and ardent friend to his 
 country, he never departed from that gentlemanly deportment 
 which characterised the man. He was an honorable and 
 worthy man, and in him North Carolina lost one of her most 
 useful and respected citizens. Intrepid as a soldier, firm and 
 consistent as a politician, lie united the qualities of a states- 
 man and warrior, with those of the patriot and scholar. He 
 died at the city of Washington, on the 8th February, 1812, 
 in the 53d year of his age, whilst attending his duties in con- 
 gress, as a representative from the state of North Carolina. 
 His remains were interred in the public burial ground, on the 
 10th February, with military honours. His funeral was at- 
 tended by the military and members of both houses of con- 
 gress; and the solemnity and length of the procession which 
 accompanied to the silent tomb, afforded ample testimony to 
 the general sensibility for his loss. 
 
 BOUDINOT, Eiias, was born in Philadelphia, on the 2d 
 of May, 1740. He was descended from one of those pious 
 refugees who fled from France to America to escape the hor- 
 rors of ecclesiastical persecution, and to enjoy religious free- 
 dom in this favoured land. He had the advantage of a clas- 
 sical education, and pursued the study of the law under 
 the direction of Richard Stockton, Esqr. a member of the 
 first American congress, whose eldest sister he afterwards 
 married. 
 
 Shortly after his admission to the bar of New Jersey, Dr. 
 Boudinot rose to the first grade in his profession. Early in 
 
64 BOUDINOT. 
 
 the Revolutionary War he was appointed hy Congress to the 
 important trust of Commissary General of prisoners. In 
 the year 1777, he was chosen a member of the National Con- 
 gress, anil in the year 1782, he was elected President of that 
 august body. In this capacity, he had the honour and happi- 
 ness of putting his signature to the treaty of peace, which for- 
 ever established his country's independence. 
 
 On the return of peace he resumed the practice of the law.. 
 It was not long, however, before he was called to a more im- 
 portant station. On the adoption of the present constitution 
 of the United States, the confidence of bis fellow-citizens al- 
 lotted him a seat in the House of Representatives of the Uni- 
 ted States. In this honourable place lie was continued for six 
 successive years. On quitting it to return once more to the 
 pursuits of private life, he was appointed by that consummate 
 judge of character, the first President of the United States, 
 to fill the office of director of the national mint, vacated by 
 the death of the celebrated Rittenhouse. This trust he execu- 
 ted, with exemplary fidelity, during the administration of 
 Washington, of Adams, and* (in part) of Jefferson. Resign- 
 in 0, this office, and seeking seclusion from the perplexities of 
 public life, and from the bustle and ceremony of a commercial 
 metropolis, be fixed his residence in the city of Burlington, 
 (New Jersey.) Here, surrounded by affectionate friends, and 
 visited by strangers of distinction ; engaged much in pursuit 
 of biblical literature ; practising the most liberal and un- 
 ceremonious hospitality ; filling up life in the exercise of 
 christian duties, and of the loveliest charities that exalt our 
 nature ; meekly and quietly communicating and receiving 
 happiness of the purest kind ; he sustained, and has left such 
 a character, as will forever endear his memory to his friends, 
 and do honour to his country. 
 
 Prior to the revolution he was elected a member of the 
 board of trustees of New Jersey college. At the time of 
 his decease, he was the senior member of this corporation. 
 The liberal donation he made it during life, and the more 
 ample one in his last will, must be long remembered with gra- 
 titude by the friends of science. But, while anxious to pro- 
 mote the interests of science, he was not unmindful of the su- 
 perior claims of religion on bis remembrance and his bounty. 
 Attached by principle and habit to the religious denomination 
 of which he was so distinguished a member, he has been most 
 liberal in his testamentary donations to the General Assembly 
 of the Presbvterian Church, and to their Theological Semi- 
 nary, established at Princeton. But, as bis mind unshackled 
 by bigotry or sectarian prejudice, w as expanded by the noblest 
 principles of Christian benevolence, he has also very liberally 
 
BOWDOIN. 65 
 
 endowed various institutions whose object is to diffuse more 
 widely the light of revealed truth ; to evangelize the heathen; 
 to instruct the deaf and dumb; to educate youth for the sacred 
 ministry: to advance knowledge, and to relieve the wants 
 and miseries of the sick or suffering poor. 
 
 To those of his fellow-citizens, however, who are peculiar- 
 ly interested in the wide circulation of the sacred scriptures, 
 perhaps the chief excellence in the character of the deceased, 
 was the ardent and effective zeal he displayed in the Bible cause. 
 The efforts he at first made, notwithstanding the infirmities 
 of age and much unexpected opposition, to establish the Ame- 
 rican Bible society: his munificent donation to this institu- 
 tion at its first organization; his subsequent liberality to aid 
 in the erection of a depository; the devise of a large and va- 
 luable tract of land: and the deep ami undiminished interest 
 he has taken in all the concerns of the national society ever 
 since he was chosen to be its president: while they spread his 
 fame through every region of the globe, will consecrate his 
 memory in the hearts of his fellow-citizens in America, and 
 his fellow-christians throughout the world. But, if his pub- 
 lic services and his private worth claim the tribute of general 
 esteem and affectionate remembrance, the closing scene of his 
 life is no less calculated to console his friends under the heavy 
 loss they have sustained, than it is to edify and support 
 the departing christian. In the full possession of his mental 
 faculties, and in the assured persuasion of his approaching 
 dissolution, his faith was firm, his patience unexhausted, and 
 his hopes were bright. While, with paternal solicitude, he ex- 
 horted those around him to rest on the Lord Jesus Christ as 
 the only true ground of trust; while, with solemnity and ten- 
 derness, he commended a dutiful and affectionate daughter 
 (his only child) to the care of his surviving friends, with hum- 
 ble resignation he expressed his readiness, his "desire to de- 
 part in peace," to the bosom of his Father in Heaven: and 
 the last prayer he was heard to articulate, was, Lord Jesus, 
 receive my spirit! 
 
 Dr. Boiidinot died at his seat in the city of Burlington, 
 New Jersey, on the 24th of October, 1821, in the eighty- 
 second year of his age. On the 26th of October, his remains 
 were committed to the tomb, followed by a large concourse of 
 family connections, and by the most respectable inhabitants of 
 the city of Burlington. Among the mourning friends who 
 attended on this occasion, was a deputation from the board of 
 managers of the American bible society. 
 
 BOWDOIN, James, governor of Massachusetts, was born 
 in Boston. 1727. His father rose from common life to an 
 eminence among the merchants of the town, and was suppos^ 
 
 9 
 
66 BOWDOIN. 
 
 ed to leave the greatest estate which ever had been owned by 
 any individual of Massachusetts. His ancestors were Frenck 
 refugees, who left their country after the revocation of the 
 edict of Nantz. They first went to Ireland, and then came tff 
 New-Engl;ind, 1688. 
 
 Mr. Bowdoin was graduated at Harvard College in 1745. 
 tic very soon hecame a distinguished character among the ci- 
 tizens of Boston ; was chosen a representative to the general 
 court, 1756; and from this year continued in public life till 
 the year 1769, when he was negatived by governor Bernard, 
 on account of his being the most leading whig at the council 
 board. He was, the next year, sent representative from Bos- 
 ton ; chosen a counsellor ; and accepted by Mr. Hutchinson, 
 because he thought his influence less prejudicial " in the house 
 of representatives, than at the council board." He was one 
 of the committee that drew the answer to the governor's 
 speeches, where he asserted and endeavoured to prove, by 
 strong arguments, the right of Great Britain to tax America. 
 For this he had the honour of being negatived by governor 
 Gage, in 1774, who declared that "he had express orders 
 from his majesty to set aside from that board, the honourable 
 Mr. Bowdoin, Mr. Dexter, and Mr. Winthrop." 
 
 During this memorable year, delegates were chosen to meet 
 at Philadelphia. Mr. Bowdoin was the first member of the 
 Massachusetts delegation. He was prevented from attending 
 his duty by his ill state of health. Mr. Hancock was afterwards 
 chosen in his place. In 1775, when the town of Boston was 
 blockaded, Mr. Bowdoin was moderator of the meeting, when, 
 the inhabitants agreed to give up their arms to general Gage, 
 on condition of their being permitted to leave the place with- 
 their property, and without disturbance. In this business he 
 conducted with great prudence and firmness, and Mas one of 
 the first who went out of Boston after the agreement. It is 
 well known how shamefully the promises of the British com- 
 manders were violated. Mr. Bowdoin took his place as chief 
 of the Massachusetts council at Watertown, and was one of 
 the ffteen, who by the charter were to act in the room of the 
 governor, when the office was vacated. In 1778 — 80, the 
 convention for establishing a state government for Massachu- 
 setts, met at Cambridge, and afterwards at Boston. Of this 
 body, Mr. Bowdoin was president. In tl>e year 1785, after 
 the resignation of Hancock, he was chosen governor of Mas- 
 sachusetts, and was re-elected the following year. In this of- 
 fice his wisdom, firmness, and inflexible integrity, were con- 
 spicuous. With uniform ability and patriotism, he advocated 
 the cause of his country, and his writings and exertions du- 
 ring the revolutionary war, were eminently useful. When 
 
BRADFORD. 67 
 
 the constitution of the United States was planned, and the 
 Massachusetts convention met to consider whether it should be 
 adopted,Mr. Bosvdoin was at the head of the Boston delega- 
 tion, all of whom voted in favour of it. . He made a very 
 handsome speech upon the occasion, which may be read in the 
 volume of their debates- From this time he changed the tu- 
 mult of public scenes, for domestic peace, and the satisfaction 
 ef study. 
 
 He was an excellent scholar at college, and afterwards pur- 
 sued philosophical studies. When the American academy of 
 arts and sciences was instituted, he was appointed the first 
 president, and contributed several papers which were printed 
 in the first volume of their transactions. He also pronoun- 
 ced an oration w upon the benefits of Philosophy," which 
 was printed in a pamphlet, and also in the volume, with the 
 proceedings of the society. His literary reputation was not 
 confined to his own country. He was a member of several 
 foreign societies for the promotion of agriculture, arts, and 
 commerce. He was also fellow of the royal society, Lon- 
 don. 
 
 In other walks of life, Mr. Bowdoin was conspicuous and 
 useful. When the humane society was instituted he was 
 chosen the first president. He was always ready to promote 
 every literary, benevolent and religious institution. He ex- 
 hibited the virtues of social life in all their engaging lustre 3 
 and he also breathed a christian spirit. 
 
 His mind was imbued with religious sentiments by his edu- 
 cation, and formed to the love of goodness : he was fond of 
 theological inquiries amidst the course of his other studies. 
 Few men. who are not of the profession, had studied divinity 
 with more earnestness, or greater desire to obtain a knowledge 
 of the scriptures. He early in life became a communicant at 
 the church in Brattle-street. 
 
 He died in Boston, after a distressing illness of three 
 months, November 6, 1790, in the sixty-fourth year of his 
 age. 
 
 BRADFORD, William, a lawyer of great eminence, 
 was born in Philadelphia, September 14th, 1755, and was 
 placed early under the particular care of a very repecta- 
 ble and worthy clergyman, a few miles from that city, from 
 whom he received the rudiments of an education, which was 
 afterwards improved to the greatest advantage, and under the 
 tuition of this excellent preceptor he remained, with little in- 
 terruption, until he was fit to enter college. It was at this 
 time that his father had formed a plan of keeping him at 
 home, and of bringing him up in the insurance office, which 
 he then conducted : but so strong was the love of learning 
 
68 BRADFORD. 
 
 implanted in the young mind of his son, that neither persua- 
 sion, nor offers of a pecuniary advantage, could prevail with 
 him to abandon the hopes of a liberal education, and he vol- 
 untarily offered to resign every expectation of the former from 
 his father, to attain the advantages of the latter, by a regular 
 course of studies. Accordingly in the spring of 1769, he was 
 sent to Princeton, and entered the college of Nassau Hall, 
 then under the direction of the late learned and pious Dr. 
 John Witherspoon, where he continued with great benefit to 
 himself till the fall of 1772, when he received the honours of 
 the college by a degree of bachelor of arts, and in 1775, that 
 of A. M. During his residence at this seminary, he was 
 greatly beloved by his fellow students, while he confirmed 
 the expectations of his friends and the faculty of the college, 
 by giving repeated evidence of genius and taste, and at the 
 public commencement, had one of the highest honours of the 
 class conferred upon him. 
 
 He continued at Princeton till the year following, during 
 which time an opportunity was afforded him of attending Dr. 
 Witherspoon's excellent lectures on theology, and from this 
 useful teacher he received much information and general 
 know ledge ; after which he returned to the scenes of his 
 youth, and spent several months under the instruction of his 
 first reverend preceptor, who strove to prepare him for fu- 
 ture usefulness, by his piety, experience, and knowledge of the 
 world. 
 
 Thus fitted for active life, after consulting his own inclina- 
 tions, and the advice of his friends, he fixed on the study of 
 the law, which he commenced under the late Edward Ship- 
 pen, Esq. then one of the council of the supreme court of 
 Pennsylvania, and late chief justice of that state, where he 
 prosecuted his studies with his usual diligence and unwearied 
 application. 
 
 In the spring of 1776, he was called upon, by the peculiar 
 circumstances of the times, to exert himself in defence of the 
 dearest rights of human nature, and to join the standard of 
 his country, in opposition to the oppressive exactions of Great 
 Britain. When the militia were called out to form the flying 
 camp, he was chosen major of brigade to general Roberdeau, 
 and on the expiration of his term, accepted a company in co- 
 lonel Hampton's regular troops, where he was soon promoted 
 to the station of deputy paymaster general, witli the rank of 
 lieutenant colonel, in which office he continued about two 
 years, till his want of health, being of a delicate constitution, 
 obliged him to resign his commission and return home. He 
 no w recommenced the study of the law, and in 1779, was ad- 
 mitted to the bar of the supreme court of Pennsylvania, where 
 
BRADFORD. 69 
 
 i 
 
 his rising character soon introduced him into an unusual share 
 of business ; and, in August, 1730, only one year after he was 
 licensed, by the recommendations of tiie bar, and the particu- 
 lar attention of the late Joseph Reed, Esq. then president of 
 the state, he was appointed attorney general of the state of 
 Pennsylvania. 
 
 In 1784. be married the daughter of Elias Boudinot, of 
 New Jersey, counsellor at law, with whom he lived till his 
 death, in the exercise of every domestic virtue that could 
 adorn human nature. On the reformation of the courts of 
 justice under the new constitution of Pennsylvania, he was 
 solicited to accept the honourable oihee of one of the judges of 
 the supreme court, which, with much hesitation, he accepted, 
 and was commissioned by governor Mifflin, August 22, 1791. 
 
 His indefatigable industry, unshaken integrity, and correct 
 judgment, enabled him to give general satisfaction in this of- 
 fice, as well to the suitors as at the bar. Here he had deter- 
 mined to spend a considerable part of his life; but on the at- 
 torney general of the United States being promoted to the 
 office of secretary of state, Mr. Bradford was urged, by va- 
 rious public considerations, to yield to the pressure of the oc- 
 casion, and accept of that office. He accordingly resigned 
 his judge's commission, and was appointed attorney general 
 of the United States on the 28th day of January, 1794. This 
 office he held till his death, when he was found at his post, in 
 the midst of great usefulness, possessing, in a high degree, 
 the confidence of the country. 
 
 Mr. Bradford's temper was mild and amiable: his manners 
 were genteel, unassuming, modest, and conciliating. As a 
 public speaker, his eloquence was soft, persuasive, nervous 
 and convincing. He understood mankind well, and knew 
 how to place his arguments and his reasonings in the most 
 ;triking point of light. His language was pure, sententious, 
 and pleasing; and he so managed most of his forensic disputes 
 as scarcely ever to displease his opponents; while he gave the 
 utmost satisfaction to his clients. His close application to 
 the law, and the litigation of the bar, did not prevent him 
 altogether from indulging now and then his fondness for 
 poetry; his taste and talents for which were above the com- 
 mon standard, and several pieces of his composition have been 
 published. In 1793, he published "an inquiry how far the 
 punishment of death is necessary in Pennsylvania" This 
 was written at the request of governor Mifflin, and intended 
 for the use of the legislature, in the nature of a report ; they 
 having the subject at large under their consideration. This 
 "performance justly gained him great credit, and its happy ef- 
 fects are manifested wherever it has been read with attention, 
 
70 BROAD— BROOKS. 
 
 especially in the reformation of the penal codes of several 
 states in the union, where the interests of humanity have, at 
 last, prevailed over ancient and inveterate prejudices. 
 
 He died on the 23d day of August, 1795, in the fortieth 
 year of his age, and was, according to his express desire, 
 buried by the side of his parents, in the burial ground belong- 
 ing to the second Presbyterian church in Philadelphia. 
 
 BRO AD, Hezekiah, was a patriot of the American revo- 
 lution. He was a member of the provincial congress, at 
 Concord, in 1774; afterwards held a commission in the pro- 
 vincial army, and a more decisive, inflexible, and courageous 
 character, rarely met an invading foe. Possessing a most pow- 
 erful and vigorous mind, every action of his life was balanced 
 with a discriminating judgment, and tempered with discre- 
 tion. If it could be said of a man that he possessed the in- 
 tegrity of major Broad, he needed no farther evidence to es- 
 tablish his moral rectitude. He despised vain, pompous show, 
 and generally sought happiness in reading and meditating at 
 his fire-side. He was a delegate to the convention, in Cam- 
 bridge, in 1779, which formed the constitution of Massachu- 
 setts, and filled the various offices which his fellow townsmen 
 could bestow by their suffrages, for a series of successive 
 years, and managed its concerns with exactness. 
 
 He died in Natick, Massachusetts, the 17th of March, 1824, 
 in the seventy-sixth year of his age. 
 
 BROOKS, Eleazar, a brigadier general in the revolution- 
 ary war, was born in Concord, Massachusetts, in 1726. With- 
 out the advantages of education, he acquired a valuable fund of 
 knowledge. It was his practice in early life to read the most 
 approved books, and then to converse with the most intelli- 
 gent men respecting them. In 1774, he was chosen a repre- 
 sentative to the general court, and continued twenty-seven 
 years in public life, being successively a representative, a 
 member of the senate, and of the council. He took a decided 
 part in the American revolution. At the head of a regiment 
 he was engaged in the battle at White Plains, in 1776, and in 
 the second action near Still Water, October 7, 1777, and dis- 
 tinguished himself by his cool determined bravery. From the 
 year 1801, he secluded himself in the tranquil scenes of do- 
 mestic life. He died at Lincoln, Massachusetts, November 
 9, 1806, aged eighty years. 
 
 General Brooks possessed an uncommonly strong and pene- 
 trating mind, and his judgment as a statesman was treated 
 with respect. He was diligent and industrious, slow in con- 
 certing, but expeditious in performing his plans. He was a 
 firm believer in the doctrines of Christianity, and in his ad-' 
 vanced years accepted the office of deacon in the church at Lin^- 
 
BROWN. 71 
 
 coin. This office he ranked above all others, which he had 
 sustained during life. 
 
 BROWN, Moses, was a brave officer in the navy of thft 
 United States. During the last forty-eight years of his life 
 he followed the profession of a mariner. In the revolutionary 
 war, his reputation gained him the command of several of the 
 largest private armed ships from New England. In these 
 stations he was zealous, brave, and successful. He was en- 
 gaged in several severe battles with the enemy, and distin- 
 guished himself particularly in one with a ship of superior 
 force. When the small American navy was establishing, a 
 number of years after the war, the merchants of Newbury- 
 port built a ship by subscription for the government, and ob- 
 tained the command of her for captain Brown. His advanced 
 age had not impaired his skill, nor deprived him of his zeal 
 and activity. While he commanded the Merrimac he was as 
 enterprising and successful as formerly; and he followed till 
 his death his accustomed avocation. He died in December, 
 1803, aged sixty-two years. 
 
 BROWN, Robert, was born in Northampton county, 
 Pennsylvania. At the commencement of the revolutionary 
 war, he was appointed an officer in that corps of Pennsylvania 
 troops, called the "flying camp," and was taken prisoner on 
 Long Island. It has been frequently asserted, and with much 
 confidence, that part of the time he was a prisoner, he work- 
 ed at his trade, (a blacksmith) and the proceeds of his wages 
 he distributed among his fellow prisoners. This was highly 
 honorable and praiseworthy. He was a firm and inflexible 
 patriot, and universally respected. The urbanity and repub- 
 lican plainness of his manners; the uprightness and probity 
 of his character, secured him the esteem of all who knew him. 
 He served his country in several civil stations, and was ele- 
 vated to the rank of a brigadier general in the militia of Penn- 
 sylvania. He was a member of the Senate of Pennsylvania 
 for some time; and also a member of the house of represen- 
 tatives of the congress of the United States, for sixteen or 
 seventeen successive years. He was one of those members of 
 the house of representatives, who, in 1812, voted for the de- 
 claration of w r ar against Great Britain ; and he lived long 
 enough to see that war gloriously terminated, and its effects 
 proved most salutary to the happiness and prosperity of the 
 United States. Through all the vicissitudes of party, he re- 
 mained a steadfast and ardent friend to the rights and liber- 
 ties of his country, and firm and unwavering in his political 
 opinions. 
 
 General Brown died at his residence, in Allen township, 
 Northampton county, Pennsylvania, on the 26th of February, 
 1823, in the seventy-ninth year of his age. 
 
U BRYAN. 
 
 BRYAN, George, was a native of the city of Dublin, Ivt 
 Ireland: the eldest son of an ancient and respectable family. 
 He received a classical and liberal education, and very early 
 imbibed the principles of liberty. Even before he had closed 
 his studies, he entered with an ardent zeal the ranks of oppo- 
 sition to the tyrannic acts of Great Britain, against that much 
 abused country. When arrived at the age of twenty-one, his 
 father gave him his portion, being a sufficiency for a handsome 
 establishment, in the wholesale mercantile business. He im- 
 mediately embarked for Philadelphia, where he remained un- 
 til his death. Although by profession a merchant* Mr Bry- 
 an's active, patriotic, and highly improved mind, led him to a 
 close observation of, and inquiry into, every thing in his adop- 
 ted country; its government, laws, and resources for improve- 
 ment. 
 
 After several years of extensive business it pleased the wise 
 disposer of events to defeat the plans of Mr. Bryan, and he was, 
 by the occurrences of severe losses, reduced to comparative 
 poverty. But he was rich in intellectual resources. In them 
 lie had a friend, valuable to himself and family, but much more 
 so, as the history of his life shews, to his country. His educa- 
 tion fitted him for any thing that extensive knowledge could 
 accomplish. 
 
 Previous to the revolution, Mr. Bryan Avas introduced into 
 various public employments. He was a delegate to the con- 
 gress of 1775, for the purpose of petitioning and remonstrat- 
 ing against the arbitrary measures of Great Britain. After 
 the declaration of independence, he was vice president of the 
 state of Pennsylvania, and upon the death of president Whar- 
 ton, in May, 1778, he was placed at the head of the govern- 
 ment. 
 
 In 1779, Mr. Bryan was elected a member of the legisla- 
 ture, of which he was one of the most intelligent, active and 
 elRcient. Here, amidst the tumult of war and invasion; sur- 
 rounded with the tory and disaffected, when every one was 
 trembling for himself, his mind was occupied by the claims of 
 humanity and charity. He, at this time, planned and comple- 
 ted an act for the gradual abolition of slavery, which will 
 remain an imperishable monument to his memory. These were 
 the days "that tried men's soiils;" and it was in those days 
 that the patriotism, wisdom and firmness, of Mr. Bryan, were 
 conspicuously efficient and useful. He furnished evidence, 
 that in opposing the exactions of foreign power, he was oppos- 
 ing tyranny, ami was really attached to the cause of liberty. 
 After this period, Mr. Bryan was a judge of the Supreme 
 Court, in which station he continued until his death. In 1784, 
 he was elected one of the council of censors, and was one of 
 its most active members. 
 
BURD. 73 
 
 Besides the offices mentioned, judge Bryan filled a num- 
 ber of public, titulary, and charitable employments. Form- 
 cd for a close application to study, animated with an ardent 
 thirst for knowledge, and blessed with a memory of wonder- 
 ful tenacity, and a clear, penetrating, and decisive judgment, 
 he availed himself of the labours and acquisitions of others, 
 and brought honour to the stations which he occupied. To 
 his other attainments, he added the virtues of the christian. 
 He was distinguished by benevolence and sympathy with the 
 distressed; by an unaffected humility and modesty; by his 
 readiness to forgive injuries, and by his inflexibleintegrity. 
 He was superior to the powers and blandishments of the world. 
 Thus eminently qualified for the various public offices in which 
 he was placed, he was humble and faithful in discharging 
 their duties, and he filled them with dignity and reputation 
 in the worst of times, and in the midst of a torrent of unmer- 
 ited obloquy, abuse and opposition. When, on a certain oc- 
 casion, some of his intimate friends desired him to permit 
 them to answer a particular charge made against him, he re- 
 plied, "no, my friends, s«ch things rankle not in my breast; 
 my character must stand on my general conduct." Such was his 
 disinterestedness and his zeal for the public cause, and for 
 the good of others, that his own interest seemed to have been 
 wholly overlooked. In the administration of justice he was 
 impartial and incorruptible. He was an ornament to the pro- 
 fession of Christianity, which he made the delight of his con- 
 nexions, and a public blessing to the state. By his death, 
 religion lost an amiable example, and science a steady friend. 
 BURD, Benjamin, joined the standard of his country at 
 an early age. In July, 1775, (in his twenty-first year,) he 
 joined colonel Thompson's regiment of riflemen, as a volunteer, 
 and arrived at Boston about the 1st of August following. In 
 the month of October, he was appointed a lieutenant, in which 
 command he was in various skirmishes with the British near 
 Boston. From thence he was ordered to New York, and was 
 immediately afterwards in the battle of Long Island. In 1777, 
 he was appointed a captain in the 4th Pennsylvania Regiment, 
 in which he was in the battles of Trenton and Princeton. Af- 
 terwards he commanded the left platoon of General Wayne's 
 division at the battle of Brandywine. He was also at the Pa- 
 oli, and in the battle of Germantown, he acted as Major. Af- 
 ter the battle of Monmouth, in which he was also conspicuously 
 engaged, he was ordered to join the detachment which marched 
 against the Indians, and burnt their towns up the North River, 
 in 1779. In all these various services and engagements, he. 
 was distinguished for his activity, bravery, and enterprise. 
 At the close of the war he settled down upon his paternal farm 
 
 10 
 
M BUTLER. 
 
 at Fort Littleton, where be was long known and esteemed for 
 his hospitality, urbanity, and gentlemanly deportment. He 
 removed, some years ago. to Bedford, before and after which 
 removal he discharged with credit the duties of several civil 
 offices. 
 
 General Burd died at Bedford, Pennsylvania, on the fifth, 
 day of October, 1823, in the seventieth year of his age. Be- 
 sides the many private virtues which endeared him to a very 
 large circle of acquaintances, his public character, the evi- 
 dences of his patriotism, but especially his revolutionary ser~. 
 rices, rendered him highly respectable. 
 
 BUTLER, Richard, a brave officer during the war of 
 the American revolution, sustained the office of colonel at the 
 close of the struggle with Great Britain. He was a lieu- 
 tenant colonel of Morgan's rifle corps, and distinguished him- 
 self in a remarkable manner on many occasions. He was a 
 bold and intrepid soldier, and possessed, in a high degree, the 
 confidence of the commander in chief. 
 
 Lee, in his memoirs of the war in the southern department- 
 gives an account of an affair between the British and Ameri- 
 can troops, while a detachment of the American army under 
 general La Fayette, lay near Williamsburg, Virginia, the head 
 quarters of Lord Cornwallis, in 1781. 
 
 "While in his camp before Williamsburg, the British gen- 
 eral learnt that we had some boats and stores on the Chicka- 
 hominy river. Hither he detached lieutenant colonel Simcoe 
 with his corps and the yagers to destroy them. This service 
 was promptly performed; but the American general, having 
 discovered from his exploring parties, the march of Simcoe, 
 detached on the 26th, lieutenant colonel Butler, of the Penn- 
 sylvania line, the renowned second and rival of Morgan at 
 Saratoga. The rifle corps under the majors Call and Willis, 
 and the cavalry, which did not in the whole exceed one hun- 
 dred and twenty effectives, composed Butler's van. Major 
 M'Pherson, of Pennsylvania, led this corps ; and having 
 mounted some infantry behind the remnant of Armand's dra- 
 goons, overtook Sinscoe on his return near Spencer's planta- 
 tion, six or seven miles above Williamsburg. The sudden- 
 .ness of M'Pherson' s attack threw the yagers into confusion; 
 but the Queen's rangers quickly deployed, and advanced to 
 the support of the yagers. 
 
 •'Call and Willis had now got up to M'Pherson with their 
 riflemen, and the action became fierce. Lieutenant Lollar 
 at the head of a squadron of Simcoc's hussars, fell on Ar- 
 mand's remnant, and drove it out of line, making lieutenant 
 Brcso and some privates prisoners. Following his blow T , 
 LoUar turned upon our riflemen, then pressing upon the 
 
BUTLER. 73 
 
 Queen's rangers, and at the same moment captain Ogilvie, of. 
 the legion cavalry, who had been sent that morning from 
 eamp with one troop for the collection of forage, accidentally 
 appeared on our left flank. The rifle corps fell back in con- 
 fusion upon Butler, drawn up in the rear with his continentals. 
 Satisfied with the repulse of the assailing troops, lieutenant 
 colonel Simcoe began to retire: nor was he further pressed by 
 Butler, as Cornwallis had moved with the main body on hear- 
 ing the first fire, to shield Simcoe, La Fayette claimed the 
 advantage in this renrontre. and states his enemy's loss to be 
 sixty killed, and one hundred wounded: whereas lord Corn- 
 wallis acknowledges the loss of only three officers and thirty 
 privates, killed and wounded. Among the former was lieu? 
 tenant Jones, a much admired young officer. 
 
 "What was our loss in killed and wounded does not appear 
 in the report of La Fayette; but three officers and twenty- 
 eight privates were taken." 
 
 When General St. Clair was appointed to the command of 
 the army against the western Indians, colonel Butler was 
 selected as second in command. In the battle of Novem- 
 ber 4, 1791, which terminated in the defeat of St. Clair, 
 he commanded the right wing of the army, with the rank 
 of general. "It was on this occasion, that the intre- 
 pid Butler closed his military career in death; his coolness 
 preserved, and courage remaining unshaken, till the last mo- 
 ment of existence. While enabled to keep the field, his exer- 
 tions were truly heroic. He repeatedly led his men to the 
 charge, and with slaughter drove the enemy before him; but 
 being at length compelled to retire to his tent, from the num- 
 ber and severity of his wounds, he was receiving surgical aid, 
 when a ferocious warrior rushing into his presence, gave him 
 a mortal blow with his tomahawk. But even then the gal- 
 lant soldier died not unrevenged. He had anticipated this 
 catastrophe, and discharging a pistol which he held in his 
 hand, lodged its contents into the breast of his enemy, who 
 uttering a hideous yell, fell by his side and expired!" 
 
 BUTLER, Thomas, a brave officer during the revolution* 
 ary war with Great Britain, was a brother of the preceding. 
 Three other brothers fought in the service of their country. 
 In the year 1776, he was a student at law with the eminent 
 judge Wilson of Philadelphia; but early in that year he quit- 
 ted his studies, and joined the army as a subaltern. He soon 
 obtained the command of a company, in which grade he con- 
 tinued till the close of the revolutionary contest. He was in 
 almost every action that was fought in the middle states du- 
 ring the war. At the- battle of Brandy wine, September 11, 
 1777, he received the thanks of general Washington on the 
 
7G BUTLER. 
 
 field of battle, through his aid dc camp, general Hamilton, 
 for his intrepid conduct in rallying a detachment of retreat- 
 ing troops, and giving the enemy a severe fire. At the battle 
 of Monmouth. June 28, 1778, he received the thanks of gen- 
 eral Wayne for defending a defile in the face of a heavy fire 
 from the enemy, while colonel Richard Butler's regiment made 
 good their retreat. 
 
 At the close of the war he retired into private life as a far- 
 mer, and continued in the enjoyment of rural and domestic 
 happiness, till the year 1791, when he again took the field to 
 meet a savage foe. that menaced our western frontier. Ho 
 commanded a battalion in the disastrous battle of November 
 4, in which his brother fell. Orders were given by general 
 St. Clair to charge with the bayonet, and major Butler, 
 though his leg had been broken by a ball, yet on horseback 
 led his battalion to the charge. It was with difficulty that 
 his surviving brother, captain Edward Butler, removed him 
 from the field. In 1792, he was continued on the establish- 
 ment as a major, and in 1794, he was promoted to the rank 
 of lieutenant colonel commandant of the fourth sub-legion. 
 He commanded, in this year, Fort Fayette at Pittsburg, ami 
 prevented the deluded insurgents from taking it more by his 
 name, than by his forces, for he had but few troops. In 1797,. 
 he was named by president Washington as the officer best cal- 
 culated to command in the state of Tennessee, when it was 
 necessary to dispossess some citizens, who had imprudently 
 settled on the Indian lands. Accordingly, in May he marched 
 with his regiment from the Miami on the Ohio, and by that 
 prudence and good sense, which marked his character through 
 life, he in a short time removed all difficulties. While in Ten- 
 nessee, he made several treaties with the Indians. In 1802, 
 at the reduction of the army, he was continued as colonel of a 
 regiment on the peace establishment. 
 
 The close of his life was embittered by trouble. In 1803,, 
 he was arrested by the commanding general at Fort Adams, 
 on the Mississippi, and sent to Maryland, where he was 
 tried by a court martial, and acquitted of all the charges, ex- 
 cept that of wearing his hair. He was then ordered to New 
 Orleans, where he arrived to take the command of the troops, 
 October 20. He was again arrested the next month, but the 
 court did not meet till July of next year, and their decision is 
 not known. Colonel Butler died September 7, 1805, aged 
 fifty-one years. 
 
 BUTLER, Zebuxon, was born at Lyme, in the state of 
 Connecticut, in the year 1731. He entered early in life into 
 the service of his country in the provincial troops of his na- 
 tive state. In this service he remained, actively employed. 
 
BUTLER. 77 
 
 ftr several years, and rose from the rank of an ensign to the 
 command of a company. He partook largeh in the transac- 
 tions of the war between the English and French, on the 
 frontiers of Canada-, particularly in the campaign of 1758, at 
 fort Edward, Lake George, Ticonderoga, and Crown Point. In 
 1761, he was again at Crown Point, and at that time held the 
 rank of captain. The history ofthese transactions is well known, 
 and need not here be repeated. In June, 1762, captain But- 
 ler sailed with his company, and the other provincial troops, 
 to reinforce the British, then besieging the Havanua: and on 
 the 20th of July, the vessel in which he sailed was shipwreck- 
 ed on a reef of rocks on the island of Cuba. They were for- 
 tunate enough to escape to the shore, where they remained 
 nine days, and were (hen taken on board a man of war. Five 
 other ships were discovered also shipwrecked on the same 
 side of the island, and after waiting until these were relieved, 
 they again steered for Havanna. They arrived, and anchor- 
 ed with the rest of the fleet on the 9th of August, and the 
 next day landed and encamped. The sufferings and the suc- 
 cess of the British at the siege of Havanna, are matters of 
 history. Captain Butler shared in the dangers of the re- 
 mainder of the siege, as well as in the honours and profits of 
 the surrender, which took place shortly after the arrival of 
 the reinforcements. 
 
 On the 2 1st of October, 1762, captain Butler sailed out of 
 the harbour of Havanna on his return, on board the Royal 
 Duke transport. On the 7th of November, in latitude 35, the 
 ship sprung a leak, and it was by the greatest exertions 
 for three days, that she could be kept afloat, until the men 
 were transferred to other ships. When this was accomplish- 
 ed, they left the Royal Duke to sink. He arrived at JNcw 
 York on the 21st day of December. 
 
 When the aggressions of the British ministry compelled their 
 American colonies to take up arms in defence of their rights, 
 captain Butler was among the first to tender his services to 
 his country. His offer was accepted, and he was appointed a 
 lieutenant colonel in the Connecticut line. In this capacity, 
 he was with the army in the campaign of 1777, in New Jersey, 
 and served until March, 1 779, when he was appointed colonel of 
 the second Connecticut regiment, to rank as such from the 13th 
 of March, 1778. Some time previous to this, colonel Butler 
 had become interested in lands purchased of the Indians by 
 the Susquehanna company, lying in the valley of Wyoming, 
 and adjacent on the Susquehanna river. He had visited the 
 valley, and was so much pleased with it, that he determined to 
 remove into it. This flourishing settlement had been esta- 
 blished by the people of Connecticut, and was claimed by 
 
78 BUTLER. 
 
 them by virtue of their charter and their purchase from the 
 Indians. It consisted of several large townships, beautifully 
 situated on both sides of the river; and that part of it which 
 is included in the valley of Wyoming was, and still is, one of 
 the most delightful spots in our country. Its situation, soil, 
 and scenery, cannot be surpassed. It had long been the fa- 
 vorite abode of the savages, and they viewed, with peculiar 
 animosity, its occupancy by strangers. The war in which 
 the colonists were engaged with the mother country, and the 
 encouragement and protection held out by the British to the 
 Indians, afforded the latter a good opportunity for gratifying 
 their wicked designs, in the destruction of this remote settle- 
 ment. This they, in conjunction with the British and tories, 
 effectually accomplished in July, 1778. 
 
 This settlement, at an early period of our revolutionary 
 struggle, had been drained of its effective force, by furnishing 
 two companies, of ninety men each, to the continental army. 
 Soon after the departure of these troops, the Indians began to 
 assume a hostile attitude, and their conduct, together with other 
 suspicious circumstances, led the inhabitants to suspect that 
 some mischief was meditating againstthem, though they did not 
 apprehend an immediate attack. For their better security, 
 several stockade forts were built in the different townships, 
 and a company of rangers was raised, under the command of 
 captain Hewitt. This company was destined to remain in 
 the valley for its defence, and to ascertain by its scouts the 
 movements of the Indians, some of whom were located at 
 their Indian towns, about fifty miles up the Susquehanna. In 
 the spring of 1778, the settlers fearing an attack, sent an ex- 
 press to the board of war, to represent the danger in which 
 the settlement at Wyoming was of being destroyed by the 
 Indians and tories, and to request that the men who had gone 
 from the valley, and joined the continental army, might be 
 ordered to return, and assist in the defence of their homes. 
 Their request was granted, and a company commanded by 
 captain Spalding, composed of what remained of the two com- 
 panies before mentioned as having been enlisted at Wyoming, 
 set out for the valley, and were within two days march of it, 
 on the day of the fatal battle. About the first of June, the 
 same year, a scouting party from captain Hewitt's company 
 discovered a number of canoes with Indians, on the river at 
 some distance above the settlement, and a few days after, a 
 party of Indians attacked, and killed or made prisoners, of 
 nine or ten men, while at work on the bank of the river, 
 about ten miles above the fort. Many circumstances indicated 
 the approach of a large body of the enemy. Such was the 
 situation of the settlement when colonel Butler arrived. This 
 
BUTLER. 79 
 
 was the latter part of June, and but a few days before the 
 battle. On the 1st of July, the militia under the command 
 of colonel Denison, with all others who were capable and 
 willing to bear arms, assembled at the fort in Wilkesbarre, 
 being the principal fort. They made an excursion against 
 the enemy, killed two Indians, and found the bodies of the 
 men who had been murdered by them. When they returned, 
 each man was obliged to go to his own house and furnish him- 
 self with provisions, as there were none collected at the fort. 
 In consequence of this dispersion, they were not able to as- 
 semble again until the 3d of July, when their whole strength 
 amounted to about three hundred and fifty men. It probably 
 would have been greater, but many of the settlers chose rather 
 to remain in the other forts for the purpose of defending their 
 families and property, in which they naturally felt a greater 
 interest than in the general welfare. Of the whole force, 
 consisting of the militia, captain Hewitt's company of ran- 
 gers, and a few volunteers, including several officers and sol- 
 diers of the regular army, who happened to be in the valley, 
 colonel Butler was requested to take the command. The 
 whole, as before stated, amounted to about three hundred and 
 iifty men, indifferently furnished with arms and ammunition. 
 
 As the enemy had entered the valley at the upper end. and 
 had advanced directly towards the fort, in which the settlers 
 were assembled, the object of the savages was supposed to be 
 to attack them in the fort. The enemy had taken fort "Win- 
 termote, and one other small fort, and burnt them, and were 
 burning and laying waste the whole country in their progress. 
 Colonel Butler held a consultation with the officers, and it 
 was decided to be best to go out and intercept the progress of 
 the enemy, if possible, and put an end to the scene of devas- 
 tation which they witnessed. Being perfectly acquainted 
 with the country, they marched out some distance from the 
 fort, and formed on the bank of a creek, in a very advanta- 
 geous situation. Here they lay concealed, expecting that 
 the enemy would advance to attack the fort, and knowing that 
 if they did so, they would pass the place where the Americans 
 were in ambush. In this situation they remained near half the 
 day, but no enemy appearing, a council was called in which 
 there was a difference of opinion as to the expediency of ad- 
 vancing and attacking the enemy, or of returning to the fort, 
 there to defend themselves until the arrival of captain Spald- 
 ing's company, which was daily expected. On the one hand 
 the hope of succour, and their uncertainty as to the strength 
 of the enemy, were urged as reasons for returning, and on 
 the other, the destruction of the whole country, which would 
 inevitably follow such a step, together with the insufficiency 
 
80 BUTLER. 
 
 of the fort, and the want of provisions to enable them to stand 
 a siege, were powerful reasons in favor of risking an immedi- 
 ate battle. Captain Lazarus Stewart, a brave man, famous 
 in the country for his exploits among the Indians, and whose 
 opinion had much weight, urged an immediate attack; declar- 
 ing that if they did not march forward that day and attack 
 the enemy, he would withdraw with his whole company. 
 This left them no alternative, and they advanced accordingly. 
 They had not gone above a mile, before the advance guard 
 fired upon some Indians who were in the act of plundering and 
 burning a house. These fled to their camp and gave the 
 alarm that the Americans were approaching. Fort Winter- 
 mote was at this time the head-quarters of the enemy. Their 
 whole force, consisting of Indians. British and tories, was as 
 near as could afterwards be ascertained, about one thousand 
 men, and was commanded by colonel John Butler, an officer 
 of the British army, and an Indian chief called Brandt. They 
 were apparently unapprised of the movements of the Ameri- 
 cans, until the return to the main body of those Indians who 
 had been fired on. They immediately extended themselves in 
 a line from the fort, across a plain covered with pine trees and 
 under brush. When formed, the right of the enemy rested 
 on a swamp, and their left on Fort Wintermote. The Ameri- 
 cans marched to the attack, also in a line, colonel Zebulon 
 Butler leading on the right wing, opposed by colonel John 
 Butler, at the head of the British troops, painted to resemble 
 Indians: colonel Denison was on the left, and opposed by 
 Brandt and the Indians. In this position, the parties engag- 
 ed, and each supported its ground for some time with much 
 firmness. At length the Americans on the right had the ad- 
 vantage of the fight, having forced the enemy's left wing to 
 retire some distance. But on the left the battle soon wore a 
 different aspect. The Indians, having penetrated the swamp, 
 were discovered attempting to get into their rear. Colonel 
 Denison immediately gave orders for the left to fall back and 
 meet them as they came out of the swamp. This order was 
 misunderstood, and some of the men or officers cried out "the 
 colonel orders a retreat." The left immediately gave way, 
 and before they could be undeceived as to the object of the or- 
 der, the line broke, and the Indians rushed on with hideous 
 yells. Colonel Zebulon Butler, who had continued on horse- 
 back throughout the day, finding that the right wing was do- 
 ing well, rode towards the left. When he got a little more 
 than halfway down the line, he discovered that his men wer© 
 retreating, and that he was between the two fires, and near 
 the advancing line of the enemy. The right had no notice of 
 the retreat, until the firing on the left had ceased, and the 
 
BUTLER, Si 
 
 jelling of the savages indicated their success. This wing, 
 no longer able to maintain its ground, was forced to retreat, 
 and the route soon became general. The officers were prin- 
 cipally killed in their ineffectual attempts to rally the men. 
 The defeat was total, and the loss in killed was variously es- 
 timated at from two to three hundred of the settlers. Of cap- 
 tain Hewitt's company but fifteen escaped. The loss of the 
 enemy was also considerable. Colonels Butler and Denison, 
 although much exposed to the enemy's fire, escaped. Colo- 
 nel Butler collected four or five men together in their flight, 
 directed them to retain their arms, and when any of the In- 
 dians, who were scattered over the plain, hunting for their vic- 
 tims, approached the little party, they fired upon them, and 
 by this means they secured their retreat to Forty Fort. Ma- 
 ny of the settlers, at the commencement of their flight, had 
 thrown away their arms, that they might be better able to 
 escape. But this was of no avail, for the Indians overtook and 
 killed them with their tomahawks. The few that escaped, 
 assembled at Forty Fort: but the inhabitants were so much 
 disheartened by their defeat, that they were ready to submit 
 upon any terms that might be offered. The enemy refused to 
 treat with colonel Butler, or to give quarter to any continent- 
 al officer or soldier. Indeed, it had been determined, that if 
 they were taken, to deliver them into the hands of the Indians. 
 Colonel Butler then left the valley, and proceeded to a place 
 on the Lehigh, called Gnadenhutten. On the 4th of July, col- 
 onel Denison and colonel John Butler entered into articles of 
 capitulation for the surrender of the settlement. By these 
 articles it was stipulated among other things, that "the lives 
 of the inhabitants should be preserved," and that they should 
 "occupy their farms peaceably;" that "the continental stores 
 should be given up," and "that the private property of the 
 inhabitants should be preserved entire and unhurt." The ene- 
 my then marched into the fort: but the conditions of the capi- 
 tulation were entirely disregarded on their part. The Indians 
 plundered the inhabitants indiscriminately, and stripped them 
 even of such of their wearing apparel as they chose to take. 
 Complaint was made to colonel John Butler, who turned his 
 back upon them, saying he could not controul the Indians, 
 and walked out of the fort. The people, finding that they 
 were left to the mercy of the tories and savages, fled from the 
 valley, and made the best of their way, about fifty miles, 
 through the wilderness, to the nearest settlement of their 
 friends, leaving their property a prey to the enemy. All the 
 houses on the north west side of Susquehanna were plundered 
 and burnt. They afterwards plundered and burnt the town of 
 "Wilkesbarre. Having accomplished the hellish purpose of 
 
 11 
 
82 BUTLER. 
 
 destruction and desolation, the main body of the enemy re- 
 turned to Niagara, taking with them all the horses, cattle, 
 and other property which they did not think proper to destroy, 
 leaving behind them nothing but one vast, melancholy scene 
 of universal desolation. 
 
 It may be proper, to notice the generally received opinion, 
 that colonel Zebulon Butler and colonel John Butler were 
 cousins. This is a mistake. Both the parties denied having 
 any knowledge of any relationship subsisting between them. 
 
 From Gnadenhutten colonel Butler wrote to the board of 
 war, giving an account of the fatal disaster of the 3d of July. 
 He then went to Stroudsburg, in Northampton county, where 
 lie found captain Spalding's company, and some fugitives from 
 "Wyoming. Colonel Butler was ordered to collect what force 
 he could, and with Spalding's company return and retake pos- 
 session of the country. This he did in the month of August 
 following. On his return to the valley, he found some strag- 
 gling Indians, and also a small party driving off cattle. These 
 were soon dispersed, and their booty taken from them. He 
 immediately erected a fort at Wilkcsbarre, and established a 
 garrison. By orders from the board of w aiy he continued in 
 the command of the place until the fall of 1780, during which 
 time the garrison and the inhabitants generally suffered from 
 the incursions of the Indians. Several lives were lost, and 
 they killed a number of the Indians, though no general battle 
 w as fought. General Sullivan's expedition checked for a while 
 their ravages. He arrived in Wyoming in the spring of 1779, 
 and as soon as proper arrangements could he made, he march- 
 ed into the country of the Indians, leaving colonel Butler in 
 the command at Wyoming. 
 
 By orders from general Washington, dated, "Head Quar- 
 ters, New Windsor, December 29th, 1780," colonel Butler 
 was directed to deliver the post at Wyoming to captain Alex- 
 ander Mitchell, and to march with the men under his command 
 and join the army. This was stated by general Washington 
 to be in consequence of " Congress having, in order to re- 
 move all cause of jealousy and discontent between the states 
 of Pennsylvania and Connecticut, directed me to withdraw the 
 present garrison of Wyoming, and replace them with troops 
 from the continental army, not belonging to the line of Penn- 
 sylvania or Connecticut, or citizens of either of said states." 
 In obedience to these orders, he repaired to head quarters, 
 and remained with the army during the rest of the war. 
 
 In the unhappy dispute between the citizens of Connecticut 
 and Pennsylvania, arising out of the claims which the latter 
 advanced to the lands on the Susquehanna, upon which the 
 former had settled, colonel Butler took an active part in fa- 
 
CADWALADER. 83 
 
 vonr of the Connecticut settlers. He considered them as act- 
 ing on the defensive, and the others as the aggressors. Open 
 hostilities commenced between the parties as early as 1769, 
 and were continued unti 1 after the revolutionary war. The New- 
 England people were twice driven from their settlements, 
 though they returned immediately with reinforcements, and 
 repossessed themselves of the country. Many lives were lost 
 on both sides, and innumerable hardships endured, during this 
 unfortunate contest. No very general engagement ever took 
 place between the parties. The principal array of forces which 
 was at any time made against each other, was at the defeat 
 of captain Plunket. in 1775. This officer had marched from 
 Northumberland, for the purpose of dispossessing the settlers 
 at Wyoming, and taking possession of it themselves in the 
 name of the Pennsylvania claimants. Colonel Butler with a 
 party of settlers met them at the lower end of the valley, de- 
 feated them, and drove them back. The decree of Trenton, 
 as it is called, put an end to hostilities, by determining, that 
 the jurisdiction of the state of Pennsylvania extended over the 
 disputed territory. To this determination colonel Butler, 
 with most of the settlers, yielded. After the war he continued 
 to reside at Wyoming, and received appointments under the 
 state of Pennsylvania, particularly the situation of lieutenant 
 of the county. He died at Wilkesbarre, on the 28th of July, 
 1795, in the sixty-fourth year of his age. 
 
 As numerous and very incorrect accounts of the u Massacre 
 of Wyoming," (as the foregoing battle has generally, and with 
 great truth, been called,) have been published and incorporated 
 in the histories of the times, the compiler is induced to state, that 
 the foregoing sketch was politely furnished by a descendant 
 of colonel Butler, residing in the valley, and may be relied 
 on as a correct and faithful narrative of the transactions of 
 that fatal and disastrous day. 
 
 CADWALADER, John, born in Philadelphia, was dis- 
 tinguished for his zealous and inflexible adherence to the 
 cause of America, and for his intrepidity as a soldier, in up- 
 holding that cause during the most discouraging periods of 
 danger and misfortune. At the dawn of the revolution, he 
 commanded a corps of volunteers, designated as "the silk 
 stocking company," of which nearly all the members were 
 appointed to commissions in the line of the army. He after- 
 wards was appointed colonel of one of the city battalions: and, 
 being thence promoted to the rank of brigadier general, was 
 intrusted with the command of the Pennsylvania troops, in 
 the important operations of the winter campaign of 1776 and 
 1777. He acted with his command, and as a volunteer, in the ac 
 lions of Princeton, Brandy wine, Germantown and Monmouth., 
 
64 CADWALADER 
 
 and other occasions: and received the thanks of general Wash* 
 ington, whose confidence and regard lie uniformly enjoyed. 
 
 When general Washington determined to attack the Bri- 
 tish and Hessian troops at Trenton, he assigned him the com- 
 mand of a division. In the evening of Christmas day, 1776, 
 general Washington made arrangements to pass the river De- 
 laware, in three divisions: one, consisting of 500 men, under 
 general Cadwaladcr, from the vicinity of Bristol: a second 
 division, under the command of general Irvine, was to cross 
 at Trenton ferry, and secure the bridge leading to the town. 
 Generals Cadwaladcr and Irvine made every exertion to get 
 over, but the quantity of ice was so great, that they could not 
 effect their purpose. * The third, and main body, which was 
 commanded by general Washington, crossed at M'Konkey's 
 ferry: but the* ice in the river retarded their passage so long, 
 that it was three o'clock in the morning before the artillery 
 could be got over. On their landing in Jersey, they were 
 formed into two divisions, commanded by generals Sullivan 
 and Greene, who had under their command brigadiers lord 
 Sterling, Mercer, and St. Clair: one of these divisions was 
 ordered to proceed on the lower, or river road, the other on 
 the upper or Pennington road. Colonel Stark, with some 
 Jight troops, was also directed to advance near to the river, 
 and to possess himself of that part of the town, which is be- 
 yond the bridge. The divisions having nearly the same dis- 
 tance to march, were ordered immediately on forcing the out- 
 guards, to push directly into Trenton, that they might charge 
 the enemy before they had time to form. Though they march- 
 ed different roads, yet they arrived at the enemy's advanced 
 post within three minutes of each other. The out-guards of 
 the Hessian troops at Trenton soon fell back, but kept up a 
 constant retreating fire. Their main body being hard pressed 
 by the Americans, who had already got possession of half 
 their artillery, attempted to file off by a road leading towards 
 Princeton, but were checked by a body of troops thrown in 
 their way, Finding they were surrounded, they laid down 
 their arms. The number which submitted, was twenty-three 
 officers, and eight hundred and eighty-six men. Between 
 thirty and forty of the Hessians were killed and wounded. 
 Colonel Rahl was among the former, and seven of his officers 
 among the latter. Captain Washington, of the Virginia 
 troops, and five or six of the Americans were wounded. Two 
 were killed, and two or three were frozen to death. The de- 
 tachment in Trenton, consisting of the regiments of Rahl, 
 Losberg and Kniphausen, amounting in the whole to about 
 fifteen hundred men, and a troop of British light horse. All 
 £hese were killed or captured, except about six hundred, who 
 escaped by the road leading to Bordentown. 
 
CADWALADER. 85 
 
 The British had a strong battalion of light infantry at 
 Princeton, and a force yet remaining near the Delaware, su- 
 perior to the American army. General Washington, there- 
 fore, in the evening of the same day, thought it most prudent 
 te recross into Pennsylvania, with his prisoners. 
 
 The next day after Washington's return, supposing him 
 still on the Jersey side, general Cadwalader crossed with 
 about fifteen hundred men, and pursued the panic struck ene- 
 my to Burlington, 
 
 The merits and services of general Cadwalader, induced 
 the congress, early in 1778, to compliment him by an unani- 
 mous vote, with the appointment of general of cavalry; which 
 appointment he declined, under an impression that he could 
 be more useful to his country in the sphere in which he had 
 been acting. 
 
 The victory at Trenton had a most happy effect, and gener- 
 al Washington, finding himself at the head of a force with 
 which it was practicable to attempt something, resolved not. 
 to remain inactive. Inferior as he was to the enemy, he yet 
 determined to employ the winter in endeavoring to recover the 
 whole, or a great part of Jersey. The enemy were now col- 
 lected in force at Princeton, under lord Cornwallis. where 
 some works were thrown up. Generals Mifflin and Cadwal- 
 ader, who lay at Bordentown and Crosswicks, with three 
 Thousand six hundred militia, were ordered to march up in 
 the night of the first January, 1777, to join the commander in 
 chief, whose whole force, with this addition, did not exceed 
 five thousand men. He formed the bold and judicious design 
 of abandoning the Delaware, and marching silently in the 
 night by a circuitous route, along the left flank of the enemy, 
 into their rear at Princeton, where he knew they could not be 
 very strong. He readied Princeton early in the morning of 
 the third, and would have completely surprised the British, 
 had not a party, which was on their way to Trenton, descri- 
 ed his troops, when they were about two miles distant, and 
 sent back couriers to alarm their fellow soldiers in the rear. 
 A sharp action ensued, which however was not of long dura- 
 tion. The militia, of which the advanced party was princi- 
 pally composed, soon gave way. General Mercer was mor- 
 tally wounded while exerting himself to rally his broken 
 troops. The moment was critical. General Washington 
 pushed forward, and placed himself between his own men and 
 the British, with his horse's head fronting the latter. The 
 Americans, encouraged by his example, made a stand, and re- 
 turned the British fire. A party of the British fled into the 
 college, and were attacked with field pieces. After receiv- 
 ing a few 7 discharges they came eut and surrendered them 
 
$6 CADWALADER. 
 
 selves prisoners of war. In this action upwards of one hun- 
 dred of the enemy were killed on the spot, and three hundred 
 taken prisoners. The Americans lost only a few, hut colo- 
 nels Haslet and Potter, two brave and valuable officers, from 
 Delaware and Pennsylvania, were among the slain. 
 
 General Cadwalader's celebrated duel w ith general Con- 
 way, arose from his spirited opposition to the intrigues of that 
 officer, to undermine the standing of the commander in chief. 
 The anecdote relative to the duel, in " Anecdotes of the Rev- 
 olutionary War," by Alexander Garden, of Charleston, South 
 Carolina, is not entirely correct. 
 
 It will be recollected that general Conway was dangerous- 
 ly wounded, and while his recovery was doubtful, he address- 
 ed a letter to general Washington, acknowledging that he had 
 done him injustice. 
 
 Among many obituary notices of general Cadwalader, this 
 
 patriotic and exemplary man, the following outline of his 
 
 character, in the form of a monumental inscription, is selected 
 
 from a Baltimore paper, of the 24th of February, 1786: 
 
 In memory of 
 
 General John Cadwalader, 
 
 Who died, February the 10th, 1786, 
 
 At Shrewsbury, his seat in Kent county, 
 
 In the 44th year of his age. 
 
 This amiable and worthy Gentleman, 
 
 Had served his Country 
 
 With reputation, 
 
 In the character of a 
 
 Soldier and Statesman: 
 
 He took an active part, and had a principal 
 
 Share, in the late Revolution, 
 
 And, although he was zealous in the cause 
 
 Of American Freedom, 
 
 His conduct was not mark'd with the 
 
 Least degree of malevolence, or party spirit. 
 
 Those who honestly differed from him 
 
 in opinion, 
 
 He always treated with singular tenderness, 
 
 In sociability, and cheerfulness of temper, 
 
 Honesty and goodness of heart, 
 
 Independence of spirit, and warmth of 
 
 Friendship, 
 
 He had no superior, 
 
 And few, very few equals: 
 
 Never did any man die more lamented 
 
 By his Friends, and Neighbours ; 
 
 To his family and near relations, 
 
 His death was a stroke still more severe. 
 
CASWELL— CHAMPE. 87 
 
 CASWELL, Richard, governor of North Carolina, re- 
 ceived an education suitable for the bar, and was uniformly 
 distinguished as a friend to the rights of mankind. He pos- 
 sessed a sensibility, which impelled him to relieve the dis- 
 tress, which he witnessed. Whenever oppressed indigence 
 called for his professional assistance, he afforded it without 
 the hope of any other reward, than the consciousness of hav- 
 ing exerted himself to promote the happiness of a fellow man. 
 
 Warmly attached to the liberties of his country, he was 
 appointed a member of the first congress, in 1774, and he 
 early took arms in resistance to the arbitrary claims of Great 
 Britain. He was at the head of a regiment in 1776, when it 
 became necessary to oppose a body of loyalists composed of a 
 number of the ignorant and disorderly inhabitants of the fron- 
 tiers, styling themselves regulators, and of emigrants from 
 the highlands of Scotland. This party of about fifteen hun- 
 dred men was collected in the middle of February, under ge- 
 neral M'Donald. He was pursued by general Moore, and on 
 the 27th he found himself under the necessity of engaging co- 
 lonel Caswell, who was intrenched with about a thousand 
 minute men and militia, directly in his front, at a place called 
 Moore's creek-bridge. This was about sixteen miles distant 
 from Wilmington, where M'Donald hoped to join general 
 Clinton. But he was defeated and taken prisoner by Cas- 
 well, with the loss of seventy men in killed and wounded, and 
 fifteen hundred excellent rifles. This victory was of eminent 
 service to the American cause in North Carolina. 
 
 Mr. Caswell was president of the convention, which formed 
 the constitution of North Carolina, in December, 1776, un- 
 der which constitution he was governor from April, 1777, to 
 the year 1780, and from 1785, to 1787. At the time of his 
 death he was president of the senate, and for a number of 
 years he had held the commission of major general. He died 
 at Fayetteville, November 20, 1789. 
 
 In his character the public and domestic virtues were 
 united. Ever honoured with some marks of the approbation 
 of his fellow citizens, he watched with unremitted attention 
 over the welfare of the community, and anxiously endeavour- 
 ed also to promote the felicity of its members in their sepa- 
 rate interests. While the complacency of his disposition and 
 his equal temper peculiarly endeared him to his friends, they 
 commanded respect even from his enemies. 
 
 CHAMPE, John, was a native of Loudon county, Virgi- 
 nia. In the year 1776, at the age of twenty-four, he entered 
 the revolutionary army, and was appointed a sergeant major 
 in Lee's legion of cavalry. After the detection of Arnold's 
 treason, and the capture of major Andre, the commander in 
 
83 i;maMpe, 
 
 chief received frequent intelligence that many American offi- 
 cers, and one brigadier general, high in his confidence, were 
 implicated in the guilt of that conspiracy. He consulted with 
 major Lee on the subject, submitted to his inspection the pa- 
 pers detailing this alarming intelligence, and desired his 
 opinion on the subject. Major Lee endeavored to calm his 
 apprehensions, and represented this, as an artifice which the 
 British general had adopted to weaken the confidence of the 
 commander in chief in his subordinate officers, and to sow the 
 seeds of discord in the American camp. Washington "observ- 
 ed, that the same thought had occurred to him; hut as these 
 remarks applied with equal force to Arnold before his deser- 
 tion, he was determined on probing this matter to the bottom. 
 He proceeded to say, that what lie had then to communicate 
 was a subject of high delicacy, and entire confidence. He 
 wished major Lee to recommend some bold and enterprising 
 individual from the legion he commanded, who should pro- 
 ceed on that very night to the enemy's camp, in the character 
 of a deserter. He was to make himself known to one or two 
 of Washington's confidential agents in New-York, to obtain, 
 through their means, the most authentic evidence of the inno- 
 cence or guilt of the American officers suspected, and trans- 
 mit the result to major Lee. Another part of his project was 
 to seize the traitor and to bring him alive to the American 
 camp; but the orders were positive not to put him to death, 
 and to suffer him to escape, if he could not be taken by any 
 other means. His public punishment was all that Washing- 
 ton desired. He flattered himself that by Arnold's arrest he 
 would be enabled to unravel this conspiracy, and save the life 
 of the unfortunate Andre. When major Lee sounded Champe 
 on this business, the heroic serjeant replied, that if any means 
 could be devised by which he could testify his devotion to his 
 country, and his attachment to his commander in chief, com- 
 patible with honor, he would cheerfully endure any personal 
 risk: but his soul abhorred the thoughts of desertion. Major 
 Lee with much difficulty succeeded in convincing him, that in 
 no other way could he render so important a service to his 
 country, and he was at last prevailed upon to undertake this 
 hazardous service. After being furnished with his instruc- 
 tions, which he hastily took down in a character, or rather 
 cipher of his own, (for he was not permitted to carry written 
 orders,) his difficulty was to pass the American lines. The 
 major was unable to promise him any protection, as this 
 would seem to countenance the plot, and to favor the desertion 
 of others, and the enemy might moreover, obtain intelligence 
 by that means, discover and defeat his object, and he himself 
 suffer the ignominious death of a spy. The serjeant at length 
 
CHAMPE. 89 
 
 departed, and about lialf an hour afterwards, the colonel was 
 informed that one of the patroles had fallen in with a dragoon, 
 who being challenged put spurs to his horse, and escaped. 
 Lee made light of the intelligence, and scouted the idea that a 
 dragoon belonging to his legion should desert. It v. as proba- 
 bly, he said, a countryman, who was alarmed at the challenge, 
 and might easily in the night time be mistaken for one of his 
 men. Orders were at length given, to examine the squadron. 
 This command was promptly obeyed, and produced a confir- 
 mation of the first intelligence, with the further tidings that 
 this individual was no other than the sergeant major: as nei- 
 ther himself his baggage, or his horse were to be found. Lee 
 now made lighter than ever of the report : enlarged on the 
 former services of the sergeant, and his known and tried fide- 
 lity. He said that he had probably followed the pernicious ex- 
 ample set by his superior officers, who, in defiance of their 
 orders, peremptory as they were, occasionally quitted the 
 camp, and were never suspected of desertion. All these pre- 
 texts having been exhausted, written orders were at length 
 issued, in the usual form. "Pursue as far you can, sergeant 
 Champe, suspected of desertion: bring him alive that he may 
 suffer in the presence of the army ; but kill him if he resists, 
 or escapes after being taken." Before the pursuing party set 
 out, major Lee directed the commanding officer to be changed, 
 which allowed a little more time to the fugitive. Pursuit 
 was at length made, and continued with such eagerness, that 
 Champe escaped at the distance only of three hundred yards. 
 The British galleys were lying below Powle*s hook ; Champe 
 called to them for protection, and leaving his horse and bag- 
 gage, plunged into the river sword in hand. One of the gal- 
 leys despatched a boat to his assistance, and fired on his pur- 
 suers, by which means Champe gained the shore without in- 
 jury- 
 Washington was highly pleased with the result of this ad- 
 venture. The eagerness of the pursuit he thought would be 
 decisive evidence to the British commander, that this was a 
 real, and not a feigned desertion. Champe was immediately 
 brought before sir Henry Clinton, and questioned by him on a 
 variety of subjects, and amongst the rest, if any American offi- 
 cers were suspected of desertion and who those officers were. The 
 sergeant was forwarncd on this point, and gave such answers 
 as would more effectually mislead. After this examination he 
 was consigned to the care of general Arnold, and by him re- 
 tained in his former rank. Washington hoped and believed, 
 that the trial of Andre would occupy much time, and enable 
 Champe to accomplish his designs. That gallant officer, 
 disdaining all subterfuge, completely foiled this hope, by 
 
 13 
 
90 CHAMPE. 
 
 broadly confessing the nature of his connection with Arnold 
 The commander in chief offered to exchange Andre for Arnold. 
 a proposal sir Henry Clinton, for obvious motives, declined. 
 Had this gallant officer protracted his trial, and the plot 
 proved successful, the life of Andre would have been saved, 
 not by the intrigues of sir Henry Clinton, but of Washington- 
 in his favor. The honest and precipitate intrepidity of the 
 British officer, defeated this benevolent project, and no alter- 
 native remained but a speedy death. The sergeant, unfortu- 
 nate as he was in this, was more successful in obtaining evi- 
 dence the most full and satisfactory, that the suspicions rest- 
 ing on several American officers were foul calumnies, and a 
 forgery of the enemy. He now determined on making one 
 bold attempt for the seizure of Arnold. Having been allow- 
 ed, at all times, free access to Arnold, marked all his habits 
 and movements, he awaited only a favorable opportunity for 
 the execution of his project. He had ascertained that Ar- 
 nold usually retired to rest about twelve, and that previous 
 to this, lie spent some time in a private garden, adjoining his 
 quarters. He was there to have been seized, bound, and gagged, 
 and under the pretext that he was a soldier in a state of 
 intoxication, to have been conveyed through bye-paths and 
 unsuspected places, to a boat lying in readiness, in the river 
 Hudson. Champe engaged two confederates, and major Lee, 
 who co-operated in the plan, received timely intelligence of 
 the night fixed on for its execution. At the appointed time, 
 Ui at officer, attended by a small party well mounted, laid in 
 wait the other side of the Hudson with two spare horses, one 
 for Champe and the other for Arnold. The return of da} light 
 announced the discomfiture of the plan, and Lee and his party 
 returned to the camp with melancholy forebodings, that the 
 life of the gallant sergeant had been sacrificed to his zeal in 
 the service of his country. Consoling, however, was the in- 
 telligence shortly after received from the confederates, that 
 on the night preceding the one fixed on for Arnold's arrest, 
 that officer had shifted his quarters. It appeared that he was 
 employed to superintend the embarkation of certain troops, 
 composed chiefly of American deserters, and it was appre- 
 hended, that unless they were removed from their barracks, 
 which were adjacent to the shore, many might seize that op- 
 portunity to escape, this attempt was never afterwards re- 
 newed. On the junction of Arnold with lord Cornwallis, in 
 Virginia, the sergeant found means to elude the vigilance of 
 the British lines, and to reach in safety the army of general 
 Greene. Having been furnished by that officer with the 
 means of escaping to Washington's camp, he arrived there 
 to the astonishment and joy of his old confederates in arms.. 
 
CHRISTIE. 91 
 
 When Washington assumed the command of the army un- 
 der president Adams, he caused strict inquiry to he made for 
 the man who had so honorably distinguished himself, intend- 
 ing to honor such tried fidelity with military promotion, and 
 heard, to his great sorrow, that he had died hut a short time 
 before, in the state of 'Kentucky. These facts are taken and 
 condensed from the interesting manuscript of major general 
 Lee. 
 
 CHRYSTIE, James, was born in or near Edinburgh, in the 
 year 1750. He migrated to the state of Pennsylvania, in the 
 year 1775. In 1776, he offered himself a candidate for a 
 military commission in our revolutionary army. Such was 
 his modest diffidence, that although he could have had a com- 
 pany, he preferred a first lieutenancy, as he considered him- 
 self a noviciate in military tactics. In 1777, he was pro- 
 moted to the command of a company. This command he held, 
 ■with high reputation, until the end of the war. He was then 
 the oldest captain, (except one,) in the Pennsylvania line. 
 
 On the discovery of Arnold's plot, at West Point, general 
 Washington sent for captain Chrystie, and told him he had se- 
 lected him for the speedy performance of a very important 
 piece of service, on horseback. You shall have two light- 
 horsemen to accompany you. " I shall be ready, and wait 
 upon your excellency in a very short time for your orders." 
 " Captain Chrystie, yon are to receive no written orders from, 
 me. The business is, that you proceed with all possible ex- 
 pedition to West Point, and examine particularly the state of 
 that garrison, in every respect ; and to visit all the interme- 
 diate posts, for the same purpose. Make this known to no 
 one but the commanding officer at each post ; and you arc to 
 enjoin on them the secrecy of the grave; commit nothing to 
 writing." 
 
 Here the general paused — "Has your excellency any further 
 orders?" interrupted captain Chrystie. "Yes," replied the 
 general, ''one, and a very serious one; that is, captain 
 Chrystie, that on this occasion, you are not to let me hear of 
 your being taken prisoner. Do you understand mer" ''Per- 
 fectly well, sir," replied captain Chrystie, "you shall not 
 hear of that event." 
 
 He set out with the two light-horsemen : two of the horses 
 became unable to go within some miles of West Point. He 
 took the best of three, and proceeded alone, and returned to 
 head quarters in so short a time, that general Washington 
 supposed, at first sight, he had been interrupted in his journey 
 by the enemy, but captain Chrystie made such report as soon 
 set the anxious mind of general Washington in perfect tran- 
 quility. 
 
92 CLAllKE. 
 
 Captain Chrystie was a perfect military man. He was 
 valiant without pride ; victorious without cruelty ; indefati- 
 gable without avarice ; a soldier without vice ; and a chris- 
 tian without bigotry. He was modest and unassuming, yet 
 firm as the brazen wall. 
 
 Lieutenant colonel James Crystie, of the 15th regiment, 
 United States infantry, and one of the brave men who earned 
 a name at the battle of Queension, in the late war with Great 
 Britain, was a son of captain Chrystie. He is also deceased. 
 CLARKE, George, Rogers, colonel in the service of 
 Virginia, against the Indians in the revolutionary war, was 
 among the best soldiers, and better acquainted with the Indian 
 warfare than any oflicer in the army. While his countrymen 
 on the sea-board were contending with the British regulars, 
 lie was the efficient protector of the people of the frontiers of 
 Virginia and Pennsylvania from the inroads of the savages. 
 The history of his exploits would fill a volume; and for hair- 
 breadth escapes and hardy enterprize, would hardly have a 
 parallel. We are only enabled to give an extract: 
 
 "The legislature of Virginia claiming the country con- 
 quered by colonel Clark, comprehended it within the new coun- 
 try, which they erected by the name of Illinois. A regiment 
 of infantry, and one troop of cavalry, were voted for its pro- 
 tection; the command of which was given to colonel Clarke; 
 whose former regiment was dissolved, by the expiration of 
 its term of service; and who well merited this new expression 
 of public confidence, by the entire success of his late enter- 
 prises: by his known courage; by his uncommon hardihood; 
 by his military talents; and by his singular capacity for In- 
 dian warfare. 
 
 "The families who came to the Falls of Ohio with colonel 
 Clarke, in 1778, were the first settlers at that place. Con- 
 sidering their exposed situation on the extremity of Kentucky, 
 detached seventy miles from the other settlements, an;l in the 
 vicinity of several hostile tribes of Indians, and British posts, 
 it was deemed expedient to erect their first cabins on the prin- 
 cipal island in the falls, and there they made corn in that 
 year. 
 
 "Greatly were these adventurers interested in the success of 
 colonel Clarke's expedition. Nor was it long before they 
 heard of the fail of Kaskaskias. Pleasing as was this intel- 
 ligence, it did not afford to them the wanted security. 
 
 '•There was yet post St. Vincents, more immediately in their 
 neighborhood, and replenished with Indians. The capture of 
 this place was to them the mandate of liberation from their 
 insular situation, and an invitation to remove to the Kentucky 
 shore. Hence the origin of the settlement at the site of 
 'Louisville. 
 
CLARKE. 93 
 
 ••'A stand being once made at the Falls, and the garrison 
 freed from the contracted and inconvenient limits of the island, 
 soon accumulated strength from accession of numbers, and 
 importance from its becoming the residence of colonel Clarke, 
 with his regiment. 
 
 "The year 1779 early felt in various ways, the effect of co- 
 lonel Clarke's expedition and success : a general confidence 
 prevailed in the country, which extended itself abroad: and 
 while it brought more emigrants into Kentucky, it encouraged 
 an extension of the settlements. About the first of April, a 
 block-house was built where Lexington now stands, and anew 
 settlement began there under the auspices of Robert Patterson, 
 who may be considered an early and meritorious adventurer, 
 much engaged in the defence of the country; and who was af- 
 terwards promoted to the rank of colonel. Several persons 
 raised corn at the place that year, and in the autumn. John 
 Morrison, afterwards a major, removed his family from Har- 
 rodsburg, and Mrs. Morrison was the first white woman at 
 Lexington: so named to commemorate the battle at Lexing- 
 ton, the first which took place in the war of the revolution. 
 
 "In this year, colonel Clarke descended the Ohio, with a part 
 of his regiment, and after entering the Mississippi, at the first 
 high land on the eastern bank, landed the troops, and built 
 .Fort Jefferson. 
 
 "In a military view, this position was well chosen: and had 
 it been well fortified, and furnished with cannon, would have 
 commanded the river. Without a doubt, at some future day, 
 it will be a plare of great importance in the western country. 
 It is within the limits of Kentucky, and never should be 
 alienated. A suitable garrison at that place, should it ever 
 be necessary, would hold in check both the upper and lower 
 Mississippi. 
 
 " In 1781, colonel Clark received a general's commission, 
 and had the chief command in Kentucky. A row galley 
 was constructed under his direction, which was to ply up and 
 down the Ohio, as a moving battery for the north-western 
 frontier, and which is supposed to have had a very good effect 
 in frightening the Indians, for none dared to attack it; nor 
 were they so free as theretofore in crossing the river: indeed, 
 there is a tradition, that its passage up the Ohio, once as far 
 as the mouth of Licking, had the effect to stop an expedition, 
 which a formidable party of Indians had commenced against 
 Kentucky." 
 
 The character of this veteran is well developed in the fol- 
 lowing extract, recently published, from the " Notes of an old 
 officer:" 
 
 " The Indians came into the treaty at fort Washington in 
 
94 CLARKE. 
 
 the most friendly manner ; except the Shawahanees ; the most 
 conceited and most warlike of the ahorigines ; the first in at a 
 battle ; the last at a treaty. Three hundred of their finest 
 warriors, set off in all their paint and feathers, filed into the 
 council house. Their numhcr and demeanor, so unusual at 
 an occasion of this sort, was altogether unexpected and sus- 
 picious. The United States' stockade mustered seventy men. 
 
 * k In the centre of the hall, at a little tahle, sat the Com- 
 missary General Clarke, the indefatigahle scourge of these 
 very marauders ; General Richard Butler, and Mr. Par- 
 sons; there were present also, a Captain Denny, who, I 
 believe, is still alive, and can attest this story. On the part 
 of the Indians an old council sachem and a war chief took the 
 lead : the latter, a tall raw honed fellow, with an impu- 
 dent and villanous look made a hoisterous and threatening 
 speech, which operated effectually on the passions of the In- 
 dians, who set up a prodigious whoop at every pause. He con- 
 cluded by presenting a black and white wampum ; to signify 
 they were prepared for either event, peace or war. Clarke, 
 exhibited the same unaltered and careless countenance he had 
 shown during the whole scene, his head leaning on his left 
 hand, and his elbow resting on the table : he raised his little 
 cane and pushed the sacred wampum off the table with very 
 little ceremony, every Indian at the same moment started from 
 his seat with one of those sudden, simultaneous, and peculiary 
 savage sounds, which startle and disconcert the stoutest heart, 
 and can neither be described nor forgotten. 
 
 "Parsons, more civil than military in his habits, was poor- 
 ly fitted for an emergency that probably embarrassed even the 
 hero of Saratoga; the brother and father of soldiers. At 
 this juncture Clarke rose, the scrutinizing eye cowered at 
 his glance; he stamped his foot on the prostrate and insulted 
 symbol, and ordered them to leave the hall. They did so, 
 apparently involuntarily. 
 
 "They were heard all that night debating in the bushes 
 near the fort. The raw-boned chief was for war, the old 
 sachem for peace : the latter prevailed ; and the next morn- 
 ing they came back and sued for peace." 
 
 General Clarke died at his seat, at Locust Grove, near Louis- 
 ville, Kentucky, on the 13th of February, 1817, in the sixty- 
 sixth year of his age. He had justly acquired the appellation of 
 the father of the western country. A newspaper in his imme- 
 diate neighborhood, thus feelingly noticed his death: 
 
 " Could our feeble talents enable us to delineate the distin- 
 guished acts of patriotism, of valour, and philantropliy, that 
 characterised the existence of this illustrious chief, what a 
 spectacle would we present to the admiring world ! While 
 
CllNTON. 95 
 
 basking in the sunshine of wealth and political glory, can we 
 be unmindful that these are the proud trophies bequeathed us 
 by the toils and valor of litis illustrious man? Early in life he 
 embarked in the cause of his country. This western country 
 was the great theatre of his actions. Bold and enterprising, 
 he was not to be dismayed by the dangers and difficulties that 
 threatened him, by a force in number far his superior, and re- 
 moved to a region never before trodden by a civilized Ameri- 
 can. He estimated the value of its favorable result: he relied 
 on his skill and courage; he knew the fidelity of his little band 
 of associates, and, for him, it was enough-. With this little 
 band of Spartans he is seen piercing the gloom of the seques- 
 tered forests, illuminating them in quick succession with- the 
 splendour of his victories, and early inviting his countrymen 
 to a residence his courage and skill had purchased for them.' , 
 
 CLINTON, James, was the fourth son of colonel Charles 
 Clinton, and was born on Thursday, the 9th of August, 1756, 
 at the house of his father, in Ulster county, in the colony of 
 New York. In common with his brothers, he was favoured 
 with an excellent education. The study of the exact sciences 
 was his favourite pursuit ; but the predominant inclination of 
 his mind was to a military life. 
 
 In the critical an4 eventful affairs of nations, when their 
 rights and their interests arc invaded, and when the most dar- 
 ing attempts are made to reduce them to domestic tyranny or 
 foreign subjugation, Providence, in the plenitude of its benefi- 
 cence, has generally provided men qualified to lead the van of 
 successful resistance, and has infused a redeeming spirit into 
 the community, which enabled it to rise superior to the cala- 
 mities that menaced its liberty and prosperity. The charac- 
 ters designed for these important ends, are statesmen and sol- 
 diers. The first devise plans in the cabinet, and the second 
 execute them in the field. At the commencement of the Ame- 
 rican revolution, and during its progress to a glorious con- 
 summation, constellations of illustrious men appeared in the 
 councils and the armies of the nation, illuminating by their 
 wisdom, and upholding by their energy : drawing forth the 
 resources, and vindicating the rights of America. In defiance 
 of the most appalling considerations, liberty or death was in- 
 scribed on the heart of every patriot; and, drawing the sword, 
 he consecrated it to the cause of heaven and his country, 
 and determined to die or to conquer. 
 
 Amidst the gallant soldiers, whose services were demanded 
 by the emergencies of the American revolution, James Clin- 
 ton, the subject of this memoir, was always conspicuous. To 
 an iron constitution and invincible courage, he added the mili- 
 tary experience which he acquired in the war of 1756, where 
 
06 CLINTON. 
 
 he established his character as an intrepid and skilful officer? 
 and the military knowledge which he obtained after the peace 
 of ) 763, by a close attention to the studies connected with hi§ 
 favourite profession. 
 
 On the 51st of January, 1756, he was appointed by go- 
 vernor sir Charles Hardy, an ensign in the second regiment 
 of militia, for the county of Ulster: on the 25th March, 1758, 
 by lieutenant governor Delancey, a lieutenant of a company 
 in the pay of the province of New York: on the 7th March, 
 1759, by the same lieutenant governor, a captain of a com- 
 pany of provincial troops, ami in the three following years 
 lie was successively re-appointed to the same station. On the 
 15th November, 1763, he was appointed by lieutenant go- 
 vernor Colden, captain commandant of the four companies 
 in the pay of the province of New York, raised for the 
 defence of the western frontiers of the counties of Ulster, 
 and Orange, and captain of one of the said companies; 
 and on the 18th March, 1774, lieutenant colonel of the second 
 regiment of militia, in Ulster county. This detail is entered 
 into not from a spirit of ostentation, but to show that he rose 
 gradually, and from step to step in his profession: not by in- 
 trigue, for lie had none; nor by the influence of his family, for 
 they were generally in opposition to the administration: but 
 by the force of merit, developing itself in the progress of 
 time, and by the entire confidence justly reposed in his in- 
 tegrity, courage, and skill. 
 
 In the war of 1756, commonly denominated the French 
 war, he encountered, with cheerfulness, the fatigues and dan- 
 gers of a military life. He was a captain under colonel Brad- 
 street, at the capture of fort Frontenac, and he rendered es- 
 sential service in that expedition in many respects, and par- 
 ticularly by the capture of a sloop of war on lake Ontario, 
 which impeded the progress of the army. His company was 
 placed in row-gallies, and, favored by a calm, compelled the 
 French vessel to strike after an obstinate resistance. His de- 
 signation as captain commandant of the four companies, rais- 
 ed for the protection of the western frontiers of the counties 
 of Orange and Ulster, was a post of great responsibility and 
 hazard, and demonstrated the confidence of the government. 
 The safety of a line of settlements, extending at least fifty 
 miles, was intrusted to his vigilance and intrepidity. The 
 ascendency of the French, over the ruthless savages, was al- 
 ways predominant, and the inhabitant of the frontiers was 
 compelled to hold the plough with one hand, for his susten- 
 ance, and to grasp his gun with the other for his defence; and 
 he was constantly in danger of being awakened, in the hour 
 of darkness, by the war-whoop of the savages, to witness the 
 conflagration of his dwelling and the murder of his family. 
 
CLINTON. 97 
 
 After the termination of the French war, Mr. Clinton mar- 
 pied Mary De Witt, a young lady of extraordinary merit, 
 whose ancestors emigrated from Holland, and whose name 
 proclaims their respectability; and he retired from the camp 
 to enjoy the repose of domestic life. 
 
 When the American Revolution was on the eve of its com- 
 mencement, he was appointed on the 30th June. 1775, by the 
 continental congress, colonel of the third regiment of New 
 York forces. On the 25th of October following, he was ap- 
 pointed by the provincial congress of New York, colonel of 
 the regiment of foot in Ulster county; on the 8th of March, 
 3 776, by the continental congress, colonel of the second bat- 
 talion of New York troops; and on the 9th of August, 1776, 
 a brigadier general in the army of the United States; in which 
 station he continued during the greater part of the war, hav- 
 ing the command of the New York line, or the troops of that 
 state; and at its close he was constituted a major general. 
 
 In 1775, his regiment composed part of the army under 
 general Montgomery, which invaded Canada: and he partici- 
 pated in all the fatigues, dangers and privations, of that ce- 
 lebrated but unfortunate expedition. 
 
 In October, 1777, he commanded at fort Clinton, which, 
 together with its neighbour, fort Montgomery, constituted the 
 defence of the Hudson river, against the ascent of an enemy. 
 His brother, the governor, commanded in chief at both forts. 
 Sir Henry Clinton, with a view to create a diversion in fa- 
 vour of general Burgoyne, moved up the Hudson with an army 
 of four thousand men, and attacked those works, which were 
 very imperfectly fortified, and only defended by five hundred 
 men, composed principally of militia. After a most gallant 
 resistance, the forts were carried by storm. General Clin- 
 ton was the last man who left the works, and not until he 
 was severely wounded by the thrust of a bayonet; pursued 
 and fired at by the enemy, and his attending servant killed. 
 He bled profusely, and when he dismounted from his war 
 horse, in order to effect his escape from the enemy, who were 
 close on him, it occurred to him that he must either perish on 
 the mountains or be captured, unless he could supply himself 
 with another horse; an animal which sometimes roams at 
 large in that wild region. In this emergency, he took the 
 bridle from his horse, and slid down a precipice of one hun- 
 dred feet to the ravine of the creek which separated the forts, 
 and feeling cautiously his way along its precipitous banks, he 
 reached the mountain at a distance from the enemy, after hav' 
 ing fallen into the stream, the cold water of which arrested a 
 copious effusion of blood. The return of light furnished him 
 with the sight of a horse, which conveyed him to his house. 
 
 13 
 
98 CLINTON. 
 
 about sixteen miles from the fort, where he arrived about 
 noon, covered with blood, and labouring under a severe fever. 
 In his helpless condition the British passed up tbe Hudson, 
 within a few miles of his house, and destroyed the town of 
 Kingston. 
 
 The cruel ravages and horrible irruptions of the Iroquois, 
 or six nations of Indians, on our frontier settlements, render- 
 ed it necessary to inflict a terrible chastisement, which would 
 prevent a repetition of their atrocities. An expedition was ac- 
 cordingly planned, and the principal command was committed 
 to general Sullivan, who was to proceed up the Susquehanna, 
 with the main body of the army, while general Clinton was 
 to join him by the way of the Mohawk. 
 
 The Iroquois inhabited, or occasionally occupied that im- 
 mense and fertile region which composes the western parts 
 of New York and Pennsylvania, and besides their own rava- 
 ges, from their settlements to the inhabited parts of tbe United 
 States, they facilitated the inroads of the more remote In- 
 dians. When general Sullivan was on his way to the Indian 
 country, he was joined by general Clinton with upwards of 
 sixteen hundred men. The latter had gone up the Mohawk 
 in batteaux, from Schenectady, and after ascending that river 
 about fifty-four miles, he conveyed his batteaux from Cana- 
 joharie to the head of Otsego lake, one of the sources of the 
 Susquehanna. Finding the stream of water, in that river, 
 too low to float his boats, he erected a dam across the mouth 
 of the lake, which soon rose to the altitude of the dam. Having 
 got his batteaux ready, he opened a passage through the dam 
 for the water to flow. This raised the river so high, that he 
 was enabled to embark all his troops : to float them down to 
 Tioga, and to join general Sullivan in good season. The In- 
 dians collected their strength at Newton ; took possession 
 of proper ground and fortified with judgment, and on the 29th 
 August, 1^79, an attack was made on them ; their works 
 were forced, and their consternation was so great, that they 
 abandoned all further resistance; for, as the Americans ad- 
 vanced into their settlements, they retreated before them with- 
 out throwing any obstructions in their way. The army passed 
 between the Cayuga and Seneca lakes, by Geneva and Canan- 
 daigua, and as far west as the Genessec river, destroying large 
 settlements and villages, and fields of corn ; orchards of fruit 
 trees and gardens abounding with esculent vegetables. The pro- 
 gress of the Indians in agriculture, struck the Americans with 
 astonishment. Many of their ears of corn measured tw enty-two 
 inches in length. They had horses, cows, and hogs, in abun- 
 dance. They manufactured salt and sugar, and raised the best of 
 apples and peaches, and their dwellings were large and com- 
 
CLINTON. 99 
 
 rnodious. The desolation of their settlements, the destruction 
 of their provisions, and the conflagration of their houses, 
 drove them to the British fortress of Niagara for subsistence, 
 whore, living on salt provisions, to which they were unac- 
 customed, they died in groat numbers, and the effect of this 
 expedition, was to diminish their population ; to damp their 
 ardour ; to check their arrogance ; to restrain their cruelty, and 
 to inflict an irrecoverable blow on their resousces of extensive 
 aggression. 
 
 For a considerable portion of the war, general Clinton was 
 stationed at Albany, where he commanded, in the northern 
 department of the union, a place of high responsibility, and 
 requiring uncommon vigilance and continual exertion. An 
 incident occurred, when on this command, which strongly il- 
 lustrates his character. A regiment, which had been ordered 
 to march, mutinied under arms, and peremptorily refused 
 obedience. The general, on being apprised of this, immedi- 
 ately repaired with his pistols to the ground: he went up to 
 the head of the regiment, and ordered it to march: a silence 
 ensued, and the order was not complied with. lie then pre- 
 sented a pistol to the breast of a sergeant, who was the ring- 
 leader, and commanded him to proceed on pain of death ; and 
 so on in succession along the line, and bis command was, in 
 every instance, obeyed, and the regiment restored to entire 
 and complete subordination and submission. 
 
 General Clinton was at the siege of Yorktown and the cap- 
 ture of Cornwallis, where he distinguished himself by bis 
 usual intrepidity. 
 
 II is last appearance, in arms, was on the evacuation of 
 the city of New York by the British. He then bid the com- 
 mander in chief a final and affectionate adieu, and retired to 
 his ample estates, where he enjoyed that repose which was re- 
 quired by a long period of fatigue and privation. 
 
 II" was. however, frequently called from bis retirement by 
 Ihe unsolicited voice of his fellow-citizens, to perform civic 
 duties. He was appointed a commissioner to adjust the boun- 
 dary line between Pennsylvania and New York, which im- 
 portant measure was amicably and successfully accomplished. 
 He was also selected by the legislature for an interesting 
 mission to settle controversies about lands in the west, which 
 also terminated favourably. He represented his native county 
 in the assembly and in the convention that adopted the present 
 constitution of the United States, and he was elected, without 
 opposition, a senator from the middle district; all which trusts 
 he executed with perfect integrity, with solid intelligence, and 
 \v ith the full approbation of his constituents. 
 
 The temper of general Clinton was mild and affectionate, 
 
too CLINTON. 
 
 but when raised by unprovoked or unmerited injury, he exhi- 
 bited extraordinary and appalling energy. In battle lie was 
 as cool and as collected as if sitting by his fireside. Nature 
 intended him for a gallant and efficient soldier, when she en- 
 dowed him with the faculty of entire self-possession in the 
 midst of the greatest dangers. 
 
 He died on the 22d of December, 1812, and was interred in 
 the family burial place in Orange county, and his monumental 
 stone bears the following inscription: 
 
 "Underneath are interred the remains of James Clinton, 
 Esquire. 
 
 "He was born the 9th of August, 1736; and died the 22d 
 of December, 1812. 
 
 " His life was principally devoted to the military service of 
 his country, and he had filled with fidelity and honour, several 
 distinguished civil offices. 
 
 " He was an officer in the revolutionary war, and the war 
 preceding; and, at the close of the former, was a major gene- 
 ral in the army of the United States. He was a good man, 
 and a sincere patriot, performing, in the most exemplary man- 
 ner, all the duties of life: and he died, as he lived, without 
 fear, and without reproach. " 
 
 CLINTON, George, formerly governor of the state of 
 New York, and vice-president of the United States, was born 
 on the 26th July, 1739, in the county of Ulster, in the colony 
 of New York. He was the youngest son of colonel Charles 
 Clinton, an emigrant from Ireland, and a gentleman of dis- 
 tinguished worth and high consideration. 
 
 He was educated, principally, under the eye of his father, 
 and received the instruction of a learned minister of the pres- 
 byterian church, who had graduated in the university of Aber- 
 deen : and, after reading law, in the office of William Smith, 
 afterwards chief justice of Canada, he settled himself in that 
 profession in the county of his nativity, where he rose to emi- 
 nence. 
 
 In 1768, he took his seat as one of the members of the coloni- 
 al assembly, for the county of Ulster, and he continued an 
 active member of that body until it was merged in the revolu- 
 tion. His energy of character, discriminating intellect, and 
 undaunted courage, placed him among the chiefs of the whig- 
 party; and he was always considered possessed of a superior 
 mind and master spirit, on which his country might rely, as 
 an assylum in the most gloomy periods of her fortunes. 
 
 On the 22d of April, 1775, he was chosen by the provin- 
 cial convention of New York, one of the delegates to the con- 
 tinental congress, and took his seat in that illustrious body, 
 on the 15th of May. On the 4th of July, 1776, he was pre> 
 
CLINTON. 10 1 
 
 sent at the glorious declaration of independence, and assented 
 with his usual energy and decision to that measure ; but 
 having been appointed a brigadier general in the militia, and 
 also in the army, the exigencies of his country, at that trying 
 hour, rendered it necessary for hiin to take the held in person, 
 ami he therefore retired from congress immediately after his 
 vote was given, and before the instrument was transcribed for 
 the signature of the members; for which reason his name does 
 not appear among the signers. 
 
 A constitution having been adopted for the state of New 
 York, on the 20th April, 1777, he was chosen at the first elec- 
 tion under it, both governor and lieutenant governor, and he 
 was continued in the former office for eighteen years, by tri- 
 ennial elections; when, owing to ill health, and a respect for 
 the republican principle of rotation in office, he declined a re- 
 ijlection. 
 
 During the revolutionary war, he cordially co-operated with 
 the immortal Washington, and without his aid, the army 
 would have been disbanded, and the northern separated from 
 the southern states, by the intervention of British troops. He 
 was always at his post in the times that tried men's souls: at 
 one period repelling the advances of the enemy from Canada, 
 and at another, meeting them in battle when approaching from 
 the south. His gallant defence of fort Montgomery, with a 
 handful of men, against a powerful force commanded by sir 
 Henry Clinton, was equally honourable to his intrepidity and 
 his skill. 
 
 The following are the particulars of his gallant conduct at 
 the storming of forts Montgomery and Clinton, in October, 
 1777: 
 
 "When the British reinforcements, under general Robert- 
 son, amounting to nearly two thousand men, arrived from 
 Europe, sir Henry Clinton used the greatest exertion, and 
 availed himself of every favourable circumstance, to put these 
 troops into immediate operation. Many were sent to suitable 
 vessels, and united in the expedition, which consisted of about 
 four thousand men, against the forts in the highlands. Hav- 
 ing made the necessary arrangements, he moved up the North 
 River, and landed on the 41 h of October at Tarry-town, pur- 
 posely to impress general Putnam, under whose command a 
 thousand continental troops had been left, with a belief, that 
 his post at Peek's-kill was the object of attack. At eight 
 o'clock at night, the general communicated the intelligence to 
 governor Clinton, of the arrival of the British, and at the 
 same time expressed his opinion respecting their destination. 
 The designs of sir Henry were immediately perceived by the 
 governor, who prorogued the assembly on the following day ; 
 
102 CLINTON. 
 
 and arrived that night at fort Montgomery. The British 
 troops, in the mean time, were secretly conveyed across the 
 river, and assaults upon our forts were meditated to be made 
 on the 6th, which were accordingly put in execution, by at- 
 tacking the American advanced party at Doodletown, about 
 two miles and a half from fort Montgomery. The Americans 
 received the fire of the British, and retreated to fort Clinton. 
 The enemy then advanced to the west side of the mountain, in 
 order to attack our troops in the rear. Governor Clinton im- 
 mediately ordered out a detachment of one hundred men to- 
 ward Doodletown, and another of sixty, with a brass field 
 piece, to an eligible spot on another road. They were both 
 soon attacked by the whole force of the enemy, and compelled 
 to fall back. It has been remarked, that the talents, as well 
 as the temper of a commander, are put to as severe a test in 
 conducting a retreat, as in achieving a victory. The truth of 
 this governor Clinton experienced, when, with great bravery, 
 and the most perfect order, he retired till he reached the fort. 
 He lost no time in placing his men in the best manner that 
 circumstances would permit. His post, however, as well as 
 fort Clinton, in a few minutes, were invaded on every side. In 
 the midst of this disheartening and appalling disaster, he was. 
 summoned, when the sun was only an hour high, to surrender; 
 but his gallant spirit sternly refused to obey the call. In a short 
 time after, the British made a general and most desperate attack 
 on both posts, which was received by the Americans with undis- 
 mayed courage and resistance. Officers and men, militia and 
 continentals, all behaved alike brave. An incessant fire was 
 kept up till dusk, when our troops were overpowered by num- 
 bers, who forced the lines and redoubts at both posts. Many 
 of the Americans fought their way out, others accidentally 
 mixed with the enemy, and thus made their escape effectually; 
 for, besides being favoured by the night, they knew the va- 
 rious avenues in the mountains. The governor, as well as 
 his brother, General James Clinton, who was wounded, were 
 not taken." 
 
 The administration of governor Clinton, was characterized 
 by wisdom and patriotism. He was a republican in princi- 
 ple and practice. After a retirement of five years, he was 
 called by the citizens of the city and county of New York to 
 represent them in the assembly of the state ; and to his influ- 
 ence and popularity may be ascribed, in a great degree, the 
 change in his native state, which finally produced the impor- 
 tant political revolution of 1801. 
 
 At that period, much against his inclination, but from mo- 
 tives of patriotism, he consented to an election as governor, 
 and in 1805, he w r as chosen Vice-President of the United 
 
CLINTON. 103 
 
 States, in which office he continued until his death ; presiding 
 with great dignity in the senate, and evincing by his votes 
 and his opinions, his decided hostility to constructive author- 
 ity, and to innovations on the established principles of repub- 
 lican government. 
 
 He died at Washington, when attending to his duties as 
 Vice-president, and was interred in that city, where a monu- 
 ment was erected by the filial piety of his children, with this 
 inscription, written by his nephew. 
 
 u To the memory of George Clinton. He was born in the 
 state of New York on the 26th of July, 1739, and died in the 
 city of Washington, on the 20th April, 1812, in the seventy- 
 third year of his age. He was a soldier and statesman of the 
 revolution. Eminent in council, and distinguished in war, he 
 filled, with unexampled usefulness, purity and ability, among 
 many other offices, those of governor of his native state, and of 
 vice-president of the United States. While he lived, his virtue, 
 wisdom and valour, were the pride, the ornament, and secu- 
 rity of his country ; and when he died, he left an illustrious 
 example of a well spent life, worthy of all imitation." 
 
 There are few men who will occupy as renowned a place 
 in the history of his country as George Clinton ; and the 
 progress of time will increase the public veneration, and 
 thicken the laurels that cover his monument. 
 
 CLINTON, Charles, the father of James and George Clin- 
 ton, was distinguished in the colony of New York, as a gentle- 
 man of pure morals, strong and cultivated intellect, great 
 respectability, and extensive influence, His grand father, 
 William Clinton, was an adherent of Charles the first, in the 
 civil wars of England, and an officer in his army ; and after 
 the dethronement of that monarch, took refuge on the continent 
 of Europe, where he remained a long time in exile. He after- 
 wards went secretly to Scotland, where he married and then 
 passed over, for greater security, to the north of Ireland, 
 where he died deprived of his patrimony, and leaving James, 
 an orphan son, two years old. When James arrived to man- 
 hood, he went to England to recover his patrimonial estate, 
 but being barred by the limitation of an act of parliament, he 
 returned to Ireland, and finally settled in the county of Long- 
 ford, having married, on his visit to the country of his ances- 
 tors, miss Elizabeth Smith, the daughter of a captain in 
 Cromwell's army; by which connexion, he was enabled to 
 maintain, at that time, a respectable standing in the country 
 of his adoption. 
 
 Charles Clinton, the subject of this memoir, was the son of 
 James Clinton, and was born in the county of Longford, in 
 Ireland, in 1690. In 1729, he came to a determination to 
 
104 CLINTON. 
 
 emigrate to British America, and having persuaded a number 
 of his relations and friends to co-operate with him. he charter- 
 ed a ship for the purpose of conveying his little colony to 
 Philadelphia. By the terms of the Charter Party, the pas- 
 sengers were to be liberally supplied with provisions and 
 other accommodations, and the vessel was to be navigated by 
 honest and skilful hands. On the 20th of May, 1729, the ship 
 left Ireland. Besides his wife, he had two daughters and one 
 son with him. After being at sea for some time, it was dis- 
 covered that the commander of the vessel was a ruffian, and 
 had probably formed a deliberate design of starving the pas- 
 sengers to death, either with a view to acquire their property 
 or to deter emigration. He actually killed a man, and con- 
 tinued so long at sea, that the passengers were reduced to an 
 allowance of half a biscuit and half a pint of water a day. 
 In consequence of which many of them died, and Mr. Clinton 
 lost a son and daughter. In this awful situation, the remedy 
 of seizing the captain, and committing the navigation of the 
 vessel to Mr. Clinton, who was an excellent mathematician, 
 occurred to the passengers; but they were prevented by the 
 fear of incurring the guilt of piracy, especially as they could 
 not obtain the co-operation or assistance of the officers of the 
 ship. They were finally compelled to give the captain a large 
 sum of money as a commutation for their lives, and on the 4th of 
 October, he landed them at Cape Cod. After leaving the ship, 
 she was driven from her moorings in a stormy night, and lost. 
 Mr. Clinton and his friends continued in that part of the coun- 
 try until the spring of 1731; when he removed to the count} 
 of Ulster, in the colony of New York, were he formed a flour- 
 ishing settlement. This misconduct of the commander of the 
 vessel, diverted him from his original design of settling in Penn- 
 sylvania. The country which he selected was wild and un- 
 cultivated ; covered with forests, supplied with streams, di- 
 versified with hills and valleys, and abundant in the products 
 of cultivation ; but so exposed (although only eight miles from 
 the Hudson river and sixty from the city of New York) to the 
 incursions of the savages, that Mr. Clinton considered it 
 necessary to erect a palisade work round his house for the se- 
 curity of himself and his neighbours. 
 
 Inthis sequestered retreat he devoted himself to the culti- 
 vation of a large farm, and he occasionally acted as a survey- 
 or of land ; a profession, which at that time and since, has 
 been followed by the most respectable men of this country. 
 His leisure moments were devoted to study and writing. Pos- 
 sessed of a well selected library, and endowed with extraordi- 
 nary talents, he made continual accessions to his stores of use- 
 fill knowledge. 
 
CLINTON, 103 
 
 Merit so distinguished, and respectability so undoubted, 
 attracted the favorable notice of the government and the com- 
 munity. He was soon appointed a justice of the peace, and a 
 judge of the county of Ulster. In 1756, he was appointed by 
 the govenor, sir Charles Hardy, lieutenant colonel of the 
 second regiment of militia foot, for the county of Ulster. On 
 the 24th March, 1758, he was appointed by lieutenant gover- 
 nor Delancey, a lieutenant colonel of one of the battalions of 
 the regiment, in the province of New York, whereof Oliver 
 Delancey, was colonel ; in which capacity he engaged in ac- 
 tual service, and acted under the command of colonel Brad- 
 street, at the siege and capture offortFrontenac, (now Kings- 
 ton,) on the north side of lake Ontario. In 1753, George 
 Clinton, the father of sir Henry Clinton, was installed as 
 governor of the colony. An intimacy took place between him 
 and Mr. Clinton, in consequence of which, and their distant 
 consanguinity, the latter was earnestly solicited by his name- 
 sake, to accept of a lucrative and distinguished office ; but 
 preferring the charms of retirement, and the cultivation of 
 literature, to the cares of public life, he declined every over- 
 ture of the kind. His son George, who was named after the 
 colonial governor, was honoured by his early attentions, and 
 received from his friendship, the valuable office of clerk of the 
 county. Mr. Clinton was also on terms of intimacy with 
 several of the colonial chief magistrates, and the leading men 
 of the province; and he is respectfully noticed by Smith, the 
 historian of New York, for his ingenuity and knowledge. 
 Besides the daughter born in Ireland, Mr. Clinton had four 
 sons in this country. Alexander, edticated in the college at 
 Princeton, and afterwards a physician; Charles, also an emi- 
 nent physician, and a surgeon in the army which took Ha 
 vanna, in the island of Cuba, James, a major general in the 
 revolutionary army; and George, governor of the state of 
 New York, and vice-president of the United States. He was 
 peculiarly happy and fortunate in his children. Having de- 
 voted particular attention to their education, he had the sa- 
 tisfaction of seeing them possessed of the regard of their coun 
 try, and vorthy of the veneration of posterity. 
 
 He died « x . his place, in Ulster, now Orange county, on the 
 19th day of November, 1773, in his eighty-third year, just in 
 time to escape, at that advanced age, the cares and perplexi- 
 ties of the revolution ; but foreseeing its approach, lie expired 
 breathing an ardent spirit of patriotism, and conjuring his 
 sons, in his last moments, to stand by the liberties of America. 
 
 Mr. Clinton possessed an uncommon genius; a penetra- 
 ting understanding; a solid judgment, and an extensive fund 
 of useful and ornamental knowledge, with the affability aivsl 
 
 14 
 
106 COMSTOCK. 
 
 manners of an accomplished gentleman. His person was tall, 
 erect and graceful, and his appearance impressive and digni- 
 fied. If he happened to be in the company of young peoples 
 their first impressions would be those of awe and reverence, 
 but in the course of a few minutes, he would enter into the 
 most pleasing and instructive conversation, which would soon 
 restore their composure, and never failed of inspiring the 
 most grateful attachment and the most respectful confidence. 
 He was a dutiful son ; an affectionate husband ; a kind father ; 
 a good neighbour; a disinterested patriot, and a sincere Chris- 
 tian. He sometimes retired from the cares of business and the se- 
 vere studies of the exact sciences, and took refuge in music and 
 poetry, and courted the communion of Apollo and the muses. 
 The following lines, written by him on the grave of a be- 
 loved and elder sister, were casually preserved, and will show 
 the kinder affections which animated his bosom, and which at 
 tended him in all the relations and charities of life. 
 
 Oh! cans't thou know, thou dear departed shade! 
 The mighty sorrows that my soul invade, 
 Whilst o'er thy mould'ring gravel mourning stand. 
 And view thy grave far from thy native land. 
 With thee my tender years were early train'd, 
 Oft have thy friendly arms my weight sustained, 
 And when with childish freaks or pains opprest, 
 You, with soft music, lull'd my soul to rest. 
 
 COMSTOCK, Adam, was an officer in the continental 
 army, in the revolutionary war. Formed by nature, in body 
 and mind, for a soldier, and glowing with the enthusiasm of 
 liberty, he early entered the field, on the side of the colonics, 
 in the revolutionary conflict. Enjoying the confidence of the 
 illustrious Washington, he was soon promoted, under his aus- 
 pices, to a colonelcy in the continental line of the army. 
 At the signal victory of Red Bank, he was the "officer of 
 the day," and alternately commanded with general Samuel 
 Smith, of Maryland, in the gallant affair of Mud Fort. On 
 his retiring from the army, he received from the commander 
 in chief the most flattering testimonials of his military ca- 
 reer. During a great part of his life, he was tfe incumbent 
 of various judicial offices, the duties of which ne discharged 
 with acknowledged ability and independence, while his par- 
 liamentary labours of about twenty years, further evince the 
 respectful consideration in which he was held by his fellow-ci- 
 tizens. Industry, temperance, and integrity, characterized his. 
 private deportment. 
 
 He died at his residence, in Saratoga county, New York, 
 on the 10th of April, 1822, in the eightieth year of his age, 
 
CROGHAN. 107 
 
 CROGH AN, William, was a native of Ireland, and emi- 
 grated in early life to America. He was one of those patriots, 
 who raised this country to honour and to empire. During 
 the whole of that memorahle conflict, which resulted in the 
 dismemberment of one, and, the creation of another empire, he 
 discharged the duties of an ardent and gallant officer. In 
 the dangers, as well as in the glories of that eventful period, 
 he largely participated. 
 
 At the commencement of those troubles which preceded and 
 indicated the approaching conflict, his principles and his feel- 
 ings forbade him from being a disinterested spectator; he 
 promptly decided not only on the cause which he should 
 espouse, but determined to support that cause at the hazard of 
 his fortune and his life. He entered the American army in 
 the year 1776, as a captain of infantry in the Virginia line; 
 soon afterwards the regiment of which his company formed a 
 part, was marched to the seat of war in the north. He re- 
 mained there during the whole of that period, which has ever 
 been considered the most critical, as well as the most glorious 
 of the war. Brandy wine, Germantown, and Monmouth, pre- 
 sented successively a part of the scenes in which he was en- 
 gaged. Indeed, to no officer of his rank, was a larger por- 
 tion of that honour due, which history and this country give 
 to the exertions of the army during that appalling period. 
 
 In the winter of 1779, a portion of the army embracing the 
 whole Virginia line, was ordered to the southward. 
 
 Here he suffered the fate, to which the whole southern army 
 was devoted in South Carolina. He was among the captured 
 at the unfortunate surrender of general Lincoln, at Charles- 
 ton. This event was not more calamitous to the public cause, 
 than it was personally afflicting to many of the officers and 
 soldiers who were embraced in it; none, however, bore the 
 privations and hardships incident to that capture, with more 
 fortitude, than the subject of this notice. In the siege of York 
 Town, lie could participate only by his presence: being yet on 
 his parole of honour, he could give no aid by his sword. His 
 feelings, however, did not permit him to be absent. He watched 
 with anxious solicitude the progress of the siege, and had the 
 high satisfaction of witnessing the surrender of the British 
 army, commanded by a general to whom he was himself a 
 prisoner. At the close of the war, he was the senior major 
 of the Virginia line. 
 
 All those with whom in military life he was associated, as 
 well those from whom it was his fortune to receive, as those 
 to whom he gave command, bear willing evidence that he dis- 
 charged every duty of a faithful and excellent officer. 
 
 In the spring of 1784, he went to Kentucky, and soon af- 
 
108 CROPPER* 
 
 terwarda married the lady who survives him, one of the sisters 
 of the late general George Rogers Clarke. He fixed his re- 
 sidence at his seat in Jefferson county, where tor thirty years 
 he fulfilled every duty of an independent country gentleman, 
 dispensing with a most liberal and hospitable hand, the boun- 
 ties with which Providence had abundantly blessed him. His 
 house was the seat of hospitality and plenty. 
 
 Major Croghan died in September, is::, at Locust Grove* 
 Jefferson county, Kentucky, in the seventieth year oi his age. 
 
 In his manners he was eminently bland and polite; no one 
 excelled him in those courtesies which sweeten and polish life. 
 He was, indeed, the model of a gentleman. His reputation 
 for integrity was unimpeached and Unimpeachable. His fa- 
 mily and his friends, while they rejoice in such a life, most 
 deeply mourn his death. 
 
 CROPPER, John, embarked early in the cause of his 
 country, and was chosen a captain in the ninth Virginia re- 
 giment on continental establishment, when only nineteen or 
 twenty years of age, and marched in December, 1776, to the 
 north to join the army under the command of general Wash- 
 ington. He was promoted from a captaincy in the ninth Vir- 
 ginia regiment, to a major in the fifth Virginia regiment, and 
 nvas at the battle of Brandywino, when the tilth Virginia 
 regiment was nearly cut to pieces. Major Cropper then re- 
 treated with the remainder of the regiment, and lay concealed 
 in some hushes on the battle ground, until near day-break of 
 the same night of the engagement: between mid-night and 
 day-break he stole off, and marched to Chester, with a red 
 handkerchief lashed to a ramrod for colors. On Chester 
 bridge, major Cropper was met by general Washington and 
 general Woodford. The latter alighted from his horse, em- 
 braced major Cropper, and pressed him to his bosom, and 
 said, "He whom we thought was lost, is found." He was 
 then promoted to a lieutenant colonel in the seventh Vir- 
 ginia regiment, and was at the battles of Germantown 
 and Monmouth courthouse. From the seventh Virginia 
 regiment, he was promoted to the command of the eleventh 
 Virginia regiment, by the Marquis De La Fayette, which re- 
 giment he commanded until his return to Virginia, on the 30tU 
 of November, 1782. The day on which the preliminary ar- 
 ticles of peace were signed at Paris, colonel Cropper was en- 
 gaged with commodore Whaley, in the barge Victory, in the 
 Chesapeake Bay, against live British barges, under the com- 
 mand of commodore Perry. At the commencement of this 
 engagement, there were attached to commodore Whaley's 
 squadron three other American barges, all of which ran oft" 
 as soon as the engagement commenced, and left commodore 
 
GUSHING. 1Q9 
 
 Whaley alone to contend with five British barges, full man- 
 ned. Commodore Whaley had on hoard his barge sixty-nine 
 men, principally citizens of the counties of Accomack and 
 Northampton. About the middle of the engagement, commo- 
 dore Whaley's magazine took fire, at which time several of 
 his men were overboard, hanging by the rigging; twenty- 
 nine men out of sixty-nine were killed on board commodore 
 Whaley's barge, together with the commodore himself. In 
 this engagement, colonel Cropper had to contend with two 
 white men and one negro, all armed with cutlasses and board- 
 ing pikes, and defended himself with a musket and bayonet. 
 One of the colonel's antagonists struck him with a cutlass on 
 the head, which nearly brought him down. In the middle of 
 this individual contest, the negro discovering his young mas- 
 ter to be the person with whom he and the two whitemen were 
 engaged, cried out. "Save him; he is my young master!" 
 General Cropper afterwards set this faithful man free, and 
 settled him in the city of Baltimore. He was in the service 
 of his country about forty-five years. Those who were 
 acquainted with him, know how he discharged his duty in 
 every station in which he was placed. He retained to the 
 last hour of his life the veneration and love he bore for ge- 
 neral Washington, the saviour of his country. He tried to 
 imitate him in his conduct as a soldier and citizen. The 
 deeds of this great, good, and illustrious American, was the 
 theme of general Cropper at all times. He could not bear 
 to hear the least whisper derogatory to the character of the 
 best of men, and more than once has general Cropper been 
 personally engaged to defend his fame. He had the honour 
 to die possessed with a written document from the pen of 
 this illustrious personage, which evidenced the high opinion 
 he entertained of the worth of the deceased as an officer. 
 This document w r as treasured up as a miser would treasure 
 his gold, and but few persons were permitted to read it, or 
 hear it read. 
 
 General Cropper died at his seat on Bowman's Folly, on 
 the 1 5th of January, in the sixty-sixth year of his age. 
 
 CUSHING, Thomas, lieutenant governor of the common- 
 wealth of Massachusetts, was born in the year 1725, and com- 
 pleted his academical education, at the university of Cam- 
 bridge, in his native state. 
 
 While he was very young, the town of Boston called him 
 to fill some of its most respectable offices, and delegated him 
 as its representative to the general court. In this situation 
 his patriotism, his abilities, and his faculty in dispatching busi- 
 ness, led the house of Assembly to chose him their speaker, 
 a place which had for many years been filled by his father 
 
110 GUSHING. 
 
 with great reputation. While he was in the chair, the centest 
 with Great Britain ripened to a conclusion, and the station 
 he held not only called out his exertions in the service of his 
 country, but rendered him known, wherever the cause of Amer- 
 ica was patronised, and indeed throughout the European 
 world. Of the two first continental congresses, which laid a 
 foundation for the independence and happiness of this country, 
 he was a judicious and an active member. On his return to 
 his own state, he was chosen a member of the council, which 
 then constituted its supreme executive. He was also appointed 
 judge of the courts of common pleas, and of probate in the 
 county of Suffolk, which stations he held until the adoption 
 of the present constitution, when he was called to the office 
 of lieutenant-governor, in which he continued until his death. 
 
 Under arbitrary, or monarchial governments, a man's 
 being appointed to, or continued in an office, is no certain evi- 
 dence of his being qualified for it ; but in governments, free like 
 ours, the appointment of a person for a long course of years to- 
 gether, to guard the interests of the people, and to transact 
 their important affairs, is the most incontestible proof of his 
 abilities and integrity. This observation was verified in Mr. 
 Gushing. He thoroughly understood the interests of his coun- 
 try, and meant invariably to pursue them. Very few men 
 knew better than he, how to predict the consequences of the 
 public conduct ; to balance contending parties ; to remove dif- 
 ficulties ; and to unite separate and divided interests. His 
 life was a state of constant exertion in the service of his coun- 
 try ; its happiness was dear to him in health ; it lay near his 
 heart in his last moments ; and, while he expressed a satis- 
 faction in having honestly and uprightly, in every department 
 he had filled, aimed at doing good, he manifested the most 
 tender solicitude, for the peace and prosperity of America. 
 
 There was a time when Mr. Cushing was considered in 
 Great Britain as the leader of the whigs in this country. He 
 was not esteemed so in Boston. He had less political zeal 
 than Otis, or Adams, or Hancock ; but by his pleasant temper, 
 his moderation, his conversing with men of different parties, 
 though he sometimes was lashed by their strokes for want oi 
 firmness, he obtained more influence than either, except Mr. 
 Hancock. The reason of his being known so much in the 
 mother country was, that his name was signed to all the pub- 
 lic papers, as speaker of the house. Hence he was sometimes 
 exposed to the sarcasms of the ministerial writers. In the 
 pamphlet of Dr. Johnson, called, "Taxation no Tyranny," 
 one object of the Americans is said to be, "to adorn the 
 
 brows of Mr. C >g with a diadem." He had a rank 
 
 among the patriots, as a sincere friend to the public good, and 
 
DARKE— DAVIE. Ill 
 
 lie was also a friend to religion, which he manifested by a con- 
 stant attendance upon all pious institutions. 
 
 Mr. Gushing had a firm constitution, but was subject to the 
 gout. It was this disorder, which deprived his country of his 
 abilities, at a time, when an important change was agitating 
 in her political fabric. On the 19th of February, 1788, he 
 was attacked by the gout in his breast, and, on the 28th of the 
 same month, he died in the sixty-third year of his age, hav- 
 ing had the satisfaction to see the new federal constitution ra- 
 tified by the convention of Massachusetts, a few days before 
 his death. 
 
 DARKE, William, a brave officer during the revolution- 
 ary war, was born in Philadelphia county, in 1736, and when 
 a boy accompanied his parents to Virginia. In the nineteenth 
 year of his age, he joined the army under general Braddock, 
 and shared in the dangers of his defeat, in 1755. In the be- 
 ginning of the war with Great Britain, he accepted a cap- 
 tain's commission, and served with great reputation till the 
 close of the war, at which time he held the rank of major. In 
 1791, he received from congress the command of a regiment 
 in the army under general St. Clair, and bore a distinguished 
 part in the unfortunate battle with the Indians on the 4th of 
 November, in the sam«,year. In this battle he lost a favorite 
 son, and narrowly escaped with his own life. In his retire- 
 ment during his remaining years, he enjoyed the confidence of 
 the state, which had adopted him. and was honoured with the 
 rank of major general in the militia. He died at his seat in 
 Jefferson county, November 26, 1801, in the sixty-sixth year 
 of his age. 
 
 DAVIE, Richardson, William, of North Carolina, was 
 born in the village of Egremont, near White Haven, in Eng- 
 land, on the 20th June, 1756. 
 
 His father, visiting South Carolina soon after the peace of 
 1763, brought with him this son; and, returning to England, 
 confided him to the care of the reverend William Richardson, 
 Iris maternal uncle; who, becoming much attached to his 
 nephew, not only took charge of his education, but adopted 
 him as his son and heir. At the proper age, William was sent 
 to an academy in North Carolina, from whence he was, after 
 a few years, removed to the college of Nassau-hall in Prince- 
 ton, New Jersey, then becoming the resort of most of the 
 southern youth, under the auspices of the learned and re- 
 spectable doctor Witherspoon. Here he finished his educa- 
 tion, graduating in the autumn of 1776, a year memorable in 
 our military as well as civil annals. 
 
 Returning home, young Davie found himself shut out for a 
 t irae from the army, as the commissions for the troops just le- 
 
112 DAVIE. 
 
 vied had been issued. He went to Salisbury, where he com- 
 menced the study of the law. The war continuing, contrary 
 to the expectation which generally prevailed when it began, 
 Davie could no longer resist his ardent wish to plant himself 
 among the defenders of his country. Inducing a worthy and 
 popular friend, rather too old for military service, to raise a 
 troop of dragoons, as the readiest mode of accomplishing his 
 wish, Davie obtained a lieutenancy in this troop. Without 
 delay the captain joined the South army, and soon afterwards 
 returned home on furlough. The command of the troop de- 
 volving on lieutenant Davie, it was at his request annexed to 
 the legion of count Pulaski, where captain Davie continued, 
 until promoted by major general Lincoln, to the station of 
 brigade major of cavalry. In this office Davie served until 
 the affair of Stono, devoting his leisure to the acquirement of 
 professional knowledge, and rising fast in the esteem of the 
 general and army. When Lincoln attempted to dislodge lieu- 
 tenant colonel Maitland from his intrenched camp on the Stono, 
 Davie received a severe wound, and was removed from camp 
 to the hospital in Charleston, where he was confined for five 
 months. 
 
 Soon after his recovery he was empowered by the govern- 
 ment of North Carolina, to raise a small legionary corps, con- 
 sisting of one troop of dragoons and two companies of mount- 
 ed infantry; at the head of which he was placed with the 
 rank of major. 
 
 Quickly succeeding in completing his corps, in whose 
 equipment he expended the last remaining shilling of an 
 estate bequeathed to him by his uncle, he took the field, and was 
 sedulously engaged in protecting the country between Char- 
 lotte and Cambden, from the enemy's predatory incursions. 
 On the fatal 16th of August, he was hastening with his corps 
 to join our army, when he met our dispersed and flying troops. 
 He nevertheless continued to advance towards the conquerer ; 
 and by his prudence, zeal, and vigilance, saved a few of our 
 waggons and many of our stragglers. Acquainted with the 
 movement of Sumpter, and justly apprehending that he would 
 be destroyed unless speedily advised of the defeat of Gates, 
 he despatched instantly a courier to that officer, communica- 
 ting what had happened, performing, in the midst of distress 
 and confusion, the part of an experienced captain. The 
 abandonment of all the southern region of North Carolina, 
 which followed this signal overthrow, and the general des- 
 pondency winch prevailed, is well known, and have been 
 recorded ; nor have the fortunate and active services of 
 major Davie been overlooked. So much was his conduct re- 
 spected by the government of North Carolina, that he was, 
 
DAVIE. 113 
 
 in the course of September, promoted to the rank of colonel 
 commandant of the cavalry of the state. 
 
 In this station he was found by general Greene on assuming 
 the command of the Southern army; whose attention had been 
 occupied from his entrance into Morth Carolina, in remedy- 
 ing the disorder in the quarter master and commissary de- 
 partments. To the first Carrington had been called; and 
 Davie was now induced to take upon himself the last, muck 
 as he preferred the station he then possessed. At the head 
 of this department colonel Davie remained throughout the 
 trying campaign which followed; contributing greatly by his 
 talents, his zeal, his local knowledge, and his influence, to 
 the maintenance of the difficult and successful operations 
 which followed. While before Ninety- Six, Greene foresee- 
 ing the difficulties again to be encountered, in consequence 
 of the accession of force to the enemy by the arrival of three 
 regiments of infantry from Ireland, determined to send a con- 
 fidential officer to the legislature of North Carolina, then in 
 session, to represent to them his relative condition, and to 
 urge their adoption of effectual measures without delay, for 
 the collection of magazines of provisions, and the reinforcing 
 of his army. Colonel Davie was selected by Greene for this 
 important mission, and immediately repaired to the seat of 
 government, where he ably and faithfully exerted himself to 
 give effect to the views of his general. 
 
 The events of the autumn assuring the quick approach of 
 peace, colonel Davie returned home; and having shortly af- 
 terwards intermarried with miss Sarah Jones, daughter of 
 general Allen Jones, of North Carolina, he selected the town 
 of Halifax, on the Roanoke, for his residence; where he re- 
 sumed his profession, the practice of law. 
 
 At the bar, colonel Davie soon rose to great eminence; and 
 indeed, in a few years, became one of its principal leaders 
 and ornaments. He was possessed of great sagacity, pro- 
 found knowledge, and masculine eloquence. His manners were 
 conciliatory, but imposing and commanding. The late Alfred 
 Moore, who was afterwards one of the judges of the Supreme 
 Court of the United States, and who was a very able lawyer, as 
 veil as an excellent man, was the intimate friend of colonel 
 Davie, and his rival, in their honourable career at the bar. 
 Colonel Davie was appointed by the legislature of North Ca- 
 rolina, to represent that respectable state in the Convention, 
 called at Philadelphia, in the year 1787. 
 
 Being at that time a young man, fie did not take a prominent 
 part in the discussion which resulted in the formation of that 
 constitution, which lias been so severely tested, and found to 
 be so admirably adapted to the government of our country, 
 
 15 
 
il4 DAVIE. 
 
 But he there learnt the true foundations on which the govern- 
 ment was laid, and the solid arguments in suppport of it. 
 
 His name does not appear to that great instrument; the ill- 
 ness of his family having called him home before the labours 
 of the Convention were concluded. But when the constitution 
 was submitted to the judgment of the state convention in 
 North Carolina, for its adoption, he stood forth its most able 
 champion, and its most ardent supporter. 
 
 The university of North Carolina, is mainly indebted to 
 his exertions, and to his labours, for its establishment, and 
 for the assignment of permanent landed property for its sup- 
 port. Colonel Davie was extremely anxious upon this sub- 
 ject, and exerted the utmost powers of his persuasive and com- 
 manding eloquence, to ensure success. He was deeply sen- 
 sible of the extreme importance of extending, as widely as 
 possible, the advantages of liberal education, that there might 
 be a perpetual succession of enlightened and liberal men, qua- 
 lified to administer the affairs of this great and increasing 
 people with wisdom and dignity. He considered the public^ 
 liberty insecure, and liable to be disturbed by perpetual fac- 
 tions, unless education be widely diffused. 
 
 Colonel Davie was now appointed a major general in the 
 militia of North Carolina; and some time after, in the year 
 1799, was elected governor of that state; the duties of which 
 station he performed with his accustomed firmness and wis- 
 dom. He was not, however, permitted to remain long in that 
 station. His country had higher claims on his talents and 
 services. 
 
 The venerable Mr. Adams, then president of the United 
 States, anxious to make one more effort to put an end to the 
 differences which subsisted between this country and France, 
 associated general Davie with Mr. Ellsworth and Mr. Mur- 
 ray, as his ambassadors on a mission to France for that pur- 
 pose. 
 
 Soon after his return to America, general Davie lost his 
 wife, a lady of lofty mind and exemplary virtues, to whom he 
 was greatly attached: and not long after, he took the resolu- 
 tion to retire from public life, and to become a farmer on his 
 own fine estate at Tivoli, beautifully situated on the Catawba 
 river, in Chester district, South Carolina. 
 
 When war took place between this country and Britain, in 
 1812, General Davie was offered by the government of his 
 country, a high command in the army. But his increas- 
 ing infirmities admonished him not to assume duties be- 
 yond his strength, which might prejudice the service, 
 instead of promoting it. The wounds received in the re- 
 volutionary war, and the rheumatism from long exposure 
 
DAVIE. 115 
 
 during his service, became fixed on his constitution, and ren- 
 dered him incapable of those active exertions which his high 
 sense of duty would have exacted from him as a commander. 
 He, therefore, declined the honour offered him, after a good 
 deal of hesitation. 
 
 General Davie continued to reside at his beautiful seat, on 
 the banks of the Catawba, to which travellers and visitors 
 were constantly attracted by his open hospitality, his digni- 
 fied manners, and elevated character. Occasionally he made 
 excursions to the Warm Springs, in Buncombe county, North 
 Carolina, for relief from the. harassing rheumatism, which 
 afflicted and wasted him. On those visits he was always 
 greatly admired by the intelligent strangers who visited that 
 place of resort from all the southern and south-western states. 
 The affability of his deportment gave easy access to all. But 
 no person approached him, however distinguished by his 
 talents or character, who did not speedily feel that he was in 
 the presence of a very superior man. His great and varied 
 information, combined with his profound knowledge of men 
 and things, made him the most interesting of companions. 
 The ignorant and the learned, the weak and the wise, were 
 all instructed and delighted with his conversation, which had 
 an irresistible charm for all. Although no man spoke more 
 plainly his opinions and sentiments on proper occasions, he 
 had the art of never giving offence. 
 
 At home, and in his own neighborhood, general Davie was 
 revered with the highest filial piety. He was the friend of the 
 distressed, the safe counsellor of the embarrassed, and the 
 peace maker of all. His own character, free from every 
 spot or stain, gave a power to his interpositions, which was 
 irresistible. 
 
 General Davie had a deep, and even an awful sense of God 
 and his providence; and was attached to the principles and 
 doctrines of Christianity. But he had not attached himself, 
 as an avowed member, to any particular sect. He thought 
 they generally dogmatized too much, and shut the door of chris- 
 tian charity too closely. He devised a proper site on his es- 
 tate for the erection of a place of worship, to be erected by 
 any Christian society, which should choose to put up a 
 suitable building thereon. 
 
 He was a tall man, of fine proportions; his figure erect and 
 commanding; his countenance possessing great expression; 
 and his voice full and energetic. Indeed his whole appear- 
 ance struck the beholder at once, as indicating no ordinary 
 man; and the reality exceeded the appearance. 
 
 Such was the man who has been taken from his afflicted fa- 
 mily, his friends, and his country. He met death with the 
 
116 DAVIDSON. 
 
 firmness of a soldier, and of a man conscious of a life well 
 spent. His memory is cherished by his family and friends, 
 with the most enthusiastic attachment. The good he did sur- 
 vives him; and he has left a noble example to the youth of his 
 country, to encourage and to stimulate them in the honourable 
 career of virtue and of exertion. May it be appreciated and 
 followed. 
 
 DAVIDSON, William, lieutenant colonel commandant 
 in the North Carolina line, and brigadier general in the mi- 
 litia of that state, was the youngest son of George Davidson, 
 who removed with Ins family, from Lancaster county, in 
 Pennsylvania, in the year 1750, to Rowan county, in North 
 Carolina. 
 
 William was born in the year 1746, and was educated in a 
 plain country manner, at an academy in Charlotte, the county 
 town of Mecklenburg, which adjoins Rowan. 
 
 Like most of the enterprising youth of America, Davidsou 
 repaired to the standard of his country, on the commencement 
 of the revolutionary war, and was appointed a major in one 
 of the first regiments formed by the government of North Ca- 
 rolina. 
 
 In this character, he marched with the North Carolina 
 line, under brigadier general Nash, to the main army in New 
 Jersey, where he served under the commander in chief, until 
 the North Carolina line was detached in November, 1770, to 
 reinforce the southern army, commanded by major general 
 Lincoln. Previous to this event, major Davidson was pro- 
 moted to the command of a regiment, with the rank of lieu- 
 tenant colonel commandant. 
 
 As he passed through North Carolina, Davidson obtained 
 permission to visit his family, from which he had been absent 
 nearly three years. The delay produced by this visit saved 
 him from captivity, as he found Charleston so closely invest- 
 ed when he arrived in its neighborhood, as to prevent his re- 
 junction with his regiment. 
 
 Soon after the surrender of general Lincoln and his army, 
 the loyalists of North Carolina, not doubting the complete 
 success of the royal forces, began to embody themselves for 
 the purpose of contributing their active aid in the field to the 
 subsequent operations of the British general. They were nu- 
 merous in the western parts of the state, and especially in the 
 highland settlement about Cross creek. Lieutenant colonel 
 Davidson put himself at the head of some of our militia, call- 
 ed out to quell the expected insurrection. He proceeded with 
 vigor in the execution of his trust; and in an engagement with 
 a party of loyalists near Calson's mill, he was severely 
 wounded; the ball entered the umbilical region, and passed 
 
DAVIDSON. lir 
 
 through his hotly near the kidneys. This confined him for 
 eight weeks; when recovering, he instantly took the field, 
 having been recently appointed brigadier general by the go- 
 vernment of North Carolina, in the place of brigadier general 
 Rutherford, taken at the battle of Camden. He exerted him- 
 self, in conjunction with general Sumner and colonel Davie, 
 to interrupt the progress of lord Cornwallis in his advance to- 
 wards Salisbury, and throughout that eventful period, gave 
 unceasing evidences of his zeal and firmness in upholding his 
 falling country. 
 
 After the victory obtained by Morgan at the Cowpens, Da- 
 vidson was among the most active of his countrymen in as- 
 sembling the militia of his district, to enable general Greene, 
 who had joined the light corps under Morgan, to stop the 
 progress of the advancing enemy; and was detached by 
 general Greene, on the night of the last day of January, to 
 guard the very ford selected by lord Cornwallis for his pas- 
 sage of the Catawba river on the next morning. Davidson 
 possessed himself of the post in the night, at the head of three 
 hundred men; and having placed a picquet near the shore, 
 stationed his corps at some small distance from the ford. 
 
 General Henry Lee, from whose "memoirs of the war in 
 the Southern department of the United States," we copy the 
 present sketch of General Davidson, gives the following ac- 
 count of the battle : 
 
 "A disposition was immediately made to dislodge David- 
 son, which the British general, O'Hara, with the guards effec- 
 ted. Lieutenant colonel Hall led with the light company, 
 followed by the grenadiers. The current was rapid, the stream 
 waist deep, and five hundred yards in width. The soldiers 
 crossed in platoons, supporting each other's steps. When 
 lieutenant colonel Hall reached the middle of the river, he 
 was descried by the American centinels, whose challenge and 
 fire brought Davidson's corps into array. Deserted by his 
 guide, Hall passed directly across, not knowing the landing 
 place, which lay below him. This deviation from the common 
 course rendered it necessary for Davidson to incline to the 
 right; but this manoeuvre, although promptly performed, was 
 not effected until the light infantry had gained the shore. A 
 fierce conflict ensued, which was well supported by Davidson 
 and his inferior force. The militia at length yielded, and 
 Davidson, while mounting his horse to direct the retreat, was 
 killed. Our loss was small, excepting general Davidson, an 
 active, zealous, and influential officer. The British lieuten- 
 ant colonel Hall was also killed, with three of the light in- 
 fantry, and thirty-six wounded. Lord Cornwallis's horse 
 was shot under him, and fell as soon as he got upon the shore. 
 
118 DICKINSON. 
 
 Leslee's horses were carried down the stream and with diffi- 
 culty saved; and O'Hara's tumbled over with him in the 
 water." 
 
 The loss of brigadier general Davidson would have always 
 been felt in any stage of the war. It was particularly detri- 
 mental in its effect at this period, as he was the chief instru- 
 ment relied upon by general Greene for the assemblage of the 
 militia; an event all important at this crisis, and anxiously 
 desired by the American general. The ball passed through 
 his breast, and he instantly fell dead. 
 
 This promising soldier was thus lost to his country in the 
 meridian of life, and at a moment when his services would 
 have been highly beneficial to her. He was a man of popular 
 manners, pleasing address, active and indefatigable. Ena- 
 moured with the profession of arms, and devoted to the great 
 cause for which he had fought, his future usefulness may be in- 
 ferred from his former conduct. 
 
 The congress of the United States, in gratitude for his ser- 
 vices, and in commemoration of the sense of his worth, passed 
 the following resolution, directing the erection of a monument 
 to his memory. 
 
 Resolved, That the governor and council of the state of 
 North Carolina be desired to erect a monument, at the expense 
 of the United States, not exceeding the value of five hundred 
 dollars, to the memory of the late brigadier general David- 
 son, who commanded the militia of the district of Salisbury, 
 in the state of North Carolina, and was killed on the first day 
 of February last, fighting gallantly in the defence of the li- 
 berty and independence of these states. 
 
 DICKINSON, John, a distinguished political writer and 
 friend of his country, was the son of Samuel Dickinson, 
 esquire, of Delaware. He was a member of the assembly of 
 Pennsylvania, in 1764, and of the general congress, in 1765. 
 In November, 1767, he began to publish his celebrated letters 
 against the acts of the British parliament, laying duties on 
 paper, glass, &c. They supported the liberties of his country, 
 and contributed much to the American revolution. He was 
 a member of the first congress, in 1774, and the petition to 
 the king, which was adopted at this time, and is considered as 
 an elegant composition, was written by him. 
 
 He was the author of the declaration adopted by the con- 
 gress of 1775, setting forth the causes and necessity of their 
 taking up arms, which declaration was directed to be pub- 
 lished by general Washington, upon his arrival at the camp 
 before Boston, in July, 1775. He also wrote the second pe- 
 tition to the king, adopted by the same congress, stating the 
 merits of their claims, and soliciting the royal interposition 
 
DICKINSON. 119 
 
 for an aecommodation of differences on just principles. These 
 several addresses were executed in a masterly manner, and 
 were well calculated to make friends to the colonies. But 
 their petition to the king, which was drawn up at the same 
 time, produced more solid advantages in favour of the Ameri- 
 can cause, than any other of their productions. This was, 
 in a great measure, carried through congress by Mr. Dickin- 
 son. Several members, judging from the violence with which 
 parliament proceeded against the colonies, were of opinion, 
 that farther petitions were nugatory; but this worthy citizen, 
 a friend to both countries, and devoted to a reconciliation on 
 constitutional principles, urged the expediency and policy of 
 trying, once more, the effect of an humble, decent, and firm 
 petition, to the common head of the empire. The high opinion 
 that was conceived of his patriotism and abilities, induced the 
 members to assent to the measure, though they generally con- 
 ceived it to be labour lost. 
 
 In June, 1776, he opposed, openly, and upon principle, the 
 declaration of independence, when the motion was considered 
 by congress. His arguments were answered by John Adams, 
 Richard Henry Lee, of Virginia, and others, who advocated 
 a separation from Great Britain. The part which Mr. Dick- 
 inson took in this debate, occasioned his recal from congress, 
 as his constituents did not coincide with him in political 
 views, and he was absent several years. Perceiving, at 
 length, that his countrymen were unalterably fixed in their 
 system of independence, he fell in with it, and was as zealous 
 in supporting it in congress, about the year 1780, as any of 
 the members. He was president of Pennsylvania from Novem- 
 ber, 1782, to October, 1785, and was succeeded in this office 
 by Dr. Franklin. Soon after 1785, it is believed, he re- 
 moved to Delaware, by which state he was appointed a mem- 
 ber of the old congress, and of which state he was president. 
 
 The following is an extract from an address of Congress, 
 to the several states, dated May 26, 1779, which was also from 
 the pen of Mr. Dickinson : 
 
 " Infatuated as your enemies have been from the beginning 
 of this contest, do you imagine they can now flatter them- 
 selves with a hope of conquering you, unless you are false to 
 yourselves ? 
 
 "When unprepared, undisciplined, and unsupported, you 
 opposed their fleets and armies in full conjoined force, then, 
 if at any time, was conqest to be apprehended. Yet, what 
 progress towards it have their violent and incessant efforts 
 made ? Judge from their own conduct. Having devoted you 
 to bondage, and after vainly wasting their blood and treasure 
 in the dishonourable enterprise, they deigned at length to offer 
 
m DICKINSON. 
 
 terms of accommodation, with respectful addresses, to that 
 once despised body the congress, whose humble supplications, 
 only for peace, liberty and safety, they had contemptuously re- 
 jected, under pretence of its being an unconstitutional assem- 
 bly. Nay more, desirous of seducing you into a deviation 
 from the paths of rectitude, from which they had so far and 
 so rashly wandered, they made most specious offers to tempt 
 you into a violation of your faith given to your illustrious ally. 
 Their arts were as unavailing as their arms. Foiled again, 
 and stung with rage, imbittered by envy, they had no alter- 
 native, but to renounce the inglorious and ruinous controversy, 
 or to resume their former modes of prosecuting it. They 
 chose the latter. Again the savages are stimulated to horrid 
 massacres of women and children, and domestics to the mur- 
 der of their masters. Again our brave and unhappy brethren 
 are doomed to miserable deaths, in goals and prison-ships. 
 To complete the sanguinary system, all the "extremities 
 of war" are by authority denounced against you. 
 
 " Piously endeavour to derive this consolation from their 
 remorseless fury, that "the Father of Mercies" looks down 
 with disapprobation on such audacious defiances of his holy 
 laws; and be further comforted with recollecting, that the 
 arms assumed by you in your righteous cause have not been 
 sullied by any unjustifiable severities. 
 
 "Your enemies despairing, however, as it seems, of the suc- 
 cess of their united forces against our main army, have divid- 
 ed them, as if their design was to harrass you by predatory, 
 desultory operations. If you are assiduous in improving op- 
 portunities, Saratoga may not be the only spot on this conti- 
 nent to give a new denomination to the baffled troops of a na- 
 tion, impiously priding herself in notions of her omnipotence. 
 
 "Rouse yourselves, therefore, that this campaign may fin- 
 ish the great work you have so nobly carried on for several 
 years past. What nation ever engaged in such a contest, un- 
 der such a complication of disadvantages, so soon surmount- 
 ed many of them, and in so short a period of time had so cer- 
 tain a prospect of a speedy and happy conclusion. AVe will 
 venture to pronounce, that so remarkable an instance exists 
 not in the annals of mankind. We well remember what you 
 said at the commencement of this war. You saw the immense 
 difference between your circumstances, and those of your ene- 
 mies, and you knew the quarrel must decide on no less than 
 your lives, liberties, and estates. All these you greatly put 
 to every hazard, resolving rather to die freemen than to live 
 slaves; and justice will oblige the impartial world to confess 
 you have uniformly acted on the same generous principle. — 
 Consider how much you have done, and how comparative!) 
 
DICKINSON. 121 
 
 little remains to be done to crown you with success. Perse- 
 vere; and you insure peace, freedom, safety, glory, sovereign- 
 ty, and felicity to yourselves* your children, and your chil- 
 dren's children. 
 
 "Encouraged by favors already received from Infinite Good- 
 ness, gratefully acknowledging them, earnestly imploring 
 their continuance, constantly endeavoring to draw them down 
 on your heads by an amendment of your lives, and a conform- 
 ity to the Divine will, humbly confiding in the protection so 
 often and wonderfully experienced, vigorously employ the 
 means placed by Providence in your hands, for completing 
 your labors. 
 
 '♦Fill up your battalions; be prepared in every part to re- 
 pel the incursions of your enemies; place your several quotas 
 in the continental treasury; lend money for public uses; sink 
 the emissions of your respective states; provide effectually for 
 expediting the conveyance of supplies for your armies and 
 fleets, and for your allies: prevent the produce of the country 
 from being monopolized: effectually superintend the behaviour 
 of public officers; diligently promote piety, virtue, brotherly 
 love, learning, frugality and moderation; and may you be 
 approved before Almighty God, worthy of those blessings 
 we devoutly wish you to enjoy." 
 
 He was distinguished by his strength of mind, mis- 
 cellaneous knowledge, and cultivated taste, which were 
 united with a habitual eloquence; with an elegance of man- 
 ners, and a benignity which made him the delight as well as 
 the ornament of society. The infirmities of declining years 
 had detached him long before his death, from the busy scenes 
 of life; but in retirement his patriotism felt no abatement. 
 The welfare of his country was ever dear to him, and he was 
 ready to make any sacrifices for its promotion. Unequivo- 
 cal in his attachment to a republican government, he inva- 
 riably supported, as far as his voice could have influence, 
 those men and those measures, which he believed most friendly 
 to republican principles. He was esteemed for his upright" 
 ness, and the purity of his morals. From a letter which he 
 wrote to James Warren. Esquire, dated the 25th of the first 
 month, 1805, it would seem that he was a member of the so- 
 ciety of friends. He published a speech delivered in the 
 house of assembly of Pennsylvania, 1764; a reply to a speech 
 of Joseph Galloway, 1765; late regulations respecting the 
 colonies considered, 1765; letters from a farmer in Pennsyl- 
 vania to the inhabitants of the British colonies, 1767 — 1768. 
 
 Mr. Dickinson's political writings were collected and pub- 
 lished in two volumes 8vo. 1810. He died at Wilmington, in 
 the state of Delaware, February 15, 1808, at an advanced age* 
 
 16 
 
tag DICKINSON. 
 
 DICKINSON, Philemon, was born at the seat of his 
 lather, near Dover, in the state of Delaware, on the 5th 
 day of April, 1739, and received his education in Philadel- 
 phia, under the celebrated teacher of that day, Dr. Allison. 
 His father died in the year 1760, and for several years after 
 that event, he continued to reside with his widowed mother, 
 at the place of his birth. Having at length purchased a small 
 farm in the neighborhood of Trenton, in New Jersey, he was 
 there found at the commencement of the revolutionary war, 
 and was introduced into public life, as a member of the con^ 
 vention, which formed the constitution of that state. This 
 was soon after followed by his appointment to the command 
 of the militia of New Jersey. His zeal and devotion to the 
 public cause, became immediately conspicuous, and engaged 
 him in an enterprise, which secured to the army a collection 
 of flour at that time very essential to its comfort. 
 
 When general Washington's army was hutted near Mor« 
 ristown, and labouring under that fatal malady, the small- 
 pox, a line of posts was formed along the Millstone river, in 
 the direction of Princeton; one of these, established at Som- 
 erset court-house, was occupied by general Dickinson, with a 
 few hundred men. Not very distant, and on the opposite bank 
 of the stream, stood a mill, in which a considerable quantity 
 of flour had been collected for the use of the troops. At this 
 time lord Cornwallis lay at New Brunswick, and having re- 
 ceived information of this depot, immediately despatched a 
 large foraging party, amounting to about four hundred men, 
 and upwards of forty wagons, drawn by imported horses, of 
 the English draft breed, for the purpose of taking possession 
 of it. The British troops arrived at the mill early in the 
 morning, and having loaded the wagons with the flour, were 
 about to march on their return, when general Dickinson, at 
 the head of an inferior force, which he led through the river, 
 middle deep, attacked them with so much spirit and effect, 
 that they instantly fled, abandoning the whole of their plun- 
 der. The light in which this affair was viewed by the com- 
 mander in chief, will appear by the following extract of a 
 letter to the president of Congress, dated Morristow n, Janu« 
 ary 22d, 1777: 
 
 "My last to you was on the 20th instant. Since that, I 
 have the pleasure to inform you, that general Dickinson, with 
 about four hundred militia, has defeated a foraging party of 
 the enemy of an equal number, and has taken forty wagons 
 and upwards of a hundred horses, most of them of the En- 
 glish draft breed, and a number of sheep and cattle, which 
 they had collected. The enemy retreated w ith so much pre- 
 cipitation, that general Dickinson had only an opportunity of 
 
DICKINSON. |£S 
 
 making nine prisoners. They were observed to carry off a 
 great many dead ami wounded in light wagons. This action 
 happened near Somerset court-house, on Millstone river. 
 General Dickinson's behaviour reflects the highest honour on 
 him; for though his troops were all raw. he led them through 
 the river, middle deep, and gave the enemy so severe a charge, 
 that although supported by three field pieces, they gave way, 
 and left their convoy." 
 
 Immediately after general Dickinson had resumed his posi- 
 tion on the Millstone, he waited on the commander in chief, 
 for the purpose of receiving his orders. He found him ex- 
 ceedingly indisposed, and his spirits much depressed, in con 
 sequence of the gloomy aspect of affairs. In the course of a 
 long and confidential conversation between them, general 
 Washington observed, that the continental troops with him, 
 were scarcely sufficient in number to perform the ordinary 
 guard duties, and that out of eleven hundred men, eight hun- 
 dred were under inoculation for the small-pox. He expressed 
 great solicitude, lest the enemy should become acquainted 
 with his actual situation: the consequence of which might prove 
 fatal to the cause of America. He particularly impressed 
 upon general Dickinson, the necessity of obtaining accurate 
 information of the views and movements of the enemy, and 
 requested his utmost vigilance, and most active exertions to 
 attain this object. 
 
 At the close of this interview, general Dickinson returned 
 to his station, where he heard with equal surprise and regret, 
 that an officer of the militia had deserted to the enemy, and 
 had previously obtained from the office of the adjutant gene- 
 ral, an actual and correct return of the American army, 
 which he delivered to lord Cornwallis. then in command at 
 New Brunswick, through the medium of colonel Skinner, a 
 loyalist in the service of Great Britain. In consequence of 
 this information, his lordship formed the plan of an attack on 
 the American army. 
 
 General Dickinson at once saw the necesssity of endea- 
 vouring to remove the impression, made by this act of trea- 
 chery. Having in his employment a spy, whose want of fide- 
 lity lie had recently discovered, he resolved to make use of 
 him on this occasion. Fortunately, the man applied a day or 
 two afterwards, for permission to visit New Brunswick. This 
 was at first positively refused, and at the same time, it was 
 intimated to him. as the reason of this refusal, that an im- 
 portant movement was in agitation, in the execution of which 
 the utmost secrecy was necessary* He was farther informed 
 that the indulgence of his request at that moment, would in- 
 cur tho displeasure of the commander in chief. The curiosity 
 
U4 DICKINSON. 
 
 of the man being mtich excited by these hints, general Dick- 
 inson at length took him into a private room, and observed, 
 that an opportunity was now afforded him of rendering his 
 country a very important service, for which he should be li- 
 berally rewarded. He then stated that the return, which the 
 officer who had deserted had in his possession, was a forgery, 
 intended to secure to himself a favourable reception from the 
 enemy: also, that large bodies of troops, both from the east 
 and the south, had recently arrived in the vicinity of Morris- 
 town: that from the last returns, the American army, at its 
 several positions, which might be readily concentrated, 
 amounted to nearly twenty thousand men; and that an attack 
 on the enemy was only delayed, for the purpose of making the 
 necessary arrangements, already in great forwardness; add- 
 ing, that as the capture of the commanding officer at Bruns- 
 wick was an object of the first importance, it was material t» 
 ascertain particularly the situation of his quarters in the 
 town, and also the force and position of the guards, out 
 posts, &c. &c. 
 
 The spy giving general Dickinson every assurance, that he 
 would faithfully execute his commission, was permitted to 
 proceed on his visit. On reaching New Brunswick, he com- 
 municated, without delay, to lord Corn wall is, all that passed 
 in the conversation between the general and himself, which 
 induced his lordship to relinquish his meditated attack. 
 
 " During the fall of 1777, general Dickinson after informing 
 f< himself precisely of the force and situation of the enemy on 
 "Staten Island, projected another expedition against that 
 "post, in the hope of being able entirely to cut off Skinner's 
 "brigade of loyal Americans, which was stationed there. 
 f'His perfect knowledge of the country enabled him to make 
 "such a disposition, as promised success, and authorized a 
 "hope that his plan would be executed as formed. He col- 
 " lected about two thousand men, and requested from general 
 "Putnam, a diversion on the side of King's bridge, in order 
 «* to prevent a sudden reinforcement from New York. 
 
 "Knowing well that success depended on secrecy, he had 
 "concealed his object, even from his officers, until 8 o'clock 
 " of the night on which it was to be executed; yet by three in 
 "the morning, information of the design was given to ge- 
 "neral Skinner, who was thereby put on his guard: and on 
 *<the first alarm, he saved himself and his brigade by taking 
 "refuge in some works too strong to be carried by assault. 
 "In the flight, a few prisoners were made, and a few men 
 "killed; after which, general Dickinson brought off his party 
 "with a loss of only three killed, and ten slightly wounded. 
 " Soon after the British army reached Philadelphia, in the 
 
DRAYTON. 125 
 
 ♦'autumn of 1777; count Donop crossed the Delaware, with 
 " the intention, as it was believed, of investing Red Bank, a 
 « post on the Jersey side of the river. Immediate measures 
 " were taken to raise the militia of that state: this was ren- 
 dered particularly difficult at this moment, by an event by 
 " no means common. The time for which the governor was 
 "elected had expired, and no new election had been made. 
 "The late executive, therefore, did not think itself authorised 
 "to take any measures, as an executive; and had not general 
 "Dickinson ventured to order out the militia, by his own au- 
 thority, they could not have been put in motion." Marshal's 
 Life of Washington. 
 
 General Dickinson was present at the battle of Monmouth, 
 with all the militia he could assemble. He was also a member of 
 the council of war, held on the night before the action. He 
 there took an opportunity of representing to general Wash- 
 ington, that though the militia might be less efficient in the 
 field than the regular troops, yet they were capable of per- 
 forming a very important part in guarding the army against 
 an attack that night: by which the whole of the continental 
 troops would have an opportunity of obtaining that repose they 
 so much needed ; and if the commander in chief would 
 confide to them that honor, he would pledge himself that the 
 camp should not be surprised. General Dickinson's offer 
 was accepted, and on the following morning, before day-light, 
 information was conveyed to the commander in chief, that 
 the enemy had resumed his line of march. 
 
 At the close of the war general Dickinson retired to his 
 seat on the banks of the Delaware. 
 
 In December, 1784, congress appointed three commission- 
 ers to select a spot for a federal city, on either side of the river 
 Delaware, not more than eight miles above, nor eight miles 
 below its lower falls. The persons chosen were Robert Mor- 
 ris, Esqr. general Schuyler, and general Dickinson. 
 
 General Dickinson was a member of the senate of the Uni- 
 ted States for several years, previously to the removal of con- 
 gress to Washington. He died in February, 1809. 
 
 DRAYTON, William, Henry, an ardent patriot, and a 
 political writer of considerable eminence, was born in South 
 Carolina, in the year 1 742. He spent his youth and acquired 
 his education in England. Soon after he came to manhood, 
 he returned to Carolina, and there with inferior opportuni- 
 ties, but superior industry, prosecuted his studies. In it he 
 acquired the greater part of that knowledge for which he Avas 
 afterwards distinguished. He first began to write for the pub- 
 lic about the year 1769. Under the signature of "Freeman'' 
 he stated several legal and constitutional objections to an as- 
 
126 DRAYT01S. 
 
 sociation, or rather the mode of enforcing an association, for 
 suspending the importation of British manufactures, which 
 was then generally signed by the inhabitants. This involved 
 him in a political controversy, in which he was opposed by 
 Christopher Gadsden and John Mackenzie. In the year 
 1774. he wrote a pamphlet under the signature of "Freeman," 
 which was addressed to the American congress. In this h» 
 stated the grievances of America, and drew up a bill of Ame- 
 rican rights. This was well received. It substantially chalk- 
 ed out the line of conduct adopted by congress, then in session. 
 He was elected a member of the provincial congress, which 
 sat in January, 1775; and in the course of that year was ad- 
 vanced to the presidency thereof. In the latter character he 
 issued on the 9th of November, 1775, the first order that was 
 given in South Carolina for firing on the British. The or- 
 der was addressed to colonel William Moultrie, and directed 
 him "by every military operation to endeavor to oppose th* 
 passage of any British naval armament that may attempt to 
 pass fort Johnson." This was before congress had decided 
 on independence, and in the then situation of Carolina, was a 
 bold, decisive measure. 
 
 Before the revolution, Mr. Drayton was one of the king's 
 counsellors, and one of his assistant judges for the province. 
 The first of these offices he resigned, and from the last he was 
 dismissed by the officers of his Britannic majesty. On the 
 formation of a popular constitution, he was reinstated in the 
 corresponding offices of the state, and in the last advanced to 
 die rank of chief justice. He published his charge to the 
 grand jury, in April 1776, which breathes all the spirit and 
 energy of the mind, which knows the value of freedom, and is 
 determined to support it. 
 
 The following is an extract from the charge 
 "In short, I think it my duty to declare in the awful scat 
 of justice, and before Almighty God, that in my opinion, the 
 Americans can have no safety but by the Divine favour, their 
 own virtue, and their being so prudent as not to leave it in the 
 power of the British rulers to injure them. Indeed the ruinous 
 and deadly injuries received on our side; and the jealousies 
 entertained, and which, in the nature of things, must daily 
 increase against us, on the other; demonstrate to a mind, 
 in the least given to reflection upon the rise and fall of em- 
 pires, that true reconcilement never can exist between 
 Great Britain and America, the latter being in subjection to 
 the former. The Almighty created America to be indepen- 
 dent of Britain : Let us beware of the impiety of being back 
 ward to act as instruments in the Almighty hand, now exten- 
 ded to accomplish his purpose; and by the completion of 
 
©YER. U7 
 
 which alone, America, in the nature of human affairs, can be 
 secure against the craft and insiduous designs of her enemies 
 ivho think her prosperity and power already by far too 
 great. In a word, our piety and political safety are so 
 blended, that to refuse our labours in this Divine work, is to 
 refuse to be a great, a free, a pious, and a happy people ! 
 
 "And now having left the important alternative, political 
 happiness or wretchedness, under God, in a great degree in 
 your own hands, I pray the Supreme Arbiter of the affairs 
 of men, so to direct your judgment, as that you may act agree- 
 ably to what seems to be his will, revealed in his miraculous 
 works in behalf of America, bleeding at the altar of liber- 
 ty." This being anterior to the declaration of independence 
 was bold language. Several publications appeared from his pen, 
 explaining the injured rights of his country, and encouraging 
 his fellow citizens to vindicate them. He has also left a 
 manuscript history of the American revolution in three folio 
 volumes, brought down to the end of the year 1778, which he 
 intended to continue and publish. His country, pleased with 
 his zeal and talents, heaped offices upon him. He was appoin- 
 ted a member of congress in 1778 and 1779. Soon after he 
 had taken his seat, British commissioners came to America, 
 with the hope of detaching the states from their alliance with 
 France. Drayton took an active and decided part in favour 
 of the measures adopted by his countrymen. His letters pub- 
 lished expressly to controvert the machinations of the British 
 commissioners, were considered as replete with irresistible 
 arguments, and written in the best style of composition. 
 
 He died in Philadelphia, in 1779, while attending his duty 
 in congress, in the thirty-seventh year of his age. He was a 
 statesman of great decision and energy, and one of the ablest 
 political writers South Carolina has produced. 
 
 DYER, Eliphalet, distinguished for his civil and milw 
 tary employments, was born on the 28th of September, 1721, 
 in Windham, Connecticut. He was educated at Yale college? 
 where he received his first degree in 1740. Soon after this, 
 he entered upon the study of law, which he pursued as a pro- 
 fession. In 1743, when he was but twenty two years of age, 
 he was appointed a justice of the peace ; and in 1745, he was 
 chosen a representative of the town in the general court, and 
 continued to be elected to this office, a few sessions excepted, 
 until the year 1762. At the commencement of the French 
 war, in 1755, he was appointed to the command of one of the 
 regiments raised by the colony of Connecticut for that ser- 
 vice. He continued in the service, having the command of a 
 regiment, during most of the war, and acquired considerable 
 reputation as a faithful and brave officer. In 1762, he was 
 
128 ELLSWORTH. 
 
 elected a member of the Council, and continued in this situa^ 
 tion for several years. In 1763, he went to England, having 
 been constituted the agent of the Susquehanna Company, to 
 prosecute their claims in Great Britain. At this period a 
 spirit of jealousy and hostility to the rising prosperity and 
 the rights of the colonies, began to disclose themselves in the 
 parent country; of which, and of the ultimate policy and de- 
 signs of that country, colonel Dyer discovered clear indica- 
 tions, and communicated his views and apprehensions on his 
 return. He was appointed a delegate from that state to the 
 continental congress, holden at Philadelphia, in 1766. He 
 was also appointed a delegate to the congress of 1774, which 
 preceded the commencement of the revolutionary war : and 
 during the interesting period of this momentous contest, he 
 was, a considerable portion of the time, a member of that 
 dignified and important body. He was appointed a judge of 
 the Superior Court of the state, and subsequently Chief Jus- 
 tice, which office he held until the year 1793, which closed a 
 very protracted public life. 
 
 He died in 1807, aged eighty-six years, having lived during 
 a very interesting period of our history, and taken a part in 
 many of the important events by which it is characterized. 
 
 ELLSWORTH, Oliver, chief justice of the United States, 
 was born at Windsor, Connecticut, April 29, 1745, and was 
 graduated at the college in New Jersey in 1766. He soon af- 
 terwards commenced the practice of the law, in which profes- 
 sion he attained an acknowledged eminence. His perceptions 
 were unusually rapid, his reasoning clear and conclusive, and 
 his eloquence almost irresistible. In the year 1777, he was 
 a delegate to the continental congress. He found himself in a 
 new sphere ; but his extraordinary powers did not fail him, 
 and he met the exigencies of the times without shrinking. In 
 1780, he was elected into the council of his native state, and 
 he continued a member of that body till 1784, when lie was 
 appointed a judge of the superior court. In 1787, he was 
 elected a member of the convention, which framed the federal 
 constitution. In an assembly, illustrious for talents, erudi- 
 tion, and patriotism, lie held a distinguished place. His ex- 
 ertions essentially aided in the production of an instrument, 
 which, under theDivine blessing, has been the main pillar of 
 American prosperity and glory. He was immediately after- 
 wards a member of* the state convention, and contributed his 
 efforts towards procuring the ratification of that instrument. 
 When the federal government was organized in 1789, he 
 was chosen a member of the senate of the United States. This 
 elevated station, which he filled with his accustomed dignity, 
 he occupied till in March, J 796. He was then nominated by 
 
ELLSWORTH. 129 
 
 president Washington, chief justice of the supreme court of 
 the United States. Though his attention had been for many 
 years abstracted from the study of the law, yet he presided in 
 that high court with the greatest reputation. The diligence, 
 with which lie discharged his official duties, could be equal- 
 led only by his inexhaustible patience. His charges to the 
 jury were rich not only in legal principles but in moral senti- 
 ments, expressed in a simple, concise style, and delivered in 
 a manner, which gave them a tenfold energy and impression. 
 Towards the close of the year 1799, he was appointed by 
 president Adams envoy extraordinary to France for the pur- 
 pose of accommodatingexisting difficulties, and settling a trea- 
 ty with that nation. With much reluctance he accepted the 
 appointment. In conjunction with governor Davie and Mr. 
 Murray, his associates, he negociatcd a treaty, which, though 
 it did not answer the just claims and expectation of the Ameri- 
 can public, was undoubtedly the best that could be procured. 
 Having accomplished tiie business of his embassy, he repaired 
 to England for the benefit of the mineral waters, as his health 
 had suffered much in his voyage to Europe. Convinced that 
 his infirmities must incapacitate him for the future discharge 
 of his duties on the bench, he transmitted a resignation of his 
 office of chief justice at the close of the year 1800. On his re- 
 turn to Connecticut, his fellow citizens, desirous of still en- 
 joying the benefit of his extraordinary talents, elected him 
 into the council ; and in May, 1807, he was appointed chief 
 justice of the state. This office, however, he declined, from 
 apprehension that he could not long survive under the pressure 
 of his distressing maladies, and domestic afflictions, 
 
 Mr. Ellsworth was admired as an accomplished advocate, 
 an upright legislator, an able and impartial judge, a wise and 
 incorruptible ambassador, and an ardent, uniform, and inde- 
 fatigable patriot, who devoted every faculty, every literary 
 acquisition, and almost every hour of his life to his country*,* 
 good. He moved for more than thirty years in a most, con- 
 spicuous sphere, unassailed by the shafts of slander. His in- 
 tegrity was not only unimpeached but unsuspected. In his 
 debates in legislative bodies, he was sometimes ardent, but 
 his ardor illuminated the subject. His purposes he pursued 
 with firmness, independence, and intrepidity. In private life 
 he was a model of social and personal virtue. He was just in 
 his dealings, frank, in his communications, kind and obliging 
 in his deportment, easy of access to all, beloved and respected 
 by his neighbors and acquaintance. Amid the varied honors 
 accumulated upon him by his country, he was unassuming ami 
 humble. His dress, his equipage, and mode of living, were 
 regulated by a principle of republican economy; but for tb@ 
 
 17 
 
130 FLOYD. 
 
 promotion of useful and benevolent designs lie communicated 
 with readiness and liberality. The purity and excellence of 
 his character are rare in any station, and in the higher walks 
 of life are almost unknown. He died November 26, 1807, 
 in the sixty third year of his age. 
 
 FLOYD, William, one of the signers of the declaration 
 of independence, was born on the 17th of December, 1734, in 
 the county of Suffolk, upon Long Island. He received a li- 
 beral education, and in his young days was passionately fond 
 of hunting. 
 
 He embarked, at an early period, in the controversy be- 
 tween Great Britain and the colonies, and as it grew more 
 animated, became conspicuous for the zeal and ardour with 
 which he espoused the popular cause. There was in his con- 
 duct, both in public and private life, a characteristic sincerity 
 which never failed to inspire confidence; and which, combined 
 with the warmth and spirit with which he opposed the usur- 
 pations of the British government, had acquired for him an 
 extensive popularity. It was, doubtless, from these conside- 
 rations, that he was appointed one of the delegates from INew 
 York to the first continental congress, which met in Phila- 
 delphia, on the 5th of September, 1774. In that patriotic 
 and venerable assembly, he was associated with men, whose 
 names are identified with their country ? s birth, and will long 
 be cherished in grateful remembrance. Their proceedings 
 had a powerful effect in arousing the attention of the colonists, 
 and in directing it to the true points on which the controversy 
 with the parent country rested; they were also admirably cal- 
 culated, by their moderation and firmness, to conciliate the 
 minds of moderate and reflecting men. It may. perhaps, be 
 observed with truth, that with all the light which experience 
 affords, the most consummate wisdom could hardly devise a 
 system of measures better adapted to the situation of the co- 
 lonies at that time, than those which are recorded upon the 
 journals of the first continental congress. 
 
 Previous to his attendance in Congress, Mr. Floyd had 
 been appointed to the command of the militia of the county of 
 Suffolk, and upon his return, he found Long Island menaced 
 with an invasion from a naval force assembled in Gardiner's 
 bay, with the avowed object of gathering supplies. "When 
 the landing of the enemy was reported to him, he promptly 
 assembled the force under his command, and marched to the 
 point of attack. It was. perhaps, fortunate for his little 
 army, composed of raw and undisciplined militia, that the 
 terror of their approach left nothing for their arms to ac- 
 complish. The activity displayed, however, had an import- 
 ant effect, in inducing the enemy to abandon their design. 
 
FLOYD. 131 
 
 In April, 1775, having been again chosen by the provincial 
 assembly of New York, a delegate to the general congress of 
 the colonies, he took his seat in the second continental con- 
 gress, which met in Philadelphia, on the 10th of May follow- 
 ing, and continued a constant attendant for more than two 
 years. As a member of this congress, general Floyd united 
 with his illustrious associates in boldly dissolving the politi- 
 cal bonds which connected the colonies to the British crown, 
 and co-operated in the arduous and responsible task of array- 
 ing them in hostility to the British empire. Under circum- 
 stances of danger and distress, with difficulties almost insur- 
 mountable, and embarrassments the most complicated, they 
 were raised from the posture of supplication, and clothed in 
 the armour of war. 
 
 During his attendance in congress, Long Island was eva- 
 cuated by the American troops, and occupied by those of 
 Great Britain. His family, in consequence of this event, 
 were driven from their home in great haste and confusion, 
 and were removed by his friends into Connecticut. The pro- 
 duce and stock of his estate were seized by the enemy, and 
 the mansion-house selected as a rendezvous for a party of 
 horse, by whom it was occupied during the remainder of the 
 war. This event was the source of serious inconvenience to 
 him, as it precluded him from deriving any benefit from his 
 landed property for nearly seven years, and left him without a 
 house for himself and his family. 
 
 On the 8th of May, 1777, general Floyd was appointed a 
 senator of the state of New York, uuder the constitution of 
 the state which had then been recently adopted. On the 13th 
 of May, the provincial convention passed a resolution, that 
 the thanks of the convention be given to him, and his col- 
 leagues, " delegates of the state of New York in the honour- 
 able the continental congress, for their long and faithful 
 services rendered to the colony of New York, and to the said 
 state." 
 
 On the 9th of September, 1777, he took his seat in the sen^ 
 ate of New York, at their first session under the new consti- 
 tution. This being the first constitutional legislature since 
 the colonial assembly was dissolved, it devolved upon them to 
 organize the government, and adopt a code of laws, suited to 
 existing circumstances. Of this body he became a leading 
 and influential member, and attended in his place, with some 
 short intervals, until the 6th of November, 1778, when they 
 adjourned. 
 
 On the 15th of October, 1778, he was unanimously re- 
 elected a delegate to the continental congress by a joint ballot 
 of the senate and assembly, and on the 2d of January follow- 
 
ite FRANKLIN. 
 
 ing, resumed his seat in that body, where lie soon became 
 actively employed on numerous committees, and continued in 
 attendance until the 9th of June, when he obtained leave ol 
 absence. 
 
 In October. If79. he was unanimously re-elected a dele- 
 gate to the continental congress, and attended in his place on 
 the 2d ol* December. On the next day, be was elected a mem- 
 ber of the board of admiralty, and on the 13th, was chosen a 
 member of the treasury board. His health having become- 
 impaired, he applied to congress to be excused from the board 
 of treasury, and he obtained leave of absence. 
 
 In 1780, general Floyd was again elected a delegate to 
 congress, and was continued a delegate, by several successive 
 appointments, until the 26th of April, 1783. When he re- 
 turned to his home, he found his estate despoiled of almost 
 every thing but the naked soil, through the malice and cupi- 
 dity of the tories, who had resorted thither for plunder. He 
 now declined are-election to congress, but by several succes- 
 sive elections, continued a member of the senate of New-York 
 until the year 1788, when, upon the adoption of the federal 
 constitution, he was elected a member of the first congress, 
 which met in New York, on the 4th day of March. 1789. At 
 the expiration of his term of service, he again declined a re- 
 election. 
 
 In 1800, he was chosen one of the electors of president and 
 vice president of the United States ; and he performed a jour- 
 ney of two hundred miles, to vote for his early political friend 
 and associate, Mr. Jefferson. 
 
 In 1801, he was elected a member of the convention to re 
 vise the constitution of the state of New York, and, at a sub- 
 sequent period, served twice as presidential elector. He was 
 also appointed an elector in 1820, but from the infirmities of 
 age could not leave his home. 
 
 He died on the 4th day of August, 1821, aged eighty seven 
 years. 
 
 FRANKLIN. Benjamin, a philosopher and statesman, 
 was born in Boston, Massachusetts. January, 17, 1706. His 
 father who was a native of England, was a soap-boiler and 
 tallow-chandler in that town. At the age of eight years, 
 he was sent to a grammar school, but at the age of ten his 
 father required his services to assist him in his business. Two 
 years afterwards, he was bound an apprentice to his brother, 
 who was a printer. In this employment he made great profi- 
 ciency, and having a taste for books he devoted much of his 
 leisure time to reading. So eager was he in the pursuit of 
 knowledge, that he frequently passed the greater part of the 
 night in his studies. He became expert in the Socratic mode of 
 
FRANKLIN. 133 
 
 reasoning by asking questions, and thus he sometimes embar- 
 rassed persons of understanding superior to his own. In 1721, 
 his brother began to print the New England Courant, which 
 was the third newspaper published in America. The two 
 preceding papers were the Boston News Letter and Boston 
 Gazette. Young Franklin wrote a number of essays for the 
 Courant, which were so well received, as to encourage him 
 to continue his literary labors. To improve his style he re- 
 solved to imitate Addison's Spectator. The method, which 
 he took, was to make a summary of a paper, after he had 
 read it, and in a few days, when he had forgotten the expres- 
 sions of the author, to endeavour to restore it to its original 
 form. By this means he was taught his errors, and perceiv- 
 ed the necessity of being more fully acquainted with the syno- 
 nymous words of the language. He was much assisted also 
 in acquiring a facility and variety of expression by writing 
 poetry. 
 
 At this early period the persual of Shaftsbury and Collins 
 made him completely a sceptic, and he was fond of disputing 
 upon the subject of religion. This circumstance caused him 
 to be regarded by pious men with abhorrence, and on this ac- 
 count as well as on account of the ill treatment, which he re- 
 ceived from his brother he determined to leave Boston. His 
 departure was facilitated by the possession of his indenture, 
 which his brother had given him about the year 1723. not from 
 friendship, but because the general court had prohibited him 
 from publishing the New England Courant, and in order that 
 it might be conducted under the name of Benjamin Franklin. 
 He privately went on board a sloop, and soon arrived at New 
 York. Finding no employment here, he pursued his way to 
 Philadelphia, and entered the city without a friend and with 
 only a dollar in his pocket, Purchasing some rolls at a ba- 
 kers shop, he put one under each arm, and eating a third, 
 walked through several streets in search of a lodging. There 
 were at this time two printers in Philadelphia, Mr. Andrew 
 Bradford, and Mr. Keimer, by the latter of whom he was 
 employed. Sir William Keith, the governor, having been in- 
 formed, that Franklin was a young man of promising talents, 
 invited him to his house, and treated him in the most friendly 
 manner. He advised him to enter into business for himself, 
 and, to accomplish this object, to make a visit to London in 
 order that he might purchase the necessary articles for a 
 printing office. Receiving the promise of assistance, Frank- 
 lin prepared himself for the voyage, and on applying for let- 
 ters of recommendation, previously to sailing, he was told, 
 that they would be sent on board. When the letter bag was 
 opened, there was no packet for Franklin; and he now dis~ 
 
134 FRANKLIN. 
 
 covered, that the governor was one of those men, who love to 
 oblige every body, and who substitute the most liberal pro- 
 fessions and offers in the place of active, substantial kindness. 
 Arriving in London in 1724, he was obliged to seek employ- 
 ment as a journeyman printer. He lived so 'economically, 
 that he saved a great part of his wages. Instead of drinking 
 six pints of beer in a day, like some of his fellow labourers, 
 he drank only water, and he persuaded some of them to re- 
 nounce the extravagance of eating bread and cheese for break- 
 fast, and to procure a cheap soup. As his principles at this 
 time were very loose, his zeal to enlighten the world induced 
 him to publish his dissertation on liberty and necessity, in 
 which he contended that virtue and vice were nothing more 
 than vain distinctions. This work procured him the ac- 
 quaintance of Mandeville and others of the licentious class. 
 He returned to Philadelphia in October, 1726, as a clerk 
 to Mr. Denham, a merchant, but the deatli of that gentleman 
 in the following year, induced him to return to Mr. Keimer, 
 in the capacity of foreman in his office. He was very useful 
 to his employer, for he gave him assistance as a letter foun- 
 der. He engraved various ornaments, and made printer's 
 ink. He soon began business in partnership with Mr. Mere- 
 dith, but in 1729, he dissolved the connection with him. 
 Having purchased of Keimer a paper, which had been con- 
 ducted in a wretched manner, he now conducted it in a style 
 which attracted much attention. At this time, though desti- 
 tute of those religious principles, which give stability and 
 elevation to virtue, he yet had discernment enough to be con- 
 vinced, that truth, probity, and sincerity, would promote his 
 interest, and be useful to him in the world, and he resolved to 
 respect them in his conduct. The expenses of his establish- 
 ment in business, notwithstanding his industry and economy, 
 brought him into embarrassments, from which he was reliev- 
 ed by the generous assistance of William Coleman and 
 Robert Grace. In addition to his other employments, he now 
 opened a small stationer's shop. But the claims of business 
 did not extinguish his taste for literature and science. He 
 formed a club, which he called 'The Junto,' composed of the 
 most intelligent of his acquaintance. Questions of morality, 
 politics, or philosophy, were discussed every Friday evening, 
 and the institution was continued almost forty years. As 
 books were frequently quoted in the club, and as the members 
 had brought their books together for mutual advantage, he 
 was led to form the plan of a public library, which was car- 
 ried into effect in 1731, and became the foundation of that 
 noble institution, the present library company of Philadel- 
 phia. In 1732, he began to publish Toor Richard's Almanac, 
 
FRANKLIN. 135 
 
 which was enriched with maxims of frugality, temperance, 
 industry, and integrity. So great was its reputation, that he 
 sold ten thousand annually, and it was continued by him about 
 twenty-five years. The maxims were collected in the last al- 
 manac in the form of an address, called the way to wealth, 
 which has appeared in various publications. In 1736, he was 
 appointed clerk of the general assembly of Pennsylvania, and 
 in 1737, postmaster of Philadelphia. The first fire company 
 was formed by him in 173&. When the frontiers of Pennsyl- 
 vania were endangered in 1744, and an ineffectual attempt 
 was made to procure a militia law, he proposed a voluntary 
 association for the defence of the province, and in a short 
 time obtained ten thousand names. In 1747, he was chosen 
 a member of the assembly, and continued in this station ten 
 years. In all important discussions, his presence was consi- 
 dered as indispensable. He seldom spoke, and never exhi- 
 bited any oratory; hut by a single observation he sometimes 
 determined the fate of a question. In the long controversies 
 with the proprietaries or their governors, he took the most 
 active part, and displayed a firm spirit of liberty. 
 
 He was now engaged for a number of years in a course of 
 electrical experiments, of which he published an account. His 
 great discovery was the identity of the electric fluid, and 
 lightning. This discovery he made in the summer of 1752. 
 To the upright stick of a kite, he attached an iron point ; the 
 string was of hemp, excepting the part which he held in his 
 hand, which was of silk; and a key was fastened where the 
 hempen string terminated. With this apparatus, on the ap- 
 proach of a thunder storm, he raised his kite. A cloud passed 
 over it, and no signs of electricity appearing, he began to- 
 despair; but observing the loose fibres of his string to move 
 suddenly toward an erect position, he presented his knuckle 
 to the key, and received a strong spark. The success of this 
 experiment completely established his theory. The practical 
 use of this discovery in securing houses from lightning by 
 pointed conductors, is well known in America and Europe. 
 In 1753, he was appointed deputy postmaster general of the 
 British colonies, and in the same year the academy of Phila- 
 delphia, projected by him, was established. In 1754, he was 
 one of the commissioners, who attended the congress at Al- 
 bany, to devise the best means of defending the country against 
 the French. He drew up a plan of union for defence and ge- 
 neral government, which was adopted by the congress. It was 
 however rejected by the board of trade in England, because 
 it gave too much power to the representatives of the people; 
 and it was rejected by the assemblies of the colonies, because 
 it gave too much power to the president general. After the 
 
130 FRANKLIN. 
 
 defeat of Braddork. lie was appointed colonel of a regiment 
 and he repaired to the frontiers, and built a fort. 
 
 Higher employments, however, at length called him from 
 his country, which he was destined to serve more effectually 
 as its agent in England, whither he was sent in 1757. The 
 stamp act, by which the British ministry wished to familiar 
 ize the Amrricans to pay taxes to the mother country, revived 
 that love of liberty which had led their forefathers to a coun- 
 try at that time a desert; and the colonies formed a congress, 
 the first idea of which had been communicated to them by Dr. 
 Franklin, at the conferences at Albany in 1754. The war 
 that was just terminated, and the exertions made by them to 
 support it, had given them a conviction of their strength; they 
 opposed this measure, and the minister gave way, but he re- 
 served the means of renewing the attempt. Once cautioned, 
 however, they remained on their guard; liberty cherished by 
 their alarms, took deeper root; and the rapid circulation of 
 ideas by means of newspapers, for the introduction of which 
 they were indebted to the printer of Philadelphia, united them 
 together to resist every fresh enterprise. In the year 1766, 
 this printer, called to the bar of the house of commons, un- 
 derwent that famous interrogatory, which placed the name of 
 Franklin as high in politics, as in natural philosophy. From 
 that time he defended the cause of America, with a firmness 
 and moderation becoming a great man, pointing out to the 
 ministry all the errors they committed, and the consciences 
 they would produce, till the period when the tax on tea, meet- 
 ing the same opposition as the stamp act had done; England 
 blindly fancied herself capable of subjecting, by force, three 
 million of men determined to be free, at a distance of one thou- 
 sand leagues. 
 
 In 1766, he visited Holland and Germany, and received the 
 greatest marks of attention from men of science. In his pas- 
 sage through Holland, he learned from the watermen, the ef- 
 fect which the diminution of the quantity of water in canals has 
 in impeding the progress of boats. Upon his return to En- 
 gland, he was led to make a number of experiments, all of 
 which tended to confirm the observation. 
 
 In the following year, he travelled into France, where he 
 met with no less favourable reception than he had experienced 
 in Germany. He was introduced to a number of literary cha- 
 racters, and to the king, Louis XV. 
 
 He returned to America, and arrived in Philadelphia in the 
 beginning of May, 1775, and was received with all those 
 marks of esteem and affection, which his eminent services 
 merited. The day after his arrival he was elected by the le 
 gislature of Pennsylvania, a member of congress. 
 
FRANKLIN. 187 
 
 Almofit immediately on his arrival from England, he wrote 
 letters to some of his friends in that country, in a strain fitted 
 to inspire lofty ideas of the virtue, resolution, and resources 
 of the colonies. "All America," said he to Dr. Priestley* 
 "is exasperated, and more firmly united than ever. Great 
 frugality and great industry are become fashionable here. 
 Britain, I conclude, has lost her colonies for ever* She is 
 now giving us such miserable specimens of her government,^ 
 that we shall even detest and avoid it, as a complication of 
 robbery, murder, famine, fire and pestilence. If you flatter, 
 yourselves with beating us into submission, you know neither 
 the people nor the country. You will have heard, before this 
 reaches you, of the defeat of a great body of your troops by 
 the country people at Lexington, of the action at Bunker's 
 bill, &c. Enough has happened, one would think, to con- 
 vince your ministers, that the Americans will fight, dud thai 
 this is* a harder nut to crack than they imagined. Britain, at 
 the expense of three millions, has killed one hundred and 
 fifty Yankees this campaign. During the same time sixty 
 thousand children have been born in America. From these 
 data the mathematical head of our dear good friend, Dr. 
 Price, will easily calculate the time and expense necessary to 
 kill us all, and conquer our whole territory. Tell him, as he 
 sometimes has his doubts and despondencies about our firm- 
 ness, that America is determined and unanimous. " 
 
 It was in this varied tone of exultation, resentment, and 
 defiance, that he privately communicated with Europe. The 
 strain of the papers respecting the British government and 
 nation, which he prepared for congress, was deemed by his 
 colleagues too indignant and vituperative; to such a pitch 
 were his feelings excited by the injuries and sufferings of his 
 country, and so anxious was he that the strongest impetus 
 should he given to the national spirit. His anger and his ab- 
 horrence were real; they endured without abatement during 
 the whole continuance of the system which provoked them ; 
 they wore a complexion which rendered it impossible to mis- 
 take them for the offspring of personal pique or constitutional 
 irritability; they had a vindictive power, a corrosive energy, 
 proportioned to the weight of his character, and the dignity 
 of the sentiments from which they sprung. 
 
 It was in this year that Dr. Franklin addressed that memo- 
 rable and laconic epistle to his old friend and companion, Mr, 
 Strahan, then king's printer, and member of the British parlia- 
 ment, of which the following is a correct copy, and of which 
 a fac-simile is given in the last, and most correct edition of 
 his works s» 
 
138 FRANKLIN. 
 
 Philada. July 5, 1776. 
 Mr. Strahan - , 
 
 You are a Member of Parliament, and one of that Majo- 
 rity which has doomed my Country to Destruction ■ — You 
 have begun to burn our Towns, and murder our People. — 
 Look upon your Hands ! — They are stained with the Blood of 
 your Relations ! — You and I were long Friends : — You arc 
 now my Enemy, — and 
 
 I am, 
 
 Yours, 
 
 B. FRANKLIN. 
 In October, 1775, Dr. Franklin was appointed by con- 
 gress, jointly with Mr. Harrison and Mr. Lynch, a commit- 
 tee to visit the American camp at Cambridge, and, in con- 
 junction with the commander in chief, (general Washington) 
 to endeavor to convince the troops, whose term of enlistment 
 was about to expire, of the necessity of their continuing in the 
 field, and persev ering in the cause of their country. 
 
 He was, afterwards, sent on a mission to Canada, to endea- 
 vor to unite that country to the common cause of liberty. 
 But the Canadians could not be prevailed upon to oppose the 
 measures of the British government. 
 
 It was directed that a printing apparatus, and hands, com- 
 petent to print in French and English, should accompany this 
 mission. Two papers were written and circulated very ex- 
 tensively through Canada; but it was not until after the expe- 
 riment had been tried, that it was found not more than one 
 person in five hundred could read. Dr. Franklin was accus- 
 tomed to make the best of every occurrence, suggested that if 
 it were intended to send another mission, it should be a mis- 
 sion composed of schoolmasters. 
 
 He was, in 1776, appointed a committee with John Adams 
 and Edward Rutledge, to inquire into the powers, with which 
 lord Howe was invested in regard to the adjustment of our 
 differences with Great Britain. When his lordship expressed 
 his concern at being obliged to distress those, whom he so 
 much regarded. Dr. Franklin assured him, that the Ameri- 
 cans, out of reciprocal regard, would endeavour to lessen, as 
 much as possible, the pain which he might feel on their ac- 
 count, by taking the utmost cape of themselves. In the dis- 
 cussion of the great question of independence, he was decid- 
 edly in favour of the measure. 
 
 In July, 1776, he was called to add to his federal duties, 
 those of president of a convention held at Philadelphia, for 
 the purpose of giving a new constitution to the state of Penn- 
 sylvania. The unbounded confidence reposed in his sagacity 
 and wisdom, induced the convention to adopt his favourite 
 
FRANKLIN. 139 
 
 theory of a plural executive and single legislature, which the 
 experience of modern times has justly brought into disrepute. 
 It may be said to be the only instance in which he cherished 
 a speculation that experiment would not confirm. 
 
 Franklin early conjectured that it would become necessary 
 for America to apply to some foreign power for assistance. 
 To prepare the way for this step, and ascertain the probabi- 
 lity of its success, he had. towards the close of 1775, opened, 
 under the sanction of congress, a correspondence with Hol- 
 land, which he managed with admirable judgment, as may be 
 perceived by his letter to Mr. Dumas, of Amsterdam, of De- 
 cember, 1775, contained in the fifth volume of the American 
 edition of his works. When, at the end of 1776, our affairs 
 had assumed so threatening an aspect, the hopes of congress 
 were naturally turned to Europe, and to France particularly, 
 the inveterate and most powerful rival of England. Every 
 eye rested on Franklin as a providential instrument for sus- 
 taining the American cause abroad; and though he had re- 
 peatedly signified from London, his determination to revisit 
 Europe no more, yet, having consecrated himself anew to the 
 pursuit of national independence, he accepted, without hesi- 
 tation, in his seventy-first year, the appointment of commis- 
 sioner plenipotentiary to the court of France. 
 
 He wished, partly with a view to protect his person, in case 
 of capture on the voyage across the Atlantic, to carry with 
 him propositions for peace with England, and submitted to 
 the secret committee of congress, a series of articles, which 
 his grandson has published. We are especially struck with 
 that one of them which asks the cession to the United States, 
 of Canada. Nova Scotia, the Floridas, &c. and the explana- 
 tion annexed to the article by this long-sighted statesman, is 
 not a little remarkable. " It is worth our while to offer such 
 
 a sum for the countries to be ceded, since the vacant 
 
 lands will in time sell for a great part of what we shall give, 
 if not more; and if we are to obtain them by conquest, after 
 perhaps a long war. they will probably cost us more than that 
 sum It is absolutely necessary for us to have them for our 
 own security: and though the sum may seem large to the pre- 
 sent generation, in less than half the term of years allowed 
 for their payment, it will be to the whole United States a mere 
 iriilc." Who does not, on reading this passage, recollect 
 with gratitude, and feel disposed to honour as a master-stroke, 
 the purchase of Louisiana, accomplished by Franklin's suc- 
 cessor in the mission to France? 
 
 In the month of October, 1776, our philosopher set sail on 
 his eventful mission, having first deposited in the hands of 
 congress, all the money he could raise, between three and four 
 
140 FRANKLIN. 
 
 thousand pounds, as a demonstration of bis confidence in their 
 cause, and an incentive for those who might be able to assist 
 it in the same way. His passage to France was short, but 
 extremely boisterous. During some part of the month of 
 December, he remained at the country-seat of an opulent 
 friend of America, in the neighborhood of Nantz, in order 
 to recover from the fatigues of the voyage, and to ascertain 
 the posture of American affairs at Paris, before be approach* 
 ed that capital. With his usual sound discretion he forbore 
 to assume, at the moment, any public character, that he might 
 not embarrass the court which it was his province to concili- 
 ate, nor subject the mission to the hazard of a disgraceful re- 
 pulse. 
 
 From the civilities with which be was loaded by the gentry 
 of Nantz, and the surrounding country, and the lively satis- 
 faction with which they appeared to view his supposed errand, 
 he drew auguries that animated him in the discharge of his 
 first duties at Paris. The reception given to. him and his 
 colleagues, by M. de Vergennes, the minister for foreign af- 
 fairs, at the private audience to which they were admitted, 
 towards the end of December, was of a nature to strengthen 
 Itis patriotic hopes, and eminently to gratify his personal 
 feelings. The particular policy of the French cabinet did 
 not admit, at this period, of a formal recognition of the Ame- 
 rican commissioners. Franklin abstained from pressing a 
 measure for which circumstances were not ripe, but urged, 
 without delay, in an argumentative memorial, the prayer of 
 congress for substantial succours. 
 
 History presents no other case in which the interests of a 
 people abroad derived so much essential, direct aid from the 
 auspices of an individual ; there is no other instance of a con- 
 currence of qualities in a national missionary, so full and op 
 portune. Foreign assistance had become, as it was thought, 
 indispensable for the rescue of the colonies : France was the 
 only sufficient auxiliary; and by her intervention, and the in- 
 fluences of her capital, alone, could any countenance or sup- 
 plies be expected from any other European power. Her court, 
 though naturally anxious for the dismemberment of the Bri- 
 tish empire, shrunk from the risks of a war; and could be pre- 
 vented from stagnating in irresolution only by a strong current 
 of public opinion: Her people, already touched by the causes 
 and motives of the colonial struggle, required, however, some 
 striking, immediate circumstance, to be excited to a clamor- 
 ous sympathy. It was from Paris that the impulse necessary 
 to foster and fructify this useful enthusiasm was to be receiv- 
 ed, as well by the whole European continent, as by the mass 
 of the French nation. At the tiipe when Franklin appeared 
 
FRANKLIN. 141 
 
 jn Paris, the men of letters and of science possessed a re- 
 markable ascendancy over all movement and judgment: they 
 gave the tone to general opinion, and contributed to decide 
 ministerial policy. Fashion, too, bad no inconsiderable share 
 in moulding public sentiment and regulating events; and at 
 this epoch, beyond any other, it was determined, and liable 
 to be kindled into passion, by anomalous or fanciful external 
 appearances, however trivial in themselves, and moral asso- 
 tions of an elevated or romantic cast. 
 
 Observing the predilection of the people of France for the 
 American cause, the rapid diffusion of a lively sympathy 
 over the whole continent, the devotion of the literary and fash- 
 ionable circles of Paris to his objects, the diligent prepara- 
 tions for war made daily in France, and the frozen mien of 
 all the continental powers towards Great Britain, Franklin did 
 not allow himself to be discouraged by the reserve of the court 
 of Versailles: and, in order to counteract its natural effect, and 
 that of other ad verse .appearances upon the resolution of his coun- 
 trymen, he emphatically detailed those circumstances, in his 
 correspondence with America; adding, at the same time, ac- 
 counts of tiie domestic embarrassments and growing despair 
 of the enemy. 
 
 When the, news of the surrender of Burgoync reached 
 France in October, 1777, and produced there an explosion of 
 public opinion, he seized upon the auspicious crisis, to make 
 his decisive effort, by urging the most persuasive motives for 
 a formal recognition and alliance. The epoch of the treaty 
 concluded with the court of Versailles, on the 6th of Feb- 
 ruary, 1778, is one of the most splendid in his dazzling ca- 
 reer. 
 
 In conjunction with Mr. John Adams, Mr. Jay, and Mr. 
 Laurens, he signed the provisional articles of peace, Novem- 
 ber 30, 1782, and the definitive treaty, September SO, 1783. 
 While he was in France he was appointed one of commission- 
 ers to examine Mesmer's animal magnetism. In 1784, being 
 desirous of returning to his native country, he requested that 
 an ambassador might be appointed in his place, and on the ar- 
 rival of his successor, Mr. Jefferson, he immediately sailed for 
 Philadelphia, where he arrived in September, 1785. He was 
 received with universal applause, and was soon appointed pre- 
 sident of the supreme executive council. In 1787, he was a 
 delegate to the grand convention, which formed the constitu- 
 tion of the United States. In this convention he had differed 
 in some points from the majority; but when the articles were 
 ultimately decreed, he said to his colleagues, " We ought to 
 have but one opinion ; the good of our country requires that the 
 resolution should he unanimous ;" and he signed, 
 
142 FRANKLIN. 
 
 On the 17th of April, 1790, in the eighty-fourth year of his 
 age, he expired in the city of Philadelphia; encountering this 
 last solemn conflict, with the same philosophical tranquility 
 and pious resignation to the will of Heaven, which had distin- 
 guished him through all the various events of his life. 
 
 He was interred, on the 21st of April, and congress ordered 
 a general mourning for him throughout America, of one month. 
 In France, the expression of public grief, was scarcely less en- 
 thusiastic. There the event was solemnized, under the direc 
 tion of the municipality of Paris, by funeral orations; and 
 the national assembly, his death being announced in a very 
 eloquent and pathetic discourse, decreed that each of the 
 members should wear mourning for three days, "in com- 
 memoration of the event;" and that a letter of condolence, for 
 the irreparable loss they had sustained, should be directed 
 to the American congress. Honours extremely glorious to 
 his memory, and such, it has been remarked, as were never 
 before paid by any public body of one nation, to the citizen 
 of another. 
 
 He lies buried in the north-west corner of Christ church- 
 yard; distinguished from the surrounding dead, by the humility 
 of his sepulchre. He is covered by a small marble slab, on a 
 level with the surface of the earth: and bearing in the single 
 inscription of his name, with that of his wife. A monument 
 sufficiently corresponding to the plainness of his manners, 
 little suitable to the splendor of his virtues. 
 
 He had two children, a son and a daughter, and several 
 grand-children who survived him. The son, who had been 
 governor of New-Jersey, under the British government, ad- 
 hered, during the revolution, to the royal party, and spent the 
 remainder of his life in England. The daughter married 
 Mr. Bache, of Philadelphia, whose descendants yet reside in 
 that city. 
 
 Franklin enjoyed, during the greater part of his life, a 
 healthy constitution, and excelled in exercises of strength and 
 activity. In stature he was above the middle size ; manly, 
 athletic, and well proportioned. His countenance, as it is 
 represented in his portrait, is distinguished by an air of sere- 
 nity and satisfaction; the natural consequences of a Aigorous 
 temperament, of strength of mind, and conscious integrity : 
 It is also marked, in visible characters, by deep thought and 
 inflexible resolution. 
 
 The whole life of Franklin, his meditations and his labours, 
 have all been directed to public utility ; but the grand object 
 that he had always in view, did not shut his heart against pri- 
 vate friendship ; he loved his family, and his friends, and was 
 extremely beneficent. In society he was sententious, but not 
 
FORREST. 143 
 
 Uuent; a listner rather than a talker: an informing rather than a 
 pleasing companion : impatient of interruption, he often men- 
 tioned the custom of the Indians, who always remain silent 
 some time before they give an answer to a question, which 
 they have heard attentively ; unlike some of the politest socie- 
 ties in Europe, where a sentence can scarcely be finished with- 
 out interruption. In the midst of his greatest occupations for 
 the liberty of his country, he had some physical experiments 
 always near him in his closet ; and the sciences, which he had 
 rather discovered than studied, afforded him a continual source 
 of pleasure. He made various bequests and donations to cities, 
 public bodies and individuals. 
 
 The following epitaph was written by Dr. Franklin, for 
 himself, when he was only twenty three years of age, as ap- 
 pears by the original (with various corrections) found among 
 his papers, and from which this is a faithful copy. 
 "The bod v of 
 BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, 
 
 PRINTER, 
 
 (Like the cover of an old book, 
 
 Its contents torn out, 
 
 And stript of its lettering and gilding,) 
 
 Lies here, food for worms : 
 
 But the work shall not be lost, 
 
 For it will (as he believed) appear once more. 
 
 In a new, and more elegant edition, 
 
 Revised and corrected 
 
 by 
 
 THE AUTHOR." 
 FORREST, Uriah, a brave and intrepid officer in the re 
 volutionary war, was born in St. Mary's county, in the state 
 of Maryland, in the year seventeen hundred and fifty-six. 
 At the commencement of the revolutionary war, between 
 Great Britain and her then colonies, when quite a youth, full 
 of ardor and courage, he early joined the standard of his 
 country, and commenced his military career with zeal and 
 patriotism. He entered the army as a lieutenant in one of 
 the Maryland regiments, and such was his zeal, good con- 
 duct, and intrepidity, that he w r as, during the war, promoted 
 to the rank of lieutenant colonel in the continental army. — 
 At the battle of Germantown. high in the confidence of his 
 officers and men, he distinguished himself by his bravery, 
 and in the heat of the action lost a leg. An amputation 
 above the knee, was deemed necessary. This wound ren- 
 dered him for the remainder of the war, incapacitated for 
 active military command. He invigorated by his precepts, 
 dispelled despondency by his example, and encouraged hi? 
 
144 GADSDEN, 
 
 men to submit to their many privations, by the cheerfulness 
 with which he participated in their wants. He imparted the 
 energy of his mind to all associated with him, and infused a 
 high toned spirit wherever he was. 
 
 Upon his restoration to health and usefulness, he was ap- 
 pointed auditor of his native state; and after the close of the 
 war, he was selected as a member of congress, under the old 
 confederation. Immediately after the adoption of the present 
 constitution of the United States, he was again elected a 
 member of congress. He was also, at various periods, 
 chosen by his fellow citizens, a member of the senate and 
 house of delegates of the state of Maryland. 
 
 He was happy in penetrating into the secret designs of 
 others, never disclosing more of his own inclinations than 
 was necessary for the purpose at hand. His carriage was 
 generally uniform, and unaffectedly affable; his conversation 
 enlivened by his vivacity; his knowledge and understanding 
 strikingly quick, and his talents to gain popularity, were al- 
 most absolute. He possessed great penetration and discern- 
 ment, with a sagacity not easily imposed on; with an industry 
 and vigilance indefatigable; rather an easy debater, with a 
 great command of his passions and affections, raising him su- 
 perior to more improved minds. 
 
 Some time previous to his death, he was appointed a major 
 general in the militia of the state of Maryland. He was a 
 man of a liberal and strong mind, and from his talents be- 
 came distinguished in every situation in which he was placed, 
 
 GADSDEN, Christopher, lieutenant governor of South 
 Carolina, and a distinguished friend of his country, was born 
 about the year 1724. So high was his reputation in the co- 
 lony in which he lived, that he was appointed one of the de- 
 legates to the congress, which met at New York, in October, 
 1765, to petition against the stamp^act. 
 
 Judge Johnson, in his life of general Greene, says, "There 
 was at least one man in South Carolina, who, as early as 
 1762, foresaid and foretold the views of the British govern- 
 ment, and explicitly urged his adherents to the resolution to 
 resist even to death. General Gadsden, it is well known, 
 mid there are still living witnesses to prove it, always favour- 
 ed the most decisive and energetic measures. He thought it 
 a folly to temporise, and insisted that cordial reconciliation 
 on honourable terms, was impossible. When the news of the 
 repeal of the stamp-act arrived, and the whole community 
 was in extacy at the event, he, on the contrary, received it 
 with indignation, and privately convening a party of his 
 friends beneath the celebrated Liberty-Tree, he there haran- 
 gued them at considerable length on the folly of relaxing their 
 
GADSDEN. i4S 
 
 opposition and vigilance, or indulging the fallacious hope, 
 that Great Britain would relinquish her designs or preten- 
 sions. He drew their attention to the preamble of the act, 
 and forcibly pressed upon them the absurdity of rejoicing at 
 an act that still asserted and maintained the absolute domi- 
 nion over them. And then reviewing all the chances of suc- 
 ceeding in a struggle to break the fetters whenever again im- 
 posed on them, he pressed them to prepare their minds for the 
 event. The address was received with silent but profound 
 devotion, and with linked hands, the whole party pledged 
 themselves to resist; a pledge that was faithfully redeemed 
 when the hour of trial arrived. It was from this event that 
 the Liberty-Tree took its name. The first convention of 
 South Carolina held their meeting under it." 
 
 He was also chosen a member of the congress which met 
 in 1774; and on his return early in 1776, received the thanks 
 of the provincial assembly for his services. He was among 
 the first who advocated republican principles, and wished to 
 make his country independent of the monarchical government 
 of Great Britain. 
 
 During the siege of Charleston, in 1780, he remained with- 
 in the lines with five of the council, while governor Rutledge, 
 with the other three, left the city, at the earnest request of gen- 
 eral Lincoln. Several months after the capitulation, he was 
 taken out of his bed on the 27th of August, and, with most of 
 the civil and military officers, transported in a guard-ship to 
 St. Augustine. This was done by the order of lord Cornwal- 
 lis, and it was in violation of the rights of prisoners on parole*, 
 Guar Is were left at their houses, and the private papers of 
 some of them were examined. A parole was offered at St. 
 Augustine, but such was the indignation of lieutenant govern- 
 or Gadsden, at the ungenerous treatment which he had receiv- 
 ed, that he refused to accept it, and bore a close confinement 
 in the castle for forty-two weeks, with the greatest fortitude. 
 
 Garden, in his anecdotes of the revolutionary war, gives the 
 following interesting particulars : " The conduct of the Bri- 
 tish commanders towards this venerable patriot, in the 
 strongest manner evinced their determination rather to crush 
 the spirit of opposition, than by conciliation to subdue it. 
 The man did not exist to w hose delicate sense of honour, even 
 a shadow of duplicity would have appeared more abhorrent 
 than general Gadsden. Transported by an arbitrary decree, 
 with many of the most resolute and influential citizens of the 
 republic, to St. Augustine, attendance on parade was peremp- 
 torily demanded; when a British officer stepping forward, 
 said, 'Expediency, and a series of political occurrences, have 
 Tendered it necessary to remove you from Charleston to iks* 
 
 19 
 
[46 GADSDEN. 
 
 place; but, gentlemen, we have no wish to increase your suf- 
 ferings; to all, therefore, who arc willing to give their pa- 
 roles, not to go beyond the limits prescribed to them, the li- 
 berty of the town will be allowed; a dungeon will be the des- 
 tiny of such as refuse to accept the indulgence." The pro- 
 position was generally acceded to. But when general Gads- 
 den was called to give this new pledge of faith, he indignant- 
 ly exclaimed, 'With men who have once deceived me, 1 can 
 enter into no new contract. Had the British commanders re- 
 garded the terms of the capitulation of Charleston, I might 
 now, although a prisoner, under my own roof, have enjoyed 
 the smiles and consolations of my surrounding family; but 
 even without a shadow of accusation proffered against me, for 
 any act inconsistent with my plighted faith, I am torn from 
 them, and here, in a distant land, invited to enter into new 
 engagements. I will give no parole.' 'Think better of it, sir,' 
 said the officer, 'a second refusal of it will fix your destiny: 
 a dungeon will be your future habitation.' 'Prepare it, then,' 
 said the inflexible patriot, 'I will give no parole, .so help me 
 God.' 
 
 "When first shut up in the castle of St Augustine, the com- 
 fort of a light was denied him by the commandant of the for- 
 tress. A generous subaltern offered to supply him with a 
 candle, but lie declined it, least the officer should expose him- 
 self to the censure of his superior. 
 
 "After Andre's arrest, colonel Glazier, the governor of the 
 castle, sent to advise general Gadsden to prepare himself for 
 the worst; intimating, that as general Washington had been 
 assured of retaliation, if Andre was executed, it was not un- 
 likely that general Gadsden would be the person selected. To 
 this message he replied, 'That he was always prepared to die 
 for his country; and though he knew it was impossible for 
 Washington to yield the right of an independent state by the 
 law of war, to fear or affection, yet he would not sin ink from 
 the sacrifice, and would rather ascend the scaffold than pur- 
 chase with his life the dishonor of his country." 
 
 In 1782, when it became necessary, by the rotation estab- 
 lished, to choose a new governor, he w as elected to this office; 
 but he declined it in a short speech to the following effect. "I 
 have served my country in a variety of stations for thirty 
 years, and I would now cheerfully make one of a forlorn hope 
 in an assault on the lines of Charleston, if it was probable, 
 that, with the loss of life, you, my friends, would be reinstat- 
 ed in the possession of your capital. What I can do for my 
 country I am willing to do. My sentiments in favor of the 
 American cause, from the stamp act downwards, have never 
 changed. I am still of opinion, that it is the cause of liberty 
 
GANSEVOORT. 147 
 
 ^ind of human nature. The present times require the vigor 
 •and activity of the prime of life: hut I feel the increasing in- 
 firmities of old iige to such a degree, that I am conscious 1 can- 
 not serve von to advantage. I therefore heg. for your sakes, 
 and for the sake of the public, that you would indulge me with 
 the liberty of declining the arduous trust.'* Re continued, 
 however, his exertions for the good of his country, hoth in the 
 assembly and council, and notwithstanding the injuries he 
 had suffered, and the immense loss of his property, he zeal- 
 ously opposed the law for confiscating the estates of the ad- 
 herents to the British government, and contended that sound 
 policy required to forgive and forget. 
 
 The editor will here give an extract from an oration deliv- 
 ered at the city of Washington, on the fourth of July, 18 12, 
 by Richard Rush, Esq. where he refers to the patriotism of 
 the venerable Gadsden. He said, "By one of the surviving 
 patriots of our revolution. I have been told, that in the congress 
 of 1774. among other arguments used to prevent a war, and 
 separation from Great Britain, the danger of having our 
 towns battered down and burnt, was zealously urged. Th$ 
 venerable Christopher Gadsden, of South Carolina, rose, and 
 replied to it in these memorable words: "Our sea-port towns, 
 Mr. President, are composed of brick and wood. If they arc 
 destroyed, we have clay and timber enough to rebuild them. 
 Bat. if the liberties of our country arc destroyed, where shall 
 we find the materials ro replace them?" Behold in this an ex- 
 ample of virtuous sentiment fit to be imitated." He died Sep 
 tember, 1805. aged eighty-one years. 
 
 GANSEVOORT, Peter, was horn in the city of Albany, 
 on the 16th of July, 1749, and was educated in the state of 
 New Jersey. In his youth he indicated a great fondness for 
 martial exercises, and displayed an open, generous and manly 
 character. Previously to the revolutionary war, he raised a 
 company of grenadiers, distinguished alike for the correct- 
 ness of their discipline and the grandeur of their appearance, 
 (every man being at least six feet in height.) 
 
 On the 19th of July, 1775, he was appointed by congress a 
 major in the second New York regiment, and on the 19th of 
 August, took command of the second battalion of tile New 
 York forces, marched to Ticonderoga. and joined the expedi- 
 tion under general Montgomery. On the 19th of March, 
 1776, he was appointed by congress lieutenant colonel of that 
 regiment, and on the 2 1st of November, in the same year, 
 colonel of the third regiment, in the army of the United 
 States, 
 
 On the 2d of August, 1777, the memorable siege of Stan- 
 wix took place, the defence of which fortress was certainly 
 
148 GANSEVOORT. 
 
 one of the most brilliant links in the chain of successes which 
 effected the emancipation of our country. 
 
 During the siege of fort Stanwix by colonel St. Leger, 
 with a body of Britons, tories, and Indians, general Herki- 
 mer collected about eight hundred of the Whig militia of the 
 parts adjacent, for the relief of the garrison. St. Leger, 
 aware of the consequences of being attacked in his trenches, 
 detached sir John Johnson, with some tories and Indians to 
 lie in ambush, and intercept the advancing militia. The stra- 
 tagem took effect. The general and his militia were sur- 
 prised, but several of the Indians were nevertheless killed by 
 their fire. A scene of confusion followed. Some of Herki- 
 mer's men run off, but others posted themselves behind logs, 
 and continued to fight with bravery and success. The loss 
 on the side of the Americans, was one hundred and sixty kill- 
 ed, besides the wounded. Among the former was their gal- 
 lant leader, general Herkimer. He was wounded in both 
 legs, and a short time before his death, was seen sitting on a 
 stump, courageously encouraging his men, by which they main- 
 tained their ground, and did great execution among the ene- 
 my. Several of the Indian chiefs were slain by the first fire, 
 which so disheartened the remainder, that they were thrown 
 into the greatest confusion. 
 
 Colonel Gansevoort, the commander of the fort, sent out 
 lieutenant colonel Willet, with two hundred and fifty men, 
 who bravely routed the Indians and tories, destroyed their 
 provisions, and took their kettles, blankets, and muskets, be- 
 sides several Indian weapons, and other articles greatly valued 
 by them. A party of British regulars endeavoured to form 
 an ambuscade, and to cut off his retreat to the fort, but he 
 discovered and defeated the attempt. 
 
 Colonel St. Leger availed himself of the terror excited on 
 this occasion, and endeavoured, by strong representations of 
 Indian barbarity, to intimidate the garrison into an imme- 
 diate surrender. 
 
 We here insert a copy of a letter written by two of general 
 Herkimer's officers, prisoners with the enemy, and which w as 
 delivered at the time of the verbal summons to surrender. (De- 
 livered by colonel Butler and the adjutant general of St. Led- 
 ger's army:) 
 
 9 o'clock, P. M. Camp before Fort Stanwix, 
 6th August 1777. 
 
 " Sir, 
 
 " It is with concern we are to acquaint you, that this was 
 the fatal day in which the succours, which were intended 
 for your relief, have been attacked and defeated, with great 
 loss of numbers killed, wounded, and taken prisoners. Our 
 
GANSEVOORT. 149 
 
 regard for your safety and lives, and our sincere advice to 
 you is, if you will avoid inevitable ruin and destruction, to 
 surrender tliefort you pretend to defend against a formidable 
 body of troops, and a good train of artillery, which we are 
 witnesses of; When, at tbe same time you have no farther 
 support or relief to expect. We are sorry to inf irm you that 
 most of the principal officers are killed, to wit: general Her- 
 kimer, colonels Cox, Seeber, Isaac Paris, captain Grous, and 
 many others, too tedious to mention. The British army from 
 Canada being now perhaps before Albany, the possession of 
 which place of course includes the conquest of the Mohawk 
 liver and this fort. 
 
 f* We arc with wishes for your welfare and safety, 
 Sir, 
 
 Your friends and well wishers, 
 Major JOHN FREY, 
 Colonel FREDERICK BELLINGER." 
 To Colonel Ganscvoort, commanding Fort Stanwix. 
 
 On the back of the foregoing letter, was the following en- 
 dorsement: 
 
 '* General St. Lcger, on the day of the date of this letter, 
 made a verbal summons of the fort, by his adjutant general 
 and colonel Butler, and who there handed this letter, when co- 
 lonel Ganscvoort refused any answer to a verbal summons, 
 unless made by general St. Leger himself, but at the mouth of 
 his cannon. A written summons was the result, on the 9th 
 of August, as follows: 
 "Sir, 
 
 "Agreeably to your wishes, I have the honour to give you, 
 on paper, the message of yesterday, though I cannot conceive, 
 explicit and humane as it was, how it could admit of more 
 than one construction. After the defeat of the reinforcement, 
 and the fate of all your principal leaders, on which naturally 
 you built your hopes, and having the strongest reason from 
 verbal intelligence, and the matter contained in the letters 
 that fell into my hands, and knowing thoroughly the situation 
 of general Burgoyne's army, to be confident that you are with- 
 out resource; in my fears and tenderness for your personal 
 safety from the hands of Indians, enraged for the loss of some of 
 their principal and most favourite leaders, I called to council 
 the chiefs of all the nations, and after having used every method 
 that humanity could suggest, to soften their minds and lead 
 them patiently to bear their own losses, by reflecting on the 
 irretrievable misfortune of their enemy, I at last laboured the 
 point my humanity wished for; which the chiefs assured me 
 of the next morning, after a consultation with each nation, 
 that evening at their fire-places. Their answer, in its fullest 
 
150 GANSEVOORT. 
 
 « 
 extent, they insisted should be carried by colonel Butler, 
 which he has given you in the most categorical manner. You 
 are well acquainted, that Indians never send messages with- 
 out accompanying them with menaces on non-compliance, 
 that a civilized enemy would never think of doing; you may 
 rest assured, therefore, that no insult was meant to be offered 
 to your situation by the king's servants, in the message they 
 peremptorily demanded to be carried by colonel Butler. I 
 am now to repeat what has been told you by my adjutant 
 general: 'That, provided you deliver up your garrison, with 
 every tiling as it stood at the moment the first message was* 
 sent, your people shall be treated with every attention that a 
 humane and generous enemy can give. 
 " I have the honour to be, Sir, 
 
 Your most obedient humble servant, 
 
 BARRY ST. LEGER, 
 Brigadier general of His Majesty's forces. 
 Camp before Fort Stanwix, August 9th, 1777. 
 
 "P. S. I expect an immediate answer, as the Indians are 
 extremely impatient; and if this proposal is rejected, I am 
 afraid it" will be attended with very fatal consequences, not 
 only to you and your garrison, but the whole country down 
 the Mohawk river; such consequences as would be very re- 
 pugnant to my sentiments of humanity, but, after this, entirely 
 out of my power to prevent. 
 
 BARRY ST. LEGER. 
 To Colonel Gansevoort, commanding Fort Stanwix.'* 
 Colonel Gansevoorfs Answer. 
 " Sir, 
 
 "In answer to your letter of this day's date, I have only to 
 gay, that it is my determined resolution, with the forces under 
 my command, to defend this fort at every hazard to the last 
 extremity, in behalf of the United American States, who 
 have placed me here to defend it against all their enemies. 
 " I have the honour to be, 
 Sir, 
 
 Your most obedient humble servant, 
 
 PETER GANSEVOORT, 
 Colonel commanding Fort Stanwix. 
 The siege continued until the 22d of August, 1777, when 
 St. Leger had advanced to within one hundred and fifty 
 yards of the fort. Ignorant of the fate of colonel Willett. 
 his second in command, who, with lieutenant Stockwell, had 
 undertaken a hazardous enterprise to procure relief for the 
 garrison, his provisions daily exhausting, some of his officers 
 anxious to accept the proffered protection of St. Leger, from 
 *he fury of the savages, by making a timely surrender, all 
 
GANSEVOORT. 151 
 
 communication with the fort cut off by the besiegers, and hav- 
 ing no certain prospect of relief, Gansevoort, who knew not 
 how to yield when he was guarding bis country's honour and 
 safety, had adopted the desperate resolution, in case no rein- 
 forcement should arrive, before his provisions were reduced to 
 a few day's supply, (after distributing them among his men.) 
 to head the brave remnant of his garrison, and fight his way 
 at night through the enemy, or perish in the attempt. Those 
 who knew him best, knew how well he dared to execute his 
 resolves. 
 
 On the 4th of October, 1777, congress passed a vote of 
 thanks, and appointed him colonel commandant of fort Stan- 
 wix. The intention of Congress was ,k to give a substantial 
 as well as honourable testimony of the sense they entertained 
 of his services, and to make such a provision for him, as he 
 might feel the effects of, even in time of peace, by putting him 
 on a similar footing with the military governors of forts in 
 Europe." This is the language of judge Duer, in a letter to 
 general Lincoln, then secretary at war. Judge Duer was a 
 member of the board of war which recommended the resolu- 
 tion, and also a member of congress when it was adopted. In 
 the fall of the year 1778, he was ordered by general Wash- 
 ington from fort Stanwix to Schenectady, and in the spring 
 of the year 1779, he was ordered by him to join the army un- 
 der general Sullivan in the western expedition. At the head 
 of a chosen party from the whole army, be distinguished him- 
 self by surprising the lower Mohawk castle, capturing all the 
 Indian inhabitants by the celerity of his movements, and a hu- 
 mane and generous treatment of the prisoners. In the year 
 1781, the reduction of the army took place, and being a junior 
 colonel, he was left out. Anxious to be retained in active 
 service, and believing that his commission as colonel comman- 
 dant of fort Stanwix was not affected by this arrangement he 
 explained his situation to genera! Washington, and requested 
 orders to join the army. General Washington immediately 
 addressed the president of congress on the subject. 
 
 Head Quarters, New Windsor, 
 February 9 th, 1781. 
 
 "Sir, 
 
 " Colonel Gansevoort has applied to me on a subject which 
 I am under the necessity of referring to congress, as they 
 alone are competent to decide upon it. 
 
 "On the 4th of October, 1777, congress were pleased to pass 
 a resolution of thanks to colonel Gansevoort, and to the offi- 
 cers and men under his command, for the bravery and perse- 
 verance displayed in the defence of fort Schuyler, appointing 
 him, as a reward, colonel commandant of the same. He also 
 
15fl GANSEVOORT. 
 
 received a special commission as colonel commandant of fort 
 Schuyler. 
 
 "It happens, that colonel Gansevoort heing junior to colo- 
 nels Van Schaick and Cortlandt, has heen ohliged to retire on 
 the new arrangement, but he conceives that a general regu- 
 lation of this kind does not vacate a commission granted by 
 special authority for a particular reason: he, therefore, still 
 consMers himself as an officer in service. 
 
 f* I shall be happy to know the sense of congress on this point 
 as soon as may be convenient. 
 
 "I have the honour to be, with perfect respect, 
 
 Your Excellency's most obedient servant, 
 
 GEO: WASHINGTON. 
 His Excellency, Samuel Huntington Esq. 
 
 President of Congress, Philadelphia. 
 By the United States, in Congress assembled, March 6th, 1 782. 
 
 Resolved, That colonel Gansevoort be informed, that al- 
 though Congress have a high sense of his military abilities and 
 courage, particularly displayed in the defence of fort Schuyler, 
 in 1777. yet it is impracticable with the present arrangement' of 
 the army to reinstate him therein, without manifest injury to 
 other officers; he having been deranged as a junior colonel of 
 that line, and his regiment incorporated agreeably to the prin- 
 ciples prescribed in the resolution of congress, of the 3d and 
 21st of October, 1780. 
 
 CHARLES THOMSON, Secretary. 
 
 In the mean time the state of New York having appointed 
 liim a Brigadier General, he marched against the Vermont in- 
 surgents ; after which he was appointed a Major General. At 
 the close of the war, he retired to Northumberland, in the 
 county of Saratoga, and devoted his attention to agricultural 
 pursuits, until the year 1790, when he was appointed Sheriff 
 of the then extensive county of Albany, which office he re- 
 signed in October, 1792. 
 
 He afterwards was appointed one of the commissioners for 
 fortifying the northern and western frontiers of the state of 
 New York, and to hold treaties with the Indians, on the part 
 of the United States. In May, 1802, he was appointed by 
 president Jefferson, military agent of the northern department 
 of the United States, which he resigned in February, 1809, 
 when he was appointed by president Madison, a brigadier ge- 
 neral in the army of the United States, in which service he 
 continued until his death, which took place on the 2d of July, 
 1812. The preceding year, he presided at the court martial 
 whirh convened at Fredericktown, in Virginia, for the trial 
 of general Wilkinson; in returning from which place, in the 
 winter of 1812, he was seized with a cold, which terminated 
 
GATES. 153 
 
 his life, in the sixty-third year of his age. He descended to 
 the grave, regretting that he could not be spared to serve his 
 country in the second war of its independence. Fort Ganse- 
 voort, erected in 1812 — 13, in the harbour of New York, was 
 named in honour of him. 
 
 In general Gansevoort were united most of those excellent 
 qualities, which dignify and adorn the human character. His 
 person was noble and majestic, (his height heing six feet, 
 three inches.) His mind fearless, magnanimous and ener- 
 getic ; his disposition amiable and indulgent ; his manners 
 easy and engaging. He was regardless of wealth, and plain 
 and unostentatious in his habits of life: as a republican, 
 he was firm in principle, and inflexible in practice; main- 
 taining through life, the most pure and unimpeachable moral 
 and political integrity. Above all, general Gansevoort was 
 a christian. 
 
 GATES, Horatio, was a native of England, and was 
 born in 1728. The condition of his family, the incident and 
 prospects of his youth, and his education, we are not able to 
 communicate any particulars. There is reason to believe that 
 he entered the army very early, and began his career as an 
 ensign or lieutenant; yet, we are told, that he obtained, by 
 merit merely, the rank of major, and was aid-de-camp to the 
 British officer who commanded at the capture of Martin ico. 
 At the conclusion of the war in 1748, he was stationed some 
 time at Halifax., in Nova Scotia. At that period, if the date 
 of his birth be accurate, his age did not exceed twenty years. 
 
 He continued in the army, and, probably, in some American 
 garrison, during the ensuing seven years of peace. A new 
 war then broke out in Germany, and North America, and 
 Mr. Gates, in quality of captain of foot, attracts our notice in 
 the earliest and most conspicuous scene of that war. He was 
 in the army which accompanied the unfortunate Braddock, in 
 the expedition against Fort du Quesne, and, together with the 
 illustrious AVashington, was among the few officers, who, on 
 that occasion, escaped with life. He did not escape, howe- 
 ver, without a very dangerous wound, which for a time, shut 
 him out from the bloody and perilous scenes of that long and 
 diversified contest. He remained in America to the peace of 
 1763, and then returned to his native country with a full 
 earned reputation for activity, enterprise, and courage. 
 
 At the opening of the American war we find him settled on 
 a farm in Virginia. At what time he laid down the military 
 life, and returned to spend the rest of his days in the new 
 world, we are not informed; but his conduct evinced so per- 
 fect an attachment to his new country, and his military repu- 
 tation was so high, that he was immediately appointed by con- 
 
 20 
 
GATES. 
 
 gress. adjutant-general, with the rank of brigadier-general, 
 in the new army. General Washington was well acquainted 
 with his merits "in his military character, anil warmly recom- 
 mended him to congress on this occasion. They had been 
 fellow-soldiers and sufferers under Braddock. 
 
 From this period, he took a very active part in most of the 
 transactions of the war, and his abilities and good fortune 
 placed him in a rank inferior only to Washington, and above 
 any other general. He accompanied the commander in chief 
 to 'Massachusetts, in July, 1775, and was employed for some 
 time in a subordinate, but highly useful capacity. 
 
 In 1776, general Gates was appointed to the chief com- 
 mand of theiforces destined against Ticonderoga and Crown 
 Point. 
 
 In the spring of 1777, he was appointed, with Schuyler, 
 from a subordinate, to the chief command on the northern 
 frontier. In May, of the same year, he was superseded by- 
 Schuyler, nor was it, until after Burgoyne, with his well ap- 
 pointed legions had reached Ticonderoga, that he resumed 
 the command. This place commanded by Sinclair, was evk- 
 cuated without a siege, on the 5th of July. The rt treating 
 army under Sinclair, was hotly pursued, overtaken and de- 
 feated. Fort Ann and Skeensborough were occupied by the 
 enemy, and all attempts to check his further progress appear- 
 ed wholly desperate. 
 
 At this crisis a small delay in the advance of Burgoyne, 
 from Skeensborough, rendered necessary by the natural diffi- 
 culties of the country, was diligently employed by general 
 Schuyler. That meritorious officer contrived to raise the 
 most formidable impediments to the further progress of Bur- 
 goyne, by breaking down the bridges, obstructing the navi- 
 gation of Wood-creek, choking up the roads or pathways 
 through the forest, by felled trees, and by driving of all the 
 cattle of the neighbouring country. These obstructions were 
 so formidable that Burgoyne did not arrive at fort Edward, 
 on the upper branches of the Hudson, till twcnt}-five days af- 
 ter his pause at Skeensborough. Here, a painful, unseasonable, 
 and dangerous pause, was again necessary, in order to pro- 
 cure provisions from the posts in the rear, and to collect the 
 boats and other vessels necessary for the navigation of the 
 Hudson. 
 
 The progress of Burgoyne was arrested at the very point 
 where it should seem all obstacles, of any moment, where fully 
 surmounted. He had reached tlie Hudson, by a most painful 
 and laborious march through the forest, and a detachment of 
 his army under St. Leger, who had been directed to ap- 
 proach the Hudson by another road, had nearly effected this 
 
GATES. 155 
 
 purpose. St. Leger had gained a battle, and was now be- 
 sieging fort Schuyler, the surrender of which was necessary 
 to the further co-operation of the British generals, and was 
 confidently anticipated. The tide of events, however, now 
 suddenly took a new direction. 
 
 Fort Schuyler refused to surrender, and the assault of the 
 besiegers made very little impression on the works. The In- 
 dians, who composed a large part of St. Leger's army, began to 
 display their useful fickleness and treachery, and after many 
 efforts made by the British general to detain them, finally 
 resolved to withdraw. This created an absolute necessity / , 
 for raising the siege, which was done with great precipita- 
 tion, and with the loss of all their camp equipage and stores. 
 
 On the other side, the strenuous exertions of general Schuy- 
 ler had deprived Burgoyne of all those resources which the 
 neighboring country might have afforded him. After a fort- 
 night's labor, he had been able to collect only twelve boats, 
 and five day's provision for his army. An attempt to obtain 
 possession of a depository of provisions at Bennington, had 
 failed, and two detachments, sent on that service, had been 
 defeated. The militia of the eastern and lower country were 
 rapidly collecting, and threatened to raise obstacles still more, 
 formidable than those of nature. 
 
 Gates was now appointed to succeed Schuyler, and arrived 
 at the scene of action on the 21st of August, 1777. 
 
 It was fortunate for general Gates, that the retreat from 
 Ticonderoga had been conducted under other auspices than 
 his. and that he took the command when the indefatigable 
 but unrequited labors of Schuyler, and the courage of Starke 
 and his mountaineers had already insured the ultimate defeat 
 of Burgoyne, who. notwithstanding his unfavorable prospects, 
 would not think of saving his army by a timely retreat, was 
 highly propitious to the new American commander. 
 
 After collecting thirty days provision, Burgoyne passed 
 the Hudson and encamped at Saratoga. Gates, with num- 
 bers already equal, and daily increasing, began to advance 
 towards him with a resolution to oppose his progress at the 
 risk of a battle. He encamped at Sli 11 water, and Burgoyne 
 hastened forward to open the way with his sword. On the 
 17th of September, the two armies were within four miles of 
 each other. Two days after, skirmishes between advanced 
 parties terminated in an engagement almost general, in which 
 the utmost efforts of the British merely enabled them to main- 
 tain the footing of the preceding day. 
 
 Burgoyne, unassisted by the British forces under Clinton 
 at New York, found himself unable to pursue his march down 
 the river, and in the hope of this assistance, was content to 
 
155 GATES, 
 
 remain in Ms camp, and stand on the defensiA r e. His army 
 was likewise diminished by the desertion of the Indians and 
 Canadian militia, to less than one half of its original number. 
 Gates, finding his forces largely increasing, being plentifully 
 supplied with provisions, and knowing that Burgoyne had only 
 a limited store, which was rapidly lessening, and could not 
 be recruited, was not without hopes that victory would come, 
 in time, even without a battle. His troops were so numer- 
 ous, and his fortified position so strong, that he was able to 
 take measures for preventing the retreat of the enemy, by oc- 
 cupying the strong posts in his rear. Accordingly, nineteen 
 days passed without any further operations, a delay as ruin- 
 ous to one party, as it was advantageous to the other. At the 
 end of this period, the British general found bis prospects of 
 assistance as remote as ever, and the consumption of Ins stores 
 so alarming, that retreat or victory became unavoidable al- 
 ternatives. 
 
 On the 8th of October a warm action ensued, in which the 
 British were every where repulsed, and a part of their lines 
 occupied by their enemies. Burgoyne'sloss was very consi- 
 derable in killed, wounded and prisoners, while the favora- 
 ble situation of Gate's army made its losses in the battle of no 
 moment. Burgoyne retired in the night to a stronger camp, 
 but the measures immediately taken by Gates to cut off his re- 
 treat, compelled him without delay to regain his former camp 
 at Saratoga. There he arrived with little molestation from 
 his adversary. His provisions being now reduced to the sup- 
 ply of a few days, the transport of artillery and baggage, to- 
 wards Canada, being rendered impracticable by the judicious 
 measures of his adversary, the British general resolved upon 
 a rapid retreat, merely with what the soldiers could carry. 
 
 On a careful scrutiny, however, it was found that they were 
 deprived even of this resource, as the passes through which 
 their route lay, were so strongly guarded, that nothing but 
 artillery could clear them. In this desperate situation a par- 
 ley took place, and on the 1 6th of October, the whole army 
 surrendered to Gates. The prize obtained consisted of more 
 than five thousand prisoners, some fine artillery, seven thou- 
 sand muskets, clothing for seven hundred men. with a great 
 quantity of tents, and other military stores. All the frontier 
 fortresses were immediately abandoned to the victors. 
 
 It is not easy to overrate the importance of this success. It 
 may be considered as deciding the war of the revolution, as 
 from that period the British cause began rapidly to decline. 
 The capture of Cornwallis was hardly of equal importance to 
 that of Burgoyne, and was, in itself, an event of much less 
 splendor, and productive of less exultation. 
 
GATES. 157 
 
 How far the misfortunes of Burgoyne were owing to the ac- 
 cidents bevond human controul,and how far they are ascribed 
 to the individual conduct and courage of the American com- 
 mander, would be a useless and invidious inquiry. Reason- 
 ing on the ordinary ground, his merits were exceedingly 
 great, and this event entitled him to a high rank among the 
 deliverers of his country. The memory of all former mis- 
 fortunes were effaced by the magnitude of this victory, and 
 the government and people vied with each other in expressing 
 their admiration of the conquering general. Besides the 
 thanks of congress, the general received from the president a 
 gold medal, as a memorial of their gratitude. 
 
 Every war abounds with cases of private suffering and dis- 
 tress; very few of which become public, though sympathy and 
 curiosity are powerfully excited by narratives of that kind; 
 and the feelings of a whole nation are remarkably swayed by 
 them. The expedition of Burgoyne was adorned by the ro- 
 mantic and affecting tales of M Crea. and lady Harriet Ack- 
 land. The latter is of no further consequence in this narration, 
 than as it reflects great credit on the politeness and humanity 
 of general Gates. Major Ackland, the husband of this lady, 
 was wounded and made prisoner in one of the battles preced- 
 ing the surrender, and his wife, in going to the hostile camp to 
 attend her husband, met with a reception, which proved that 
 long converse with military scenes, had left the virtues of 
 humanity wholly unimpaired in his bosom. 
 
 Gates was now placed at the head of the board of war; a 
 post of trust and dignity, scarcely inferior to that of comman- 
 der in chief. 
 
 He was in a private station, residing on his farm in Vir- 
 ginia, in June, 1780. The low state of their affairs in the 
 southern districts, induced congress, on the 13th of that 
 month, to call him to the chief command in that quarter. 
 The state of affairs in Pennsylvania, Jersey, and New York, 
 afforded sufficient employment for Washington, and Gates be- 
 ing the next in rank and reputation, was resorted to as the 
 last refuge of his suffering country. 
 
 The efforts of the British in the southern states had been 
 very strenuous and successful. Charleston, the chief city, 
 had been taken. All the American detachments, collected 
 with great difficulty, easily dissolved by their own fears, ill 
 furnished with arms, and unqualified for war, by inexperi- 
 ence and want of discipline, were instantly overwhelmed and 
 dispersed by the well equipped cavalry of Tarleton, and the 
 veterans of Rawdon and Cornwallis. The American leaders 
 were famous for their valour, perseverance and activity; but 
 tjbiese qualities would not supply the place of guns, and of 
 
158 GATES. 
 
 hands to manage them. At this crisis, Gates took tbe com- 
 mand of that miserable remnant which bore the name of the 
 southern army, and which mustered about fifteen hundred 
 men. A very numerous and formidable force existed in the 
 promises of North Carolina and Virginia. The paper armies 
 of the new states always made a noble appearance. All 
 the muniments of war overflowed the skirts of these armies ; 
 but, alas ! the field was as desolate as the paper estimate was 
 full. The promised army proved to be only one tenth of the 
 stipulated number, and assembled at the scene of action long 
 after the fixed time. The men were destitute of arms and 
 ammunition, and, what was most to be regretted, were undis- 
 ciplined. 
 
 Two modes of immediate action were proposed. One was 
 to advance into the country possessed by the enemy, by a 
 road somewhat circuitous, but which would supply the army 
 with accommodation and provisions. Gates was averse to 
 dilatory measures. He was, perhaps, somewhat misled by 
 the splendid success which had hitherto attended him. He 
 was anxious to come to action immediately, and to terminate 
 the war by a few bold and energetic efforts. He, therefore, 
 resolved to collect all the troops into one body, and to meet 
 the enemy as soon as possible. Two days after his arrival in 
 camp, he began his march by the most direct road. This 
 road, unfortunately, led through a barren country, in the 
 hottest and most unwholesome season of the year. 
 
 During this march, all the forebodings of those who pre- 
 ferred a different track, were amply fulfilled. A scanty sup- 
 ply of cattle, found nearly wild in the woods, was their prin- 
 cipal sustenance, while bread or flour was almost wholly 
 wanting, and when we add to a scarcity of food, the malignity 
 of the climate and the season, we shall not wonder that the 
 work of the enemy was anticipated in the destruction of con- 
 siderable numbers by disease. The perseverance of Gates, 
 in surmounting the obstacles presented by piny thickets and 
 dismal swamps, deserves praise, however injudicious the ori- 
 ginal choice of such a road may be thought by some. In this 
 course he effected a junction with some militia of North Caro- 
 lina, and with a detachment under Potterfield. 
 
 He finally took possession of Clermont, whence the British 
 commander, lord llawdon, had previously withdraws. That 
 general prepared, by collecting and centering his forces in 
 one body, to overwhelm him in a single battle. Lord Raw- 
 don was posted, with his forces, at Camden. After some de- 
 liberation, the American leader determined to approach the 
 English, and expose himself to the chance of a battle. 
 Rumour had made the numbers of the Americans much 
 
GATES. 159 
 
 greater than they really were in the imagination of the Bri- 
 tish. Cornwallis himself hastened to the scene of action ; 
 and, though mustering all his strength for this arduous occa- 
 sion, could not hring two thousand men into the field. Nine- 
 teen, however, out of twenty, of these, were veterans of the 
 most formidable qualifications. With the reinforcement of 
 seven hundred Virginia militia and some other detachments, 
 Gates's army did not fall short of four thousand men. A very 
 small portion of these were regular troops, whil ethe rest 
 were a wavering and undiciplined militia, whose presence 
 was rather injurious than beneficial. 
 
 Notwithstanding his inferiority of numbers, Cornwallis 
 found that a retreat would be more pernicious than a battle, 
 under the worst auspices; and he himself on the 16th of Au- 
 gust, prepared to attack his enemy. General Gates had ta- 
 ken the same resolution at the same time; and the adverse 
 forces came to an engagement, in which the Americans suf- 
 fered a defeat. The loss of the battle was ascribed, with 
 reason, to the unskilfulness of the militia. Among these the 
 route and confusion was absolute and irretrievable, and Gates 
 had the singular fortune of conducting the most prosperous and 
 the most disastrous of the military enterprises in this war. 
 
 Here was a dismal reverse in the life of Gates. His pros- 
 perous scale sunk at Camden as fast as it had mounted at Sa- 
 ratoga. There had been a difference of opinion as to the best 
 road to the theatre of action, and the hardships and diseases 
 which one party had foretold would infest the road which he 
 took, actually exceeded what was menaced. A battle lost 
 against half the number, in circumstances where the van- 
 quished army was taken, in some degree, by surprise, would 
 not fail to suggest suspicions as to the caution or discernment 
 of the general. 
 
 Gates continued in command till Octoher the 5th, in the 
 same year, about fifty days after the disaster at Camden. In 
 this interval he had been busily employed in repairing the 
 consequences of that defeat, and was now reposing for the 
 winter. He was on that day, however, displaced, and sub- 
 jected to the inquiry of a special court. The inquiry was a 
 tedious one, but terminated finally in the acquittal of the ge- 
 neral. He was reinstated in his military command in the year 
 1782. In the meantime, however, the great scenes of the 
 southern war, especially the capture of Cornwallis, had past. 
 Little room was afforded to a new general to gather either 
 laurels or henbane. A particular detail of those transactions 
 in which he was concerned, exceeds the limits prescribed to 
 this hasty sketch. In like manner, we are unable to digest 
 that voluminous mass of letters, evidences, and documents, by 
 
160 GATES. 
 
 which the resolution of congress, in favour of his conduct at 
 Camden, was dictated. 
 
 The capture of Cornwallis, which produced such grand 
 and immediate consequences, swallowed up the memory of all 
 former exploits, and whatever sentence the impartial historian 
 may pronounce on the comparative importance of the capture 
 of Burgoyne, and the surrender of Cornwallis, to the national 
 welfare, or to the merit of the leaders, the people of that time 
 could not hearken to any such parallel. They swam in joy 
 and exultation, and the hero of York-town was alike with 
 congress and with the people the only saviour of his country. 
 
 When the revolution was completed, Gates retired to his 
 plantation in Virginia. We are unacquainted with the parti- 
 culars of his domestic economy; but have reason to infer that 
 it was eminently mild and liberal, since seven years after- 
 wards, when he took up his final residence in New York, he 
 gave freedom to his slaves. Instead of turning them to the 
 highest profit, he made provision for the old and infirm, while 
 several of them testified their attachment to him by remaining 
 in his family. In the characteristic virtue of planters, hospi- 
 tality, Gates had no competitor, and his reputation may well 
 be supposed to put that virtue to a hard test. He purchased, 
 in the neighborhood of New York, a spacious house, with va- 
 luable ground, for the life of himself and his wife, and here, 
 with few exceptions, he remained for the rest of his life. 
 
 No wonder that the military leaders in the revolution, should 
 aspire to the enjoyment of its civil honours afterwards. The 
 war was too short to create a race of mere soldiers. The 
 merchants and lawyers who entered the army, became mer- 
 chants and lawyers again, and had lost none of their primi- 
 tive qualifications lor administering the civil government. — 
 General Gates, however, was a singular example among the 
 officers of high rank. His original profession was a soldier, 
 and disabled him from acquiring the capacity suitable to the 
 mere magistrate and senator. During twenty-three years, 
 he was only for a short time in a public body. In the year 
 1800, he was elected to the New York legislature, in conse- 
 quence of a critical balance of the parties in that .state, and 
 withdrew again into private life, as soon as the purpose for 
 which he was elected was gained. 
 
 General Gates was a whig in England, and a republican 
 in America. His political opinions did not separate him from 
 many respectable citizens, whose views differed widely from 
 his own. 
 
 He had a handsome person, tending to corpulence, in the 
 middle of life, and remarkably courteous to all. He is s:jd 
 to have received a classical education, and not to have en- 
 
GATES. 161 
 
 tirely neglected that advantage in after life. To science, li- 
 terature, or erudition, however, he made no pretensions : but 
 gave indisputable marks of a social, amiable and benevolent 
 disposition. 
 
 He died, without posterity, at his customary abode, near 
 New York, on the 10th of April, 1806, after having counted 
 a long series of seventy-eight years. 
 
 As the affecting tales of miss M'Crea and lady Ack'and, are 
 alluded to in the foregoing sketch, and connected with an im- 
 portant period of the life of general Gates, we insert an ac- 
 count of those incidents, the former from Ramsay, the latter 
 from Thatcher's Journal, a valuable and interesting work, 
 lately published in Boston. 
 
 For some, time previous to the capture of Burgoyne's army by 
 general Gates, many innocent persons fell victims to the toma- 
 hawk and scalping knife of those savages who accompanied 
 the Britsh army. Upwards of one hundred men, women and 
 children, perished by the hands of those ruffians, " whose 
 known rule of warfare is an undistinguished destruction of all 
 ages, sexes, and conditions." Among other instances, the 
 murder of miss Jenny M'Crea, excited universal horror. 
 
 " This young lady, in the innocence of youth, and the bloom 
 of beauty; the daughter of a steady loyalist, and engaged to 
 he married to a British officer, was on the very day of her 
 intended nuptials, massacred by the savage auxiliaries, at- 
 tached to the British army. Mr. Jones, her lover, from an 
 anxiety for her safety, engaged some Indians to remove her 
 from among the Americans: and promised to reward the per- 
 son who should bring her safe to him, with abarrel of rum. Two 
 of the Indians, who had conveyed her some distance, on the 
 way to her intended husband, disputed, which of them should 
 present her to Mr. Jones. Both were anxious for the reward. 
 One of them killed her with his tomahawk, to prevent the 
 other from receiving it. Burgoyne obliged the Indians to 
 deliver up the murderer, and threatened to put him to death. 
 His life was only Spared, upon the Indians agreeing to terms, 
 which the general thought would be more efficacious than an ex- 
 ecution, in preventing similar mischiefs." 
 
 " General Gates was no less dignified and brave as a com- 
 mander, than beneficent and generous as a conqueror. He 
 was re mar Si able for his humanity to prisoners, and a desire to 
 mitigate the sufferings of the unfortunate. Among the objects 
 in distress, which claimed his attention, was the lady of major 
 Ackland, commanderof the British grenadiers, who was dan- 
 gerously wounded and captured during the battle of the 7th 
 of October. This heroic lady, from conjugal affection, was 
 induced to follow the fortune of her husband during the whole 
 
16:3 GATES. 
 
 campaign through the wilderness. Having been habituated 
 to a mode of life with which those of rank and fortune are 
 peculiarly favoured, her delicate frame was ill calculated to 
 sustain the indescribable privations and hardships, to which 
 she was unavoidably exposed during an active campaign. 
 Her vehicle of conveyance was, part of the time, a small two 
 wheeled tumbril, drawn by a single horse over roads almost 
 impassable. Soon after she received the affecting intelligence 
 that her husband had received a wound, and Mas a prisoner, 
 she manifested the greatest tenderness and affection, and re- 
 solved to visit him in our camp, to console and alleviate his 
 sufferings. With this view she obtained a letter from Bur- 
 goyne, to general Gates, and not permitting the prospect of 
 being out in the night, and drenched in rain, to repress her 
 zeal, she proceeded in an open boat, with a few attendants, 
 and arrived at our post in the night, in a suffering condition, 
 from extreme wet and cold. The sentinel, faithful to his duty, 
 detained them in the boat till major Dearborn, the officer of 
 the guard, could arrive. He permitted them to land, and af- 
 forded lady Ackland the best accommodations in his power, 
 and treated her with a cup of tea in his guard house. When 
 general Gates, in the morning, was informed of the unhappy 
 situation of lady Ackland, he immediately ordered her a safe 
 escort, and treated her himself with the tenderness of a parent, 
 directing that every attention should be bestowed which her 
 rank, her sex, character and circumstances, required. She 
 was soon conveyed to Albany, where she found her wounded 
 husband. 
 
 "Lady Ackland accompanied major Ackland to Canada, in 
 1776, and was called to attend on him while sick in a mi- 
 serable hut at Chamblee. In the expedition to Ticonderoga, 
 in 1777, she was positively enjoined not to expose herself to 
 the risk and hazards which might occur on that occasion ; 
 but major Ackland having received a wound in the battle of 
 Hubbcrton. she crossed lake Champlain. to pay her attention 
 to him. After this she followed his fortune, and shared his 
 fatigue, while traversing the dreary, woody country to Fort 
 Edward. Here the tent in which they lodged, took fire, by 
 night, from which they escaped with the utmost difficulty — - 
 During the action of the 19th of September, she was exposed 
 to great fatigue, and inexpressible anxiety for the fate of her 
 husband, being advanced in the front of the battle. On the 
 7th of October, during the heat of the conflict, lady Ackland 
 took refuge among the wounded and dying; her husband com- 
 manding the grenadiers, was in the most exposed part of the 
 action, and she in awful suspense awaiting his Fate. The ba- 
 roness Reidsel, and the wives of two other field officers, were 
 
GIBSON. lo; 
 
 "her companions in painful apprehension. One of these ofiv 
 cers was soon brought in dangerously wounded, and the death 
 of the other was announced. It was not long before intelli 
 gence was received that the British army was defeated, and 
 that Major Ackland was desperately wounded and taken. 
 The next day she proposed to visit her husband, in the Ame- 
 rican camp. General Burgoyne observes, *• Though I was 
 ready to believe, for I had experienced, that patience and forti- 
 tude in a supreme degree, were to be found, as well as every 
 other virtue, umier the most tender forms, I was astonished at 
 this proposal. After so long an agitation of the spirits, ex- 
 hausted not only for want of rest, but, absolutely want of 
 food, drenched in rain, for twelve hours together, that a wo- 
 man should be capable of delivering herself to the enemy, pro- 
 bably in the night, and uncertain into what hands she might 
 fall, appeared an effort above human nature. The assistance 
 I was enabled to give, was small indeed; I had not even a cup 
 of wine to offer her, but I was told, she had found from some 
 kind and fortunate hand, a little rum and dirty water. All I 
 could furnish to her, was an open boat and a few lines written 
 on dirty and wet paper to general Gates, recommending her 
 to his protection. It is due to justice, at the close of this ad- 
 venture, to say, that she was received and accommodated by 
 general Gates, with all the humanity and respect, that her 
 rank, her merits, and her fortunes deserved. 
 
 " Let such as are affected by these circumstances of alarm, 
 hardship and danger, recollect that the subject of them was a 
 woman of the most tender and delicate frame; of the gentlest 
 mariners; habituated to all the soft elegancies and refined en- 
 joyments that attended high birth and fortune; and far ad- 
 vanced in a state, in which the tender cares, always due to 
 the sex, become indispensably necessary. Her mind alone 
 was formed for such trials." 
 
 GIBSON, Johiv, was born at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, on 
 the 23d of May, 1740. He received a classical education, 
 and was an excellent scholar at the age of eighteen, when he 
 entered the service. He made his first campaign under gene- 
 ral Forbes, in the expedition which resulted in the acquisition 
 of Fort Du Quesne, (Pittsburg) from the French. At the 
 peace of 1763, he settled at Fort Pitt, as a trader. Shortly 
 after this, war broke out again with the Indians, and he was 
 taken prisoner at the mouth of Beaver creek, together with 
 two men who were in his employment, while descending the 
 Ohio in a canoe. One of the men was immediately burnt, 
 and the other shared the same fate, as soon as the party reached 
 the Kenhawa. General Gibson, however, was preserved by 
 an aged squaw, and. adopted by her in the place of her son. 
 
164 GIBSON. 
 
 who had been killed in battle. He remained several years 
 with the Indians, and became familiar with their language, 
 habits, manners, customs and traditions. It is to be regretted, 
 that the low degree of estimation in which these subjects 
 were held, prevented him from giving his collections to the 
 public, as in the present state of taste for Indian antiquities, 
 they would have been valuable. No person who had equal 
 opportunities of acquiring information of this kind, was so 
 well qualified to communicate it, except his late friend, the 
 Rex . Mr Heckewelder. At the termination of hostilities, he 
 again settled at Fort Pitt. 
 
 In 1774, he acted a conspicuous part in the expedition 
 against the Shawnee Towns, under lord Dunmorc ; particu- 
 larly in negotiating the peace which followed, and restored 
 many prisoners to their friends, after a captivity of several 
 years. On this occasion, the celebrated speech of Logan, the 
 Mingo chief, was delivered; the circumstances connected with 
 which, have still sufficient interest to justify a relation of them 
 here, as received from the lips of general Gibson, a short 
 time before his death. When the troops had arrived at the 
 principal town, and while dispositions were making prepara- 
 tory to the attack, he was sent on with a Hag, and authority to 
 treat for peace. As he approached, he met with Logan, who 
 was standing by the side of the path, and accosted with, "My 
 friend Logan, how do you do? I am glad to see you." To 
 which Logan, with a coldness of manner evidently intended 
 to conceal feelings with which he was struggling, replied: 
 "I suppose you are;" and turned away. On opening the bu- 
 siness to the chiefs (all but Logan) assembled in council, he 
 found them sincerely desirous of peace. During the discus- 
 sion of the terms, he felt himself plucked by the skirt of his 
 capote, and turning, beheld Logan standing at his back, with 
 his face convulsed with passion, and beckoning him to follow. 
 This he hesitated to do; but reflecting that he was at least a 
 match for his supposed antagonist, being armed with dirk and 
 side pistols, and in muscular vigour more than his equal, and 
 considering, above all, that the slightest indication of fear 
 might be prejudicial to the negociation, he followed in silence, 
 while the latter, with hurried steps, led the way to a copse of 
 woods at some distance. Here they sat down, and Logan 
 having regained the power of utterance, after an abundance 
 of tears, delivered the speech in question, desiring that it 
 might be communicated to lord Dunmore, for the purpose 
 of removing all suspicion of insincerity on the part of the In- 
 dians, in consequence of the refusal of a chief of such note to 
 take part in the ratification of the treaty. It was accordingly 
 translated and delivered to lord Dunmore immediately after- 
 
GIBSON. 165 
 
 wards. General Gibson would not positively assert that the 
 speech as given by Mr. Jefferson, in the notes on Virginia, is 
 an exact copy of his translation, although particular expres- 
 sions in it, induced him to think that it is; but he was alto- 
 gether certain that it contains the substance. He was of 
 opinion, Jiowever, that no translation could give an adequate 
 idea of theorignal; to which, the language of passion, uttered 
 in tones of the deepest feeling, and with gesture at once natural, 
 graceful, and commanding, together with a consciousness on 
 the part of the hearer, that the sentiments proceeded immedi- 
 ately from a desolate and broken heart, imparted a grandeur 
 and force inconceivably great. In comparison with the speech 
 as delivered, he thought the translation lame and insipid. 
 
 On the breaking out of the revolutionary war, he was ap- 
 pointed to the command of one of the continental regiments, 
 and served with the army at New York, and in the retreat 
 through Jersey; but for the rest of the war, was employed on 
 the western frontier, for which, by long experience in Indian 
 warfare, he was peculiarly qualified. In 1788. he was a mem- 
 ber of the convention which formed the constitution of Penn- 
 sylvania, and subsequently a judge of the court of common 
 pleas of Allegheny county, and also a major general of mi- 
 litia. In 1800, he received from president Jefferson, the ap- 
 pointment of secretary of the territory of Indiana; an office 
 which he held till that territory became a state. At this time, 
 finding that the infirmities of age were thickening on him, 
 and labouring under an incurable cataract, he retired to 
 JBraddock's Field, the seat of his son-in-law, George Wallace, 
 Esq. where he died on the 10th of April, 1822; having borne 
 through life the character of a brave soldier and an honest 
 man. 
 
 The following is the speech of Logan, alluded to in the fore- 
 going sketch, and which the compiler conceives will be proper 
 in this place: 
 
 Speech of Logan, a Mingo Chief, to Lord Dunmore, Governor 
 of Virginia, 1774. 
 
 " I appeal to any white man to say, if ever he entered Lo- 
 gan's cabin hungry, and he gave him not meat : if ever he came 
 cold and naked, and he clothed him not. During the course 
 of the last long and bloody war, Logan remained idle in his 
 cabin, an advocate for peace. Such was my love for the 
 whites, that my countrymen pointed as they passed, and said, 
 * Logan is the friend of white men.' I had even thought to 
 have lived with you, but for the injuries of one man. Co- 
 lonel Cresap, the last spring, in cold blood, and unprovoked, 
 murdered all the relations of Logan, not even .snaring imj women 
 and children. There runs not a drop of my Mood in the veins of 
 
166 GIBSON. 
 
 any living creature. This called on me for revenge. I have 
 sought it : I have killed many : I have fully glutted my ven- 
 geance : for my country I rejoice at the beams of peace. But do 
 not harbour a thought that mine is the joy of fear. Logan never 
 felt fear. He will not turn on his heel to save his life. Who is 
 there to mourn for Logan? Not one." 
 
 GIBSON, George, generally known and admired for bis 
 wit and social qualities, and esteemed by all who knew him, 
 for the honourable and generous feelings of his heart. Of 
 the vast variety of anecdotes connected with him, the limits 
 of a sketch do not admit of the few still retained in the recol- 
 lection of his acquaintances: we have room only for a brief 
 outline of his services to his country, which were neither few 
 nor unimportant. 
 
 He was born at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in October, 1774. 
 After passing through the usual academical course, he was 
 placed in a respectable mercantile house in Philadelphia, and 
 after the expiration of his apprenticeship, made several voya- 
 ges to the West Indies as a supercargo. But growing tired 
 of a pursuit which promised no rapid advancement, he retired 
 to Fort Pitt, at that time a frontier post, within the actual ju- 
 risdiction of Virginia, where his brother was established in 
 the Indian trade. Here his brother-in-law, captain Callen- 
 der, put under his direction a trading adventure to the Bri- 
 tish post on the Illinois, which ended in the loss of the whole 
 capital embarked. Discouraged by want of success in mer- 
 cantile matters, he married and rented a farm and mills, near 
 Carlisle, in Cumberland county, but was again unsuccessful, 
 owing to a want of practical knowledge of the business into 
 which he entered. In these circumstances the revolution found 
 him: when leaving his wife and child under the care of her 
 father, he returned to Fort Pitt, where he raised a company 
 of one hundred men on his own authority. With these, he march- 
 ed to Williamsburg, the seat of the government of Virginia, 
 and was immediately appointed a captain in one of the two re- 
 giments then raising by that state. His men possessed all 
 that sense of individual independence, and all that hardihood 
 and desperate daring which the absence of most of the re- 
 straints of civilization, and familiarity with danger, never fails 
 to produce on the inhabitants of an Indian frontier : qualities, 
 which, although of inestimable value in the hour of battle, are 
 not those which ensure a prompt obedience, and a ready sub- 
 jection to discipline and the police of a camp : and this 
 company, by its tuibulence and the frequent battles of its 
 members with the soldiers of every other corps with which it 
 happened to be quartered, acquired the name of " Gibson's 
 lambs ;" an appellation which it retained long after captain 
 
GIBSON. 167 
 
 Gibson had ceased to command it. It was composed entirely 
 of sharp-shooters, and did good service on the 25th of Octo- 
 ber, 1775, at the attack on the town of Hampton, by a naval 
 force under lord Dunmore; where having arrived along with 
 another company, by a forced march from Williamsburg, dur- 
 ing the preceding night, it was posted in the houses fronting 
 the water, whence the soldiers so galled the enemy with small 
 arms, as to drive him from his position, with the loss of a 
 number of men, and a tender, which fell into their possession. 
 About this time, the scarcity of gunpowder in the army be- 
 came alarming, and urgent applications were made by gene- 
 ral Washington to Congress, and the respective states, for a 
 supply. As the article was not generally manufactured in the 
 colonies, it was necessary to procure it from abroad; and for 
 this purpose the attention of government was turned towards 
 New Orleans. As Spain, however, could not furnish munitions 
 of war to a belligerent, without a manifest breach of her neutra- 
 lity, it was evident that the success of a negotiation with one 
 of her dependencies, would depend on the degree of secrecy 
 and address with which it should be conducted; and captain 
 Gibson was selected as a person possessing, in an eminent de- 
 gree, the qualifications required to manage it with the best 
 prospect of success. Having received his credentials, he re- 
 paired to Pittsburg, with twenty-five picked men of his com- 
 pany, and descended the river with a cargo of flour, osten- 
 sibly as a trader. The voyage was pregnant with adventures 
 which possess all the freshness of the incidents of a romance; 
 but of these, the limits of a rapid sketch like the present, pre- 
 cludes the insertion of all but one. The Indians immediately 
 on the banks of the Ohio and Mississippi, were hostile ; and 
 parties of them in canoes frequently evinced an intention to 
 attack the boat; but were deterred by the alacrity and deter- 
 mined countenance of the crew. Captain Gibson arrived at 
 the falls of the Ohio, in the evening about dusk, after having 
 observed no indications of Indians for some days, and being 
 without a pilot, he determined to land and pass the falls on 
 the ensuing morning. But just as the men were fastening 
 the boat to the shore, a strong party of Indians appeared on 
 the bank above, and ordered them to come ashore. Resistance 
 would have been useless, as it was plain that the lives of the 
 crew were in their power; and captain Gibson was led be- 
 tween two warriors with cocked rifles up the ascent to the In- 
 dian camp, where he was interrogated by the chief. He told 
 the most plausible story he was able suddenly to invent, of his 
 being an American deserter, on his way to join the British in 
 Florida; but just as he seemed to have made a favourable im- 
 pression on the chief, his surprise may more easily be conceiv- 
 
168 GIBSON. 
 
 ed than described, at being interrupted by a laugh from an In- 
 dian who had before appeared inattentive to every thing that 
 was passing, and who exclaimed in very good English, 
 "Well done, George Gibson! And you think nobody here 
 knows you!" But observing captain Gibson's consternation, 
 who expected nothing less than to be shot down on the spot by 
 his two attendants with the cocked rifles, he added, "But 
 shew no signs of fear. None of the party but myself under- 
 stands a word of English: only keep your own secret and 
 leave the rest to me, and I shall contrive to bring you off," 
 which he very handsomely did. On being asked by captain 
 Gibson how he had discovered his name, he answered that he 
 had lived a long time about the house of his brother, the late 
 general Gibson, at Fort Pitt, where he often heard the family 
 speak of George; that he knew Thomas, his other brother, 
 and as he at once had discovered captain Gibson to be a bro- 
 ther of John's, he knew that he could be no other than George. 
 He had received kindnesses from general Gibson, and in this 
 way determined to shew his gratitude for them. 
 
 Next morning they were permitted to depart, after being 
 pilotted by an Indian over the falls. They were, however, 
 pursued by the Indians, who either suspected, or had found out 
 their true character, shortly after their departure, and who 
 came up with them, in canoes, at a place called Henderson's 
 Bend. They were suffered to approach pretty close, when a 
 galling fire was opened on them by the crew of the boat, parti- 
 cularly from swivels with which it was armed ; in consequence 
 of which the Indians were thrown into such confusion that 
 some of their canoes were overturned, and they desisted. 
 They however, landed, and crossing the tongue of land which 
 formed the bend, attacked the boat from both sides of the 
 river, at a point lower down ; but without effect, the crew 
 having suffered no loss, except that of two men wounded. 
 
 On arriving at New Orleans, he entered on his negociation 
 with the government, in which he was successful, being assist- 
 ed by the influence of Oliver Pollock, Esq. an American gentle- 
 man resident there, and in favour with Don Galvos, the govern- 
 or, and to whose correspondent, the gunpowder was afterwards 
 consigned. But as suspicions of the object were excited in the 
 minds of the British merchants and commercial agents in the 
 place, the governor deemed it prudent to have captain Gibson 
 arrested. In a few days, however, he was permitted to escape, 
 being first provided with horses for himself and his servant. 
 Having ascended the river as far as the first high land, he 
 struck off into the wilderness; shortly after which his horses 
 were stolen by Indians, and the rest of the journey (about 
 eighteen hundred miles) was performed on foot through regions 
 
GIBSON. 169 
 
 leforc unvisitedby a white man, and among tribes of Indians 
 whose language he frequently did not understand, but by 
 whom he was invariably treated with kindness. Arriving at 
 Pittsburg in the garb of an Indian, and with a complexion 
 whose native brown had received the deepest tint which the 
 raj i of the sun could impart, he successfully passed himself 
 for an Indian, on the officers of the garrison, many of whom 
 had long been his intimate acquaintances. 
 
 At his return to Williamsburg, he was appointed to the 
 command of a state regiment, furnished by Virginia to make 
 up a deficiency in her contingent of continental troops, and 
 received by the United States on the continental establish- 
 ment. With this regiment he joined the army under general 
 Washington, shortly before the evacuation of York Island, 
 and was arranged to the division of general Lee. This divi- 
 sion followed the retreat of the grand army with lingering 
 marches, and by a separate route, till the seizure of Lee's per- 
 son by the enemy, near Morristown, when it quickened its 
 pace under Sullivan, and formed a junction with Washington's 
 army, at the cantonment, on the right bank of the Delaware. 
 At the battle of Trenton, which soon followed, colonel Gib- 
 son served under the immediate command of general Wash- 
 ington, and participated in all the perils and toils of that gal- 
 lant little army, whose subsequent achievements contributed 
 so much to reanimate the drooping spirits of their country. 
 
 He continued to serve in the army immediately commanded 
 by general Washington, till the close of the campaign of 1778, 
 and was in nearly all the principal battles which were fought 
 during that time; but the period for which his men had been 
 enlisted, having expired, and the regiment not being recruit- 
 ed, he was ordered to the command of the depot of prisoners 
 near York, Pennsylvania, which he retained till the end of 
 the war. 
 
 At the peace he retired to his farm in Cumberland county, 
 and shortly afterwards received from the supreme executive 
 council of the state, the commission of county lieutenant, the 
 duties of which he performed till the beginning of 1791. At 
 this time, being in Philadelphia, the seat of the federal gov- 
 ernment, the command of one of the regiments, then raising 
 for general St. Clair's expedition, was offered to him by pre- 
 sident Washington, in terms that precluded its rejection. The 
 particulars of this disastrous campaign are too well remem- 
 bered to be narrated here. The troops were led from the re- 
 cruiting rendezvous into the presence of the enemy without 
 discipline, and destitute of many of the appointments and mu- 
 nitions of war, which are essential to the efficiency of an ar- 
 my. But more than any other cause, a want of harmony be- 
 
 22 
 
179 GIBSON. 
 
 tween the first and second in command, contributed to pro- 
 duce the catastrophe with which the campaign ended. Colo- 
 nel Gibson was the intimate friend of the latter, and this na- 
 turally produced a want of cordiality towards him on the part 
 of the former, which was so markedly evinced the day pre- 
 ceding the action, as to induce him to express a determina- 
 tion to retire from the service as soon as he could do so with- 
 out disgrace. Next morning. he was at the head of his regi- 
 ment, which was literally cut to pieces, exhibiting a loss of 
 eighteen commissioned officers, and more than half of its non- 
 commissioned officers and privates. At the close of the ac- 
 tion, and in the last of several charges which were executed 
 by this regiment with the bayonet, he received a wound in 
 the groin, which was immediately perceived to be mortal. He 
 was brought off the field by his nephew, captain Slough, and 
 one or two others of his surviving officers, and languished at 
 Fort Jefferson till the 11th of December following, bearing 
 the most excruciating pain, in a wretched hovel, without sur- 
 gical attendance, and almostwithout common necessaries, with 
 an equanimity of temper for which he had all his life been re- 
 markable. 
 
 It is not intended to speak harshly of general St. Clair, or 
 to attribute to him an intention to do injustice to the memory 
 of an unfortunate brother officer. He has himself paid the 
 debt of nature, and it would now be dastardly to assail his re- 
 putation, even if there were a desire to do so. He was a man 
 of integrity, and a general of undoubted talent; and the coun- 
 try owes much to his memory: still, however, justice is equal- 
 ly due to the memory of the subject of this notice. His regi- 
 ment composed the right wing, which was under the com- 
 mand of general Butler; but as a corps, it was under the im- 
 mediate command of its colonel. This may be a satisfactory 
 reason why, in speaking of the incidents of the hattk, he was 
 not mentioned in the official report But the particular de- 
 signation of this regiment as ''Butler's, Patterson's and 
 Clarke's battalions," might lead to an inference that the name 
 of its colonel was studiously kept out of view. The omission 
 of the name of colonel Gibson may have been, and probably 
 was, accidental; but it was unjust. That his personal exer- 
 tions during the action fell under the immediate observation 
 of the commanding general, is proved by the testimony of 
 captain Denny (one of the general's aids) in the investigation 
 which took place by a committee of congress* an account of 
 which was afterwards published by the general himself. By 
 this it appears, (see St. Clair's Narrative, page 224, 5) that 
 the general frequently gave orders to colonel Gibson in person; 
 and that the latter, who after the fall of general Butler, com- 
 
GREENE. 171 
 
 mafided the right wing, by direction and under the eye of gen- 
 eral St. Clair, charged a body of Indians who had broken in- 
 to the camp and retook the part of it of which they had taken 
 possession. There is no point in which an officer is so sensi- 
 tive as in this: yet there is no criterion of merit more fallaci- 
 ous than the official report of a battle. It is these reports, 
 however, which, for the most part, settle the question with the 
 historian. It is needless to mention, that the account of this 
 battle, given in Marshal's life of Washington, is taken exclu- 
 sively from general St. Clair's report: and this renders it the 
 more necessary to attempt an act of justice to the merits of 
 colonel Gibson, even at this late day. 
 
 Perhaps no man had a wider circle of acquaintance or warm- 
 er friends among the principal actors in our great political 
 drama, than the subject of this memoir. With his talents and 
 capacity for business, and with the influence of those who had 
 not only the power but the inclination to serve him; a man 
 "with a single eye to his own advancement, would at once have 
 made his way to office and distinction; but, of this, he was 
 culpably negligent. He never sought preferment, and when 
 it camp, it was at the solicitation of his friends, not of him- 
 self. Nature had endowed him with talents of the first order. 
 He had a peculiar talent for acquiring languages, on account 
 of which, his schoolmates gave him the name of Latin George. 
 He spoke French, Spanish and German, the latter vernacu- 
 larly and with the purity of a Saxon. He read Italian, and 
 during his residence on the frontier, he picked up enough of 
 the Delaware tongue to enable him to converse in it indiffer- 
 ently well. Without being profound, his acquirements as a 
 scholar were respectable. Perhaps no man, with the same 
 stock of information, conversed so well. Wit he undoubtedly 
 possessed in an eminent degree, which he used with such dis- 
 cretion as never to make an enemy or lose a friend. In broad 
 humor he was confessedly without a rival. He was the au- 
 thor of several humorous songs, mostly connected with the 
 politics of the revolution, which he sang with incredible ef- 
 fect, but which, as they were never committed to paper, have 
 passed away along with him, and are now forgotten. 
 
 GREENE, Nathaniel, a major general in the army of 
 the United States, and one of the most distinguished officers 
 in the revolutionary war, was born in the town of Warwick, 
 in Rhode Island, in the year 1741. His parents were Qua- 
 kers. His father w r as a respectable anchor-smith. Being in- 
 tended for the business his father pursued, young Greene re- 
 ceived nothing but a common English education. But, to 
 himself, an acquisition so humble and limited, was unsatisfac- 
 tory and mortifying;. While he was a boy he learned tlip 
 
17-2 GREENE. 
 
 Latin language chiefly by his own industry. Having pro- 
 cured, in part by his own economy, a small library, he spent 
 his evenings, and all the time he could redeem from business, 
 in regular study. He read with a view to general improve- 
 ment: but military history occupied a considerable share of 
 his attention, and constituted his delight. 
 
 He embarked in his father's line of business, and in the reg- 
 ular pursuit of it employed a considerable portion of his time, 
 until he was elevated, at an unusually early age, to a seat in 
 the legislature of his native colony. In this situation, the 
 commencement of the revolutionary war found him ; and, the 
 undisguised part which he took in promoting an appeal to 
 arms, caused him to be dismissed from the society of friends, 
 of which he had antecedently been a member. 
 
 He began his military career as a private in a military as- 
 sociation, of which he was the principal promoter, and which 
 was chartered under the name of the Kentish Guards, and com- 
 manded by general James M. Varnum. But in the year 1775, 
 Rhode Island having raised three regiments of militia, amount- 
 ing in the whole to about sixteen hundred, and officered by 
 some of her most distinguished inhabitants, she placed them 
 under the command of Mr. Greene, with the rank of Briga- 
 dier general, who, without loss of time, conducted them to 
 head-quarters, in the village of Cambridge. 
 
 Here, having, by a single act of promotion, after a noviciate 
 of about seven months, exchanged the rank of a private, for 
 that of a general officer, he soon distinguished himself, in his 
 present station, and offered to others, a most salutary example. 
 This he did in a very special manner, and, with the happiest 
 effect, by his prompt obedience to the commands of his superi- 
 ors, at a time, when the subordination, which alone can ren- 
 der an army efficient and powerful, was not yet established ; 
 by habits of strict and laborous attention, in the regular study 
 of the military science ; and by the excellent discipline, which 
 he caused to be introduced into his own brigade. 
 
 General Greene's merit and abilities, as well in the council 
 as in the field, were not long unnoticed by general Washing- 
 ton, who reposed in him the utmost confidence, and paid a 
 particular deference to his advice and opinion, on all occa- 
 sions of doubt and difficulty. 
 
 He was appointed major general by congress, the 26th ot 
 August, 1776. Towards the close of that year, he was at the 
 Trenton surprise; and, at the beginning of the next, was at 
 the battle of Princeton, two enterprises not more happily 
 planned than judiciously and bravely executed, in both of 
 which he highly distinguished himself, serving his noviciate 
 under the American Fabius* 
 
GREENE. 17S 
 
 Ai the battle of Germantown he commanded the left wing 
 of the American army; and his utmost endeavors were exert- 
 ed to retrieve the fortune of that day, in which his conduct met 
 with the approbation of the commander in chief. 
 
 In March, 1778, he was appointed quarter-master-general, 
 which office he accepted under a stipulation, that his rank in 
 the army should not be affected by it. and that he should re- 
 tain his right to command, in time of action, according to his 
 rank and seniority. This he exercised at the battle of Mon- 
 mouth, where he commanded the right wing of the army. 
 
 About the middle of the same year, an attack being planned 
 by the Americans, in conjunction with the French fleet, on the 
 British garrison at Newport, Rhode Island, general Sullivan 
 was appointed to the command, under whom general Greene 
 served. This attempt was unsuccessful; the French fleet hav- 
 ing sailed out of the harbor, to engage lord Howe's fleet, they 
 were dispersed by a storm, and the Americans were obliged 
 to raise the siege of Newport, in doing which, general Greene 
 displayed a great degree of skill, in drawing oft' the army in 
 safety. 
 
 After the hopes of the British generals, to execute some de- 
 cisive stroke to the northward were frustrated, they turned 
 their attention to the southern states, as less capable of de- 
 fence, and more likely to reward ,the invaders with ample 
 plunder. A grand expedition was, in consequence, planned 
 at New- York, where the army embarked on the 26th of De- 
 cember, 1779: they landed on the 11th of February, 1780, 
 within about thirty miles of Charleston, which, after a brave 
 defence, was surrendered to sir Henry Clinton, on the 12th 
 of May. 
 
 A series of ill success followed this unfortunate event. The 
 American arms in South Carolina, were, in general, unsuc- 
 cessful; and the inhabitants were obliged to submit to the in- 
 vaders, whose impolitic severity was extremely ill calculated 
 to answer any of the objects for w Inch the war had been com- 
 menced. 
 
 Affairs were thus circumstanced, when general Washington 
 appointed general Greene to the command of the American 
 forces in the southern district. He arrived at Charlotte on 
 the 2d day of December, 1780, accompanied by general Mor- 
 gan, a brave officer, who had distinguished himself to the 
 northward, in the expedition against Burgoyne. He found 
 the forces he was to command, reduced to a very small num- 
 ber, by defeat and by desertion. The returns were nine hun- 
 dred and seventy continentals, and one thousand and thirteen 
 militia. Military stores, provisions, forage, and all things 
 necessary, were, if possible, in a more reduced state than his 
 
174 GREENE. 
 
 army. His men were without pay, and almost without cloth- 
 ing: and supplies of the latter were not to be had, but from 
 a distance of two hundred miles. In this perilous and em- 
 barrassed situation, he had to oppose a respectable and victo- 
 rious army. Fortunately for him, the conduct of some of 
 the friends of royalty obliged numbers, otherwise disposed to 
 remain neuter, to take up arms in their own defence. This, 
 and the prudent measures the general took for remming the 
 innumerable difficulties and disadvantages he was surrounded 
 with, and for conciliating the affections of the inhabitants, 
 soon brought together a considerable force; far inferior, how- 
 ever, to that of the British, who deemed the country perfectly 
 subjugated. 
 
 After he had recruited his forces with all the friends to the 
 revolution that he could assemble, he sent a considerable de- 
 tachment under general Morgan, to the western extremities of 
 the state, to protect the well-disposed inhabitants from the ra- 
 vages of the topics. This force, which was the first that had 
 for a considerable time appeared there, on the side of the Ame- 
 ricans, inspired the friends of liberty with new courage, so 
 that numbers of them crowded to the standard of general 
 Morgan, who, at length, became so formidable, that lord 
 Cornwallis thought proper to send colonel Tarleton, to dis- 
 lodge him from the station he had taken. This officer was at 
 the head of a thousand regular troops, and had two field 
 pieces. He came up, on the 17th of January, 1781, at a 
 place called Cowpens, with general Morgan, whose force was 
 much inferior, and was composed of two-thirds militia, and 
 cue third continentals. An engagement was the immediate 
 consequence. 
 
 Morgan gained a complete victory over an officer, the ra- 
 pidity and success of whose attacks, until that time, might 
 have entitled him to make use of the declaration of Caesar, 
 "veni, vidi, vici." Upwards of five hundred of the British 
 laid down their arms, and were made prisoners; a very con- 
 siderable number were killed. Eight hundred stand of arms, 
 two field pieces, and thirty-five baggage-wagons fell to the 
 victors, who had only twelve killed and sixty wounded. 
 
 This brilliant success quite disconcerted the plan of opera- 
 tions formed by lord Cornwallis. Having entertained no idea 
 of any enemy to oppose in South Carolina, the conquest of 
 which he deemed complete, he had made every preparation 
 for carrying his arms to the northward, to gather the laurels 
 which, he imagined, awaited him. He now found himself 
 obliged to postpone this design. He marched with rapidity 
 after general Morgan, in hopes not only to recover the pri- 
 soners, but to revenge Tarleton's losses. The American ge- 
 
GREENE. 175 
 
 ueral, by a rapidity of movements, and the interference of 
 Providence, eluded his efforts; and general Greene effected a 
 junction of the two divisions of his little army, on the 7th of 
 February. Still he was so far inferior to lord Cornwallis, 
 that he was obliged to retreat northward; and, notwithstand- 
 ing the vigilance and activity of his enemy, he brought his 
 men in safety into Virginia. 
 
 In Virginia, general Greene received some reinforcements, 
 and had the promise of more; on which he returned again in- 
 to North Carolina, where, on their arrival, he hoped to be 
 able to act on the offensive. He encamped in the vicinity of 
 lord Cornwallis's army. By a variety of the best concerted 
 manoeuvres, he so judiciously supported the arrangement of 
 his troops, by the secrecy and promptitude of his motions, 
 that, during three weeks, while the enemy remained near him, 
 he prevented them from taking any advantage of their supe- 
 riority; and even cut off all opportunity of their receiving 
 succours from the royalists. 
 
 About the beginning of March, he effected a junction with 
 a continental regiment, and two considerable bodies of Vir- 
 ginia and Carolina militia. He then determined on attacking 
 the British commander without loss of time, "being persua- 
 ded," as he declared in his subsequent dispatches, " that, if he 
 was successful, it would prove ruinous to the enemy; and, if 
 otherwise, that it would be but a partial evil to him." On 
 the 14th, be arrived at Guilford court-house, the British then 
 lying at twelve miles distance. 
 
 His army consited of about four thousand five hundred men, 
 of whom near two thirds were North Carolina and Virginia 
 militia. The British were about two thousand four hundred; 
 all regular troops, and the greater part inured to toil and ser- 
 vice in their long expedition under lord Cornwallis, who, on 
 the morning of the 15th, being apprised of general Greene's 
 intentions, marched to meet him. The latter disposed his 
 army in three lines ; the militia of North Carolina were in 
 front ; the second line was composed of those of Virginia ; 
 and the third, which was the flower of the army, was formed 
 of continental troops, near fifteen hundred in number. They 
 were flanked on both sides by cavalry and riflemen, and were 
 posted on a rising ground, a mile and a half from Guilford 
 court house. 
 
 The engagement commenced at half after one o'clock, by a 
 brisk cannonade ; after which, the British advanced in three 
 columns ; and attacked the first line, composed of North Ca- 
 rolina militia. These, who, probably, had never been in ac- 
 tion before, were panic struck at the approach of the enemy; 
 and many of them ran away without firing a gun, or being' 
 
176 GREENE. 
 
 fired upon, and even before the British bad come nearer than 
 one hundred and forty yards to them. Part of them, however, 
 fired ; but they then followed the example of their comrades. 
 Their officers made every possible effort to rally them ; but the 
 advantages of their position, nor any other consideration, 
 could induce them to maintain their ground. This shameful 
 conduct had a great effect upon the issue of the battle. The 
 next line, however, behaved much better. They fought with 
 great bravery : and were thrown into disorder ; rallied, re- 
 turned to the charge, and kept up a heavy fire for a long time; 
 but were at length broken, and driven on the third line, when 
 the engagement became general, very severe, and very bloody. 
 At length, superiority of dicipline carried the day from supe- 
 riority of numbers. The conflict endured an hour and a half; 
 and was terminated by general Greene's ordering a retreat, 
 when he perceived that the enemy w ere on the point of encir- 
 cling his troops. 
 
 This was a hard fought action. Lord Cornwallis stated his 
 Josses in killed, wounded, and missing, at five hundred and 
 thirty-two, among whom were several officers of considerable 
 rank. But this battle was, nevertheless, decisive in its conse- 
 quences. Lord Cornwallis was, three days after, obliged to 
 make aretrogade motion: and to return to Wilmington, situ- 
 ated two hundred miles from the scene of action. He was 
 even under the necessity of abandoning a considerable number 
 of those who Mere dangerously wounded. The loss of the 
 Americans was about four hundred, killed and wounded. 
 
 Some time after the battle of Guilford, general Greene de- 
 termined to return to South Carolina, to endeavor to expel the 
 British from that state. His first object was to attempt the 
 reduction of Camden, where lord Rawdon was posted with 
 about nine hundred men. The strength of this place, which 
 was covered on the south and east side by a river and creek, 
 and to the westward and northward by six redoubts, render- 
 ed it impracticable to carry it by storm, with the small army 
 general Greene had, consisting of about seven hundred conti- 
 nentals, the militia having gone home. He, therefore, en- 
 camped at about a mile from the town, in order to prevent sup- 
 plies from being brought in, and to take advantages of such 
 favorable circumstances as might occur. 
 
 Lord Rawdon's situation was extremely delicate. Colonel 
 Watson, whom he had some time before detached, for the pro- 
 tection of the eastern frontiers, and to whom he had, on in- 
 telligence of general Greene's intentions, sent orders to re- 
 turn to Camden, was so effectually watched by general Ma- 
 rion, that it was impossible for him to obey. His lordship's 
 applies were, moreover, very precarious; and should general 
 
GREENE. 1T7 
 
 Greene's reinforcements arrive, he might be so closely invest" 
 ed, as to be at length obliged to surrender. In this dilemma* 
 the best expedient that suggested itself, was a bold attack ; 
 for which purpose, lie armed every person with him, capable 
 of carrying a musket, not excepting his musicians and drum- 
 mers. He sallied out on the 25th of April; and attacked ge- 
 neral Greene in his camp. The defence was obstinate; and 
 for some part of the engagement the advantage appeared to 
 be in favor of America. Lieutenant colonel Washington, who 
 commanded the cavalry, had at one time not less than two 
 hundred British prisoners. However, by the misconduct of 
 one of the American regiments, victory was snatched from 
 general Greene, who was compelled to retreat. He lost in 
 the action about two hundred killed, wounded and prisoners. 
 Rawdon lost about two hundred and fifty-eight. 
 
 There was a great similarity between the consequences of 
 the affair at Guilford, and those of this action. In the former, 
 lord Cornwallis was successful, but was afterwards oblig- 
 ed to retreat two hundred miles from the scene of action, and 
 for a time abandoned the grand object of penetrating to the 
 northward. In the latter, lord Rawdon had the honor of the 
 field: but was shortly after reduced to the necessity of aban* 
 doning his post, and leaving behind him a number of sick and 
 wounded. 
 
 The evacuation of Camden, with the vigilance of general 
 Greene, and the several officers he employed, gave a new com* 
 plexion to affairs in South Carolina, where the British ascen- 
 dancy declined more rapidly than it had been established. 
 The numerous forts, garrisoned by the enemy, fell, one after 
 the other, into the hands of the Americans. Orangeburg, 
 Motte, Watson, Georgetown, Granby, and others, fort Nine- 
 ty-Six excepted, were surrendered: and a very considerable 
 number of prisoners of war, with military stores and artillery, 
 were found in them. 
 
 On the 22d May, general Greene sat down before Ninety- 
 Six, with the main part of his little army. The siege was 
 carried on for a considerable time with great spirit: and the 
 place was defended with equal bravery. At length, the works 
 were so far reduced, that a surrender must have been made 
 in a few days, when a reinforcement of three regiments, from 
 Europe, arrived at Charleston, which enabled lord Rawdon 
 to proceed to relieve this important post. The superiority of 
 the enemy's force reduced general Greene to the alternative 
 of abandoning the siege altogether, or, previous to their arri- 
 val, of attempting the fort by storm. The latter was more 
 agreeable to his enterprising spirit: and an attack was made 
 on the morninaj of the 19tli of June. He was repulsed, with 
 
 23 
 
IfS GREENE. 
 
 the loss of one hundred and fifty men. He raised the siege* 
 and retreated over the Saluda. 
 
 Dr. Ramsay, speaking of the state of affairs about this pe- 
 riod, says, "truly distressing was the situation of the Ameri- 
 can army, when in the grasp of victory, to be obliged to ex- 
 pose themselves to a hazardous assault, and afterwards to 
 abandon a siege. When they were nearly masters of the whole 
 country, to be compelled to retreat to its extremity, and after 
 subduing the greatest part of the force sent against them, to 
 be under the necessity of encountering still greater reinforce- 
 ments, when their remote situation precluded them from the 
 hope of receiving a single recruit. In this gloomy situation, 
 there were not wanting persons who advised general Greene 
 to leave the state, and retire with his remaining forces to Vir- 
 ginia. To arguments and suggestions of this kind he nobly 
 replied, 'I will recover the country, or die in the attempt.' 
 This distinguished officer, whose genius was most vigorous 
 in those extremities, when feeble minds abandon themselves to 
 despair, adopted the only resource now left him, of avoiding 
 an engagement, until the British force should be divided." 
 
 Some skirmishes, of no great moment, took place between 
 the detached parties of both armies, in July and August. Sep- 
 tember the 9th, general Greene having assembled about two 
 thousand men, proceeded to attack tbe British, who, under 
 the command of colonel Stewart, were posted at Eutaw 
 Springs. The American force was drawn up in two lines: 
 the first, composed of Carolina militia, was commanded by 
 generals Marion and Pickens, and colonel de Malmedy. The 
 second, which consisted of continental troops, from North 
 Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland, was commanded by gene- 
 ral Sumpter, lieutenant colonel Campbell, and colonel Wil- 
 liams; lieutenant colonel Lee, with his legion, covered the 
 right flank; and lieutenant colonel Henderson, with the state 
 troops, covered the left. A corps de reserve was formed of 
 the cavalry, under lieutenant colonel Washington, and the 
 Delaware troops under captain Kirkwood. As the Ameri- 
 cans came forward to the attack, they fell in with some ad- 
 vanced parties of the enemy, at about two or three mile? 
 ahead of the main body. These being closely pursued, were 
 driven back, and the action soon became general. The militia 
 were at length forced to give way, but were bravely supported 
 by the second line. In the hottest part of tbe engagement, 
 general Greene ordered the Maryland and Virginia continen- 
 tals to charge with trailed arms. This decided the fate of 
 the day. "Nothing," says Dr. Ramsay, "could surpass the 
 intrepidity of both officers and men on this occasion. They 
 rushed on in good order through a heavy cannonade, and a 
 
GREENE. 179 
 
 shower of musketry, with such unshaken resolution, that they 
 bore down all before them." The British were broken, 
 closely pursued, and upwards of five hundred of them taken 
 prisoners. They, however, made a fresh stand, in a favour- 
 able position, in impenetrable shrubs and a picquetted garden. 
 Lieutenant colonel Washington, after having made every ef- 
 fort to dislodge them, was wounded and taken prisoner. 
 Four six pounders were brought forward to play upon them, 
 but they fell into their hands ; and the endeavours to drive 
 them from their station, being found impracticable, the Ame- 
 ricans retired, leaving a strong picquet on the field of battle. 
 Their loss was about five hundred; that of the British upwards 
 of eleven hundred. 
 
 General Greene was honoured by congress with a British 
 standard, and a gold medal, emblematical of the engagement, 
 "for his wise, decisive, and magnanimous conduct, in the ac- 
 tion at Eutaw Springs, in which, with a force inferior in 
 number to that of the enemy, he obtained a most signal vic- 
 tory." 
 
 In the evening of the succeeding day, colonel Stewart aban- 
 doned his post, and retreated towards Charleston, leaving 
 behind upwards of seventy of his wounded, and a thousand 
 stand of arms. He was pursued a considerable distance, but 
 in vain. 
 
 The battle of Eutaw produced the most signal consequences 
 in favour of America. The British, who had for such a 
 length of time, lorded it absolutely in South Carolina, were, 
 shortly after that event, obliged to confine themselves in 
 Charleston, whence they never ventured but to make preda- 
 tory excursions, with bodies of cavalry, which in general, met 
 with a very warm and very unwelcome reception. 
 
 In Dr. Caldwell's memoirs of the life of general Greene, 
 we have the following interesting story, as connected with 
 the severe conflict at Eutaw Springs: 
 
 "Two young officers, bearing the same rank, met in per- 
 sonal combat. The American, perceiving that the Briton had 
 a decided superiority in the use of the sabre, and being himself 
 of great activity, and personal strength almost gigantic, clos- 
 ed with his adversary and made him his prisoner. 
 
 " Gentlemanly, generous, and hfgh minded, this event, add- 
 ed to a personal resemblance which they were observed to bear 
 to each other, produced between these two youthful warriors, 
 an intimacy, which increased in a short time, to a mutual at- 
 tachment. 
 
 " Not long after the action, the American officer returning 
 home, on furlough, to settle some private business, obtained 
 permission for his friend to accompany him. 
 
180 GREENE. 
 
 "Travelling without attendants or guard, they were both 
 armed and well mounted. Part of their route lay through a 
 settlement, highly disaffected to the American cause. 
 
 "When, in the midst of this, having, in consequence of a 
 shower of rain, thrown around them their cloaks, which con- 
 cealed their uniforms, they were suddenly encountered by a 
 detachment of tories. 
 
 "The young American, determined to die rather than be- 
 come a prisoner, especially to men whom he held in abhor- 
 rence for disloyalty to their country, and the generous Briton 
 resolved not to survive one by whom he had been distinguish- 
 ed and treated so kindly, they both together, with great spirit 
 and self possession, charged the royalists, having first made sig- 
 nals in their rear, as if directing others to follow them ; and 
 thus, without injury on either side, had the address and good 
 fortune, to put the party to flight. 
 
 "Arriving in safety at the place of their destination, what 
 was their surprise and augmented satisfaction, on finding, 
 from some questions proposed by the American officer's father, 
 that they were first cousins! 
 
 " With increasing delight, the young Briton passed several 
 weeks in the family of his kinsman, where the writer of this 
 narrative saw him daily, and often listened, with the rapture 
 of a child, to the checkered story of his military adventures. 
 
 "To heighten the occurrence, and render it more roman- 
 tic, the American officer had a sister, beautiful and accom- 
 plished, whose heart soon felt for the gallant stranger, more 
 than the affection due to a cousin. The attachment was mu- 
 tual. 
 
 "But here the adventure assumes a tragical cast. The 
 youthful foreigner, being exchanged, was summoned to return 
 to his regiment. The message was fatal to his peace. — 
 But military honour demanded the sacrifice; and the lady, 
 generous and high minded as himself, would not he instru- 
 mental in dimming his laurels. 
 
 "The parting scene was a high-wrought picture of tender- 
 ness and sorrow. On taking leave, the parties mutually 
 bound themselves, by a solemn promise, to remain single a 
 certain number of years, in the hope that an arrangement 
 contemplated might again bring them together. A few weeks 
 afterwards the lady expired under an attack of small-pox. 
 The fate of the officer we never learnt." 
 
 It has already been mentioned, that Greene's army was in 
 a deplorable situation, and suffered under every privation. In 
 his letters to the secretary at war, he says, " We have three 
 hundred men without arms, and more than one thousand so 
 naked, that they can be put on duty only in cases of a despe- 
 
GREENE. 181 
 
 rate nature. We have been all winter in want of arms and 
 clothing. The subsistence of the army is wretched, and we 
 are without rum, or any kind of spirits." 
 
 Again, he says, ** Our difficulties are so numerous, and 
 our wants so pressing, that I have not a moment's relief from 
 the most painful anxieties. I have more embarrassment than 
 it is proper to disclose to the world. Let it suffice to say, that 
 this part of the United States, lias had a narrow escape. JF 
 have been seven months in the Jield without taking off my 
 clothes. " 
 
 Judge Johnson, in his life of general Greene, says, "At 
 the battle of the Eutaw Springs, Greene says, * that hundreds 
 of my men were as naked as they were born. , Posterity will 
 scarcely believe, that the bare loins of many brave men who 
 carried death into the enemy's ranks at the Eutaw, were gall- 
 ed by their cartouch-boxes, while a folded rag or a tuft of 
 moss protected the shoulders from sustaining the same injury 
 from the musket. Men of other times will enquire, by what 
 magic was this army kept together? By what supernatural 
 power was it made to fight?" 
 
 During the relaxation that followed, a dangerous plot was 
 formed by some turbulent and mutinous persons in the army, 
 to deliver up their brave general to the British. This trea- 
 sonable design owed its rise to the hardships, wants and ca- 
 lamities of the soldiers, who were ill paid, ill clothed, and ill 
 fed. The conspirators did not exceed twelve in number; and 
 a providential discovery defeated the project. 
 
 The following account of the contemplated mutiny of the 
 army under general Greene, we copy from " Garden's anec- 
 dotes of the revolutionary war :" 
 
 " Destitute of clothing ; stinted in food ; severely afflicted 
 by disease, discontent began to manifest itself in the most ap- 
 palling colours. The first indication of it, was a placard near 
 the quarters of general St. Clair, to this effect; "can soldiers 
 he expected to do their duty, clothed in rags, and fed on rice?" 
 Suspicion attaching to a few disorganizing characters, they, 
 to escape punishment, went over to the enemy, and tranquili- 
 ty was, for a time, restored. The embers, however, that had 
 been smothered, but not extinguished, were speedily revived, 
 and were ready to burst into a flame, through the intrigues of 
 a sergeant of the Pennsylvanians, and two domestics attached 
 to the family of general Greene, who opened a correspondence 
 with the enemy, and engaged, on a given day, to deliver up 
 their commander, and every officer of distinction. A female, 
 who had noticed the murmuring of the disaffected, and unguard- 
 ed expressions of the ringleader, occasioned the discovery of 
 the plot. The light troops, who had for some little time been 
 
182 GREENE. 
 
 indulged with comfortable quarters in the rear, to recover Iron* 
 the fatigues of severe service, were immediately brought for- 
 ward. To them, not a shade of suspicion attached. Wash- 
 ington's, Gill's and the legion cavalry, took their station in 
 advance. The Dclawares, Smith's company of Virginia re- 
 gulars, and legion infantry, were drawn nearer to head-quar- 
 ters. A troop of horse was pushed forward to watch the mo- 
 tions of the enemy. The sergeant was arrested, tried, and ex- 
 ecuted. The fate of the country was suspended by a thread ; 
 destruction would inevitably have followed irresolution. — 
 Greene was sensible of it, and striking with decision, gave a 
 death blow to faction, and every symptom of revolt. It was 
 a melancholy sight, awful indeed, and appalling, to behold a 
 youth, an Apollo in shape, as fine a military figure as ever 
 trod the earth, led forth to pay the penalty of his perfidy. He 
 walked with a firm step, and composed countenance, distri- 
 buting as he passed along, to such of his companions as ap- 
 proached him, .several articles of his clothing, at that period 
 precious legacies. His hat he gave to one, his coat to ano- 
 ther, his sleeve buttons to a third. Every countenance ex- 
 pressed sorrow, but not a murmur was heard. Arrived at the 
 fatal spot, he in few words, but in the most impressive man- 
 neer, called upon his comrades, " not to sully their glory, nor 
 forego the advantages they would speedily realize from the 
 termination of the war: and if a thought of desertion was har- 
 boured in their bosoms, at once to discard it. I have no cause 
 (he added) to complain of the Court; I certainly spoke impru- 
 dently, and from the evidence given of my guilt, they could 
 not have acted otherwise." He then gave the signal to the 
 platoon selected from his own corps ; was fired on, and ex- 
 pired. Great pains were taken by General Greene, as soon 
 as suspicion was excited, to make a full discovery. As soon, 
 however, as sufficient evidence was obtained, he waited not to 
 ascertain the extent of the evil, but by a decided step crushed 
 it effectually. The delay of a few hours must have occasion- 
 ed the loss of our officers, and probably the death of every 
 faithful soldier. O'Neal had been sent to watch the motions 
 of the enemy, accompanied by Middleton as his second, and 
 captain Rudolph, who had volunteered. Passing Bacon and 
 Eagle bridges, they patrolled the road for several miles below 
 Dorchester, and seeing no appearance of any party without 
 their lines, wheeled his troop to return. Rudolph, with two 
 dragoons, was in advance. On a sudden three well mounted 
 black troopers appeared in front. These were immediately 
 charged. The chief fell by the arm of a Pope, a soldier of 
 distinguished gallantry. Rudolph dismounted the second, and 
 made him a prisoner ; the third escaped. The captive being 
 
GREENE. 183 
 
 asked if the British calvary were out in force, declared ; 
 •'That a single troop under the command of captain Dawkins, 
 had gone by the way of Goose Creek Bridge, a few miles 
 higher, and were to return by the way of Dorchester." Know- 
 ing the firmness of Rudolph, the valour of Middleton, and 
 tried bravery of his troop, O'Neal pushed forward in full ex- 
 pectation of a complete triumph. Dawkins was soon discovered 
 passing through the village of Dorchester, and bearing down 
 upon him. The charge was sounded on both sides, and a 
 fierce conflict began ; but before any material advantage could 
 he gained, the bugle was heard from another quarter and in- 
 fantry rose in every direction. A road leading towards Goose 
 creek, afforded the only chance of retreat: this was immediately 
 taken, and though exposed to a heavy fire, the officers, and 
 most of the privates escaped without injury. Nine men and 
 fifteen horses of the troop fell into the hands of the enemy." 
 
 The surrender of lord Cornwallis, whose enterprising spi- 
 rit had been by the British ministry expected to repair the 
 losses, and wipe away the disgrace which had been incurred 
 through the inactivity and indolence of other generals, having 
 convinced them of the impractability of subjugating Ameri- 
 ca, they discontinued offensive operations in every quarter. 
 From the beginning of the year 1782, it was currently re- 
 ported that Charleston was speedily to be evacuated: it was 
 officially announced the 7th of August, but it did not take 
 place until the 17th of December. 
 
 The happy period at length arrived, when, by the virtue 
 and bravery of her sons, aided by the bounty of heaven, Ame- 
 rica compelled her invaders to recognise her independence. — 
 Then her armies quitted the tented fields, and retired to cul- 
 tivate the arts of peace and happiness. Amongst the rest, 
 general Greene revisited his native country, where he proved, 
 jiimself as valuable a citizen, as the Carolinas had witnessed 
 him a gallant officer. 
 
 We have mentioned Judge Johnson's life of general Greene. 
 This work is in two volumes quarto, and gives a particular 
 account of the transactions, and indeed of the campaigns, &c. 
 of the war in the southern states, by William Johnson, Esq* 
 of South Carolina, and one of the Judges of the Supreme 
 Court of the United States. At the conclusion of the work, 
 he makes the following just remarks: 
 
 "W T e will now dismiss the reader with these remarks. To 
 the ijoung and the lowly, the incidents of general Greene's life 
 hold out a most valuable moral. They show, with certainty, 
 that there is no condition which may not be improved by vir- 
 tue and perseverance; that the acquirement of knowledge 
 leads directly to eminence; and that the most persevering la- 
 
184 GREENE. 
 
 bour is not inconsistent with the improvement of the mind, 
 when the mind is steadily bent upon its own improvement. 
 And let no discouraging inferences be drawn from the perse- 
 cutions which he underwent from envy and detraction. They 
 will fasten on eminence; and to quote the general's own lan- 
 guage, " every one but an idiot will have enemies." These 
 are among the* trials incident to human life; and they will at- 
 tack those most severely, who raise themselves from obscu- 
 rity. Men cannot bear mortifying comparisons; and, there- 
 fore, envy those most, who have risen from among themselves. 
 But, it is a most consoling evidence that truth will never be 
 abandoned; that after such a lapse of time, we find the fame of 
 this great and good man, vindicated by the production of evi- 
 dence which cannot be resisted. The plain inference is, that 
 we do our duty, and trust to Providence for the rest. 
 
 " To all we will take the liberty to suggest another re- 
 mark. It is related of general Washington, that after the de- 
 feat of Braddock, an eminent divine declared from the pulpit, 
 'that Heaven had preserved that young man for some great 
 and wise purposes.' 
 
 "If we contemplate the early events of general Greene's life, 
 we perceive in them, a striking aptness of preparation for the 
 part he was destined to act in the revolutionary contest. Sub- 
 dued, but not broken down under parental authority, he learn- 
 ed obedience and dicipline, and how to inforce it on others ; 
 but, above all, self-command. Cast on himself for the grati- 
 fication of every wish of his heart, he learned that great les- 
 son of self-dependence, which he had, so often afterwards, to 
 bring into exercise. With nerves strung to labour, he was 
 prepared for all the fatigues and hardships of war; and habits 
 of temperance taught him to bear, and by his example, to 
 teach others to bear, all privations of war. Yet, all this pre- 
 paration was casual, and less than all things, intended to fit 
 him for a military life. 
 
 "Nor was his moral and religious education less adapted 
 to the part he was to act on the theatre of the revolution. The 
 religion of the Quakers, stripped of those tenets which unfit it 
 for this nether world, is really the political religion of the 
 United States. Universal benevolence, and unbounded tole- 
 ration, were their favourite doctrines. He still continued a 
 Quaker, as far as the religion of the Quakers comported with 
 the defence of civil liberty; and thus blended the soldier with 
 all that stern morality, and simplicity of character, which 
 distinguish the sect he belonged to." 
 
 In October, 1785, general Greene sailed to Georgia, where 
 he had a considerable estate, not far distant from Savannah. 
 Here he passed away his time, occupied in his domestic con- 
 cerns, until the hour of his mortality approached, 
 
GREENE. 185 
 
 Walking out, without his hat, in the afternoon of the 15th 
 of June, 1786. the day being intensely hot, he was suddenly 
 attacked with such a vertigo and prostration of strength, as 
 to be unable to return to his house, without assistance. The 
 affection was what is denominated a "stroke of the sun." It 
 was succeeded by fever, accompanied with stupor, delirium, 
 and a disordered stomach. All efforts to subdue it proved 
 fruitless, and it carried him off on the 19th of the same month. 
 
 When the melancholy account of his death arrived at Sa- 
 vannah, the people were struck with the deepest sorrow. All 
 business was suspended. The shops and stores throughout 
 the town were shut; and the shipping in the harbor had their 
 colours half-masted. 
 
 The body was brought to Savannah, and interred on the 
 20th. The funeral procession was attended by the Cincinna- 
 ti, militia, &c. &c. 
 
 Immediately after the interment of the corpse, the mem- 
 bers of the Cincinnati retired to the coffee-house in Savannah, 
 and came to the following resolution: 
 
 "That, as a token of the high respect and veneration in 
 which this society hold the memory of their late illustrious 
 brother, major-general Greene, deceased, George Washing- 
 ton Greene, his eldest son, he admitted a member of this so- 
 ciety, to take his seat on his arriving at the age of 18 years." 
 
 General Greene left behind him a wife and five children. 
 
 On Tuesday the 12th of August, 1786, the United States 
 in congress assembled, came to the following resolution: 
 
 "That a monument be erected to the memory of Nathaniel 
 Greene, Esq. at the seat of the federal government, with the 
 following inscription: 
 
 Sacred to the memory of 
 NATHANIEL GREENE, Esq. 
 
 Who departed this life, 
 On the 19th of June, mdcclxxxvi: 
 
 LATE MAJOR GENERAL 
 
 In the service of the United States, 
 And commander of their army 
 In the southern department. 
 The United States, in Congress assembled, 
 In honour of his 
 Patriotism, valour, and ability, 
 Have erected this monument. 
 GREENE, Christopher, lieutenant colonel commandant 
 of one of the Rhode Island regiments in the continental ser- 
 vice, during the revolutionary war, was born in the town of 
 Warwick, in the state of Rhode Island, in the year 1737. 
 Philip Greene, the father of the lieutenant colonel, was agen- 
 
 24 
 
186 GREENE. 
 
 tleman of the first respectability in the state, beloved for his 
 virtues, and admired for his honourable discharge of the du- 
 ties of the various stations to which he was called, the last 
 of which placed him upon the bench as judge of the common 
 pleas in the county of Kent. 
 
 Christopher received all the advantages in the best line of 
 education procurable in our country, which he took care to im- 
 prove by the most assiduous application. 
 
 He was particularly attached to the study of mathematics, 
 in which he made great proficiency, and thus laid up a stock 
 of knowledge exactly suitable for that profession to which he 
 was afterwards unexpectedly called. 
 
 Exhibiting in early life his capacity and amiability, he was 
 elected, by his native town when very young, to a seat in the 
 colonial legislature, which he continued to fill by successive 
 elections until the commencement of the revolutionary war. 
 At this period the legislature wisely established a military 
 corps, styled, "Kentish guards," for the purpose of fitting 
 the most select of her youth for military office. In this corps 
 young Greene was chosen a lieutenant, am! in May, 1775, he 
 was appointed by the legislature a major in what was then 
 called " an army of observations," one brigade of one thou- 
 sand six hundred effectives,' under the orders of his near rela- 
 tion, general Nathaniel Greene, afterwards so celebrated. 
 
 From this situation he was called to the command of a com- 
 pany of infantry, in one of the regiments raised by the state 
 for continental service. The regiment to which he belonged 
 was attached to the army of Canada, conducted by general 
 Montgomery, in the vicissitudes and difficulties of which cam- 
 paign captain Greene shared, evincing upon all occasions that, 
 unyielding intrepidity which marked his military prowess 
 in every after scene. In the attack upon Quebec, which ter- 
 minated as well the campaign as the life of the renowned Mont- 
 gomery, captain Greene belonged to the column which enter- 
 ed the lower town, and was made prisoner. 
 
 His elevated mind illy brooked the ills and irksomeness or 
 captivity, though in the hands of the enlightened and humane. 
 Carleton ; and it has been uniformly asserted, that while a 
 prisoner, Greene often declared that "he would never again 
 betaken alive;" a resolution unhappily fulfilled. 
 
 As soon as captain Greene was exchanged he repaired to 
 his regiment, with which he continued without intermission, 
 performing with exemplary propriety the various duties of his 
 progressive stations, when he was promoted to the majority 
 of VarnunTs regiment. In 1777, he succeeded to the com- 
 mand of the regiment, and was selected by "Washington to 
 take charge of fort Mercer, on the river Delaware, (common- 
 
GREENE, 187 
 
 \y called Red Bank) the safe keeping of which post, with that 
 of fort Mifflin, (Mud Island) was very properly deemed of 
 primary importance. 
 
 The following account of the attack upon Red Bank and 
 fort Mifflin, we select from Marshall's life of Washington : 
 
 The British general and admiral, Howe, immediately after 
 the hattle of Brandywine, made a combined attack, by land 
 and water, on the forts, Mercer and Mifflin. 
 
 " After effecting a passage through the works sunk in the 
 river at Billingspoit, other difficulties still remained to he en- 
 countered by the ships of war. Several rows of chevaux-de 
 frize had been sunk about half a mile below Mud island, which 
 were protected by the guns of forts Mifflin and Mercer, as 
 well by the moveable water force, so that to raise the frames 
 and clear the channel was impracticable, without having first 
 taken the forts. 
 
 "On the 21st, colonel count Donop a German officer, who 
 had gained great reputation in the course of the war, crossed 
 the Delaware at Cooper's ferry, opposite Philadelphia, at the 
 lidad of a detachment of Hessians, consisting, besides light 
 infantry and chasseurs, of three battalions of grenadiers and 
 the regiment of Mesbach, amounting to about twelve hundred 
 men, in order to proceed next day to the attack of the fort at 
 Red Bank. 
 
 " It was a part of the plan, that, as soon as the attack 
 should be made by colonel count Donop, a heavy cannonade 
 on fort Mifflin should commence from the batteries on the 
 Pennsylvania shore, and that the Vigilant, a ship of war, 
 should pass through a narrow and very confined channel be- 
 tween Hog island, next below Mud island, and the Pennsyl- 
 vania shore, so as to attack the fort in the rear. Meanwhile, 
 to divert the attention of the garrison, and of the marine 
 force, from the Vigilant and from other more serious attacks, 
 the advanced frigates, together with the Isis and Augusta, 
 were to approach fort Mifflin in front, up the main channel, 
 as far as the impediments in it would admit, and from thence 
 batter the works. 
 
 " The fortifications at Red Bank consisted of extensive 
 outer works, within which was an intrenchment eight or nine 
 feet high, boarded and fraized, on which colonel Greene after 
 taking command of the place, had bestowed a good deal of 
 labour. Late in the evening of the 22d, count Donop ap- 
 peared before the fort, and attacked it with great intrepidity. 
 It was defended with equal resolution. The outer works be- 
 ing too extensive to be manned by the force under colonel 
 Greene, which did not exceed five hundred men, were only 
 used to gall the enemy while advancing, and on their near ap- 
 
J8S GREEISE. 
 
 proach were abanfloned by the garrison, who retired within 
 the inner intrench nient, from whence they kept up against 
 the Hessians, who pressed on with great gallantry, a most 
 heavy and destructive lire. Colonel Donop, while leading on 
 his troops, received a mortal wound, and lieutenant colonel 
 Mingerode, the second in command, fell about the same time. 
 Lieutenant colonel Linsing. now the oldest remaining officer 
 of the detachment, drew off his troops ; and. being favoured 
 by the darkness of the night, collected as many of the wound- 
 ed as could be brought off. He marched about five miles that 
 night, and returned next day to Philadelphia. In this un- 
 successful expedition, according to the best information which 
 could be collected, the enemy lost about four hundred men. 
 The garrison, which was reinforced from fort Mifflin,- and 
 aided by the gallies which flanked the enemy, both advancing 
 and retreating, having fought under cover, lost only thirty- 
 two men killed and wounded. It would appear from the 
 statement given by general Howe of this enterprise, that the 
 inner works could not be carried without scaling ladders, and 
 that colonel Donop had not been furnished with them. Had 
 the requisitions of the commander in chief been complied with, 
 and a camp been formed at a convenient distance by the Jer- 
 sey militia, so as to have fallen upon the rear of the assail- 
 ants, it is probable that the whole corps might have been de- 
 stroyed, 
 
 "In order to be in readiness to perform the part assigned to 
 the navy, the Augusta, a sixty-four gun ship, with four other 
 smaller vessels, passed the lower line of chevaux-de-frize op- 
 posite to Billingsport, and lay above them, waiting the as- 
 sault to be made on the fort from the land. The Hood tide 
 setting in about the time the attack commenced, they slipped 
 their cables and moved with it up the river. The obstruc- 
 tions which had been sunk in the river had in some degree 
 changed its channel, so that the Augusta and the Merlin 
 grounded a considerable distance below the second line of 
 chevaux-de-frize : and a strong northerly wind, which had 
 prevented the Vigilant from coming up to the station assign- 
 ed her, still continuing, so checked the rising of the tide, 
 that these vessels could not be floated by the subsequent flood. 
 Their situation, however, was not discerned that evening. 
 The frigates approached the fort as near as possible, against 
 which they kept up an incessant fire. The batteries from the. 
 Pennsylvania shore also were opened on the garrison, but 
 night soon put an end to the cannonade. Very early next 
 morning, it was recommenced, in the hope that under cover of 
 the fire from the vessels and from the batteries, the Augusta 
 and the Merlin might be got off, It was soon discovered that 
 
GREENE. 189 
 
 they were on ground, and four fire ships were sent against 
 them, but without effect. Meanwhile a very warm cannon- 
 ade was continued on both sides, in the course of which the 
 Augusta took fire, and it was found impracticable to extin- 
 guish the flames. In this state of tilings it became necessary 
 to take out the men, and to withdraw the frigates, to prevent 
 the injury they might sustain when she should blow up. This 
 being in a great measure effected, and the Merlin, which 
 could not be removed, being set on fire, the Augusta blew up, 
 and in her were lost a few of the crew, among whom were a 
 lieutenant Baldock, and the chaplain, and gunner. For their 
 continuance in the vessel, no reason has been assigned. 
 
 "The repulse of the detachment commanded by count Do- 
 nop, inspired congress with the most flattering hopes respect- 
 ing the permanent defence of the post on the Delaware. That 
 body expressed its high sense of the merits of colonel Greene, 
 who had commanded in fort Mercer, of lieutenant colonel 
 Smith, who had commanded in fort Mifflin, and of commodore 
 Hazlcwood, who commanded the gallies: and to each of these 
 officers an elegant sword was presented, as a mark of the esti- 
 mation in which his services were held by the public." 
 
 In the year 1786, general Knox, then secretary of war, pre- 
 sented Job Greene, Esq. eldest son of colonel Greene, with the 
 sword directed to be presented by a resolve of congress, ac- 
 companied with a letter, in which he said, " The repulse and 
 defeat of the Germans, at the fort of Red Bank, on the Dela- 
 ware, is justly considered as one of the most brilliant actions 
 of the late war. The glory of that event is inseparably at- 
 tached to the memory of your late father and his brave gar- 
 rison. The manner in which the supreme authority of the 
 United States are pleased to express their high sense of his mi- 
 litary merit, and the honourable instrument which they annex 
 in testimony thereof, must be peculiarly precious to a son emu- 
 lative of his father's virtues." 
 
 The noble manner in which colonel Greene sustained him- 
 self against superior force of veteran troops, led by an officer 
 of high renown, has been related, as also the well earned re- 
 wards which followed his memorable defence. Consummat- 
 ing his military fame by his achievements on that proud day, 
 he could not be overlooked by his discriminating leader, 
 when great occasions called for great exertions. Greene 
 was accordingly detached with his regiment with the troops 
 placed under major Sullivan, for the purpose of breaking up 
 the enemy's post on Rhode Island, soon after the arrival of 
 the French fleet under count d'Estaing, in the summer of 1778, 
 which well concerted enterprise was marred in the execution 
 by some of those incidents which abound in war, and especi- 
 
190 GREENE. 
 
 ally when the enterprise, complicated and entrusted to allied 
 forces, and requiring naval co-operation. Returning to head 
 quarters, colonel Greene continued to serve under the com- 
 mander in chief, whose confidence and esteem he had truly 
 merited, and invariably enjoyed. 
 
 In the spring of 1781, when general Washington began to 
 expert the promised naval aid from our best friend, the ill- 
 fated Louis the XVI, he occasionally approached the enemy's 
 lines on the side of York island. In one of these movements, 
 colonel Greene, with a suitable force, was posted on the Cro- 
 ton river, in advance of the army. On the other side of this 
 river lay a corps of refugees, (American citizens who had join- 
 ed the British army) under the command of colonel Delancey. 
 These half citizens, half soldiers, were notorious for rapine 
 and murder: and to their vindictive conduct may be justly as- 
 cribed most of the cruelties which stained the progress of our 
 war, and which at length compelled Washington to order cap- 
 tain Asgill, of the British army, to be brought to head quar- 
 ters, for the purpose of retaliating, by his execution, the mur- 
 der of captain Huddy, of New Jersey, perpetrated by a cap- 
 tain Lippincott, of the refugees. The commandant of these 
 refugees, (Delancey was not present) having ascertained the 
 position of Greene's corps, which the colonel had cantoned in 
 adjacent farm houses, probably with a view to the procure- 
 ment of subsistence, took the resolution to strike it. This was 
 accordingly done by a nocturnal move on the 13th of May. 
 The enemy crossed the Croton before day light the next morn- 
 ing, and hastening his advance, reached our station with the 
 dawn of day, unperceived. Ashe approached the farm house 
 in which the lieutenant colonel was quartered, the noise of 
 troops marching was heard, which was the first intimation of 
 the fatal design. Greene and major Flagg immediately pre- 
 pared themselves for defence, but they were too late, so expe- 
 ditious was the progress of the enemy. Flagg discharged his 
 pistols, and instantly afterwards fell mortally wounded; when 
 the ruffians (unworthy the appellation of soldiers) burst open 
 the door of Greene's apartment. Here the gallant veteran 
 singly received them with his drawn sword. Several fell be- 
 neath the arm accustomed to conquer, till at length overpow- 
 ered by numbers, and faint from the loss of blood streaming 
 from his wounds, barbarity triumphed over valour. " His 
 right arm was almost cut off in two places, the left in one, a 
 severe cut on the left shoulder, a sword thrust through the 
 abdomen, a bayonet in the right side, and another through the 
 abdomen, several sword cuts on the head, and many in differ- 
 ent parts of the body." 
 Thus cruelly mangled, fell the generous conqueror of count 
 
GRAEFF— GURNEY. 191 
 
 Donop, whose wounds, as well as those of his unfortunate as- 
 sociates, had heen tenderly dressed as soon as the battle ter- 
 minated, and whose pains and sorrows had been as tenderly 
 assuaged. How different was the relentless fury here dis- 
 played! 
 
 The commander in chief heard with unutterable anguish 
 and deep indignation, the tragical fate of his much loved, 
 highly trusted, and faithful friend and soldier, in which feel- 
 ing the army sincerely participated. On the subsequent day 
 the corpse was brought to head quarters, and his funeral was 
 solemnized with military honours, every tongue announcing 
 with sadness of sorrow the magnitude of our loss. 
 
 Lieutenant colonel Greene was murdered in the meridian 
 of life, being only forty-four years old. He left a widow with 
 three sons and four daughters. He was stout and strong in 
 stature, about five feet ten inches high, with a broad round 
 chest, his aspect manly, and demeanor pleasing : enjoying al- 
 ways a high state of health, its bloom irradiated a counte- 
 nance, which significantly expressed the fortitude and mild- 
 ness invariably displayed throughout his life. 
 
 GRAEFF, George, an oflicer in the revolutionary army, 
 in the year 1776, marched from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to 
 aid in establishing the independence of his country, as a lieu- 
 tenant; was on the inarch promoted to a captain, and, as such, 
 commanded a company at the battle on Long Island. He died 
 at Lancaster, on the 13th of November, 1823, in the sixty 
 eighth year of his age. Mr. Graeff sustained through a long 
 life, the character of an honest man, and received many proofs 
 of the esteem and respect of his fellow citizens, by repeated 
 appointments to stations of public trust and confidence. 
 
 GURNEY, Francis, was born in Bucks county, in the 
 province of Pennsylvania, about the year 1738. He received 
 the rudiments of an English education in a country school, 
 near the place where he was born. 
 
 Young Gurney was inclined by nature to deeds of enter- 
 prise, hardihood and valour. He manifested from his early 
 years a strong predilection fur the use and profession of arms. 
 Nor had he more than entered on the threshold of life, when 
 he was presented with an opportunity of gratifying to the ut- 
 most his favourite propensity. When he arrived at his 
 eighteenth year, he found the embittered war of 1756, inun- 
 dating in blood the northern section of the British provinces. 
 He accordingly, with a promptness and ardour peculiar to 
 his temperament, volunteered his services in the provincial 
 army to aid in protecting his countrymen from the French 
 bayonet and the Indian tomahawk. His place of destination 
 ^as the frontiers of Canada, a region famous in history for 
 
102 GURNEY. 
 
 its sanguinary wars, and the hardships to which troops are 
 exposed when on service. It was here his fortune to partici- 
 pate in many of the dangers and exploits of the celebrated 
 Putnam, and other officers of daring intrepidity. Bring 
 young, active, and emulous of distinction, he was engaged of 
 choice in almost every spirited and gallant enterprise that 
 was, from time to time, undertaken against the enemy. IS or 
 did he ever fail to act the part of a brave, determined and 
 high-minded soldier. Although he could not at all times com- 
 mand success, his prowess and conduct uniformly deserved it. 
 Among other important services in which he was engaged, he 
 hore his part in the capture of Cape Breton. 
 
 But it was not alone in the regions of the north, suffering 
 from cold, and menaced by the hatchet and scalping knife of 
 the savage, that this brave young Pennsylvania^ served his 
 country in the character of a soldier. Determined to pursue 
 glory wherever she might lead the way, and, if possible, to 
 weave for himself a chaplet from the laurels of different cli- 
 mates, he embarked on board the British fleet destined to act 
 against the French West-India islands. Here, neither the 
 burning sun, nor the sultry and relaxing air of the tropics, 
 was sufficient to subdue his spirit or unnerve his arm. The 
 same energy and enterprise which he had previously displayed 
 at the taking of Cape Breton, and elsewhere on the continent, 
 he manifested again at the capture of Guadaloupe. 
 
 The war being closed, his inclination led him to return to 
 the enjoyment of peaceful and domestic scenes ; for he felt 
 now no disposition to follow arms as a profession for life. He 
 accordingly settled in Philadelphia in the capacity of a mer- 
 chant, where he pursued his business with industry and cor- 
 rectness, reputation and success, till the commencement of 
 our revolutionary war. 
 
 Ranking with the foremost in his attachment to liberty, and 
 his abhorrence of every thing that might tend to destroy it, he 
 viewed with indignation the unhallowed attempts of the Bri- 
 tish ministry to trample on the rights of the infant colonies. 
 He was not* of that saturnine disposition which waits till it 
 feels the lash of oppression. He was one of those discern- 
 ing, keen-sighted patriots, who, in the language of an eloquent 
 statesman, " augur misgovernment at a distance: and snuff the 
 approach of tyranny in every tainted breeze." No less prompt 
 to act than vigilant to discover, he was among the first to raise 
 his voice and extend his arm in behalf of the invaded liberties 
 of his country. 
 
 In the year 1774 and 1775, when opposition to the measures 
 of the British government began to be seriously meditated and 
 organized, his public services in Philadelphia were above all 
 
GURNEY. 193 
 
 price. His ardent and active disposition first contributed to 
 rouse to resistance many of his less sensitive and energetic 
 compatriots; and, having no inconsiderable knowledge of tac- 
 tics and arms, he was highly instrumental in the formation 
 and diciplining military corps. In these he refused at first 
 to accept of a commission, believing that he could render to 
 his country higher services, by continuing to act as a general 
 and voluntary instructor of the duties of the soldier. His 
 primary wish was ; and in this he manifested that soundness 
 of judgment for which he was remarkable ; to see men of rank 
 and fortune heartily and practically engaged in the cause. 
 He was anxious to see them take that lead which their stand- 
 ing in society, no less than their heavy stake in the approach- 
 ing contest, so fairly entitled them, and which he considered 
 essential to the success of our measures. To this end. he la- 
 bored assiduously and with the happiest effect. Several gen- 
 tlemen, who afterwards acquired a name in arms, among 
 whom may be mentioned, Mifflin, Cadwalader, Meredith and 
 others, were in no small degree indebted to him for their first 
 appointment to military rank. When they became known, 
 they were afterwards, on that ground, appointed to higher and 
 more conspicuous stations. 
 
 At length, on the 25th of May, 1775, Mr. Gurney was pre- 
 vailed oji to accept the commission of captain of infantry, in 
 a regiment of troops raised by authority of the province of 
 Pennsylvania. In the course of the following year he agreed 
 to enter into the regular service, and was appointed lieuten- 
 ant-colonel in the eleventh regiment of the Pennsylvania line. 
 While in this command he was present at the battles of Iron- 
 hill, Brandy wine, and Germantown: in each of which he be- 
 haved with his accustomed bravery, but had no opportunity of 
 acquiring distinction. In the first of them he was slightly 
 wounded in the foot. 
 
 Soon after this period, some irregularity having occurred 
 on the score of promotion, to which he thought it dishonorable 
 to submit, colonel Gurney resigned his commission in the ar- 
 my, and returned once more to private life. Still, however, 
 was his country benefitted by his judgment and active servi- 
 ces, he being immediately placed on the committee of safety 
 for ihe city of Philadelphia, and also on that for the defence 
 of the Delaware river and bay. The vigilance and compe- 
 tency which he manifested under these appointments were im- 
 portant in their effects, and placed him high in the confidence 
 of his fellow citizens. 
 
 On the conclusion of the peace of 1783, he resumed his mer- 
 cantile pursuits in that city, and continued in them with great 
 industry and merited success, till within a year or two of his 
 
194 GURNEY. 
 
 death; when, owing to his advanced age and the embarrass 
 ments of the times, he determined to abandon them. But dur- 
 ing this important period of his life, his attention was far from 
 being devoted exclusively to his private concerns. Few inha- 
 bitants of Pennsylvania took a more active part in the man- 
 agement of the affairs of the city and the commonwealth. For 
 nearly thirty years he was constantly employed in the dis- 
 charge of some public function, civil or military: nor was he 
 ever found otherwise than industrious, competent, and faith- 
 ful to his trust. He held, for several years, the appointment 
 of warden of the port of Philadelphia, during which time he 
 suggested and had carried into effect an important improve- 
 ment in the buoys and beacons in the Delaware bay. That es- 
 tablishment is much indebted to him for its present state of 
 convenience and excellence. We state on authority which 
 we believe to be correct, that he was the inventor of some- 
 thing useful in the construction of the buoys and beacons now 
 in use, but more particularly of a new and highly improved 
 mode of securing them. 
 
 He was for a while one of the aldermen of the city, and 
 served a long tour in the city councils, chiefly as president of 
 the select council. He was for several years in succession 
 elected a member of the legislature of Pennsylvania, first to 
 the house of representatives, and afterwards to the senate. In 
 both bodies he became a leading character. For although a 
 man of great humility of pretensions, he acquired, by prac- 
 tice, a habit of speaking in public w ith facility and effect. 
 
 He was also, a considerable time ago, created a trustee of 
 Dickinson college, an appointment which he held at the time 
 of his death. In all these situations he sustained the reputa- 
 tion of a man of integrity, firmness, and sound intelligence. 
 
 Such are, in part, the offices and employ ments of a civil na- 
 ture; in which it was the good fortune of Mr. Gurney to ren- 
 der services to his fellow citizens, and to acquire their 
 esteem. On that of county-commissioner, church-warden, and 
 trustee or director of various institutions, in which he pro- 
 moted the interest of individuals or of the city, we forbear to 
 dwell. He was also among the most active, skilful, and inde- 
 fatigable of the militia officers of the state. He wore a colo- 
 nel's commission from the first of May, 1786, to the month of 
 March, 1799, when he was promoted to the rank of brigadier- 
 general. 
 
 The only active military service in which Mr. Gurney was 
 engaged subsequently to the close of the revolutionary war, 
 occurred in the year 1794, when a considerable force was called 
 into the field, to suppress an insurrection in the western 
 part of the state of Pennsylvania. The troops assembled on 
 
GURNEY. 195 
 
 that occasion from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and 
 Virginia, amounted to about fifteen thousand rank and file. 
 Mr. Gurney, in the capacity of colonel, commanded the first 
 regiment of the Philadelphia brigade, which, owing to his 
 skill and attention, was, with the exception of M'Pherson's 
 Blues, a body composed of young gentlemen of family and 
 education, who would have done honour to any service, the 
 best disciplined and most effective corps in the field. 
 
 Colonel Gurney's command amounted on this occasion, to 
 about six hundred men, raw in service: their fatigues and ex- 
 posures were great, and the weather was oftentimes tempestu- 
 ous and inclement: notwithstanding this, he lost from sick- 
 ness, we believe, but two men during a campaign of three 
 months continuance. This fact must be regarded as a high 
 eulogium on his attention to the accommodation and health ol 
 bis troops. 
 
 Feeliag somewhat, although but slightly for bis age, the pres- 
 sure of years, he had for some time before his death, declined 
 all participation in public employments. The evening of his 
 life was retired and tranquil, rational and dignified; such as 
 need not have caused a blush on the cheek of the best-born 
 citizen of Rome. It was passed in social intercourse, amuse- 
 ment from books, and the cultivation of a favourite country- 
 seat in the vicinity of Philadelphia. 
 
 He died on the 25th of May, 1815. after a severe and pain- 
 ful indisposition of one month, which, particularly towards 
 the close, he bore with fortitude and perfect resignation. — 
 There exists the fairest ground of belief, that his last mo- 
 ments were those of the christian in communion with his 
 God. 
 
 General Gurney was, in his personal appearance, particu- 
 larly striking. No one could pass him in the street as a com- 
 mon man. He was nearly six feet high, portly and well 
 formed, and considering his age, unusually erect. Although 
 considerably turned of threescore and ten, he had, both men- 
 tally and corporeally, much of the vigour and elasticity of 
 the meridian of life. The frost of years was white on his 
 temples, but its rigours had not penetrated to his mind or his 
 heart. His affections were still warm, his memory retentive, 
 his powers of intellect active arid pliable, and his spirits 
 had much of the buoyancy of youth. He had a complexion 
 unusually florid, an aquiline nose, blue eyes capable of strong 
 expression, and a forehead lofty but somewhat retreating. Al- 
 though he could not be said to have the physiognomy of ge- 
 nius, he had that of great sensibility, connected with judg- 
 ment and decision, intrepidity and firmness: and these were 
 prominent traits in his character. 
 
mfj GWINN— HALE. 
 
 GWINN, William, was a native of Ireland, and became 
 a resident of the then province of Pennsylvania, in the yean 
 1772. In the year 177G, he joined the revolutionary army, 
 in which he was appointed to an office in the staff department, 
 under the command of general Mifflin, with the rank of major. 
 At the rlose of the war. he removed into Maryland ; and, for 
 the last thirty-five years, resided on his farm. Possessing a 
 strong understanding, correct principles, and a pure and be- 
 nevolent heart, the deceased was, through life, an agreeable 
 acquaintance, a faithful friend, and an affectionate husband. 
 He died at Monkton Mills, Baltimore county, on the 1st oi 
 October, 1819. in the 70th year of his age. 
 
 HALE, Nathan", a celebrated youthful hero, and martyr 
 of the revolutionary war, was a native of Coventry, in the 
 state of Connecticut. He received his education at Yale col- 
 lege, where he graduated in 1773. The ardent glow of pa- 
 triotic feeling, and the deep interest which he took in the 
 cause of his injured country, induced him, at an early period 
 of the revolutionary war, to offer to it his services; and hav- 
 ing obtained a commission, he entered the army in the capa- 
 city of captain in colonel Knowlton's regiment of light in- 
 fantry. 
 
 The following narrative exhibits a case analogous to that of 
 major Andre, and surely while Americans regret the fate of 
 an enemy, the heroic sufferings of their own countrymen should 
 not be forgotten or unlamented. 
 
 After the defeat the American arms sustained from the 
 British on Long Island, August 27, 1776, general Washing- 
 ton called a council of war, who determined on an imme- 
 diate retreat to New- York. The intention was prudently con- 
 cealed from the army, who knew not whither they were going, 
 but imagined it was to attack the enemy. The field artillery, 
 tents, baggage, and about nine thousand men were conveyed 
 to the city of New- York, over East river, more than a mile, 
 wide, in less than thirteen hours, and without the knowledge 
 of the British, though not six hundred yards distance. Pro- 
 vidence in a remarkable manner favoured the retreating army. 
 The wind, which seemed to prevent the troops getting over at 
 the appointed hour, afterwards shifted to their wishes; to- 
 wards morning an extreme thick fog came on, which hovered 
 over Long Island, and. by concealing the Americans, enabled 
 them to complete their retreat without interruption, though 
 the day had begun to dawn some time before it was finished. 
 In about half an hour after the island was finally abandoned, 
 the fog cleared off, and the British were seen taking possession 
 of the American lines. 
 Perhaps the fate of America was never suspended on a more 
 
HALE. 19r 
 
 brittle thread, than previously to this memorable retreat. A 
 spectacle is here presented of an army, destined for the de- 
 fence of a great continent, driven to the narrow borders of an 
 island, with a victorious army of double its number in front, 
 with navigable waters in its rear; constantly liable to have 
 its communication cut offby the enemy's navy, and every mo- 
 ment exposed to an attack. The presence of mind which ani- 
 mated the commander in chief in this critical situation, the 
 prudence with which all the necessary measures were execut- 
 ed, redounded as much, or more, to his honour than the most 
 brilliant victories. An army, to which America looked for 
 safety, preserved ; a general, who was considered as an host 
 himself, saved for the future necessity of his country ! Had, 
 not, however, the circumstances of the night, of the wind and 
 weather, been favourable, the plan, however well concerted, 
 must have been defeated. To a good Providence, therefore, 
 are the people of America indebted, for the complete success 
 of an enterprise so important in its consequences. 
 
 This retreat left the British in complete possession of Long 
 Island. What could be their future operations remained un- 
 certain. To obtain information of their strength, situation, 
 and future movements, was of high importance. For this 
 purpose, general Washington applied to colonel Knowlton, 
 who commanded a regiment of light .infantry, which formed 
 the van of the American army, and desired him to adopt some 
 mode of gaining the necessary information. Colonel Knowl- 
 ton communicated this request to captain Nathan Hale, of 
 Connecticut, who was then a captain in his regiment. 
 
 This young officer, animated by a sense of duty, and con- 
 sidering that an opportunity presented itself by which he 
 might be useful to his country, at once offered himself a vol- 
 unteer for this hazardous service. He passed in disguise to 
 Long Island, examined every part of the British army, and 
 obtained the best possible information respecting their situa= 
 tion and future operations. 
 
 In his attempt to return he was apprehended, carried be- 
 fore sir William Howe, and the proof of his object was so 
 clear, that he frankly acknowledged who he was, and what 
 were his views. 
 
 Sir William Howe at once gave an order to the provost 
 mash al to execute him the next morning. 
 
 This order was accordingly executed in a most unfeeling 
 manner, and by as great a savage as ever disgraced humanity. 
 A clergyman, whose attendance he desired was refused him ; 
 a bible for a few moments devotion was not procured, although 
 he requested it. Letters, which, on the morning of his execu- 
 tion, he wrote to his mother and other friends, were destroy* 
 
198 HALE. 
 
 ed : and this very extraordinary reason given by the pro- 
 vost marshal, "that the rebels should not know they had a man 
 in their army who could die with so much firmness." 
 
 Unknown to all around him, without a single friend to offer 
 him the least consolation, thus fell as amiable and as worthy a 
 young man as America could boast, with this, as his dying 
 observation : that "he only lamented that he had but one life 
 to lose for his country." 
 
 Although the manner of this execution will ever be abhor- 
 red by every friend to humanity and religion, yet there can- 
 not be a question but that the sentence was conformable to the 
 rules of war and the practice of nations in similar cases. 
 
 It is, however, a justice due to the character of captain Hale 
 to observe, that his motives for engaging in this service were 
 entirely different from those which generally influence others 
 in similar circumstances. 
 
 Neither expectation of promotion, nor pecuniary reward, 
 induced him to this attempt. A sense of duty, a hope that he 
 might in this way be useful to his country, and an opinion 
 which he had adopted, that every kind of service necessary to 
 the public good became honourable by being necessary ; were 
 the great motives which induced him to engage in an enter- 
 prise by which his connexions lost a most amiable friend, 
 and hisYountry one of its most promising supporters. 
 
 The fate of this unfortunate young man excites the most in- 
 teresting reflections. 
 
 To see such a character, in the flower of youth, cheerfully 
 treading in the most hazardous paths, influenced by the pur- 
 est intentions, and only emulous to do good to his country, 
 without the imputation of a crime, fall a victim to policy, must 
 have been wounding to the feelings even of his enemies. 
 
 Captain Hale possessed a fine genius, had received an ex- 
 ceilent education, and disclosed high promise of future talents 
 and usefulness. He was open, generous and brave, and en- 
 thusiastic in the cause of liberty and his country, in which he 
 had engaged, and for which he was destined to die an early 
 martyr. The fate of Hale, it will be observed, was in almost 
 every respect, strikingly similar to that of major Andre. As 
 it respects character, qualifications and personal interest, 
 Hale would not suffer from a comparison with Andre. Yet, 
 strange as it may seem, the fate of Andre, even in America, 
 has been universally lamented, and his memory universally 
 respected ; whilst it is scarcely known that there was ever 
 such a man as Nathan Hale. Andre has had a monument 
 erected to his memory by his country, and the most distin- 
 guished honours and rewards conferred upon his family; but 
 what has our country done for the memory of Hale? No stone.. 
 
HAMILTON. 199 
 
 however humble, has been erected to it ; no memorial has res- 
 cued it from oblivion; and no inscription has preserved his 
 ashes from insult. Such is the influence of books, and the evil 
 tendency of importing them, that while Nathan Hale, an 
 American, an ardent revolutionary patriot, and who offered 
 his life as a sacrifice to our liberties, is wholly unknown, the 
 life, character, and fate of Andre, are familiar with almost 
 every individual, however humble his situation, or limited his 
 intelligence. 
 
 Thus, while fond virtue wish'd in vain to save, 
 Hale, bright and generous, found a hapless grave, 
 With genius* living flame his bosom glow'd, 
 And science charmed him to her sweet abode* 
 In worth's fair path his feet had ventured far, 
 The pride of peace, the rising grace of war. 
 In duty firm, in danger calm as ev'n, 
 To friends unchanging, and sincere to heav'n. 
 How short his course, the prize, how early won, 
 While weeping friendship mourns her fav'rite gone. 
 
 HAMILTON, Alexander, first secretary of the treasury 
 of the United States, was a native of the island of St. Croix, 
 and was born in 1757. His father was the younger son of an 
 English family, and his mother was an American. At the 
 age of sixteen, he accompanied his mother to New York, and 
 entered a student of Columbia college, in which he continued 
 about three years. While a member of this institution, the 
 first buddings of his intellect gave presages of his future emi- 
 nence. The contest with Great Britain called forth the first 
 talents on each side, and his juvenile pen asserted the claims 
 of the colonies against very respectable writers. His papers 
 exhibited such evidence of intellect and wisdom, that they 
 were ascribed to Mr. Jay, and when the truth was discover- 
 ed, America saw with astonishment, a lad of seventeen in the 
 list of her able advocates. 
 
 The quarrel having ripened into open conflict, the first 
 sound of battle awakened the martial spirit of the stripling. 
 He could no longer repose in college shades, while his coun- 
 try was in danger, and her defenders in the field. He accord- 
 ingly, when in his nineteenth year, entered the army with the 
 rank of captain of artillery, and, in that capacity, distin- 
 guished himself on several occasions. 
 
 Having by his amiable temper and officer-like conduct, con- 
 ciliated the regard and affection of his comrades, it was not 
 long till, by his higher qualities, he attracted the notice of the 
 commander in chief. A strong and peculiar trait in the cha- 
 racter of Washington was his intuitive discernment of talent 
 
:oo HAMILTON. 
 
 and worth. Never was this faculty exercised hy him more 
 happily or with better effect than in his selection of captain 
 Hamilton to serve as his aid-de-camp, which promoted him to 
 the rank of lieutenant colonel. This event took place in the 
 year 1777. From that period till near the time of the cap- 
 ture of lord Cornwallis, in 1781, Washington and Hamilton 
 were inseparable companions, both in the cabinet and the field. 
 Never was an aid more perfectly the friend and confidant of 
 liis commander, nor a general more ably subserved by an aid. 
 They shared together the dangers and hardships of that try- 
 ing period, with a firmness and fortitude that were never sur- 
 passed, and, by their bravery and united wisdom, were in- 
 strumental, beyond all others, in conducting the arms of their 
 country to victory and glory. Hamilton served as first aid 
 de-camp to the commander in chief in the battles of Brandy- 
 Mine, Germantown and Monmouth. 
 
 His sound understanding, comprehensive views, application 
 and promptitude, soon gained the entire confidence of his pat- 
 ron. In such a school it was impossible but that his genius 
 should be nourished. By intercourse with Washington, by 
 surveying his plans, observing his consummate prudence, and 
 by a minute inspection of the springs of national operations,, 
 he became fitted for command. Throughout the campaign, 
 which terminated in the capture of Cornwallis, colonel Ham- 
 ilton commanded a battalion of light infantry. At the siege 
 of York in 1781, when the second parallel was opened, two 
 redoubts, which flanked it, and were advanced 300 yards in 
 front of the British works, very much annoved the men in the 
 trenches. It was resolved to possess them, and to prevent 
 jealousies the attack of the one was committed to the Ameri- 
 cans, and of the other to the French. The detachment of the 
 Americans, was commanded by the marquis de la Fayette; 
 and colonel Hamilton, at his own earnest request, led the ad- 
 vanced corps, consisting of two battalions. Towards the 
 close of the day, on the 14th of October, the troops rushed to 
 (he charge without firing a single gun. The works were as- 
 saulted with irrcsistable impetuosity, and carried with but 
 little loss. Eight of the enemy fell in the action ; but not- 
 withstanding the irritation lately produced by the infamous 
 slaughter in fort Griswold, not a man was killed who ceased 
 to resist. 
 
 At the conclusion of the war, colonel Hamilton, being now- 
 married, and having a family depending for its subsistence on 
 his personal exertions, entered, after a brief course of study, 
 on the profession of the law. Still however, notwithstanding 
 the calls of his interest to 'he contrary, he was unable to de- 
 tach himself from public affairs. 
 
HAMILTON. 201 
 
 In 1782, he was elected a member of congress from the state 
 of New York. At the succeeding session the proceedings of 
 that body assumed a character novel, striking, and unprece- 
 dented in vigour. Hamilton took an early and distinguished 
 lead in all the most important measures of the session. He 
 was uniformly a member, and several times chairman of those 
 committees, to which was confided the high and difficult trust 
 of reporting on such subjects as were deemed most vitally in- 
 teresting to the nation. The reports prepared on these occa- 
 sions, are remarkable for that eloquence, energy, and lumi- 
 nous wisdom which characterise so strongly all the subse- 
 quent productions of his pen. He was also mover of several 
 of the most important resolutions to which the session gave 
 rise. 
 
 Having ably acquitted himself of his duty to his country, 
 colonel Hamilton returned to the practice of the law. Nor 
 was it long till he was foremost in professional eminence — ■ 
 But he felt that matters of a public nature had still a claim 
 on him which he ought not to resist. 
 
 The violence which was meditated against the property 
 and persons of all who remained in the. city during the war, 
 called forth his generous exertions, and, by the aid of gover- 
 nor Clinton, the faithless and revengeful scheme was defeated.. 
 In a few years a more important affair demanded his talents. 
 After witnessing the debility of the confederation, he was 
 fully impressed with the necessity of an efficient general go- 
 vernment, and he was appointed in 1787, a member of the fe- 
 deral convention of New York. He assisted in forming the 
 constitution of our country. It did not indeed completely 
 meet his wishes. He was afraid that it did not contain suffi- 
 cient means of strength for its own preservation, and that, in 
 consequence, we should share the fate of many other repub- 
 lics, and pass through anarchy to despotism. He was in fa- 
 vour of a more permanent executive and senate. He wished 
 for a strong government, which would not be shaken by the 
 conflict of different interests through an extensive territory, 
 and which should be adequate to all the forms of national exi- 
 gency. 
 
 By his pen. in the papers signed Publius, and by his voice 
 in the convention of New York, he contributed much to its 
 ad6ption. When the government was organized in 1789, 
 Washington placed him at the head of the treasury. In the 
 new demands, which were now" made upon his talents, the re- 
 sources of his mind did not fail him. In his reports, he pro- 
 posed plans for funding the debt of the union, and for assuming 
 the debts of the respective states; for establishing a bank ami 
 mint; and for procuring a revenue. He wished to redeem 
 
 26 
 
202 HAMILTON. 
 
 the reputation of his country by satisfying her creditors; and 
 to combine with the government such a monied interest, as 
 Blight facilitate its operations. 
 
 lie remained but a short time afterwards in office. As his 
 property had been wasted in the public service, the care of a 
 rising family made it his duty to retire, that by renewed ex- 
 ertions in his profession, he might provide for their support. 
 He accordingly resigned his office on the last of January, 
 1795. 
 
 When the provisional army was raised in 1798, Washing- 
 ton qualified his acceptance of the command of it, with the 
 Condition that Hamilton should be his associate and the second 
 in command. This arrangement was accordingly made. 
 
 Invested with the rank of inspector general, Hamilton re- 
 paired immediately to his post, and commenced the organiza- 
 tion and discipline of his army. These he carried in a short 
 time to high perfection, the materials of his command being 
 excellent in quality. His hours of leisure he devoted, with 
 his usual industry, to the study of chemistry, mathematics, 
 and the art of war. In the two latter his attainments became 
 great. To render him conspicuous among the ablest captains 
 of the world, nothing was now wanting but experience in the 
 field. 
 
 After the adjustment of our dispute with the French Repub- 
 lic, and the discharge of the army, he returned again to his 
 profession in the city of New York. 
 
 In Jane, 1804, colonel Burr, vice-president of the United 
 States, addressed a letter to general Hamilton, requiring his 
 acknowledgment or denial of the use of any expression dero- 
 gatory to the honour of the former. This demand was deem- 
 ed inadmissible, and a duel was the consequence. After the 
 close of the circuit court, the parties met at Hoboken, on the 
 morning of Wednesday, July the 11th, and Hamilton fell on 
 the same spot, where his son a few years before had fallen, in 
 obedience to the same principle of honour, and in the same 
 violation of the laws of God, and of man. He was carried 
 into the city, and being desirous of receiving the sacrament 
 of the Lord's supper, he immediately sent for the reverend 
 Dr. Mason. As the principles of his church prohibited him 
 from administering the ordinance in private, this minister of 
 the gospel informed general Hamilton, that the sacrament was 
 an exhibition and pledge of the mercies, which the Son of 
 God has purchased, and that the absence of the sign did not 
 exclude from the mercies signified, which were accessible to 
 him by faith in their gracious Author. He replied, "lam 
 aware of that. It is only a sign that I wanted it." In the 
 conversation which ensued, he disavowed all intention of tak- 
 
HAMILTON. 203 
 
 ing the life of colonel Burr, and declared his abhorrence of 
 the whole transaction. When the sin, of which he had heen 
 guilty, was intimated to him, he assented with strong emotion; 
 and when the infinite merit of the Redeemer, as the propitia- 
 tion for sin, the solo ground of our acceptance with God, was 
 suggested, he said with emphasis, " / have a tender reliance 
 on the mercy of the Almighty, th rough the merits of the Lord 
 Jesus Christ." The reverend bishop Moore was afterwards 
 sent for, and after making suitable inquiries of the penitence 
 and faith of general Hamilton, and receiving his assurance 
 that he would never again, if restored to health, be engaged in 
 a similar transaction, but would employ all his influence in 
 society to discountenance the barbarous custom, administered 
 to him the communion. After this, his mind was composed. 
 He expired about two o'clock on Thursday, July 12, 1804, 
 aged about forty-seven years. 
 
 Throughout the United States his premature fall excited 
 emotions of sorrow that were inferior only to those that had 
 resulted from the death of Washington. For a time, politi- 
 cal distinctions w T ere swallowed up in his loss; and, with a 
 magnanimity in a high degree honourable to them, those who 
 had been hitherto opposed to him in public measures, united 
 with his friends in doing homage to his memory, and lament- 
 ing his death as a national calamity. 
 
 Such honours Ilium to her Hero paid, 
 
 Jlnd peaceful slept the mighty Hector's shade. 
 
 General Hamilton possessed very uncommon powers of 
 mind. To whatever subject he directed his attention, he was 
 able to grasp it ; and in whatever he engaged, in that he ex- 
 celled. So stupendous w T ere his talents, and so patient was 
 his industry, that no investigation presented difficulties which 
 he could not conquer. In the class of men of intellect, he held 
 the first rank. His eloquence was of the most interesting 
 kind, and when new exertions were required, he rose in new 
 strength, and touching at his pleasure every string of pity or 
 of terror, of indignation or grief, he bent the passions of 
 others to his purpose. At the bar he gained the first emi- 
 nence. 
 
 Although in person below the middle stature, and some- 
 what deficient in elegance of figure, general Hamilton pos- 
 sessed a very striking and manly appearance. By the most 
 superficial observer he could never be regarded as a common 
 individual. His head, which was large, was formed on the 
 finest model, resembling somewhat the Grecian antique. His 
 forehead was spacious and elevated, his nose projecting, but 
 inclining to the aquiline, his eyes grey, keen at all limes, and, 
 
204 HAMILTON. 
 
 when animated by debate, intolerably piercing, and his mouth 
 and chin well proportioned and handsome. These two latter, al- 
 though not his strongest, were his most pleasing features: yet 
 the form of his mouth was expressive of eloquence: more es- 
 pecially of persuasion. He was remarkable for a deep de- 
 pression between his nose and forehead, and a contraction of 
 his brows, which gave to the upper part of his countenance an 
 air of sternness. The lower part was the emblem of mildness 
 and benignity. 
 
 In his dress he was plain, in his disposition social, in his 
 manners easy and affable, in his affections warm, in his friend* 
 ships steady, in his feelings ardent, and in his general de- 
 portment a well bred gentleman. 
 
 The versatility of his powers was as wonderful as their 
 strength. To the transactions of all matters that were ever 
 submitted to him, he showed himself competent ; on every 
 point of difficulty and moment, he was qualified to become 
 great. What others learnt by experience, he saw by intui- 
 tion ; what they achieved by persevering labour, he could ac- 
 complish by a single exertion. Hence the diversified emi- 
 nence of his attainments, and the surprising rapidity with 
 which he rendered himself master, not only of new and intri- 
 cate points, but even of entire branches of science. 
 
 Within the sphere of our own knowledge, or in the records 
 of society, it is usual to find individuals who are highly dis- 
 tinguished in particular walks : in the forum, the senate, the 
 cabinet, or the field ; but a single character pre-eminent in 
 them all, constitutes a prodigy of human greatness. Yet such 
 a character was the personage we are considering. He com- 
 bined within himself qualities that would have communicated 
 lustre to many. At the bar, his ability and eloquence were 
 at once the delight and astonishment of his country ; as a 
 statesman, his powers were transcendant and his resources in- 
 exhaustible ; as a financier, he was acknowledged to be with- 
 out a rival ; in his talents for war, he was believed to be infe- 
 rior to Washington alone. To these we may add, that in his 
 qualifications as a writer he was eminently great Endow- 
 ments so brilliant, with attainments so wide, multifarious and 
 lofty, have hut rarely fallen to the portion of a mortal. 
 
 Yet with these he had none of the eccentricities, irregulari- 
 ties, or vices, that oftentimes follow in the train of greatness. 
 His mind and his habits were in a high degree orderly, tempe- 
 rate and methodical. To his powers alone, stupendous as they 
 were, he never committed the performance of his duty, on any 
 occasion of interest and importance. Preparatory to acting, 
 he bestowed on his subject all the attention that would have 
 been requisite in a man of common abilities. He studied it 
 
HANCOCK. 205 
 
 patiently till he thoroughly comprehended it. Hence, even 
 in the minutest details, he was never found deficient when he 
 was expected to be prepared. To his moral habits, there- 
 tore, no less than to his physical powers, he owed it, in part, 
 that he was consummately great. 
 
 With all his pre-eminence of talents, and amiable as he was 
 in private life, general Hamilton is yet a melancholy proof of 
 the influence, which intercourse with a depraved world has in 
 perverting the judgment. In principle he was opposed to 
 duelling, his conscience was not hardened, and he was not in- 
 different to the happiness of his wife and children: but no con- 
 sideration was strong enough to prevent him from exposing 
 his life in single combat. His own views of usefulness were 
 followed in contrariety to the injuctions of his Maker and 
 Judge. He had been for some time convinced of the truth of 
 Christianity, and it was his intention, if his life had been 
 spared, to have written a work upon its evidences. 
 
 General Hamilton possessed many friends, and he was en- 
 deared to them, for he was gentle, tender and benevolent. — . 
 While he was great in the eyes of the world, familiarity with 
 him only increased the regard in which he was held. He 
 married a daughter of general Schuyler, and left an afflicted 
 widow and a number of children to mourn his loss. 
 
 " Such was Hamilton ; the soldier of the revolution ; the 
 confidant of Washington; the founder of the American system, 
 of finance; the enlightened statesman; the great counsellor; 
 the eloquent orator; and the man of probity, tried and spotless. 
 He retired poor from an office, which, without peculation or 
 any act that would have amounted to a breach of public trust, 
 might have rendered him as distinguished for wealth, as be 
 was for the higher riches of his mind. His faults: for being 
 human he had faults; are lost amidst his virtues, excused or 
 forgotten." 
 
 HANCOCK, Johx, a distinguished patriot and friend of 
 his country, was born in the year 1737, in the province of 
 Massachusetts. The habitation of his father, which is repre- 
 sented as the precise place of his nativity, was situated near 
 the village of Quincey, and by the ordinary transitions of pro- 
 perty in America, is now r annexed to the patrimony of John 
 Adams, former president of the United States. In this neigh- 
 borhood were born and died, for many generations, the ances- 
 tors of the illustrious Samuel Adams. Mr. Hancock gradua- 
 ted at Harvard college, in 1754. On the death of his uncle, 
 Thomas Hancock, Esquire, he received a very considerable 
 fortune, and soon became an eminent merchant. He was, for 
 several years, selectman of the town : and in 1766, he was 
 chosen a member of the house of representatives for Boston. 
 
206 HANCOCK. 
 
 He there blazed a whig of the first magnitude. Otis, dish- 
 ing, and Samuel Adams, were the other three, who represent- 
 ed the capital, men of name in the revolution of their country. 
 Being fond of public notice, he was flattered by the approba- 
 tion of the people, with their marks of confidence, and the dis* 
 tinction he had in the general court. The political sagacity 
 of Adams, the public spirit and patriotic zeal of Hancock, 
 gave a lustre to the Boston seat. Of these two popular lead- 
 ers, the manners and appearance were in direct opposition, 
 notwithstanding the conformity of their political principles, 
 and their equal devotion to the liberties and independence of 
 their country ; and this dissimilarity tended, no doubt, to ag- 
 gravate the passions and animosities of their adherents. Mr. 
 Adams was poor, and in his dress and manners, simple and 
 unadorned. Hancock, on the other hand, was numbered with 
 the richest individuals of his country. His equipage was 
 splendid and magnificent: and such as at present is unknown 
 in America. His apparel was sumptuously embroidered with 
 gold and silver lace, and all the other decorations fash- 
 ionable amongst men of fortune of that day: he rode, especi- 
 ally upon public occasions, with six beautiful bays, and with 
 servants in livery. He was graceful and prepossessing in 
 manners, and very passionately addicted to what are called 
 the elegant pleasures of life; to dancing, music, concerts, 
 routs, assemblies, card parties, rich wines, social dinners and 
 festivities; ail which the stern republican virtues of Mr, 
 Adams regarded with indifference, if not with contempt. 
 
 On the evening of the 5th of March, 1770, a small party of 
 the British soldiers paraded, and being assailed by a tumul- 
 tory assemblage of the people, with balls of snow and other 
 weapons, fired upon them by the order of the officer, to dis- 
 perse them. Upon which occasion, several of the crowd were 
 wounded, and a few were killed. This affray is usually term- 
 ed " the massacre of Boston. " 
 
 It was in commemoration of this event, Mr. Hancock de- 
 livered an oration, in 1774, from which we extract the fol- 
 lowing: 
 
 "I have always, from my earliest youth, rejoiced in the fe- 
 licity of my fellow-men, and have ever considered it as the 
 indispensable duty of every member of society to promote, as 
 far as in him lies, the prosperity of every individual, but 
 more especially of the community to which he belongs ; and 
 also, as a faithful subject of the state, to use his utmost en- 
 deavours to detect, and having detected, strenuously to oppose 
 every traitorous plot which its enemies may devise for its de- 
 struction. Security to the persons and properties of the go- 
 verned, is so obviously the design and end of civil govern- 
 
HANCOCK. 207 
 
 fljent, that to attempt a logical proof of it, would be like burn- 
 ing tapers at noon day, to assist the sun in enlightening the 
 world; and it cannot be virtuous or honourable, to attempt to 
 support a government, of which this is not the great and prin- 
 cipal basis; and it is to the last degree vicious and infamous 
 to attempt to support a government, which manifestly tends to 
 render the persons and properties of the governed insecure, 
 Some boast of being friends to government ; I am a friend to 
 righteous government, to a government founded upon the prin- 
 ciples of reason and justice; but I glory in publicly avowing 
 my eternal enmity to tyranny. Is the present system, which 
 the British administration have adopted for the government 
 of the colonies, a righteous government? or is it tyranny? — 
 Here suffer me to ask (and would to Heaven there could be an 
 answer) what tenderness, what regard, respect or considera- 
 tion, has great Britain shewn, in their late transactions, for 
 the security of the persons or properties of the inhabitants of 
 the colonies? or rather, what have they omitted doing to de- 
 stroy that security? They have declared that they have ever 
 had, and of right ought ever to have, full powej' to make laws 
 ■of sufficient validity, to bind the colonies in all cases what- 
 ever: they have exercised this pretended right by imposing a 
 tax upon us without our consent; and lest we should shew 
 some reluctance at parting with our property, her fleets and 
 armies are sent to enforce their mad pretensions. The town 
 of Boston, ever faithful to the British crown, has been invested 
 by a British fleet: the troops of George the III. have crossed 
 the wide Atlantic, not to engage an enemy, but to assist a 
 band of traitors in trampling on the rights and liberties of 
 his most loyal subjects in America; those rights and liberties 
 which, as a father, he ought ever to regard, and as a king, he 
 is bound, in honour, to defend from violations, even at the risk 
 of his own life. 
 
 "But I forbear, and come reluctantly to the transactions of 
 that dismal night, when in such quick succession we felt the 
 extremes of grief, astonishment and rage ; when Heaven, in 
 anger, for a dreadful moment, suffered hell to take the reins; 
 when satan, with his chosen band, opened the sluices of New 
 England's blood, and sacrilegiously polluted our land with the 
 dead bodies of her guiltless sons. Let this sad tale of death 
 never be told without a tear : let not the heaving bosom cease 
 to burn with manly indignation at the barbarous story, through, 
 the long tracts of future time : let every parent tell the shame- 
 ful story to his listening children, till tears of pity glisten in 
 their eyes, and boiling passions shake their tender frames; 
 and whilst the anniversary of that ill-fated night is kept a ju- 
 bilee in the grim court of pandemonium, let all America join 
 
SOS HANCOCK. 
 
 in one common prayer to Heaven, that the inhuman, nnpro* 
 yoked murders of the fifth of March, 1770, planned by Hills- 
 borough, and a knot of treacherous knaves in Boston, and ex- 
 ecuted by the cruel hand of Preston and his sanguinary coad- 
 jutors, may ever stand on history without a parallel. But 
 what, my countrymen, withheld the ready arm of vengeance 
 from executing instant justice on the vile assassins ? Perhaps 
 you feared promiscuous carnage might ensue, and that the in- 
 nocent might share the fate of those who had performed the 
 infernal deed. But were not all guilty ? Were you not too 
 tender of the lives of those who came to fix a yoke on your 
 necks ? But I must not too severely blame a fault, which great 
 souls only can commit. May the magnificence of spirit which 
 scorns the low pursuits of malice, may that generous compas- 
 sion which often preserves from ruin, even a guilty villain, 
 forever actuate the noble bosoms of Americans ! But let not 
 the miscreant host vainly imagine that we feared their arms, 
 No ; them we despised ; we dread nothing but slavery. Death 
 is the creature of a poltroon's brains ; 'tis immortality to sa- 
 crifice ourselves for the salvation of our country. We fear 
 not death. That gloomy night, the pale faced moon, and the. 
 affrighted stars that hurries through the sky, can witness that 
 we fear not death. Our hearts, which, at the recollection, 
 glow with rage that four revolving years have scarcely taught 
 us to restrain, can witness that we fear not death ; and happy 
 it is for those who dared to insult us, that their naked bones 
 are not now piled up an everlasting monument of Massachus- 
 etts' bravery. But they retired, they fled, and in that flight 
 ihey found their only safety. We then expected that the hand 
 of public justice would soon inflict that punishment upon the 
 murderers, which, by the laws of God and man, they had in- 
 curred. 
 
 " Patriotism is ever united with humanity and compassion. 
 This noble affection which impels us to sacrifice every thing 
 dear, even life itself, to our country, involves in it a common 
 sympathy and tenderness for every citizen, and must ever have 
 a particular feeling for one who suffers in a public cause.-— 
 Thoroughly persuaded of this, I need not add a word to en- 
 gage your compassion and bounty towards a fellow-citizen, 
 who with long protracted anguish, falls a victim to the relent^ 
 less rage of our common enemies. 
 
 " Ye dark designing knaves, ye murderers, parasides! how 
 dare you tread upon the earth, which has drank in the blood 
 of slaughtered innocents, shed by your wicked hands? How 
 dare you breathe that air which wafted to the ear of heaven, 
 the groans of those who fell a sacrifice to your accursed am- 
 bition? but if the labouring earth doth not expand her jaws; 
 
HANCOCK. 209 
 
 if the air you breathe is not commissioned to be the minister 
 of death ; yet, hear it, and tremble! the eye of Heaven pene- 
 trates the darkest chambers of the soul, traces the leading cine 
 through all the labyrinths which your industrious folly has 
 devised; and you, however you may have screened yourselves 
 from human eyes, must be arraigned, must lift your hands, 
 red with the blood of those whose death you have procured, at 
 the tremendous bar of God. 
 
 "But I gladly quit the gloomy theme of death, and leave 
 you to improve the thought of that important day, when our 
 naked souls must stand before that being, from whom nothing 
 can be hid. I would not dwell too long upon the horrid effects 
 which have already followed from quartering regular troops 
 in this town: let our misfortunes teach posterity to guard 
 against such evils for the future. 
 
 "Let us be ready to take the field whenever danger calls; 
 let us be united and strengthen the hands of each other, by 
 promoting a general union among us. Much has been done 
 by the committees of correspondence, for the houses of assem- 
 bly, in this and our sister colonies, for uniting the inhabitants 
 of the whole continent. May success ever attend their gen- 
 erous endeavors. But permit me here to suggest a general 
 congress of deputies, from the several houses of assembly, on 
 the continent, as the most effectual method of establishing such 
 an union, as the present posture of our affairs require. At such 
 a congress a firm foundation may be laid for the security of our 
 rights and liberties; a system may be formed for our common 
 safety, by a strict adherence to which, we shall be able to 
 frustrate any attempts to overthrow our constitution; restore 
 peace and harmony to America, and secure honor and wealth 
 to Great Britain, even against the inclinations of her minis- 
 ters, whose duty it is to study her welfare; and we shall also 
 free ourselves from those unmannerly pillagers who impudent- 
 ly tell us, that they are licensed by an act of the British par- 
 liament, to thrust their dirty hands into the pockets of every 
 American. But, I trust, the happy time will come, when, 
 with the besom of destruction, those noxious vermin will be 
 swept forever from the streets of Boston. 
 
 "Surely you never will tamely suffer this country to be a 
 den of thieves. Remember, my friends, from whom you 
 sprang. Let not a meanness of spirit, unknown to those whom 
 you boast of as your fathers, excite a thought to the dishonor 
 of your mothers. I conjure you by all that is dear, by all that 
 is honorable, by all that is sacred, not only that ye pray, but 
 that you act; that, if necessary, ye fight, and even die, for the 
 prosperity of our Jerusalem. Break in sunder, with noble 
 disdain, the bonds with which the Philistines have bound you. 
 
 9,7 
 
210 HANCOCK. 
 
 Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed by the soft arts of luxury 
 and effeminacy, into the pit digged for your destruction. Des- 
 pise the glare of wealth. That people who pay greater re- 
 spect to a wealthy villain, than to an honest upright man in 
 poverty, almost deserve to be enslaved; they plainly shew that 
 wealth, however it may be acquired, is, in their esteem, to be 
 preferred to virtue. 
 
 "But, I thank God, that America abounds in men who are 
 superior to all temptation, whom nothing can divert from a 
 steady pursuit of the interest of their country ; who are at 
 once its ornament and safe-guard. And sure I am, I should 
 not incur your displeasure, if I paid a respect so justly due 
 to their much honoured characters in this place; but, when I 
 name an Adams, such a numerous host of fellow patriots rush 
 upon my mind, that I fear it would take up too much of your 
 time, should I attempt to call over the illustrious roll : but 
 your grateful hearts will point you to the men; and their re- 
 vered names, in all succeeding times, shall grace the annals 
 of America. From them, let us, my friends, take example ; 
 from them, let us catch the divine enthusiasm; and feel, each 
 for himself, the god-like pleasure of diffusing happiness on all 
 around us; of delivering the oppressed from the iron grasp of 
 tyranny; of changing the hoarse complaints and bitter moans 
 of w retched slaves, into those cheerful songs, which freedom 
 and contentment must inspire. There is a heart-felt satisfac- 
 tion in reflecting on our exertions for the public weal, which 
 all the sufferings an enraged tyrant can inflict, will never take 
 away; which the ingratitude and reproaches of those whom 
 we have saved from ruin, cannot rob us of. The virtuous as- 
 serter of the rights of mankind, merits a reward, which even 
 a want of success in his endeavours to save his country, the 
 heaviest misfortune which can befal a genuine patriot, cannot 
 entirely prevent him from receiving. 
 
 "I have the most animating confidence that the present 
 noble struggle for liberty, will terminate gloriously for Ame- 
 rica. And let us play the man for our God, and for the cities 
 of our God; while we are using the means in our power, let 
 us humbly commit our righteous cause to the great Lord of 
 the universe, who loveth righteousness and hateth iniquity — 
 And having secured the approbation of our hearts, by a faith- 
 ful and unwearied discharge of our duty to our country, let 
 us joyfully leave our concerns in the hands of Him who raiseth 
 up and putteth down the empires and kingdoms of the world 
 as lie pleases; and with cheerful submission to his sovereign 
 will, devoutly say, 
 
 " Jlihough the Jig free shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be 
 in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the field shall 
 
HANCOCK. 21 1 
 
 yi tld no meal; thejlock shall be cutoff from the fold; and there 
 shall be no herd in the stalls; yet ice will rejoice in the Lord, wa 
 will joy in the God of our salvation." 
 
 The battle of Lexington now announced the commencement 
 of the revolutionary war. To gain possession of the persons 
 of Hancock and Adams, who lodged together in that village, 
 was one of the motives, it is said, of the expedition which led 
 to that memorable conflict. The design, though covered with 
 great secrecy, was anticipated, and the victims escaped, upon 
 the entrance of their habitation by the British troops. Thus, 
 by the felicitous intervention of a moment, were rescued from 
 a virulent enemy, and perhaps from the executioner, those 
 who were to contribute by their future virtues, to the revolu- 
 tion of empires, and to be handed down to posterity as the be- 
 nefactors of mankind. 
 
 The defeat of the English in this battle was followed by the 
 governor's proclamation, declaring the province in a state of 
 rebellion; offering, at the same time, pardon to all whose pe- 
 nitence should recommend them to this act of grace, with the 
 exception of those notorious offenders, Samuel Adams, and 
 John Hancock. These, by the enormity of their guilt, which 
 was declared too flagitious for impunity, were reserved to pro- 
 pitiate the ferocity of the royal vengeance. But this signal 
 and glorious denunciation, less the effect of good policy, than 
 of passion, advanced these popular chiefs upon the lists of 
 fame; they were every where hailed with increased acclama- 
 tions and applauses, and not only by their illustrious merits, 
 but by the dangers to which they were exposed, were endear- 
 ed to the affections of their countrymen. 
 
 Hancock, in October, 1774, was unanimously elected pre- 
 sident of the provincial congress of Massachusetts. In 1775, 
 he attained the meridian of his political distinction, and the 
 highest honour that the confidence or the esteem of his com- 
 patriots could bestow upon him; being made president of the 
 continental congress. By his long experience in business, as 
 moderator of the town meetings, president and speaker of the 
 provincial assemblies and conventions, during times of great 
 turbulence and commotion, in his native state, he was emi- 
 nently qualified, as well by his natural dignity of manners, to 
 preside in this great council of the nation. 
 
 That there were, in this assembly, personages of a superior 
 age to that of Mr. Hancock, and men, at the same time, of pre- 
 eminent virtues and talents, will not be denied; who required 
 at least some indications of deference from a generous mind, 
 in reference of their merits. It was, besides, on occasion 
 upon which calmness and composure had been little commen- 
 dable: and upon which indifference, or a haughty and super- 
 
813 HANCOCK. 
 
 eilious confidence had been criminal in him who was crowned 
 with the principal honours. For rarely in the vicissitudes of 
 nations, has it happened that interests more sacred have been 
 confided to the infirmity of human wisdom or integrity ; and 
 that a spectacle more imposing has been exhibited to human 
 observation. 
 
 In 1776, July 4th, his name appears as president of the con- 
 gress which declared the colonies independant of the crown 
 of Great Britain. The name of the president alone was pub- 
 lished with the declaration, though every member signed it. 
 It was a mark of respect due to Massachusetts, to have one of 
 their members in the chair, which had been filled by a member 
 from South Carolina and Virginia. Mr Hancock had those 
 talents which were calculated to make him appear to more 
 advantage as chairman, than in the debates of a public body. 
 He excelled as moderator of the Boston town-meetings, as 
 president of the provincial congress, and state convention ; 
 and, as head of the great council of our nation, he was much 
 respected. He discovered a fine address, great impartiality, 
 sufficient spirit to command attention, and preserve order. 
 His voice and manner were much in his favour, and his ex- 
 perience in public business, gave him ease and dignity. 
 
 In 1779, Mr. Hancock resigned his place in congress. He 
 was chosen a member of the convention that formed the consti- 
 tution of Massachusetts. 
 
 From 1780 to 1785, Mr. Hancock was annually chosen go- 
 vernor of the commonwealth of Massachusetts. He declined 
 being a candidate for the office the ensuing year, and was suc- 
 ceeded by the honourable James Bowdoin, Esq. During the 
 administration of Mr. Bowdoin, there was an insurrection in 
 the state, which was happily quelled. Every thing was done 
 in the most judicious manner, by the governor and the legis- 
 lature, yet a part of the community appeared to be discontent- 
 ed with the administration, and in the year 1787, Mr. Han- 
 cock was again placed in the chair. 
 
 His conduct in the state convention during the discussion 
 of it, gained him honour. The opposition to this excellent 
 form of government was great. It w r as said that the majo- 
 rity of the convention would be against the adoption ; and 
 that the governor was with the opposers. He was chosen pre- 
 sident of the convention, but did not attend the debates till 
 the latter week of the session. Certain amendments were 
 proposed to remove the objections of those, who thought some 
 of the articles deprived the people of their rights. He intro- 
 duced these amendments with great propriety, and voted for 
 the adoption of the constitution. His name and influence 
 doubtless turned many in favour of the federal government. 
 
HANCOCK. 213 
 
 The latter years of his administration were easy to him on 
 account of the public tranquility. The federal government 
 became the source of so much prosperity, that the people were 
 easy and happy. The two patriots, Hancock and Adams, 
 were reconciled. When lieutenant governor dishing died, 
 general Lincoln was chosen as his successor. This gave great 
 offence to Mr. Adams, and it Mas very disagreeable to the go- 
 vernor. They joined their strength to support the same mea- 
 sures, as well as renewed their friendship. The next year, 
 Lincoln was left out of office, and Mr. Adams chosen lieute- 
 nant governor. This gentlemen succeeded Mr. Hancock, as 
 governor of the commonwealth, after his death. 
 
 He had married, about twenty years before his death, Mis.s 
 Quincy, daughter of an eminent magistrate of Boston. No 
 children were, however, left to inherit his fortune, or per- 
 petuate his name; his only son having died in his youth. 
 
 He died suddenly on the 8th of October, 1793, in the 55th 
 year of his age. During several days, his body lay in state 
 at his mansion, where great multitudes thronged to pay the 
 last offices of their grief and affection. His obsequies were at- 
 tended witli great pomp and solemnity, and amidst the tears of 
 his countrymen, he was committed to the dust. Dr. Thacher 
 preached his funeral sermon the next sabbath. He was very 
 friendly to the clergy of all denominations, and did a great 
 deal to promote the cause of learning as well as religion. — 
 The library of Harvard college will give an exhibition of his 
 munificence: for the name of Hancock, in golden letters, now 
 adorns one of the alcoves of the library room, and is upon 
 the records of the university among her greatest benefactors. 
 
 In stature he was above the middle size, of excellent pro- 
 portion of limbs, of extreme benignity of countenance; pos- 
 sessing a flexible and harmonious voice, a manly and digni- 
 fied aspect. By the improvement of these natural qualities 
 from observation and extensive intercourse with the world, he 
 had acquired a pleasing elocution with the most graceful and 
 conciliating manners; acquisitions which are perhaps less 
 fitted to the austere virtues of a republic, than to the glitter 
 and magnificence of monarchy; but were used by Mr. Han- 
 cock in arts so liberal and beneficial to his country, that the 
 most unsocial and supercilious advocate of sobriety, will par- 
 don him the possession of them. 
 
 Of his talents it is a sufficient evidence, that, in the various 
 stations to which his fortune had elevated him in the republic, 
 he acquitted himself with an honourable distinction and ca- 
 pacity. His communications to the general assembly, and his 
 correspondence as president of congress, are titles of no ordi- 
 nary commendation. Of extensive erudition he has given no 
 positive testimony. His knowledge was practical and fami- 
 
214 HANCOCK. 
 
 liar. He neither penetrated the intricacies of profound re- 
 search, nor did he mount inaccessible elevations. 
 
 Of the other statesmen and warriors of the revolution, and 
 especially of the members of the continental congress, it may 
 be observed, that in wisdom and intelligence, as well as in- 
 tegrity and magnanimity, they suffer no degradation in being 
 compared with the most illustrious patriots of ancient or mo- 
 dern times. 
 
 Mr. Hancock was promoted to every office which a man 
 fond of public life could expect or desire. Such an elevation 
 to prosperous circumstances would make some men giddy, 
 and cause others to despise their neighbour, poorer than 
 themselves. 
 
 " The greatest fault in his character, was apevishness and 
 irritability that often grieved his friends, but which was for- 
 given, on reflecting, that this failing was not owing to a bad 
 heart, or a mean spirit, but to perpetual ill health. His con- 
 stitution was naturally feeble, and he was for many years se- 
 verely afflicted with the gout. The greater portion of his life, 
 indeed, was passed in physical suffering ; his mind rose supe- 
 rior to this misfortune in the discharge of his public duties : 
 and as he never relaxed from these, while it was possible for 
 him to continue his efforts, his family, and his acqaintance, 
 bore with indulgence a natural consequence of infirmities, un- 
 der which a less powerful mind would have sunk entirely. 
 
 " He possessed many valuable qualifications for public life, 
 a knowledge of business, and facility in despatching it, and a 
 ready insight into the characters of men. As an orator, he 
 was not remarkable ; he seldom made an elaborate speech, 
 and the only discourse of his in print, is the oration on the 5th 
 of March, 1774. But as the president, moderator, or speaker, 
 of an assembly, whether it was a town meeting, or a house of 
 representatives, he was not surpassed by any person of his 
 time. His voice was powerful, his acquaintance with parlia- 
 mentary forms, accurate, and his apprehension of questions, 
 quick ; he was attentive, impartial, and dignified; and in these 
 situations inspired respect and confidence wherever he pre- 
 sided. 
 
 The editor will again refer to, and give an extract from, 
 the oration of Richard Rush, Esq. delivered at the city of 
 Washington, July 4, 1812. He said, "during the siege of 
 Boston, general Washington consulted congress upon the pro- 
 priety of bombarding the town. Mr. Hancock was then pre- 
 sident of congress. After general Washington's letter was 
 read, a solemn silence ensued. This was broken by a mem- 
 ber making a motion that the house should resolve itself into 
 a committee of the whole, in order that Mr. Hancock might 
 
HATHAWAY— HAWKINS. £15 
 
 give his opinion upon the subject, as he was so deeply inter- 
 ested from having all his estate in Boston. After he left tho 
 chair, he addressed the chairman of the committee of the 
 whole, in the following words: "It is true, sir, nearly all tho 
 property I have in the world, is in houses and other real estate 
 in the town of Boston; but if the expulsion of the British army 
 from it, and the liberties of our country require their being 
 burnt to ashes, issue the orders for that purpose immediately." 
 
 HATHAWAY, Bejvoni, was a brave officer in the revolu- 
 tionary war. At the commencement of our revolutionary 
 struggle, this venerable man was in the prime of youth and 
 vigour of manhood, and was, from its beginning to its close, 
 one of its most steady and firm supporters. When New Jer- 
 sey was overrun by the enemy, when Newark, Elizabethtown, 
 New Brunswick, and most of our principal towns and vil- 
 lages were in their possession, he was constantly and actively 
 employed on tours of militia duty. He commanded a com- 
 pany, acting under the orders of brigadier general Winds, 
 and possessed the entire confidence of his commander and of 
 his men. He was a man of cool and determined courage and 
 prudence, and from his perfect knowledge of the country, and 
 the adroitness of his men in the use of the musket, they were 
 enabled greatly to annoy and harrass the enemy, by hanging 
 on their rear, cutting off their supplies, intercepting their fo- 
 raging parties, capturing their guards and sentinels, surpris- 
 ing their camp at night, &c. &c. In a night attack which he 
 made at Elizabethtown, in December, 1777, upon the British 
 and Hessians under general Kniphausen, he received a mus- 
 ket ball at the margin of the ear, which, striking the skull 
 obliquely, and glancing backward between the skull and the 
 skin, passed out at the back part of the head. He was car- 
 ried off by his men, supposed to be mortally wounded, but re- 
 covered. 
 
 He died at Newark, New Jersey, on the 1 9th of April, 
 1823, in the seventieth year of his age. 
 
 HAWKINS, Nathan, was a native of Rhode Island. He 
 manifested an early opposition to the oppressive acts of Great 
 Britain. When the port of Boston was shut, in 1774, though 
 scarcely arrived to manhood, he was delegated by the town of 
 South Kingston to present an offer of provisions to the suf- 
 fering inhabitants of Boston. When the news of the ever 
 memorable battle of Lexington, the first struggle for liberty, 
 reached his native village, it was midnight, and was announc- 
 
 lit O y O 7 
 
 ed by the firing of cannon and the ringing of bells; the watch- 
 word then was, "we must fight," and before twelve hours 
 had expired, lie was at the head of a volunteer corps, march- 
 ing to the scene of action. After this he entered the state and 
 
216 HAWLEY. 
 
 United States' service, and was in several engagements dur- 
 ing the revolution. At length he retired to Charlestown, Mas- 
 sachusetts, where he lived an independent life by the cultiva- 
 tion of the soil. 
 
 He died in Charlestown, Massachusetts, on the 3d of Octo- 
 ber, 1817, in the sixty-ninth year of his age. In his death 
 we record another of the few remaining officers of the revolu- 
 tion. As they pass off it may be instructive to pause and en- 
 quire who they are who are dear to every American, and why 
 they have so strong a hold on our sympathy and affection, for 
 in them we see that we are losing the founders of our country. 
 Bigoted to no party, he was ever a warm advocate for the 
 principles of the revolution, and was highly respected for his 
 patriotism and integrity. For near thirty years he succes- 
 sively held offices of trust and honour in the town, and we be- 
 lieve him deserving of that character which is above all praise, 
 an honest man. 
 
 HAWLEY, Joseph, distinguished as a statesmand and 
 patriot, was born in Northampton, Massachusetts, in 1724, 
 and was graduated in Yale college in 1742. Soon after fin- 
 ishing his collegial education, he engaged in the study and 
 the practice of the law in his native town. In this science he 
 became a great proficient, and was one of the most distin- 
 guished counsellors in the province. Among his other stu- 
 dies, he attained to such an eminence of knowledge in politi- 
 cal history, and the principles of free government, that, dur- 
 ing the disputes between Great Britain and the colonies, he 
 was regarded as one of the ablest advocates of American li- 
 berty. His integrity, both in public and in private life, was 
 inflexible, and was not even questioned by his political oppo- 
 nents. He was repeatedly elected a member of the council* 
 but refused in every instance to accept the office, as he prefer- 
 red a seat in the house of representatives, where his charac- 
 ter for disinterested patriotism, and his bold and manly elo- 
 quence gave him an ascendency, which has seldom been equal- 
 led. 
 
 In 1776, he, together with Samuel Adams and John Han- 
 cock, were elected members of the legislature. He acquir- 
 ed great influence in the public councils. The ascendancy 
 which was allotted to him by the deference of others, was a 
 fortunate circumstance for his country. Never was influence 
 exercised with more intelligent, devoted and inflexible patri- 
 otism. He made up his mind earlier than most men, that the 
 struggle against oppression would lead to war, and that our 
 rights at last must be secured by our arms. As the crisis ap- 
 proached, when some persons urged upon him the danger of 
 a contest, so apparently unequal, his answer was, "We must 
 put to sea, Providence will bring us into port." 
 
IIAWLEY. 217 
 
 From a correspondence between Mr. John Adams, late pre- 
 sident of the United States, and William Wirt. Esq. of Vir- 
 ginia, the biographer of Patrick Henry, it would seem that 
 the declaration. "We must fight," which Mr. Wirt had claim- 
 ed for Mr. Henry, was derived from a letter which he him- 
 self had shown to Mr. Henry, written by major Hawlcy, in 
 
 1774. Mr. Adams, in a letter to Mr. Wirt, dated Quincy, 
 January 23, 1818, says, "When congress had finished their 
 business, as they thought, in the autumn of 1774, I had, with 
 Mr. Henry before we took leave of each other, some familiar 
 conversation, in which I expressed a full conviction that our 
 resolves, declaration of rights, enumeration of wrongs, pe- 
 titions, remonstrances and addresses, associations, and non- 
 importation agreements, however they might be expected in 
 America, and however necessary to cement the union of the 
 colonies, would be but waste water in England, Mr. Hen- 
 ry said they might make some impression among the people 
 of England, hut agreed with me that they would be totally 
 lost upon the government. I had just received a short and 
 hasty letter, written to me by major Joseph Hawley, of North- 
 ampton, containing a few 'broken hints,' as he called them, 
 of what he thought was proper to be done, and concluding 
 with these words, 'after all we must fight.' This let- 
 ter I read to Mr. Henry, who listened witb great attention, 
 and as soon as I had pronounced the words, 'after all we must 
 fight,' he raised his head, and, with an energy and vehemence 
 
 that I never can forget, broke out with 'By I am of that 
 
 man's mind. 9 I put the letter into his hand, and when he had 
 read it he returned it to me, with an equally solemn assever- 
 ation, that he agreed entirely in opinion with the writer. I 
 considered this as a sacred oath, upon a very great occasion, 
 and could have sw r orn it as religiously as he did. and by no 
 means inconsistent with what you say, in some part of your 
 book, that he never took the Sacred Name in vain." 
 
 "As 1 knew the sentiments with which Mr. Henry left 
 congress in the autumn of 1774, and knew the chapter and 
 verse from which he had borrowed the sublime expression, 
 'We must fight,' I was not at all surprised at your history, 
 in the 122d page, in the note, and in some of the preceding 
 and following pages. Mr. Henry only pursued in March, 
 
 1775, the views and vows of November, 1774. 
 
 "The other delegates from Virginia returned to their state 
 in full confidence, that all our grievances would be redressed. 
 The last words that Mr. Richard Henry Lee said to me when 
 we parted, were, "we shall infallibly carry all our points. Ton 
 will be completely relieved; all the offensive acts will be repeal- 
 
 2% 
 
218 HAWLEY. 
 
 cdi the army aud fleet will be recalled, and Britain will gtvs 
 up her foolish project.' 
 
 " Washington only was in doubt. He never spoke in pub- 
 lic. In private he joined with those, who advocated a non- 
 exportation, as well as a non-importation agreement. With 
 both he thought we should prevail; without either, he thought 
 it doubtful. Henry was clear in One opinion, Richard Henry 
 Lee in an opposite* opinion, and Washington doubted between 
 the two. Henry, however, appeared in the end to be exactly in 
 the right." 
 
 In 1819, president Adams communicated the 'broken hints/ 
 alluded to in the foregoing, to II. Xiles, Esq. which are insert- 
 ed at length in Mr. Niles's valuable work, entitled. "Princi- 
 ples and Acts of the Revolution in America." a work which 
 ought to be in the library of every man w ho \ enerates the prin- 
 ciples and the men of '76. We here insert an extract from 
 the "broken hints." 
 
 "We must jight, if we caivt otherwise rid ourselves of Bri- 
 tish taxation,* all revenues, and the constitution or form of go- 
 vernment enacted for us by the British parliament. It is evil 
 against right: utterly intolerable to every man who has any 
 idea or feeling of right or liberty. 
 
 "It is easy to demonstrate that the regulation act will soon 
 annihilate every thing of value in the charter, introduce per- 
 fect despotism, "and render the house of representatives a mere 
 form and ministerial engine. 
 
 4, It is now or never, that we must assert our liberty. — 
 Twenty years will make the number of tories on this continent 
 equal to the number of whigs. Thev who shall be born will 
 not have any idea of a free government. 
 
 "It w ill necessarily be a question, whether the new govern- 
 ment of this province shall be suffered to take place at all; or 
 whether it shall be immediately withstood and resisted? 
 
 "A most important question this: I humbly conceive it not 
 best forcibly or wholly to resist it immediately. 
 
 "There is not heat enough yet for battle. Constant, and a 
 sort of negative resistance of government, will increase the 
 heat and blow the fire. There is not military skill enough. 
 That is improving, and must be encouraged and improved, 
 but will daily increase, 
 
 "Fight we must, finally, unless Britain retreats. 
 ♦'But it is of infinite consequence that victory be thr e d 
 and issue of hostilities. If we get to fighting before necess J 
 dispositions are made for it, we shall be conquered, and ail 
 will be lost forever. 
 
 "Our salvation depends upon an established persevering 
 union of the colonies. 
 
HAWLEY. 319 
 
 'The tools of administration arc using every device and 
 effort to destroy that union, and they will certainly continue 
 so to do. 
 
 "Thereupon, all possible devices and endeavors must be 
 used to establish, improve, brighten, and maintain such union. 
 
 "Every grievance of any one; colony must be held and con 
 sidered by the whole as a grievance to (be whole, and must 
 operate on the whole as a grievance to the whole. This will 
 be a difficult matter to effect: but it must be done, 
 
 "Quere, therefore: whether is it not absolutely necessary 
 that some plan be settled lor a continuation of congresses? — 
 But here we must be aware that congresses will soon be de~ 
 lared and emu ted by parliament, to be high treason. 
 
 "Is the India company to he compensated or not? 
 
 "If to he compensated ; each colony to pay the particular 
 damage she has done, or is an average to be made on the con- 
 tinent'' 
 
 "The destruction of the, tea was not unjust: therefore, to 
 what good purpose is the tea to he paid lor, unless wc are as- 
 sured that, by so doing, our lights will be restored and peace 
 obtained? 
 
 "What future measures is the continent to preserve, with re- 
 gard to imported dutiedtea, whether it. comes as Bast India 
 property or otherwise, under the pretence and lie that the tea 
 IS imported from Holland, and the goods imported before a 
 retain given day? Dutied tea will be imported and consum- 
 ed; goods continue to be imported: your non-importation 
 agreement eluded, rendered contemptible and ridiculous: un- 
 less all teas used, and ;ill goods, are taken into some public 
 
 custody which will be inviolably faithful. " 
 
 Major Maw by did not appear in the legislature after the 
 year I77u\ but he never relaxed his z< a] in the service of his 
 country, and was ready to contribute his efforts to the public 
 service. By his private exertions he rendered assistance, at 
 
 some very critical and discouraging periods. At, the season 
 
 when the prospects of the American army were the most 
 
 gloomy, when the Jerseys were overrun, and the feelings of 
 many were on the verge of despondency, he exerted himself 
 with great; activity and success, to rally the spirits of his fel- 
 low-citizens. At this time, when apathy appeared stealing 
 upon tin; country, and the people were reluctant to march, on 
 a seemingly desperate enterprise, tie addressed a body of mi- 
 litia to urge them to volunteer as recruits. His manly elo 
 quence, his powerful appeals to their pride, their patriotism, 
 
 their duty, to every tiling which they held (Unr and sacred. 
 awakened their dormant, feelings, and excited them to enthu 
 Miasm. 
 
220 HAYJSE. 
 
 Major Ilawlcy was a sincerely religious and pious man, 
 but here, as in politics, he loathed all tyranny and fanatical 
 usurpation. In the latter part of 1776, he was afflicted with 
 hypochondriacal disorders, to which he had been frequently 
 subject in former periods of his life; and after this declined 
 public business. He died, March 10, 1788, aged sixty-four 
 years. 
 
 Major Hawley was a patriot without personal animosities, 
 an orator without vanity, a lawyer without chicanery, and a 
 gentleman without ostentation: a statesman without duplicity, 
 and a christian without bigotry. As a man of commanding 
 talents, his firm renunciation and self-denial of all ambitious 
 views, would have secured him that respect which such 
 strength of mind inevitably inspires; while his voluntary and 
 zealous devotion to the service of his countrymen, established 
 him in their affection. His uprightness and plainness, united 
 to his affability and disinterestedness, gave most extensive in- 
 fluence to his opinions, and in a period of doubt, divisions and 
 danger, men sought relief from their perplexities in his au- 
 thority, and suffered their course to be guided by him; when 
 they distrusted their own judgments, or the counsels of others. 
 He, in fine, formed one of those manly, public spirited, and 
 generous citizens, ready to share peril and decline reward, 
 who illustrate the idea of a commonwealth, and who, through 
 the obstructions of human passions and infirmities, being of 
 rare occurrence, will always be the most admired, appropri- 
 ate, and noble ornaments of a free government. 
 
 HAYNE, Isaac, a martyr to American liberty, during the 
 revolutionary war, served his country as an officer of militia, 
 during the siege of Charleston, South Carolina. After the 
 city had fallen into the hands of the British, lord Cornwallis 
 issued a proclamation, requiring of the inhabitants of the co- 
 lony, that they should no longer take part in the contest, but 
 continue peaceably at their homes, and they should be most sa- 
 credly protected in property and person. This was accom- 
 panied with an instrument of neutrality, which soon obtained 
 the signatures of many of the citizens of South Carolina, 
 among whom was colonel Hayne. There was no alternative 
 left him, but to abandon his family and property, or to surren- 
 der to the conquerors. The small pox was near his planta- 
 tion, and he had a wife and six small children, and more than 
 one hundred negroes, all liable to the disease. To acknow- 
 ledge himself the subject of a government which he had from 
 principle renounced, was repugnant to his feelings ; but, 
 without this, he was cut off from every prospect of return to 
 his family. 
 In this embarrassing situation, he waited on Dr. Ramsay, 
 
IIAYNE. 221 
 
 with a declaration to the following effect. "If the British 
 would grant me the indulgence which we in the day of our 
 power gave to their adherents, of removing my family and 
 property, I would seek an asylum in tiie remotest corner of 
 the United States, rather than submit to their government; 
 but, as they allow no other alternative than submission or 
 confinement in the capital, at a distance from my wife and fa- 
 mily, at a time when they are in the most pressing need of m^ 
 presence and support, I must for the present yield to the de- 
 mands of the conquerors. I request you to hear in mind, that 
 previous to my taking this step, I declare that it is contrary 
 to my inclination, and forced on me by hard necessity. I 
 never will hear arms against my country. My new masters 
 can require no service of me, but what is enjoined by the old 
 militia law of the province, which substitutes a fine in lieu of 
 personal service. This I will pay as the price of my protec- 
 tion. If my conduct should be censured by my countrymen, 
 I beg that you would remember this conversation, and bear 
 witness for me, that I do not mean to desert the cause of Ame- 
 rica." 
 
 In this state of perplexity, colonel Hayne subscribed a de- 
 claration of his allegiance to the king of Great Britain ; but 
 not without expressly objecting to the clause which required 
 him with Ids arms to support the royal government. The com- 
 mandant of the garrison, Brigadier general Patterson and 
 James Simpson, Esquire, intend ent of the British police, as- 
 sured him that this would never he required; and added fur- 
 ther, that when the regular forces could not defend the coun- 
 try, without the aid of its inhabitants, it would be high time 
 for the royal army to quit it. Having submitted to the royal 
 goverment, he was permitted to return to his family. Not- 
 withstanding what had passed at the time of his submission, 
 he was repeatedly called on to take arms against his country- 
 men, and finally threatened with close confinement in case of 
 a further refusal. This he considered as a breach of contract, 
 and it being no longer in the power of the British to give him 
 that protection which was to be the compensation of his alle- 
 giance, he viewed himself as released from all engagements 
 to their commanders. 
 
 Colonel Hayne now being compelled, in violation of the 
 most solemn compact, to take up arms, resolved that the in- 
 vaders of his native country should be the objects of his ven- 
 geance. He withdrew from the British, and was invested 
 with a command in the continental service; but it was soon 
 his hard fortune to be captured by the enemy and carried into 
 Charleston. Lord Rawdon, the commandant, immediately or- 
 dered him to be loaded with irons, and, after a sort of a mock 
 
222 HAYNE. 
 
 trial, he was sentenced to be hung ! This sentence seized all 
 classes of people with horror and dismay, A petition, headed 
 by the British Governor Bull, and signed by a number of Roy- 
 alists, was presented in his behalf, but was totally disregarded. 
 The ladies of Charleston, both whigs and tories, now united 
 in a petition to Lord Rawdon, couched in the most eloquent 
 and moving language, praying that the valuable life of Co- 
 lonel Hayne might be spared : but this also was treated with 
 neglect. It was next proposed that Colonel Hayne's children, 
 (the mother had recently expired with the small pox,) should 
 in their mourning habiliments, be presented to plead for the 
 life of their only surviving parent. Being introduced into his 
 presence, they fell on their knees, and with clasped hands and 
 weeping eyes, they lisped their father's name and plead most 
 earnestly for his life. Reader ! what is your anticipation ; 
 do you imagine that Lord Rawdon, pitying their motherless 
 condition, tenderly embraced these afllicted children and res- 
 tored them to the fond embrace of their father ? No ! ! the un- 
 feeling man was still inexorable; he suffered even these little 
 ones to plead in vain ! His son, was permitted to stay 
 with his father in prison, who beholding his only parent 
 loaded with irons and condemned to die, was overwhelmed 
 in grief and sorrow. "Why," said he, "my son, will you 
 thus break your father's heart with unavailing sorrow? — 
 Have I not often told you that we came into this world but to 
 prepare for a better ? For that better life, my dear boy, your 
 father is prepared. Instead then of weeping, rejoice with 
 me. my son, that my troubles arc so near an end. To-morrow 
 I set out for immortality. You will accompany me to the place 
 of my execution; and, when I am dead, take and bury me by 
 the side of your mother." The youth here fell on his father's 
 neck, crying. "Oh, my father! my father! I will die with 
 you! I will die with you!" Colonel Hayne would have re- 
 turned the strong embrace of his son; but, alas! his hands 
 were confined with irons. "Live," said he, "my son, live 
 to honour God by a good life, live to serve your country; and 
 live to take care of your brother and little sisters !" 
 
 The colonel was repeatedly visited by his friends, and con 
 versed on various subjects with a becoming fortitude. He 
 particularly lamented that, on principles of retaliation, his 
 execution would probably be an introduction to the shedding 
 of much innocent blood. He requested those in whom the su- 
 preme power was vested, to accommodate the mode of his 
 death to the feelings of an officer; but this was refused. On 
 the last evening of his life he told a friend that he was no 
 more alarmed at the thoughts of death, than at any other oc- 
 currence which was necessary and unavoidable. 
 
tIAYNE. 223 
 
 On receiving his summons on the morning of August the 
 4th, to proceed to the place of execution, he delivered to his 
 eldest son, a youth of ahout thirteen years of age, several pa- 
 pers relative to his case, and said, " Present these papers to 
 Mrs. Edwards, with my request, that she should forward 
 them to her brother in congress. You will repair to the place 
 of execution, receive my body, and see it decently interred 
 among my forefathers." They took a final leave. The co- 
 lonel's arms were pinioned, and a guard placed round his per- 
 son. The procession began from the Exchange in the fore- 
 noon. The streets were crowded with thousands of anxious 
 spectators. He walked to the place of execution with such 
 decent firmness, composure and dignity, as to awaken the com- 
 passion of many, and command respect from all. Soon as 
 they came in sight of the gallows, the father strengthened 
 himself and said, "now, my son, show y ours elf a man.' That 
 tree is the boundary of my life, and of all my life's sorrows. Be- 
 yond that the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary are at 
 rest. Don't lay too much to heart our separation from you: it will 
 be but short. It was hit lately your dear mother died To-day I 
 die, and you, my son, though hit young, must shortly follow us." 
 " Yes, my father," replied the broken hearted youth, ". I shall 
 shortly follow you; for indeed I feel that I cannot live long." 
 
 He ascended the cart with a firm step and serene aspect. 
 He inquired of the executioner, who was making an attempt 
 to get up to pull the cap over his eyes, what he wanted. On 
 being informed, the colonel replied, "I will save you the 
 trouble," and pulled the cap over himself. He was after- 
 wards asked whether he wished to say any thing, to which 
 he answered, "I will only take leave of my friends, and 
 be ready." He then affectionately shook hands with three 
 gentlemen, recommended his children to their care, and gave 
 the signal for the cart to move. 
 
 The son on seeing his father in the hands of the execution- 
 er, and then struggling in the halter, he stood like one trans- 
 fixed and motionless with horror. Till then lie had wept in- 
 cessantly, but soon as he saw that sight, the fountain of his 
 tears was staunched, and he never wept more. He died in- 
 sane, and in his last moments often called on the name of his 
 father in terms that brought tears from the hardest heart. 
 
 We have selected the foregoing particulars from "Thach- 
 er's Journal," and " Collections, Historical and Miscellane- 
 ous," a neat monthly literary Journal, published in Concord, 
 New Hampshire, by Jacob B. Moore. We select what fol- 
 lows, from " Garden's Anecdotes of the Revolutionary War." 
 
 "Irregularities in the mode of conducting the war, in the 
 highest degree disgraceful to the American cause, had fre- 
 
224 HAYNE. 
 
 quently occurred. That these resulted, for the most part, 
 irom excessive provocation on the part of the enemy, and law- 
 less excesses encouraged towards the whig inhabitants 
 of the South, cannot be denied, and as acts of retaliation can 
 alone be palliated, even with a shadow of excuse. No man la- 
 mented them with greater sincerity than Colonel Hayne, for 
 none more anxiously wished the American character to be free 
 from reproach. Soon, then, as solicited by his neighbours, 
 and the inhabitants generally, of the District, to resume a 
 hostile position, to become their leader, and direct their ope- 
 rations against the enemy, he made an honorable and open de- 
 claration : "That he could only be induced to comply with 
 their wishes, by obtaining a solemn promise from all who 
 were to serve under him, that an immediate stop should be 
 put to every unnecessary severity ; a desideratum the more 
 to be insisted upon, as he was resolved that exemplary pun- 
 ishment should be inflicted on every individual who should 
 indulge in pillage, or commit any act of inhumanity against 
 the foe." A copy of the address made to his soldiers on this 
 occasion, was found on him at the period of his captivity ; but 
 although it forcibly expressed his abhorrence of crime, and 
 was replete with sentiments that did honour to his humanity, 
 it availed not to soften the rigour of persecution, nor in the 
 slightest degree to mitigate the severity of the punishment de- 
 nounced against him. When the paper which contained this 
 honourable testimony of generous feeling was presented to 
 Major M'Kenzie, vsho sat as President of the tribunal before 
 which Colonel Hayne was arraigned, he, with great expres- 
 sion of sensibility, requested the prisoner "to retain it till he 
 should be brought before the Court Martial that was to deter- 
 mine h is fate," assuring him, "that the present Court were 
 only directed to inquire, whether or not he acknowledged him- 
 self to be the individual who had taken protection." It is un- 
 necessary to add, that this trial was never granted. Lord 
 Rawdon reached the city from the interior country, and at his 
 command an order for immediate execution was issued. Lit- 
 tle did the sympathy that melted every heart to tenderness; 
 little did the pathetic address of the lovely daughters of the 
 soil, calculated to move even the bosom of obduracy, avail. 
 Heedless of the prayers and solicitations of his afflicted 
 friends and relatives, deaf to the cries of his children, who 
 even with bended knees interceded for mercy, insensible to 
 the dictates of humanity, his resolution was fixed as ada- 
 mant, and a hero was sacrificed." 
 
 In Lee's memoirs we also find the following narrative of 
 the last scene of his life : " Accompanied by a few friends, 
 he marched with unruffled serenity through a weeping crowd 
 
HEATH. 225 
 
 b the place of execution. The sight of the gibbet accasion- 
 od a momentary expression of agony and dismay. He paused, 
 but immediately recovering his wonted firmness,, moved for- 
 ward. At this instant, a friend whispered his confidence, that 
 he would exhibit an example of the firmness with which an 
 American could die. "I will endeavour to do so," was the 
 reply of the modest martyr. Never was intention better ful- 
 filled. Neither arrogating superiority, nor betraying weak- 
 ness, he ascended the cart unsupported and unappalled. Hav- 
 ing taken leave of his friends, and commended his infant fa- 
 mily to their protection, he drew the cap over his eyes, and il- 
 lustrated, by his demeanor, that death in the cause of our coun- 
 try, even on a gallows, cannot appal the virtues of the brave." 
 
 Thus fell colonel Isaac Hayne in the bloom of life, furnish- 
 ing that example in death, which extorted a confession from 
 liis enemies, that though he did not die in a good cause, he 
 must at least have acted from a persuasion of its being so. 
 
 HEATH, William, was a native of Roxbury, Massa- 
 chusetts, and was from his youth a cultivator of the soil, 
 which was his favourite pursuit. He was not conversant with 
 general literature, but being particularly attached to the 
 study of military tactics, he acquired a knowledge of modern 
 warfare in its various branches and duties. 
 
 At an early period of the opposition of the colonies to the 
 unjust and oppressive measures of the British ministry, he 
 was an active militia officer, and assiduously engaged in orga- 
 nizing and disciplining the companies of militia and minute 
 men. In the year 1775, being ranked among the patriots and 
 advocates for liberty, he was by the Provincial Congress, 
 commissioned as a brigadier general. 
 
 During the siege of Boston, he was in commission as a ge- 
 neral officer. When general Washington contemplated an 
 attack on Boston, general Heath was offered the command 
 of a division, but he declined it. 
 
 In August, 1776, he was by Congress promoted to the rank of 
 major general in the continental army, and in the campaign 
 of that year he commanded a division near the enemy's lines 
 at King's bridge and Morrisania. During the year 1 777, 
 and till November, 1778, he was the commanding officer of 
 the eastern department, and his head quarters were at Bos- 
 ton. Here devolved on him the very arduous duties of su- 
 perintendent of the convention troops, captured with general 
 Burgoyne at Saratoga, which were quartered at Cambridge. 
 This station required a character of uncommon firmness and 
 decision, and had General Heath been destitute of these qua- 
 lities, he would have been subjected to the grossest impositions 
 and indignities, from the haughty general* Burgoyne and 
 
 28 
 
225 HEATH. 
 
 Phillips, and the perverse temper of their soldiery. Thes* 
 officers, lofty in spirit, and of high rank and character, now 
 chagrined by a state of captivity, occasioned to general Heath 
 a series of difficulties and vexations. He soon, however, con- 
 -vinced them that he was neither deficient in spirit, nor ignor- 
 ant of his duty as a military commander. In all his proceed- 
 ings with these turbulent captives, he supported the authority 
 of congress and the honor and dignity of the command repos- 
 ed in him; and he received the entire approbation of that ho- 
 norable body, to whom he was amenable for his conduct. In 
 the most interesting and critical circumstances in which a ge- 
 neral could possibly be placed, he uniformly exhibited a pru- 
 dence, animation, decision and firmness, which ha\e done him 
 honor, and fully justified the confidence reposed in him. 
 
 The cordial and most explicit approbation of the army, the 
 inhabitants of this town, the army and navy of our illustrious" 
 ally, the government of this state, his Excellency the com- 
 mander in chief, and of congress, added to the consciousness 
 of his having discharged his trust with fidelity, must in a great 
 measure have alleviated the fatigues incident to his arduous 
 station, and compensated the loss of his health so much im- 
 paired by an incessant attention to business. In June, 1779, 
 general Heath was elected by congress a commissioner ofths 
 board of war, with a salary of four thousand dollars per an- 
 num, and allowed to retain his rank in the army, which he 
 declined, preferring to participate in active operations in the 
 field. 
 
 In the summer of 1780, he was directed by the commander 
 in chief to repair to Rhode Island to make arrangements for 
 the reception of the French fleet and army which were expect- 
 ed soon to arrive. In his interview with the Count Rocham- 
 beau, and other officers of the French army and navy, he prof- 
 fered his friendly civilities and contributed all in his power 
 to their comfortable accommodation, which was productive 
 of a mutual and lasting friendship between them. Indefatiga- 
 ble attention to duty in the various stations assigned him, was 
 a prominent trait in his character. In May, 1781, general 
 Heath was directed by the commander in chief to repair to the 
 New England states to represent to their repective executives 
 the distressing condition of our army, and to solicit a speedy 
 supply of provisions and clothing, in which he was successful. 
 As senior major general, he was more than once commander 
 of the right wing of our army, and during the absence of the 
 commander in chief, at the siege of Yorktown, he was en- 
 trusted with the command of the main army posted at the high- 
 lands and vicinity, to guard the important works on the Hud- 
 son. On the 24th of June, 1784, hostilities having ceased 
 
HENRY. £27 
 
 between the two armies, general Washington addressed a let- 
 ter to general Heath, expressing his thanks for his meritorious 
 services, and his real affection and esteem, and on the same 
 Jay they took their final leave. 
 
 General Heath was corpulent and hald headed, which occa- 
 sioned some of the French officers to observe that he resem- 
 bled tlie marquis of Granby. and lie appeared always pleased 
 with the comparison. As an officer of parade and discipline, 
 lie was respectable. 
 
 Immediately after the close of the war. general Heath was 
 called again into public service in civil life, and continued to 
 hold a seat, either in the legislature, or in the council of 
 Massachusetts, till the county of Norfolk was established, in 
 1793. when he was appointed by governor Hancock, judge 
 of probate, and a justice of the court of common pleas, the 
 latter office he did not accept. In the former he continued till 
 his death. He was also a member of the state convention 
 which ratified the federal constitution. All these offices he 
 discharged with assiduity, affability and impartiality, and to 
 the general satisfaction of his fellow citizens. 
 
 He had formed his opinion of human nature on the most fa- 
 vourable examples, and to the close of life had a strong re- 
 gard to popular opinion. He repeatedly allowed himself to 
 be held up and voted for. for the office of governor and lieu- 
 tenant governor of the commonwealth, and at one period, had. 
 no doubt, a willingness and desire to hold one of these offices. 
 
 In 1806. he was elected lieutenant governor, but he refused 
 to serve. He was more than once an elector of president 
 and vice president of the United States. 
 
 He died at Roxbury, Massachusetts. January 24, 1814, 
 aged 77 years. 
 
 HENRY. Patrick, governor of Virginia, and a most elo- 
 quent and distinguished orator, took an early and active pari 
 in support of the rights of his country, against the tyranny of 
 Great Britain. He was born at Studley. in the county of 
 Hanover, and state ot Virginia, on the. -29111 May, 17S6. 
 He descended from respectable Scotch ancestry, in the pater- 
 nal line: and his mother was a native of the county in which 
 he was born. On the maternal side, at least, he seems to have 
 descended from a rhetorical race. 
 
 Her brother William, the father of the present Judge Wins- 
 am, is said to have been highly endowed with that peculiar 
 cast of eloquence, for which Mr. Henry became, afterwards, 
 so justly celebrated. Of this gentleman I have an anecdote 
 from a correspondent, which I shall give in his own words. — 
 'I have often beard my father, who was intimately acquainted 
 with this William Winston, say, that he was the greatest ora- 
 
223 HENRY. 
 
 tor whom he ever heard, Patrick Henry excepted; that during 
 the last French and Indian war, and soon after Braddock's 
 defeat, when the militia were marched to the frontiers of Vir- 
 ginia, against the enemy, this Mr. Winston was the lieutenant 
 of a company; that the men, who were indifferently clothed, 
 without tents, and exposed to the rigour and inclemency of 
 the weather, discovered great aversion to the service, and 
 were anxious and even clamorous to return to their families ; 
 when this William Winston, mounting a stump, (the common 
 rostrum of the field orators in Virginia,) addressed them with 
 such keenness of invective, and declaimed with such force ot 
 eloquence, on liberty and patriotism, that when he concluded, 
 the general cry was, * let us march on; lead us against the 
 enemy;' and they were now willing, nay, anxious to encounter 
 all those difficulties and dangers, which, but a few moments 
 before, had almost produced a mutiny.' 
 
 In childhood and youth, Patrick Henry, whose name ren- 
 ders titles superfluous, gave no presages of his future great- 
 ness. He learned to read and write, reluctantly; made some 
 small progress in arithmetic; acquired a superficial knowledge 
 of the Latin language; and made a considerable proficiency 
 in the mathematics, the only branch of education for which 
 he discovered, in his youth, the slightest predilection. The 
 whole soul of his youth was bound up in the sports of the field. 
 His idleness was absolutely incurable; and, of course, he 
 proved a truant lad, who could sit all day on a bridge, wait- 
 ing for a good bite, or even, 'one glorious nibble.' The un- 
 happy effects of this idleness were lasting as his life; and the 
 biographer very properly cautions his youthful readers against 
 following this bad example. 
 
 His propensity to observe and comment upon the human 
 character, was the only circumstance, which distinguished 
 him, advantageously, from his youthful companions. 
 
 From what has been already stated, it will be seen, how 
 little education had to do with the formation of this great 
 man's mind. He was, indeed, a mere child of nature, 
 and nature seems to have been too proud and too jealous 
 of her work, to permit it to be touched by the hand of 
 art. She gave him Shakspcarc's genius, and bade him, like 
 Shakspeare, to depend on that alone. Let not the youthful 
 reader, however, deduce, from the example of Mr. Henry, an 
 argument in favour of indolence and the contempt of study. 
 Let him remember that the powers which surmounted the dis- 
 advantage of those early habits, were such as xcry rarely ap- 
 pear upon this earth. Let him remember, too, how long the 
 genius, even of Mr. Henry, was kept down and hidden from 
 the public view, by the sorcery of those pernicious habits ; 
 
HENRY. £29 
 
 through what years of poverty and wretchedness they doomed 
 him to struggle; and, let him remember, that, at length, 
 when in the zenith of his glory, Mr. Henry, himself, had 
 frequent occasions to deplore the consequences of his early 
 neglect of literature, and to bewail ' the ghosts of his departed 
 hours.' 
 
 At the age of fifteen years, young Henry was placed behind 
 the counter of a merchant in the country; and at sixteen his 
 father set him up in trade, in partnership with his brother 
 William. Through laziness, the love of music, the charms 
 of the chase, and a readiness to trust every one, the firm was 
 soon reduced to bankruptcy. The only advantage which re- 
 sulted from his short continuance in mercantile business, was 
 an opportunity to study human characters. 
 
 At eighteen, Mr. Henry married the daughter of an honest 
 farmer, and undertook to cultivate a few acres for himself. — ■ 
 His only delights, at this time, were those which flow from the 
 endearing relations of conjugal life. His want of agricul- 
 tural skill, and his unconquerable aversion to every species 
 of systematic labour, terminated his career as a planter, in 
 the short space of two years. Again he had recourse to mer- 
 chandise, and again failed in business. Every atom of his 
 property was now gone, his friends were unable to assist him 
 any further; he had tried every means of support, of which 
 he thought himself capable, and every one had failed ; ruin 
 was behind him; poverty, debt, want, and famine before; and 
 as if his cup of misery were not already full enough, here 
 was a suffering wife and children to make it overflow. Still 
 he had a cheerful temper, and his passion was music, dancing, 
 and pleasantry. About this time he became fond of geography 
 and historical works generally. Livy was his favourite; and in 
 some measure, awakened the dormant powers of his genius. As 
 a last effort, he determined, of his own accord, to make a trial 
 of the law. He, however, disliked the professional business 
 of an attorney at law, and he seems to have hoped for nothing 
 more from the profession, than a scanty subsistence for him- 
 self and his family, and his preparation was suited to these 
 humble expectations; for, to the study of a profession, which 
 is said to require the lucubrations of twenty years, Mr. Hen- 
 ry devoted not more than six weeks. On examination he was 
 licensed, rather through courtesy, and some expectation that 
 he would study, than from any conviction which his examiners 
 had of his present competence. At the age of four and twenty 
 he was admitted to the bar; and for three years occupied the 
 back ground; during which period the wants and distresses 
 of his family were extreme; and he performed the duty of an 
 assistant to his father-in-law in a tavern. 
 
230 HENRY. 
 
 In 1764, he pursued his favourite amusement of hunting, 
 with extreme ardour; and has been known to hunt deer, fre- 
 quently for several days together, carrying his provisions with 
 him, and at night encamping in the woods. 
 
 After the hunt was over, he would go from the ground to 
 Louisa court: clad in a coarse cloth coat, stained with all the 
 trophies of the chase, greasy leather breeches ornamented in 
 the same way. leggings for boots, and a pair of saddle-bags on 
 his arm. Thus accoutred, he would enter the court-house, 
 take up the first of his causes that chanced to be called ; and 
 if there was any scope for his peculiar talent, throw his ad- 
 versary into the back ground, and astonish both court and 
 jury by the powerful effusions of his natural eloquence. 
 
 In the same year he was introduced to the gay and fashion- 
 able circle at Williamsburg, then the seat of government for 
 the state, that he might be counsel in the case of a contested 
 election ; but he made no preparation for pleading: and, as we 
 might naturally suppose, none for appearing in a suitable 
 costume. He moved awkwardly about in his threadbare and 
 course dress : and while some thought him a prodigy, others 
 concluded him to be an idiot: nevertheless, before the commit- 
 tee of elections, he delivered an argument which judge Tyler, 
 judge Winston, and others pronounced the best they had ever 
 heard. In the same year, it is asserted on the authority of 
 Mr. Jefferson, that Mr. Henry gave the first impulse to the 
 ball of the revolution. He originated the spirit of the revo- 
 lution in Virginia, unquestionably ; and possessed a daunt- 
 less soul, exactly suited to the important work he was destin- 
 ed to perform. 
 
 In the year 1765, he was a member of the assembly of Vir- 
 ginia. He introduced his celebrated resolutions against the 
 stamp act, which breathed a spirit of liberty, and which had 
 a tendency to rouse the people of that commonwealth in favour 
 of our glorious revolution. 
 
 After his death, there was found among his papers, one 
 sealed, and thus endorsed ; " Inclosed are the resolutions 
 of the Virginia assembly, in 1765, concerning the stamp 
 act. Let my executors open this paper." Within was found 
 the following copy of the resolutions, in Mr. Henry's hand 
 writing : 
 
 " Resolved, That the first adventurers and Settlers of this, 
 his majesty's colony and dominion, brought with them, and 
 transmitted to their posterity, and all other his majesty's sub- 
 jects, since inhabiting in this, his majesty's said colony, all the 
 privileges, franchises, and immunities, that have at any time 
 been held, enjoyed, and possessed., by the people of Great 
 Britain. 
 
HENRY. 2S1 
 
 "Resolved, That by two royal charters, granted by king 
 James the first, the colonists aforesaid, are declared entitled 
 to all the privileges, liberties, and immunities, of denizens 
 and natural born subjects, to all intents and purposes, as if 
 they had been abiding and born within the realm of England. 
 
 "Resolved, That the taxation of the people by themselves, 
 or by persons chosen by themselves to represent them, who 
 can only know what taxes the people are able to bear, and 
 the easiest mode of raising them, and are equally affected by 
 such taxes themselves, is the distinguishing characteristic of 
 British freedom, and without which the ancient constitution 
 cannot subsist. 
 
 "Resolved, That his majesty's liege people of this most an- 
 cient colony, have interruptedly enjoyed the right of being 
 thus governed by their own assembly, in the article of their 
 taxes and internal police, and that the same hath never been 
 forfeited, or any other way given up, but hath been con- 
 stantly recognized by the king and people of Great Britain. 
 
 "Resolved, therefore, That the general assembly of this co- 
 lony have the sole right and power to lay taxes and imposi- 
 lions upon the inhabitants of this colony; and that every at- 
 tempt to vest such power in any person or persons whatso- 
 ever, other than the general assembly aforesaid, has a mani- 
 fest tendency to destroy British as well as American free- 
 dom." 
 
 " On the back of the paper containing those resolutions, is 
 the following endorsement, which is also in the hand-writing 
 of Mr. Henry himself. 'The within resolutions passed the 
 house of burgesses in May, 1765. They formed the first op- 
 position to the stamp act, and the scheme of taxing America 
 by the British parliament. All the colonies, either through 
 fear, or want of opportunity to form an opposition, or from 
 influence of some kind or other, had remained silent. I had 
 been, for the first time, elected a burgess, a few days before; 
 was young, inexperienced, unacquainted with the forms of the 
 house, and the members that composed it. Finding the men 
 of weight averse to opposition, and the commencement of the 
 tax at hand, and that no person was likely to step forth. I de- 
 termined to venture, and alone, unadvised, and unassisted, on 
 a blank leaf of an old law book, wrote the within. Upon of- 
 fering them to the house, violent debates ensued. Many threats 
 were uttered, and much abuse cast on me, by the party for sub- 
 mission. After a long and warm contest, the resolutions 
 passed by a very small majority, perhaps of one or two only. 
 The alarm spread throughout America with astonishing 
 quickness, and the ministerial party were overwhelmed. The 
 great point of resistance to British taxation was universally 
 
232 HENRY. 
 
 established in the colonies. This brought on the war, which 
 finally separated the two countries, and gave independence to 
 ours. Whether this will prove a blessing or a curse, w ill de- 
 pend upon the use our people make of the blessings which a 
 gracious God hath bestowed on us. If they are wise, they 
 will be great and happy. If they are of a contrary character, 
 they will be miserable. Righteousness alone can exalt them 
 as a nation. 
 
 'Reader! whoever thou art, remember this; and in thy 
 sphere, practice virtue thyself, and encourage it in others. — > 
 P. Henry.' 
 
 Such is the short, plain, and modest account, which Mr. 
 Henry has left of this transaction. 
 
 Every American realized the truth expressed in Mr. Hen- 
 ry's resolutions; but no man beside himself boldly dare to ut- 
 ter it. All wished for independence; and all hitherto trembled 
 at the thought of asserting it. 
 
 Mr. Wirt, in his life of Henry, from which we select this 
 sketch, says, "the following is Mr. Jefferson's account of this 
 transaction: 
 
 ''Mr. Henry moved and Mr. Johnston seconded these re- 
 solutions successively. They were opposed by Messrs. Ran- 
 dolphf Bland, Pendleton, Wythe, and all the old members, 
 whose influence in the house had, till then, been unbroken. 
 They did it, not from any question of our rights, but on the 
 ground, that the same sentiments had been, at their preced- 
 ing session, expressed in a more conciliatory form, to which 
 the answers were not yet received. But torrents of sublime 
 eldquence from Henry, barked by the solemn reasoning of 
 Johnson, prevailed. The last, however, and strongest reso- 
 lution, was carried but by a single vote. The debate on it 
 was most bloody. I was then but a student, and stood at the 
 door of communication between the house and the lobby (for 
 as yet there was no gallery) during the whole debate and vote ; 
 and I well remember that, after the numbers on the division 
 were told and declared from the chair, Peyton Randolph (the 
 attorney general) came out at the door where I w as standing? 
 and said as he entered the lobby, 'by , I would have giv- 
 en five hundred guineas for a single vote;' for one vote would 
 have divided the house, and Robison was in the chair, who he 
 knew would have negatived the resolution. 
 
 "By these resolutions, and his manner of supporting them, 
 Mr. Henry took the lead out of the hands of those who had 
 theretofore guided the proceedings of the house t that is to 
 say, of Pendleton, Wythe, Bland, Randolph," It was, in- 
 deed, the measure which raised him to the zenith of his glory. 
 He had never before had a subject which entirely matched his 
 
HENRY. 233 
 
 genius, and was capable of drawing out all the powers of his 
 mind. It was remarked of him throughout his life, that his 
 talents never failed to rise with the ocasion, and in proportion 
 to the resistance which he had to encounter. The nicety of 
 the vote on his last resolution, proves that this was not a time 
 to hold in reserve any part of his forces. 
 
 " It was indeed, an alpine passage, under circumstances 
 even more unpropitious than those of Hannibal : for he had 
 not only to fight, hand to hand, the powerful party who were 
 already in possession of the heights, but at the same instant, 
 to cheer and animate the timid band of followers, that were 
 trembling, fainting, and drawing back, below him. It was 
 an occasion that called upon him to put forth all his strength, 
 and he did put it forth, in such a manner, as man never did 
 before. The cords of argument with which his adversaries 
 frequently flattered themselves they had bound him fast, be- 
 came packthreads in his hands. He burst them with as much 
 ease, as the unshorn Sampson did the bands of the Philistines. 
 He seized the pillars of the temple, shook them terribly, and 
 seemed to threaten his opponents with ruin. It was an inces- 
 sant storm of lightning and thunder, which struck them 
 aghast. The faint-hearted gathered courage from his coun- 
 tenance, and cowards became heroes, while they gazed upon 
 ^^^Vexploits. 
 
 i*r^ It was in the midst of this magnificent debate, while he 
 Was descanting on the tyranny of the obnoxious act, that he 
 exclaimed, in a voice of thunder, and with the -look of a God, 
 Caesar had his Brutus — Charles the first, his Cromwell — and 
 George the third — ('Treason,' cried the speaker — ' treason, 
 treason,' echoed from every part of the house. It was one of 
 those trying moments which is decisive of character. Henry 
 faltered not for an instant; but rising to a loftier attitude, and 
 fixing on the speaker an eye of the most determined fire, he 
 finished his sentence with the firmest emphasis) may profit by i ^* 
 their example. If this be treason, make the most of it." -~~*] 
 
 In August, 1774, the Virginia convention assembled in Wil- * 
 liamsburg, and passed a series of resolutions, whereby they 
 pledged themselves to make common cause with the people of 
 Boston in every extremity. They appointed as. deputies to 
 Congress, on the part of that colony, Peyton Randolph, Rich- 
 ard H. Lee, George Washington, Richard Bland, Patrick 
 Henry, Benjamin Harrison, and Edmund Pendleton, who 
 were deputed to atteud the first meeting of the colonial con-* 
 gress. 
 
 On the 4th September, 1774, that venerable body, the old 
 continental congress of the United States, (towards whom 
 every American heart will bow with pious homage, while the 
 
 30 
 
234 HENRY. 
 
 name of liberty shall be dear in our land) met for the first 
 time at Carpenters Hall in the city of Philadelphia. Peyton 
 Randolph, of Virginia, was chosen president, and the house 
 was organized for business, with all the solemnities of a regu- 
 lar legislature. 
 
 The most eminent men of the various colonies were now, 
 for the first time, brought together. They were known to 
 each other by fame; but they were personally strangers. The 
 meeting was awfully solemn. The object which had called 
 them together was of incalculable magnitude. The li- 
 berties of no less than three millions of people, with that of 
 all their posterity, were staked on the wisdom and energy of 
 their councils. No wonder, then, at the long and deep si- 
 lence which is said to have followed upon their organization; 
 at the anxiety with which the members looked around upon each 
 other; and the reluctance which every individual felt to open 
 a business so fearfully momentous. In the midst of this deep 
 and death-like silence, and just when it was beginning to be- 
 come painfully embarrassing. Mr. Henry arose slowly, as if 
 borne down by the weight of the subject. After faltering, ac- 
 cording to his habit, through a most impressive exordium, in 
 which he merely echoed back the consciousness of every other 
 heart, in deploring his inability to do justice to the occasion, 
 he launched, gradually, into a recital of the colonial wrongs. 
 Rising, as he advanced, with the grandeur of his subject, and 
 glowing at length with all the majesty and expectation of the 
 occasion, his speech seemed more than that of mortal man- 
 Even those who had heard him in all his glory, in the house 
 of burgesses of Virginia, were astonished at the manner in 
 which his talents seemed to swell and expand themselves, to 
 fill the vast theatre in which he was now placed. There was 
 no rant; no rhapsody ; no labour of the understanding ; no 
 straining of the voice ; no confusion of the utterance. His 
 countenance was erect ; his eye steady; his action noble ; his 
 enunciation clear and firm; his mind poised on its centre; his 
 views of his subject comprehensive and great; and his ima- 
 gination, confiscating with a magnificence and a variety, 
 which struck even that assembly with amazement and awe. 
 He sat down amidst murmurs of astonishment and applause, 
 and as he had been before proclaimed the greatest orator of 
 Virginia, he was now on every hand, admitted to be the first 
 orator of America. 
 
 When Mr. Henry returned from this first congress to his 
 constituents, he was asked 'whom bethought the greatest man 
 in congress,' and replied, 'if you speak of eloquence, Mr. 
 Rutledge of South Carolina, is by far the greatest orator; but 
 if you speak of solid information and sound judgment, colo» 
 
HENRY. £33 
 
 itel Washington, is unquestionably, the greatest man on that 
 floor.' 
 
 In March, 1775, Mr. Henry was a member of the conven- 
 tion of delegates from the several counties and corporations 
 of Virginia, assembled in Richmond. In this body, while all 
 the other leading members were still disposed to pursue only 
 milk-and-water measures, he proposed resolutions for embo- 
 dying, arming and disciplining, such number of men, as 
 should be sufficient to defend the colony against the aggres- 
 sions of the mother country. The resolutions were opposed 
 as not only rash in policy, but as harsh and well nigh impious 
 in point of feeling. Some of the warmest patriots of the con- 
 vention opposed them. Bland, Harrison, Pendleton, &c. re- 
 sisted them with all their influence and abilities. An ordi- 
 nary man, in Mr. Henry's situation, would have been glad to 
 compound with the displeasure of the house, by being permit- 
 ted to withdraw his resolutions in silence. 
 
 "Not so, Mr. Henry. His was a spirit fitted to raise the 
 whirlwind, as well as to ride in, and direct it. His was that 
 comprehensive view, that unerring prescience, that perfect 
 command over the actions of men, which qualified him not 
 merely to guide, but almost to create the destinies of nations. 
 
 " He rose at this time with a majesty unusual to him in an 
 
 ordium, and with all that self-possession by which he was so 
 invariably distinguished. ' No man,' he said, i thought more 
 highly than he did of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of 
 the very worthy gentlemen who had just addressed the house. 
 But different men often saw the same subject in different 
 lights: and, therefore, he hoped it would not be thought dis- 
 respectful to those gentlemen, if, entertaining as he did, opi- 
 nions of a character very opposite to theirs, he should speak 
 forth his sentiments freely, and without reserve. This, he 
 said, was no time for ceremony. The question before the 
 house was one of awful moment to this country. For his own, 
 part, he considered it as nothing less than a question of free- 
 dom or slavery. And in proportion to the magnitude of the 
 subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It was only 
 in this way that they could hope to arrive at truth, and fulfil 
 the great responsibility which they held to God and their coun- 
 try. Should he keep back his opinions at such a time; through 
 fear of giving offence, he should consider himself as guilty of 
 treason towards his country, and of an act of disloyalty to- 
 wards the majesty of Heaven, which he revered above all 
 „ earthly kings. 
 
 ** " Mr. President," said he, "it is natural to man to indulge 
 in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against 
 a painful truth; and listen to the song of that syren, till she 
 
£3G PENBY. 
 
 transforms us into beasts. Is this," he asked, "the part of 
 vise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? 
 Were we disposed to be of the number of those, who having 
 eyes, see not, and having ears, hear not, the things which so 
 nearly concern their temporal salvation? For his part, what- 
 ever anguish of spirit it might cost, he was willing to know 
 the whole truth; to know the worst; and to provide for it. 
 
 " He had," he said, " but one lamp by which his feet were 
 guided ; and that was the lamp of experience. He knew of 
 no way of judging of the future but by the past. And judg- 
 ing by the past, he wished to know what there had been in 
 the conduct of the British ministry, for the last ten years, to 
 justify those hopes with which gentlemen had been pleased to 
 solace themselves and the house ? Is it that insidious smile 
 with which our petition has been lately received ? Trust it 
 not, sir ; it will prove a snare to your feet. Suffer not your- 
 selves to be betrayed with a kiss. Ask yourselves how this 
 gracious reception of our petition comports with those war- 
 like preparations which cover our waters and darken our 
 land. Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and 
 reconciliation ? Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be 
 reconciled, that force must be called in to win back our love? 
 Let us not deceive ourselves, sir. These are the implements 
 of war and subjugation; the last arguments to which kings 
 resort. I ask gentlemen, sir, what means this martial array, 
 if its purpose be not to force us to submission ? Can gentle- 
 men assign any otber possible motive for it? Has Great Bri- 
 tain any enemy in this quarter of the world, to call for all 
 this accumulation of navies and armies? No, sir, she has 
 none. They are meant for us: they can be meant for no other. 
 They arc sent over to bind and rivet upon us those chains, 
 which the British ministry have been so long forging. And 
 what have we to oppose to them? Shall we try argument? — 
 Sir, we have been trying that for the last ten years. Have 
 we any thing new to offer upon the subject? Nothing. Wc 
 have held the subject up in every light of which it is capable : 
 but it has been all in vain. Shall wc resort to entreaty and 
 humble supplication? What terms shall we find, which have 
 not been already exhausted? Let us not, I beseech you, sir, de- 
 ceive ourselves longer. Sir, we have done every thing that 
 could be done, to avert the storm that is coming on. We have 
 petitioned ; we have remonstrated ; we have supplicated ; we 
 nave prostrated ourselves before the throne, and have implored 
 its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry 
 and parliament. Our petitions have been slighted; our re- 
 monstrances have produced additional violence and insult; 
 pur supplications have been disregarded ; and we have bec^ 
 

 HENRY. 237 
 
 spurned, with contempt, from the toot of the throne. In vain, 
 after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and 
 reconciliation. There is no longer any room for hope. If we 
 wish to be free; if we mean to preserve inviolate those inesti- 
 mable privileges for which we have been so long contending ; 
 if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which 
 we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged 
 ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our con 
 test shall be obtained; we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we 
 must fight!! An appeal to arms and to the God of Hostsus 
 that is left us! 
 They tell us, sir," continued Mr. Henry, "that we are 
 weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But 
 when shall we be stronger ? Will it be the next week or the 
 next year ? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and 
 when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall 
 we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we 
 acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on 
 our backs, and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, un- 
 til our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot ? Sir, we 
 are not weak, if we make a proper use of those means which 
 the God of nature hath placed in our power. Three millions of 
 people armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country 
 as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which 
 our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight 
 our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the 
 destinies of nations ; and who will raise up friends to fight our 
 battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone : it 
 is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have 
 no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too 
 late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat, but in 
 submission and slavery ! Our chains are forged ! Their 
 clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston ! The war is 
 inevitable ; and let it come ! ! I repeat it, sir, let it come ! ! ! 
 /""^ "It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen 
 ( may cry peace, peace ; but there is no peace. The war is ac- 
 \ tually begun ! The next gale that sweeps from the noth. will 
 bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms ! Our brethren 
 I are already in the field ! Why stand we here idle ? What is 
 it that gentlemen wish ? What would they have ? Is life so 
 dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of 
 chains and slavery ? Forbid it, Almighty God ! ! I know not. 
 what course others may take; but as for me," cried he, with 
 both his arms extended aloft, his brows knit, every feature 
 marked with the resolute purpose of his soul, and his voice 
 \ swelled to its boldest note of exclamation, "give me liberty, 
 \^or give me death !" 
 
23S HENRY. 
 
 "He took his seat. No murmur of applause was heard. 
 The effect was too deep. After the trance of a moment, several 
 members started from their seats. The cry, "to arms," seem- 
 ed to quiver on every lip, and gleam from every eye ! Rich- 
 ard Henry Lee arose and supported Mr. Henry, with his usual 
 spirit and elegance. But his melody was lost amidst the 
 agitations of that ocean, which the master spirit of the storm 
 had lifted up on high. That supernatural voice still sounded 
 in their ears and shivered along their arteries. They heard in 
 every pause the cry of liberty or death. They became impa- 
 tient of speech ; their souls were on fire for action." 
 
 The resolutions were adopted, and Patrick Henry, Richard 
 Henry Lee, Robert C. Nicholas, Benjamin Harrison, Lemuel 
 Riddick, George Washington, Adam Stevens, Andrew Lewis, 
 "William Christman, Edmund Pendleton, Thomas Jefferson, 
 and Isaac Zane, Esquires, were appointed a committee to pre- 
 pare the plan called for by the resolutions. 
 
 In April, 1775, after lord Dunmorehad conveyed on board 
 a ship, a part of the powder from the magazine of Williams- 
 burg, Mr. Henry distinguished himself by assembling the in- 
 dependent companies of Hanover and King William counties, 
 and directing them towards Williamsburg, with the avowed 
 design of obtaining payment for the powder, or of compelling 
 its restitution. The object was effected, for the king's receiv- 
 er general gave a bill for the value of the property. The go- 
 vernor immediately fortified his palace, and issued a pro- 
 clamation, charging those who had procured the bill with re- 
 bellious practices. This only occasioned a number of county 
 meetings, which applauded the conduct of Mr. Henry, and 
 expressed a determination to protect him. In August, 1775, 
 when anew choice of deputies to congress was made, he was 
 not re-elected, for his services were now demanded more ex- 
 clusively in his own state. After the departure of lord Dun- 
 more, he was chosen the first governor in June, 1776, and he 
 held this office several succeeding years, bending all his ex- 
 ertions to promote the freedom and independence of his coun 
 try. 
 
 In June, 1777, and again in 1778, he was unanimously re- 
 elected governor; but he declined the honour. In 1780, we 
 find him again in the assembly, and one of the most active 
 members of the house. 
 
 In 1788, he was a member of the convention of the state of 
 Virginia, which was appointed to consider the constitution of 
 the United States; and he exerted all the force of his masterly 
 eloquence, day after day, to. prevent its adoption. He con- 
 tended that changes were dangerous to liberty; that the old 
 confederation had carried us through the war, and secured our 
 
HENRY. 239 
 
 independence, and needed only amendment; that the proposed 
 was a consolidated government, in which the sovereignty of 
 the states would be lost, and all pretensions to rights and pri- 
 vileges would be rendered insecure. He offered a resolution, 
 containing a bill of rights and amendments, which, however, 
 was not accepted. 
 
 " The convention had been attended from its commencement 
 by a vast concourse of citizens, of all ages and conditions.— 
 The interest so universally felt in the question itself, and not 
 less the transcendant talents which were engaged in its dis- 
 cussion, presented such attractions as could not be resisted. 
 b " Towards the close of the session, an incident occurred of 
 a character so extraordinary as to deserve particular notice. 
 The question of adoption or rejection was now approaching. 
 The decision was still uncertain, and every mind and every 
 heart was filled with anxiety. Mr. Henry partook most deeply 
 of this feeling; and while engaged, as it were, in his last ef- 
 fort, availed himself of the strong sensation which he knew to 
 pervade the house, and made an appeal to it which, in point of 
 sublimity, has never been surpassed in any age or country in 
 the world. After describing, in accents which spoke to the 
 soul, and to which every other bosom deeply responded, the 
 awful immensity of the question, to the present and future ge- 
 nerations, and the throbbing apprehensions with which he 
 looked to the issue, he passed from the house and from the 
 earth, and looking, as he said, ' beyond that horizon which 
 binds mortal eyes,' he pointed, with a countenance and action 
 that made the blood run back upon the aching heart, to those 
 celestial beings, who were hovering over the scene, and wait- 
 ing with anxiety for a decision which involved the happiness 
 or misery of more than half the human race. To those beings; 
 with the same thrilling look and action; he had just address* 
 ed an invocation, that made every nerve shudder with super- 
 natural horror; when, lo! a storm at that instant arose, which 
 shook the whole building, and the spirits whom he had called, 
 seemed to have come at his bidding! Nor did his eloquence, 
 or the storm immediately cease; but availing himself of the 
 incident, with a master's art, he seemed to mix in the fight of 
 his sethereal auxiliaries, and 'rising on the wings of the tem- 
 pest, to seize upon the artillery of heaven, and direct its 
 fiercest thunders against the heads of his adversaries.' The 
 scene became insupportable; and the house rose, without the* 
 formality of adjournment, the members rushing from their 
 seats, with precipitation and confusion." 
 
 The constitution was adopted by a small majority. Mr. 
 Henry's bill of rights, and his amendments, were then ac- 
 cepted, and directed to be transmitted to the several states. — 
 
240 HENRY. 
 
 Some of these amendments have been ingrafted into the fede- 
 ral constitution. 
 
 "The case of John Hook is worthy of insertion. Hook was 
 a Scotchman, a man of wealth, and suspected of being un- 
 friendly to the American cause. During the distresses of the 
 American army, consequent on the joint invasion of Corn- 
 wallis and Phillips in 1781, a Mr Venable, an army commis- 
 sary, had taken two of Hook's steers for the use of the troops. 
 The act had not been strictly legal ; and on the establishment 
 of peace, Hook, under the advice of Mr Cowan, a gentleman 
 of some distinction in the law, thought proper to bring an ac- 
 tion of trespass against Mr Venable, in the district court of 
 New London. Henry appeared for the defendant, and is said to 
 have disported himself in this cause to the infinite enjoyment 
 of his hearers, the unfortunate Hook always excepted. After 
 Mr Henry became animated in the cause, he appeared to have 
 complete controul over the passions of his audience : at one 
 time he excited their indignation against Hook : vengeance 
 was visible in every countenance: again, when he chose to re- 
 lax and ridicule him, the whole audience was in a roar of 
 laughter. He painted the distresses of the American army, 
 exposed almost, naked to the rigour of a winter's sky, and 
 marking the frozen ground over which they marched, with 
 the blood of their unshod feet ; where was the man, he said, 
 who has an American heart in his bosom, who would not have 
 thrown open his fields, his barns, his cellars, the doors of his 
 house, the portals of his breast, to have received with open 
 Arms, the meanest soldier in that little band of famished pa- 
 triots ? Where is the man ? There he stands ; but whether the 
 heart of an American beats in his bosom, you gentlemen, are 
 to judge. He then carried the jury, by the powers of his ima- 
 gination, to the plains around York, the surrender of which 
 had followed shortly after the act complained of : he depicted 
 the surrender in the most glowing and noble colours of his 
 eloquence. The audience saw before their eyes the humilia- 
 tion and dejection of the British, as they marched out of their 
 trenches ; they saw the triumph which lighted up every patri- 
 otic face, and the shouts of victory, and the cry of Washing- 
 ton and liberty, as it rung and echoed through the American 
 ranks, and was reverberated from the hills and shores of the 
 neighbouring river; but, hark! what notes of discord arc 
 these which disturb the general joy, and silence the acclama- 
 tions of victory; they are the notes of John Hook, hoarsely 
 bawling through the American camp, beef.' beef J beef! 
 
 The whole audience were convulsed: a particular incident 
 will give a better idea of the effect, than any general descrip- 
 tion. The clerk of the court, unable to command himself, 
 
HENRY. 241 
 
 and unwilling to commit any breach of decorum in his place, 
 rushed out of the courthouse, and threw himself on the grass, 
 in tlie most violent paroxysm of laughter, where he was roll- 
 ing, when Hook, with very different feelings, came out for re- 
 lief, into the yard also. The cause was decided almost by 
 acclamation. The jury retired for form sake, and instantly 
 returned with a verdict for the defendant. Nor did the effect 
 of Mr. Henry's speech stop here. The people were so highly 
 excited by the tory audacity of such a suit, that Hook began, 
 to hear around him a cry more terrible than that of beef: it 
 was the cry of tar and feathers: from the application of which, 
 it is said, that nothing saved him but a precipitate flight and 
 the speed of his horse." 
 
 In the two remaining years he continued a memher of the 
 assembly. In the spring of 1791, he declined a re-election, 
 with the purpose of bidding a final adieu to public life. In 
 August. 1795, he was nominated by president Washington, as 
 secretary of state, but considerations of a private nature in- 
 duced him to decline the honorable trust. In November, 1796, 
 he was again elected governor of Virginia, and this office al- 
 so he almost immediately resigned. In the year 1799, he was 
 appointed by president Adams, as an envoy to France, with 
 Messrs. Ellsworth and Murray; this he also declined in con- 
 sequence of a severe indisposition, to which he was then sub- 
 ject, and of his advanced age and increasing debility. Gov- 
 ernor Davie, of North Carolina, was appointed in his place. 
 He lived but a short time after this testimony of the respect 
 in which his talents and patriotism were held. 
 
 The disease which had been preying upon him for two years, 
 now r hastened to its crisis. He died on the 6th of June, 1799, 
 in the 62d year of his age. 
 
 ''Thus lived, and thus died, the celebrated Patrick Henry,, 
 of Virginia; a man who justly deserves to be ranked among 
 the highest ornaments, and the noblest benefactors of his coun- 
 try. In his habits of living, he was remarkably temperate 
 and frugal. He seldom drank any tiling but w ater. His mo- 
 rals were strict. As a husband, a father, a master, he had 
 no superior. He was kind and hospitable to the stranger, 
 and most friendly and accommodating to his neighbors." 
 
 The following affectionate tribute to the memory of Henry, 
 appeared in the Virginia papers, immediately after his death: 
 
 *' Mourn, Virginia, mourn; your Henry is gone. Ye friends 
 to liberty in every clime, drop a tear. No more will his so- 
 cial feelings spread delight through his happy house. No more 
 will his edifying example dictate to his numerous offspring the 
 s wetness of virtue, and the majesty of patriotism. No more 
 will his sage advice, guided by zeal for the common happi- 
 
24S! HESTON. 
 
 ness, impart light ami utility to his caressing neighbours. No 
 more will he illuminate the public councils with sentiments 
 drawn from the cabinet of his own mind, ever directed to his 
 country's good, and clothed in eloquence sublime, delightful, 
 and commanding. Farewell, first-rate patriot, farewell. As 
 Jong as our rivers flow, or mountains stand, so long will your 
 excellence and worth be the theme of our homage and endear- 
 ment; and Virginia, bearing in mind her loss, will say to ris- 
 ing generations, imitate my Henry."' 
 
 He left in his will the following testimony in favour of the 
 Christian religion: 
 
 " I have now disposed of all my property to my family ; 
 there is one thing more I wish I could give them, and that is 
 the Christian religion. If they had this, and I had not given 
 them one shilling, they would be rich ; and if they had not 
 that, and I had given them all the world, they would be poor." 
 
 HESTON, Edward, was a brave officer in the revolution- 
 ary army. At the commencement of the war. he volunteered 
 his services, and received a captain's commission. About the 
 close of the contest, he rose to lieutenant colonel. He con- 
 tinued actively engaged through all the perils of that trying 
 coflict. He it was to whom general Potter, with perhaps his 
 whole brigade, (then lying near the gulph) owed their liberty, 
 if not their lives. When Cornwaliis left his quarters in Phi- 
 ladelphia, intending to take general Potter by surprise, he 
 marched at the head of five thousand men, crossing the river 
 Schuylkill during the latter part of the night. Colonel Hes- 
 ton being on the alert, had lodged that night a short distance 
 from home; about day-break, the enemy was discovered ap- 
 proaching near his farm, through which they had to pass by a 
 man whom he had stationed there for that purpose; they ad- 
 vanced, and took the colonel's horse with them. He immedi- 
 ately conveyed him the intelligence. The colonel then fled on 
 foot to one of his neighbours, borrowed a horse, and rode by 
 a circuitous route with all possible speed, until he got ahead of 
 them. He soon arrived in Potter's camp, and found them 
 just going to breakfast. At the request of general Potter, 
 who was then in his marque, he ran through and aroused the 
 whole camp to arms, and then went to meet general Washing- 
 ton, who, with his army, he met crossing Schuylkill, at a 
 bridge which had just been completed for the purpose. In con- 
 sequence of the intelligence he brought, the Americans moved 
 their quarters, and the British had the mortification to miss 
 their anticipated conquest. 
 
 The next spring, the day previous to the battle of German- 
 town, he was one among others, who, in consummation of a 
 plan laid down by Washington, to cut off the enemy's retreat 
 
HESTON. 243 
 
 from Philadelphia, went to the middle ferry and assisted in 
 cutting away the rope which then extended across the river, 
 notwithstanding there was a continual fire kept up hy the ene- 
 my on the opposite bank. 
 
 It was his misfortune at one time while reconnoitering the 
 enemy's movements, to be taken prisoner hy a troop of British 
 horse, one of whom made a desperate blow with his sword, 
 designing to take off his head ; but striking higher than he in- 
 tended, struck the. back part of his head, which occasioned 
 the sword to glance, the mark of which deadly weapon went 
 with him to his grave. He surrendered, and was afterwards 
 sent to Long Island, where he was detained for seven months 
 as a prisoner of war. 
 
 After the peace took place, he was elected to the state legis- 
 lature, then sitting in Philadelphia : he served in that capaci- 
 ty for some time. He then returned to his farm, on which he 
 remained a few years : after which he received the appoint- 
 ment of Judge of the court of Common Pleas for the city and 
 County of Philadelphia. He attended to the duties of that of- 
 fice for the term of four years, at the end of which his fellow 
 citizens elected him to the office of senator; in the fulfilment 
 of the duties of which office he spent eight successive winters. 
 
 Whether in the field, on the bench, or in the cabinet, dur- 
 ing the whole of his services, no man was, perhaps, ever 
 more devotedly attached to the cause of his country, and the 
 good of mankind. 
 
 For the last twelve or fifteen years of his life, we find him 
 actively engaged in the respectable pursuits of the practical 
 farmer, enjoying, to their full extent, the three fold blessings 
 of health, peace, and competency; nor did he for a moment 
 forget duly to appreciate the value of the blessed boon, which 
 in early life had cost so much blood and treasure to establish. 
 He used every effort of which his nature was capable, to trans- 
 mit it inviolate to posterity ; and he was often heard to say that 
 he should be happy to know every human being as comforta- 
 bly situated as himself. Feeling and humane to all parts of 
 animated nature ; benevolent and liberal to the poor and af- 
 flicted ; whenever merit made intercession, his spirit, not only 
 of patriotism but that of philanthrophy, was coeval with his 
 existence. 
 
 He died on the 14th day of March, 1824, after a short ill- 
 ness, at his residence in Hestonville, in the county of Phila- 
 delphia, aged 79 years : during about sixty of which time he 
 occupied the above patrimonial estate. 
 
 While he was in the legislature, he took a very active part 
 in abolishing slavery from his native state, and he considered 
 it one of the most meritorious acts of his life. His ardent de- 
 
244 HOLDEN— HOPKINSON. 
 
 sire had invariably been for the final emancipation of all who 
 are kept in bondage, not only in his own beloved country, but 
 throughout the world. 
 
 HOLDEN, Levi, was a brave officer in the revolutiona- 
 ry war with Great Britain. In 1776, he entered the army, 
 and continued in it without intermission, until the peace of 
 1783. During three years of this period, he was an officer in 
 general Washington's life guard, and lived in his family. 
 Captain Holden saw and experienced as much hard service, 
 as any officer of his rank in the army. He enjoyed, in a pe- 
 culiar manner, the confidence of the commander in chief. He 
 died at Newark, New Jersey, on the 19th of April, 1823, in 
 the 70th year of his age. For more than thirty years he re- 
 sided in Newark, and always sustained the character of a 
 worth v citizen. 
 
 HOPKINSON, Francis, Judge of the court of Admiral- 
 ty, in Pennsylvania, was born in Pennsyhania, in the year 
 1738. He possessed an uncommon share of genius, of a pe- 
 culiar kind. He excelled in music and poetry; and had some 
 knowledge in painting. But these arts did not monopolise 
 all the powers of his mind. He was well skilled in many 
 practical and useful sciences, particularly in mathematics and 
 natural philosophy; and he had a general acquaintance with 
 the principles of anatomy, chemistry and natural history.— 
 But his forte was humour and satire, in both of which, he 
 was not surpassed by Lucian, Swift, or Rabelias. These ex- 
 traordinary powers were consecrated to the advancement of 
 the interests of patriotism, virtue and science. It would fill 
 many pages to mention his numerous publications during the 
 revolutionary war, all of which were directed to these im- 
 portant objects. He began in the year 1775, with a small 
 tract, which he entitled, ''A Pretty Story," in which he ex- 
 posed the tyranny of Great Britain, in America, by a most 
 beautiful allegory, and he concluded his contributions to his 
 country in this way, with the history of "The new roof," a 
 performance, which for wit, humour and good sense, must 
 last as long as the citizens of America continue to admire, 
 and be happy under the present national government of the 
 United States. 
 
 Newspaper scandal frequently, for months together, disap- 
 peared or languished, after the publication of several of his 
 irresistible satires upon that disgraceful species of writing. 
 He gave a currency to a thought or a phrase, in these effu- 
 sions from his pen. which never failed to bear down the spirit 
 of the times, and frequently to turn the divided tides of party 
 rage, into one general channel of ridicule or contempt. 
 
 Sometimes he employed his formidable powers of humour 
 
HOPKINSON. 245 
 
 and satire in exposing the formalities of technical science. — 
 lie thought much, and thought justly upon the suhject of edu- 
 cation. He held several of the arts and sciences, which are 
 taught in colleges, in great contempt. His specimen of mo- 
 dern learning in a tedious examination, the only ohject of 
 Which was to describe the properties of a "Salt Box," pub- 
 lished in the American Museum, for February, 1787, will al- 
 ways be relished as a morsel of exquisite humour. 
 
 Mr. Hopkinson possessed uncommon talents for pleasing in 
 company. His wit was not of that coarse kind, which was 
 calculated to set the table in a roar. It was mild and ele- 
 gant, and infused cheerfulness and a species of delicate joy, 
 rather than mirth, into the hearts of all who heard it. His 
 empire over the attention and passions of his company, was 
 not purchased at the expense of innocence, A person who 
 has passed many delightful hours in his society, declared, 
 with pleasure, that he never once heard him use a profane 
 expression, nor utter a word, which would have made a lady 
 blush, or have clouded her countenance for a moment with a 
 look of disapprobation. It is this species of wit alone, that 
 indicates a rich and powerful imagination, while that which 
 is tinctured with profanity, or indelicacy, argues poverty of 
 genius, inasmuch as they have both been considered very pro- 
 perly as the cheapest products of the mind. 
 
 Mr. Hopkinson's character for abilities and patriotism, 
 procured him the confidence of his countrymen in the most 
 trying exigencies of their affairs. He represented the state 
 of New Jersey, in congress, in the year 1776, and subscribed 
 the ever memorable declaration of independence. He held an 
 appointment in the loan office for several years, and afterwards 
 succeeded George Ross, Esquire, as judge of the admiralty 
 for the state of Pennsylvania. In this station he continued 
 till the year 1790, when he was appointed judge of the dis- 
 trict court in Pennsylvania, by the illustrious Washington, 
 then president of the United States, and in each of these judi- 
 cial offices, he conducted himself with the greatest ability and 
 integrity. 
 
 His person was a little below the common size. His features 
 were small, but extremely animated. His speech was quick, 
 and all his motions seemed to partake of the unceasing acti- 
 vity and versatility of the powers of his mind. 
 
 It only remains to add, to this account of Mr. Hopkinson, 
 that the various causes which contributed to the establishment 
 of the independence of the federal government of the United 
 States, will not be fully traced, unless much is ascribed to the 
 irresistible influence of the ridicule which he poured forth, 
 from time to time, upon the enemies of those great political 
 events. 
 
246 HOPKINS. 
 
 He was an active and useful member of three great parties 
 which at different times divided his native state. He was a 
 whig, a republican, and a federalist, and he lived to see the 
 principles and the wishes of each of those parties finally and 
 universally successful. Although his labours had been re- 
 warded with many plentiful harvests of well earned fame, yet 
 his death, to his country and his friends, was premature. He 
 had been subject to frequent attacks of the gout in his head, 
 hut for some time before his death, he had enjoyed a consi- 
 derable respite from them. On Sunday evening, May 8th, 
 1791. he was somewhat indisposed, and passed a restless 
 night. He rose on Monday morning, at his usual hour, and 
 breakfasted with iiis family. At seven o'clock, he was seiz- 
 ed with an apoplectic fit, which in two hours put a period to 
 his existence, in the fifty-third year of his age. 
 
 HOPKINS, Stephen, a distinguished patriot and states- 
 man, was a native of that part of Providence, Rhode Island, 
 which now forms the town of Scituate. He was born in 
 March, 1707. In his youth he disclosed high promise of ta- 
 lents, and soon became esteemed for his growing worth, his 
 early virtues, and his regular and useful life. At an early 
 period he was appointed a justice of the peace, was employed 
 extensively in the business of surveying lands, and was ap- 
 pointed to various other offices, some of which were responsi- 
 ble and important; and he discharged the duties of all with 
 great ability and faithfulness, and with equal advantage to his 
 own reputation and the public interest. In 1754, he was ap- 
 pointed a member of the board of commissioners, which as- 
 sembled at Albany, to digest and concert apian of union for 
 the colonies. Shortly after this he was chosen chief justice 
 of the superior court of the colony of Rhode Island; and in 
 1755, he was elevated to the office of chief magistrate of the co- 
 lony, and continued in this dignified and important station 
 about eight years, o\it not in succession. He was, also, for 
 several years, chancellor of the College. At the commence- 
 ment of the difficulties between the colonies and Great Britain, 
 governor Hopkins took an early, active and decided part in 
 favour of the former. He wrote a pamphlet in support of the 
 rights and claims of the colonies, called " The Rights of the 
 Colonies examined ;" which was published by order of the ge- 
 neral assembly. He was a member of the immortal congress 
 of '76, which declared these states, (then colonies) to be " free, 
 sovereign, and independent;" and his signature is attached to 
 this sublime and important instrument, which has no example 
 in the archives of nations. 
 
 Governor Hopkins was not only distinguished as a states- 
 man and patriot, but as a man of business: having been ex- 
 
HUMPHREY. 247 
 
 tensively engaged in trade and navigation, and also concern- 
 ed in manufactures and agriculture. He was a decided advo- 
 cate, and a zealous supporter, both of civil and religious li- 
 berty ; a firm patriot, a friend to Ms country, and a patron of 
 useful public institutions. He possessed a sound and discri- 
 minating mind, and a clear and comprehensive understand- 
 ing; was alike distinguished for his public and private vir- 
 tues, being an able and faithful public officer, and an emi- 
 nently useful private citizen. 
 
 Governor Hopkins finished his long, honourable and useful 
 life, on the 20th July, 1785, in the seventy-ninth year of his 
 age. 
 
 HUMPHREY, David, was born in Derby, Connecticut, 
 in July, 1752. In 1767, he entered Yale college, and receiv- 
 ed his first degree in 1771. Whilst in college, he cultivated 
 an attachment to the muses, and disclosed early evidences of 
 poetical talent. During the revolutionary war, he entered 
 the army as a captain; but at what time is not known. 
 
 In 1778, however, he was aid to general Putnam, with the 
 rank of major. Two years after this, he was appointed aid 
 to the commander in chief; having been the successful candi- 
 date of four who solicited the office. His competitors were 
 colonel Talmadge, general William Hull, and Roger Alden. 
 He continued in this situation during the war, having the rank 
 of a colonel, and was particularly distinguished at the memo- 
 rable siege of York; and congress, as a respectful testimony 
 of their high estimation of his valour, fidelity, and signal ser- 
 vices on this occasion, voted him an elegant sword. At the 
 close of the war, he accompanied general Washington to Vir- 
 ginia. In 1784, he embarked for France, in company with 
 the brave but unfortunate Kosciusko; having, on the appoint- 
 ment of Mr. Jefferson as ambassador to France, been nomi- 
 nated as his secretary. In 1786, he returned to America, and 
 revisited the scenes of his youth in his native town. Soon 
 after his return, he was elected by his fellow citizens to be 
 their representative in the legislature of the state, and conti- 
 nued to be elected for two years; when he was appointed to 
 the command of a regiment raised for the western service.-— 
 During the period that he held this office, he remained most 
 of the time in Hartford ; and, with Hopkins, Barlow and 
 Trumbull, assisted in the publication of the Anarch iad. On 
 1he reduction of his regiment, he repaired to Mount Vernon, 
 and continued with general Washington until 1790, when he 
 received an apointment to the court of Portugal. In 1794, 
 he visited America, but soon returned to Lisbon. Soon after 
 this, he received an appointment to the court of Spain, where 
 he continued until 1802, when he again returned to his native 
 
248 HUNTINGTON. 
 
 country. This was the end of his public life. After lib 
 return to America, he was, until his death, extensively engag- 
 ed in various objects of public utility, particularly manufac- 
 tures and agriculture. He is well known to have been one of 
 the first who introduced merino sheep into this country, which 
 has greatly improved the quality of wool, and given a strong 
 impetus to domestic manufactures. He established an exten- 
 sive woolen and cotton factory in his native town, which gave 
 employment to a number of persons. He also did much for 
 the promotion of agriculture, and just previously to his death 
 was making exertions to form a society, for the purpose of 
 procuring a farm for agricultural experiments. 
 
 Genera? Humphrey possessed considerable literary ac- 
 quirements, although he published no work of magnitude; his 
 writings consist principally of various poetical productions. 
 Of these, the most important are. an address to the armies of 
 the United States; a poem on the happiness of America; a 
 poem on the future glory of the United States; a poem on the 
 industry of the United States; a poem on the love of country; 
 and a poem on the death of Washington. He wrote also a 
 memoir of general Putnam, various political tracts, &c. 
 
 He died in New-Haven, 21st February, 1818, aged sixty- 
 six years. 
 
 HUNTINGTON, Samuel, governor of Connecticut, was 
 horn in Windham, in 1732, and descended from an ancient 
 family. In his youth he gave indications of an excellent un- 
 derstanding. Without the advantages of a collegial educa- 
 tion he acquired a competent knowledge of the law, and was 
 early admitted to the bar; soon after which he settled in 
 Norwich, and in a few years became eminent in his profes- 
 sion. 
 
 ••In 1764, Mr. Huntington commenced his political labours as 
 a representative of the town of Norwich in the general assem- 
 bly; and in the following year received the office of king's at- 
 torney, which he sustained with reputation, until more impor- 
 tant services induced him to relinquish it. In 1774, he was 
 appointed an associate judge in the superior court, and in the 
 following year, a member of the council of Connecticut. 
 
 " Being decided in his opposition to the claims and oppres- 
 sions of the British parliament, and active in his exertions in 
 favour of the colonies, the general assembly of Connecticut, 
 properly appreciating his talents and patriotism, appointed 
 him a delegate to congress, on the second Tuesday of Octo- 
 ber, 1775, in conjunction with Roger Sherman, Oliver Wol- 
 cott, Titus Hosmer, and William Williams, Esquires. On 
 the 16th of January, 1776. he took his scat in that venerable 
 assembly, and in the subsequent month of July, affixed hi?. 
 
HUNTINGTON. £49 
 
 signature to an instrument which has excited the admiration 
 of all contemporary nations, and will continue to he cherish- 
 ed and maintained so long as free principles and free institu- 
 tions arc permitted to exist. In this high station, he devoted 
 his talents and time to the public service, during several suc- 
 cessive years. His stern integrity, and inflexible patriotism, 
 rendered him a prominent member, and attracted a large share 
 of the current business of the house; as a member of numerous 
 important committees, he acted with judgment and delibera- 
 tion, and cheerfully and perseveringly dedicated his moments 
 of leisure to the general benefit of the country. He zealously 
 performed the duties of this office during the years 1776, 1777, 
 1778, 1779, and 1780; when he returned to Connecticut, and 
 resumed his station upon the bench, and seat in the council ; 
 which had been continued vacant until his return. 
 
 " The estimation in which Mr. Huntington was held by his 
 fellow members, may be properly appreciated from his ap- 
 pointment, on the 28th of September, 1779, to the highest 
 civil dignity of the country. On the resignation of the honor- 
 able John Jay, who had been appointed minister plenipoten- 
 tiary to negotiate a treaty of amity and commerce, and of al- 
 liance, between the United States of America, and his Catho- 
 lic majesty, Mr. Huntington was elected president of con- 
 gress: in 1780, he was re-elected to the same honorable of- 
 fice, which he continued to fill, with dignity and impartiality, 
 until the following year, when, worn out by the constant 
 cares of public life, and his unremitting application to his of- 
 ficial duties, he desired leave of absence, and intimated to the 
 house the necessity of his returning home for the re-establish- 
 ment of his health. The nomination of his successor was, 
 however, postponed by congress, which appeared unwilling 
 to dispense with the services of a president, whose practical 
 worth had been so long and amply displayed. After the ex- 
 piration of two months, Mr. Huntington, on the sixtli of Ju- 
 ly, 1781, more explicitly declared that his ill state of health 
 would not permit him to continue longer in the exercise of the. 
 duties of that office, and renewed his application for leave of 
 absence. His resignation was then accepted, and Samuel 
 Johnson, Esq. of North Carolina, declining the appointment, 
 the honorable Thomas M'Kean was elevated to the presiden- 
 cy. A few days after his retirement, the thanks of congress 
 were presented to Mr. Huntington, "in testimony of their ap- 
 probation of his conduct in the chair, and in the execution of 
 public business." 
 
 "After having thus pursued his congressional career with 
 distinguished success, rising by the energy of his own mind, 
 and the perseverance of self-instruction, from the plough to 
 
*50 HUNTINGTON, t 
 
 the presidency, Mr. Huntington, in August, 1781, resumed 
 his judicial functions in the superior court of Connecticut, and 
 his station in the council of that state. His rapid exaltation 
 had not proved prejudicial to his mind or manners, hut he re- 
 turned to his constituents in the same plain and unassuming 
 character, which had first attracted their confidence and ad- 
 miration. 
 
 "In May, 1782, he was again elected a delegate to congress, 
 but it does not appear that he joined his colleagues in that 
 body during the year for which he was then appointed. The 
 injury which his health had previously sustained, and his du- 
 ties as a judge, and a counsellor, probably prevented him from 
 becoming an active member of the delegation. But his de- 
 sire to engage in scenes of more general usefulness, overcame 
 these objections at the ensuing election; having been re-ap- 
 pointed in 1783, he resumed his seat in congress in the follow- 
 ing July. He continued, without intermission, to perform his 
 duties in congress until its adjournment to Annapolis, on the 
 4th of November, 1783, when he finally retired from the great 
 council of the nation, of which he had so long been an influ- 
 ential member. 
 
 "In 1784, soon after his return from Congress, he was ap- 
 pointed chief justice of the superior court of Connecticut, and 
 after discharging the duties of that office for one year, was 
 elected lieutenant governor of the state. Having at all times 
 a perfect command over his passions, he presided on the bench 
 with great ability, and impartiality: no judge in Connecticut 
 was more dignified in his deportment, more courteous and po- 
 lite to the gentlemen of the bar, nor more respected by the 
 particular parties interested in the proceedings of the court, 
 as well as the public in general. His name and his virtues 
 are frequently mentioned by those who remember him in his 
 judicial capacity, with respect and veneration. 
 
 "In 1786, he succeeded governor Griswold, as chief magi- 
 strate of the state, and continued to be annually re-elected, 
 with singular unanimity, until his death. 
 
 "This excellent man and undeviating patriot, died in Nor- 
 wich, on the fifth day of January. 1796, in the sixty-fourth 
 year of his age. Although afflicted with a complication of 
 disorders, particularly the dropsy in the chest, his death was 
 tranquil and exemplary, and previous to the singular debility 
 both of mind and body under which he laboured a few days 
 before that event, bis religious confidence continued firm and 
 unwavering. In his person, Mr. Huntington was of the com- 
 mon stature ; his complexion dark, and his eye bright and pen- 
 etrating ; his manners where somewhat formal, and he pos- 
 Bessed a peculiar faculty of repressing impertinence, repelling 
 
HUNTINGTON. £51 
 
 unpleasant advances, and keeping aloof from the criticising 
 observations of the multitude. But in the social circle of 
 relatives and friends, he was a pleasing and entertaining com- 
 panion. 
 
 Few men. possessing all the faculties of education, have 
 attained a greater share of civil honours than the self-taught 
 Huntington. He was a man of profound thought and penetra- 
 tion, of great prudence and practical wisdom, of patient in- 
 vestigation and singular perseverance, and of distinguished 
 moderation and equanimity ; he was cool and deliberate, mo- 
 derate and circumspect in all his actions, and possessed of a 
 clear and sound mind. , 
 
 His deportment in domestic life was excellent ; his temper 
 serene ; and his disposition benevolent. He was the friend of 
 order and of religion, a member of the christian church, and 
 punctual in the devotions of the family. 
 
 Such was Samuel Huntington, the friend of man ; loaded 
 with honours, he attained a good old age. 
 
 In the 4th volume of Sanderson's " Biography of the Sign- 
 ers of the Declaration of Independence," a neat and valuable 
 work, published in Philadelphia, from which we select the 
 greatest portion of the foregoing sketch ; the following just 
 remarks precede the sketch : 
 
 "Among the phalanx of patriots which fearlessly and un- 
 broken, resisted the menaces and efforts of the British gov* 
 eminent to prevent the declaration of independence, it is remar- 
 kable to observe the great proportion that arose from the hum- 
 ble walks of life, and by the vigour of their intellect, and un- 
 wearied perseverance, compensated the deficiencies of early 
 education, and enrolled themselves with honour and capacity, 
 among the Champions of colonial freedom. When we look 
 upon the plough-boy, or the mechanic, self-taught masters in 
 the school of policy, elevated to the dignity of legislation, 
 which, at that period, was conferred upon talents and inte- 
 grity alone ; when we see them seated among the first ranks 
 of that great deliberative body which sealed with solemn 
 pledges its devotion to independence ; we are penetrated with 
 deep emotions of admiration, not only at the powerful perse- 
 verance which rescued them from oblivion, but at the strength 
 of mind and stability of purpose, which influenced and incited 
 humble individuals to aspire to and attain a rank among the 
 fathers and founders of the republic. But it is in times of 
 public commotion, when the minds of men are powerfully agi- 
 tated in the pursuit of favourite and important objects, that 
 talents and genius attain their proper level. In seasons of 
 public prosperity, when the vessel of the state pursues its 
 course with favourable gales, and no adverse winds impede 
 
252 IRVINE. 
 
 its progress, little skill is necessary in the pilot or the crew; 
 but when clouds darken the political horizon, and the tempest 
 approaches, the helm is willingly abandoned to the master- 
 spirits who have skill and resolution to breast the storm." 
 
 HUNTINGTON, Jedediaii, was a native of Norwich, 
 Connecticut, and resided a long time in New London. He 
 was regularly educated at Harvard college, and in early life, 
 engaged in mercantile pursuits; but, at the commencement of 
 the revolutionary contest, his active and enterprising mind, 
 and ardent attachment to the cause of liberty and his coun- 
 try, would not suffer him to remain in the " dull pursuits of 
 civil life," and he entered the army at an early period. In 
 1775, he commanded a regiment. His intelligence, activity, 
 bravery, judgment and fidelity as an officer, secured to him ad- 
 vancement; the affections of the army: the respect and gratitude 
 of his country; and the attachment and lasting confidence of 
 Washington. He continued in the service through the war, 
 and attained to the rank of a general officer. After the peace 
 of 1783, securing the independence of the colonies, the object 
 of his solicitude and of his toils, he retired to his residence in 
 his native state, where he was employed in various civil offices, 
 until appointed by President Washington collector of the 
 public revenue of the port of New-London ; the duties of which 
 office he discharged, to the entire satisfaction of the public 
 and the government, during a period, embracing four succes- 
 sive administrations. 
 
 He died on the 25th of September, 1818, aged 75 years. 
 
 IRVINE, William, the subject of this biographical sketch, 
 was a native of the Emerald Isle, which has given to the world 
 so many distinguished men, and to which the United States 
 have been indebted for so large a portion of their best soldiers 
 and most useful citizens. General Irvine's ancestors ori- 
 ginally emigrated to Ireland from the north of Scotland. His 
 grandfather was an officer in the corps of grenadiers that 
 fought so gallantly at the battle of the Boyne. General 
 Wayne's grandfather bore a commission in the same service. 
 It is a curious coincidence that their descendants should be 
 found in the same state and corps, in a new T world, contend- 
 ing for the same cause. 
 
 Of Mr. Irvine's parentage and early life, we know less than 
 we could wish, but enough to shew, that both were highly 
 respectable. His elementary education commenced at a gram- 
 mar school in Emskellcn, (near which he was born) and was 
 completed at the college of Dublin. Being now of an age 
 when it became proper to select a profession, his own choice 
 led strongly to that of arms, and a friend of the family (La- 
 dy Cole) went so far as to procure for him a cornetcy of dra- 
 
IRVINE. 253 
 
 goons; but the \> iser calculations of his parents overruled this 
 arrangement, and instead of placing him in the army, enter- 
 ed him a student of medicine and surgery, under the celebrat- 
 ed C leghorn; and that the pupil was worthy of the preceptor, 
 may be fairly presumed from the fact, that on closing his stu- 
 dies, he was immediately appointed surgeon of a British ship 
 of war. 
 
 The incident last mentioned, took place during that long 
 contest between Fiance and England, which began in 1754, 
 and terminated in 1763. It was in the course of several years 
 of hard and constant service, that becoming acquainted with 
 the condition of society in this country, he took the resolu- 
 tion of seeking a professional establishment here, and accord- 
 ingly, within a few months after the declaration of peace, ar- 
 rived in America. Attracted by the number and character of 
 his countrymen, who had located themselves in the interior 
 of Pennsylvania, he made his way thither, and in 1764, be- 
 came an inhabitant of Carlisle. Nor was he Ions; in this new 
 situation, until, by diligence and skill, he was able to recom- 
 mend himself to general confidence, in despite of manners ha- 
 bitually reserved and even occasionally austere, and which 
 utterly excluded the use of those gossiping and parasitical 
 means, so often and so scandalously employed in giving birth 
 and currency to medical fame. Professional ascendancy, 
 resting on foundations so little liable to change, continued una- 
 bated till, in 1774, he was called to take part in the political 
 controversy which terminated in the independence of the co- 
 lonies. 
 
 The few who have survived the times of which we speak, 
 and who are yet living, will remember, that this was the most 
 critical period of our history ; because that which left it 
 doubtful, whether the pending and separate discussions of the 
 colonies would eventuate in a union. To effect this object, 
 required great prudence, activity and perseverance, and in 
 Pennsylvania in particular, these qualities were held in con- 
 stant requisition, to overcome the mischievous tendency of 
 religious scruples, which disaffected more than one important 
 sect of the community; of national prejudices, inseparable 
 from a population made up of different nations, habits and 
 languages; and, lastly, of proprietary influence, which, operat- 
 ing through the multiplied channels of friends and agents, 
 addressed itself alike to the hopes and fears of the whole com- 
 munity. Yet by the wisdom and energy of a few disinterest- 
 ed men, of whom Mr. Irvine was one, Pennsylvania was pi- 
 loted through these political straits, and brought safely into 
 the union. As a first step in this direction, it was agreed 
 that a meeting should be held in Philadelphia, and followed, 
 
£54 IRVINE. 
 
 in rapid succession, by similar assemblages in the different 
 counties of the province. The meeting took place in Phi- 
 ladelphia, the 18th day of June, and on the 15th of July, a 
 provincial convention came together in that city, who prompt- 
 ly recommended the selection and sitting of a general con- 
 gress : denounced the Boston port bill as unconstitutional ; 
 expressed their sympathies with the sufferers under it, and 
 declared their willingness and determinations to make any 
 sacrifice necessary for the support of American rights. 
 
 Of this convention, Mr. Irvine continued to be a diligent 
 and influential member, until, in January, 1776, he was ap- 
 pointed to raise and command a regiment of the Pennsylva- 
 nia line. The activity put into this new service, was highly 
 creditable to the commander and his subordinate officers, as 
 in less than five months from the date of his instructions, we 
 find the regiment raised, clothed, and equipped, and marched 
 to the mouth of the river Sorrel, in Canada; and on the 10th 
 of June, uniting with Thompson's brigade in the unsuccessful 
 attempt made by that corps to surprize the van guard of the 
 British army, then stationed at the village of Trois Rivieres. 
 In this enterprise, the commanding general and colonel Ir- 
 vine, with about two hundred subordinate officers and pri- 
 vates, who formed the head of the attack, were made prison- 
 ers and carried to Quebec: a misfortune sufficiently great in 
 itself, but much aggravated in the present case by the fact, 
 that though we had prisoners of commensurate rank ready for 
 exchange, yet that from some misunderstanding between the 
 two governments, or their agents, no exchange was made un- 
 til April, 1778. To compensate colonel Irvine in some de- 
 gree, for a mortification so severe and so long continued, he 
 at this last epoch found himself placed at the head of the se- 
 cond Pennsylvania brigade, (a corps of great and merited 
 distinction) which he continued to command until the fall of 
 1781, when he was detached to Pittsburg, and charged with 
 the defence of the north-western frontier, then menaced with 
 a British and Indian invasion. 
 
 No one could better appreciate the difficulties of this com- 
 mand, and the qualities necessary to meet and overcome them, 
 than general Washington, with whom this arrangement ori- 
 ginated. He, well knew, that besides the want of pay and 
 clothing, and, not (infrequently, even subsistence itself, which 
 was common to every division of the army, the command at 
 Pittsburg had many embarrassments peculiar to itself, and of 
 a character which rendered the selection of the officer ap- 
 pointed to it, a matter of great care and circumspection. We 
 need hardly remark, that the circumstance to which we more 
 particularly allude, is the well known controversy which 
 
IRVINE. 255 
 
 iiicn existed between Pennsylvania and Virginia, on the sub- 
 ject of boundary: and which seriously, and for a long time, 
 embittered many individuals of the two states against each 
 other. Nor was this personal and private excitement the w orst 
 consequences attending it. Public bodies, whatever may have 
 been their feelings, could not put into their official acts, that 
 violence and indecorum which marked the conduct, and even 
 constituted the merit of individuals: who, in their turn, re- 
 sented this moderation of their leaders, as a censure on them- 
 selves, and were thus led from contemning the authority of a 
 neighbouring state, into an open disrespect for that of their 
 own. And hence it was. that military expeditions were un- 
 dertaken, without authority of any kind: that friendly and 
 christianised Indians, were selected as subjects on whom to 
 retaliate the injuries received from those who were in a savage 
 and hostile state; that the military posts and stores of the na- 
 tion were menaced with attack ; and, lastly, that proposi- 
 tions for a separation from the union, were openly discussed 
 and seriously advocated. It was in this wretched state of 
 things, with a regular force wholly incompetent to the exi- 
 gencies of the service; with a militia equally destitute of 
 knowledge and discipline: with a civil authority utterly de- 
 void of power, and a population (with some exceptions) indif- 
 ferent, if not disaffected to government, that general Irvine 
 entered into the duties assigned to him. His whole conduct 
 shewed, that he did not despair of bringing order out of con- 
 fusion: for, after repairing and strengthening his forts, and 
 increasing his stock of ammunition and subsistence, besought 
 out the two contending factions, and in a short time satisfied 
 both of his impartiality, care, economy, disinterestedness and 
 devotion to the public good. By thus confirming friends and 
 conciliating enemies, his force, moral and physical, was much 
 increased, and was probably the cause of turning aside the 
 blow meditated against Pittsburg; and which about that time 
 fell so dreadfully on another point of the frontier, where simi- 
 lar disturbances existed, but where were wanting equal vigi- 
 lance and prudence to control. The reader will readily per- 
 ceive that in this observation, we refer to Wyoming. 
 
 General Irvine's services on the frontiers were now deemed 
 loo important to be dispensed with, and he was accordingly 
 continued in this command till the peace, when the qualities 
 which had recommended him to public confidence were neither 
 forgotten or disregarded. Among the provisions made, by 
 'he state of Pennsylvania, for the better remuneration of the 
 army, was the grant of a large tract of land, situate on the 
 western side of the Ohio and Allegheny, and bordering on 
 these rivers. As, however, few large tracts arc uniformh 
 
256 IRVINE. 
 
 good, so it was presumed, that a portion of this was either of 
 middling or bad quality, and as the whole contained a sur- 
 plusage beyond what would be sufficient for the line, the go- 
 vernment, in the liberal spirit of the grant, created an agen- 
 cy for exploring and characterising the different parts of the 
 tract; to the end, that what they did give, should really be 
 what the law had intended, a bounty to the receiver, and not 
 merely a surface of barren and measured acres. This agen- 
 cy, at the instance of the troops, was conferred on general Ir- 
 vine, who, notwithstanding the disagreements attending it, 
 promptly undertook its execution, and in November, 1785, re- 
 ported the result of his mission, and received from the execu- 
 tive authority its entire approbation of the course he had pur- 
 sued, and the opinions he had given. Among the latter of these 
 was one, which, though not immediately connected with his 
 official duties, was so interesting to the state, as to merit its 
 particular notice. We allude to the advice given, of the im- 
 portance to Pennsylvania of acquiring by purchase from the 
 United States, a small tract of land ceded to them by the state 
 of New York, and which, from its shape, took the name of 
 the Triangle. The negociation was opened on the general's 
 suggestion, and having been successful, gave to the purchasing 
 state a considerable front on Lake Erie, and with it, one or 
 more of the best harbors of this inland sea. On closing the 
 business of the land agency, general Irvine was elected a 
 member of congress under the confederation. 
 
 It was about this date, that the great national account be- 
 tween the several states and the United States, which began 
 with the war, and which had not hitherto been subjected to any 
 official examination assumed a very urgent character from the 
 admitted fact, that the contributions made by the several 
 members of the confederation, had been unequal; some of these 
 having given much, and others, having given little or nothing. 
 To relieve the embarrassments growing out of this circum- 
 stance, and which every additional day had a tendency to mul- 
 tiply and aggravate, Congress proceeded to institute a board 
 of commissioners, with powers to examine and settle this mass 
 of old and complicated business. Of this board, general Irvine 
 was chosen a member; and (associated with Mr. Kain, of 
 South Carolina, and Mr. Oilman, of New Hampshire) ac- 
 complished the task in a short time, and, as we understand, to 
 the satisfaction of all the parties concerned. 
 
 Nothing could be more general or inveterate, than the pre- 
 judice which existed in Pennsylvania, against monarchical 
 principles (in government) at the time in which we have 
 brought this sketch ; hut however justly founded in the ab- 
 stract, it was unfortunately restricted to the executive depart- 
 
IRVINE, 257 
 
 Jnent, no one imagining that any abuse of power could attach 
 to a legislative body, emanating directly and annually, from! 
 the people. Hence it was, that the framers of their first con- 
 stitution (of whom Benjamin Franklin was one) in their anx- 
 iety to avoid Charybdis, ran directly upon Scylla, for after 
 enfeebling and reducing the executive authority to a shadow, 
 they left the legislative branch (composed of one house) pos- 
 sessed of all power, and without the smallest check on its 
 vices, follies, or ignorance, excepting what might result from 
 a septennial council of censors, whose decisions involved no 
 penal consequences to offenders of any description. This ab- 
 surd system had, however, many friends, and generated in the 
 community a controversy of bad temper and long standing, 
 marked, on more than one occasion, with blood. But time, 
 which is always confirming prejudices, or curing them, was, 
 on this occasion, sapping the foundations of error, and would 
 perhaps of itself have furnished an antidote for the evil, when, 
 fortunately, the adoption of the new constitution of the 
 United States, came in aid of its operations, and by laying 
 down sounder principles of representative government, hast- 
 ened the decision of the people of Pennsylvania in favour of 
 a change of their own particular constitution. Of the con- 
 vention to whom this duty was confided, general Irvine was a 
 member, and heartily united in rescuing the state from the 
 reproach, under which she had so long and so deservedly la- 
 bo u red. 
 
 When, in 1796. the wfriskey makers and whiskey drinkers 
 of the west, broke out into wild and open insurrection, neither 
 the feelings of the nation, nor the circumspection of Wash- 
 ington, permitted a resort to arms, until after an appeal had 
 been made to the understanding and the duties of the offend- 
 ers, by persons competent to the task, and not suspected of any 
 particular connexion with the policy which had produced the 
 excitement. Two sets of commissioners, the one represent- 
 ing the United States, the other Pennsylvania, were accord- 
 ingly appointed and despatched to the neighborhood of the 
 insurgents, with powers to offer an indemnity for the past 
 and security for the future, on condition only of a prompt and 
 unqualified return, on their part, to all the duties of obedience, 
 Of the state commissioners, general Irvine was one, recom- 
 mended alike by the firmness and probity of his character, and 
 the high standing he was supposed to have in the confidence 
 of the western district. Nor was this personal standing over- 
 rated; but the feverish temperament of a mob will generally 
 run its career: the moment for cool deliberation had not yet 
 arrived; the character and the motives of the mission were 
 both mistaken, and the overtures of the two governments 
 
m IRVINE. 
 
 ( equally wise and benevolent) were openly and contemptuous- 
 ly rejected. When the report of this failure reached the seat 
 of government, measures of force were vigorously, though re- 
 luctantly, adopted, and general Irvine was placed at the head 
 of the Pennsylvania militia, and by his local knowledge con- 
 tributed much to the facility of the march and the other mili- 
 tary operations. 
 
 His advanced age, and the better accommodation of his fa- 
 mily, induced the general about this time to remove from Car- 
 lisle to Philadelphia; and that he might not, in this new si- 
 tuation, be altogether without occupation, he accepted the ap- 
 pointment of Intendant of military stores, a place, at that pe- 
 riod, of very limited objects, but which subsequently became 
 the basis of that important department, so ably tilled by his 
 son and successor, Mr. Callender Irvine. He served also as 
 president of the Pennsylvania society of the Cincinnati; and 
 it was in the discharge of some of the duties growing out of 
 that or both of these appointments, that, in the summer of 
 1804, he was attacked by an inflammatory disorder, which ter- 
 minated his useful life, in the 63d year of his age. 
 
 From this brief and hasty sketch of general Irvine's public 
 services and appointments, the reader wi 1 conclude, as we do, 
 that he was a zealous patriot, a judicious statesman, an able 
 military commander, and, in a word, a careful and intelligent 
 and conscientious executor of all public trusts confided to his 
 management. Nor were his domestic habits less worthy of 
 imitation: a kind, attentive husband, an affectionate parent, 
 an indulgent master, a faithful friend, and a liberal enemy; 
 Lis private life furnished a constant and happy illustration of 
 the maxim, that "an honest man is the noblest work of God." 
 
 IRVINE, Andrew, the subject of this notice, was a native 
 of Ireland, and brother of general William Irvine. There 
 were three brothers in the American army, during the revo- 
 lutionary war, William, Andrew, and Dr.' Mathew Irvine, of 
 Charleston, South Carolina, who is still living. Andrew en- 
 tered the army at an early period of the war, as a lieutenant 
 in his brother's regiment. He marched with that regiment 
 to Canada, and was engaged in the various operations in that, 
 province, in the division under the command of general 
 Wayne. Continuing with this command, he participated in 
 the several actions which took place prior to the massacre at 
 the Paoli. On that occasion, he received seventeen bayonet 
 wounds. After his recovery, he joined his regiment and v as 
 in constant service in the northern campaigns, and when the 
 Pennsylvania line was ordered to the south, he accompanied 
 those troops. There were few officers in our army, that saw 
 more active service, or who acquitted themselves more gal- 
 lantly than captain Irvine. 
 
IRWIN— JACKSON. 259 
 
 After the war, he retired into private life, and died at Car- 
 lisle, in Pennsylvania, on the 4th of May, 1789. 
 
 IRWIN, .Tared, was horn in Mecklinburg county, North 
 Carolina. He migrated to Georgia, at about seven years of 
 age, and was for many years on the Indian frontier, and dur- 
 ing the latter part of the revolutionary war, actively employ- 
 ed in a skirmishing warfare against thetories and Indians, in 
 which situation he was, by his neighbours and compatriots, 
 looked up as to their guide and support. At the close of the 
 war, he was chosen a delegate to the Georgia legislature, the 
 first that ever comened under our present form of goverment, 
 which met in Savannah, in 1784, and from that time till his 
 decease, was always in some high public station. 
 
 He died at Union, Washington comity, Georgia, on the 1st 
 of March, 1818, in the sixty-eighth year of his age. In the 
 death of this gentleman, Georgia has lost an old and faithful 
 servant: he was frequently chosen governor of the state, and 
 except when in the executive chair, was generally a member of 
 the senate, and for many years president of that body. 
 
 JACKSON, James, was born at Morcton-Hampstead, in 
 the county of Devon, in England, on the 21st day of Septem- 
 ber, 1757. We are not in possession of any materials which 
 exjdain the motives of his determination to leave his native 
 country. We only know, that he migrated to the state of 
 Georgia, in the year 1772, and was placed under the protec- 
 tion of John Wereat, Esquire, an old and intimate friend of 
 his father. 
 
 At this early age we are authorised to suppose, that young 
 Jackson's mind had received impressions unfavourable to the 
 political institutions of his own country. In these impres- 
 sions he was no doubt encouraged by his worthy father, whose 
 opinions and principles, it is said, were always on the side of 
 freedom and the rights of man. 
 
 This gentleman had, at an early period, evinced a partiality 
 for the privileges of his American brethren, and in the circle 
 of his family and friends, vehemently contended against the 
 right of Parliament to tax the colonies. The bold and deci- 
 sive opposition made by the colonists to this supremacy of 
 power, was to the father of Jackson a subject of great exul- 
 tation. He held up their spirit of freedom, as an example 
 worthy the imitation of his own countrymen, and his frequent 
 panegyrics on the " American sons of liberty," gave an irrer 
 sistible bias in their favour to the mind of James. He sighed 
 to become one of a people, who had displayed that enthusias- 
 tic devotion to liberty, which had already taken possession of his 
 own feelings, and in America he conceived he would trace some 
 resemblances to the virtue and heroism which had distin= 
 
260 JACKSON. 
 
 guished the ancient republics of Rome and Greece. Young 
 Jackson, from the republican writers of his country, and the 
 principles of his family, had imbibed the most inveterate pre- 
 judices against the hereditary and factitious distinctions of 
 the British aristocracy; and the principle that a man should 
 be bom a king, or a legislator, was alternately the subject of 
 his ridicule or indignation. The whole system of monarchy, 
 appeared to him an hideous usurpation on the natural rights 
 of man, and considered as a violation of those rights to oppose 
 such a system could be neither treason or rebellion. 
 
 With sentiments so favourable to liberty, and thus early 
 imbibed, young Jackson parted from his friends in England, 
 and arrived at Savannah, in Georgia, in the year 1772. 
 
 Some men are constitutionally brave, others are brave from 
 reflection; from a nice sensibility to public opinion. 
 
 Nature had destined Jackson for a soldier, and had gifted 
 him with all the properties of a constitutional courage. It may 
 be said of him, without exaggeration, that he wooed danger, 
 and that he never was appalled by the perils and difficulties 
 which at any time surrounded him. Such a man was not fit 
 for the calm of despotism, or for those scenes which do not 
 require the exercise of boldness, activity and enterprise. 
 
 The period of Jackson's arrival and domiciliation in the 
 state of Georgia, was favourable to the full developement of 
 those vigorous traits with which nature had marked his cha- 
 racter. 
 
 The military genius of Mr. Jackson panted for an oppor- 
 tunity of displaying itself. Nature had formed him an intre- 
 pid soldier, and he felt all the patriotism of a native Ameri- 
 can. Against the oppressions and usurpations of the British 
 monarchy he had offered his services, and in defence of the 
 liberties of his adopted country he was prepared to sacrifice 
 his life. 
 
 The first opportunity that presented itself, and which open- 
 ed a field for the display of his courage and ardor, was when 
 Barclay and Grant proposed an attack on Savannah. 
 
 Among the volunteers sent on this service, were John Mo- 
 rel, Thomas Hamilton, James Bryan, and James Jackson.. — 
 At this time Jackson was not nineteen years of age, and the 
 voluntary offer of his services in this bold exploit, not only 
 evinced great firmness of character, but unequivocally con- 
 firmed the opinion entertained of his zeal and patriotism. 
 
 At the attack of Tybee, his gallantry attracted the notice 
 of Archibald Bulloch, Esq. then exercising the executive 
 functions of the state, and whose thanks and approbation he 
 had the honor to receive. 
 
 He was shortly afterwards appointed to the command of a 
 
JACKSON. £61 
 
 % oliinteer company of light infantry; but some discontents hav- 
 ing taken place between himself and his men, in which he 
 conceived a proper support was not afforded him by his colonel, 
 he resigned this command about the time that the invasion of 
 East Florida was resumed by general Howe. In this expe- 
 dition however no laurels would have decorated the brows of 
 the enterprising Jackson. 
 
 In the latter part of the year 1778, he was appointed bri- 
 gade major of the Georgia militia. 
 
 Instances of patriotism are recorded of the American prison- 
 ers, which evince the virtuous heroism men are always inspired 
 with in their struggles for republican liberty. "We have 
 been unfortunate in battle, (said they) but the chains of the 
 victors, shall not humble the independency of our character; 
 or compel us to abdicate our duty to our country." 
 
 Resolutely refusing to enlist into the service of his Britan- 
 nic majesty, they were crowded on board of his prison ships; 
 and in those receptacles of misery and pestilence the heroes 
 were swept away by disease and famine. Even the hour of 
 death did not rescue them from the brutal sufferings of the 
 British soldiery. The words, "rebel scoundrels," resounded 
 in their ears in the last moments of their tortures. 
 
 Dr. Ramsay has pathetically described the fate of Allen, 
 who lost his life in a bold attempt to escape from his terrible 
 confinement. These were Georgians; however his fellow pris- 
 oners, who envied his fate, would cheerfully have embra- 
 ced it. Death was preferable to the horrors of their loath- 
 some confinement, or to the ease and liberation that would im- 
 mediately have accompanied a political apostacy. 
 
 It was the good fortune of Jackson to escape from captivity 
 and a prison ship; but the possession of Savannah, having 
 cut off all his little resources, he was now compelled to fly be- 
 fore the triumphant enemy, and to encounter all the privations 
 and distresses of a pennyless, and destitute soldier. Jack- 
 son's mind, however, was not of a common complexion. For- 
 tified by the courage of a soldier, he was enabled to combat 
 with the wants of the man. The capture or dispersion of the 
 Georgia militia having taken from him the duties of an officer, 
 he did not disdain to assume the station of a common soldier. 
 
 When Prevost crossed the Savannah river, Jackson was in 
 the camp of Moultrie, and in that general's retreat marched as 
 a common soldier from Purisburgh to Dorchester. Among 
 other adventures of '"this barefoot expedition" (as he styles 
 it in one of Ids papers) he was arrested by a party of South 
 Carolina militia, and had nearly suffered an ignominious 
 death under a suspicion that he was a spy. A strange suspi- 
 cion to be attached to the patriotic Jackson, who was at that 
 
262 JACKSON. 
 
 moment affording the most convincing proofs of his zeal in 
 the cause of American liberty ! A release and apology im- 
 mediatety accompanied the knowledge of his character and 
 services. In the siege and storm of Savannah, he in common 
 with the Georgians, behaved with his usual gallantry. 
 
 The officers of Georgia who had not commands formed them- 
 selves in a volunteer corps under colonel Marbury, and lead, 
 the advance of Huger's column. In this corps it is supposed 
 Major Jackson had enrolled himself. 
 
 From the field of battle, the impetuosity of major Jackson's 
 character easily led him into the field of private honor. In 
 the year 1780, he fought a duel with lieutenant governor 
 Welis, in which combat Mr. Wells lost his life, and major 
 Jackson was badly wounded in both of his knees. 
 
 Recovering from his dangerous wounds, he retreated with 
 governor Howley through the state of South Carolina, then ia 
 complete possession of the British. 
 
 In August, 1780, he joined colonel Clarke's camp, and was 
 in the celebrated action of Blackstocks. " On the 20th of 
 this month, general Sumpter was attacked at Blackstocks near 
 Tyger river, by lieutenant colonel Tarleton, at the head of a 
 considerable party. 
 
 " The action was severe and obstinate. The killed and 
 wounded of the British was considerable. Among the former 
 were three officers, major Money, lieutenants Gibson and 
 Cope. The Americans lost very few; but general Sumpter 
 received a wound, which for many months l interrupted his 
 gallant enterprises in behalf of the state.' His zeal and ac- 
 tivity in animating the American militia, when they were dis- 
 couraged by repeated defeats, and the bravery and good con- 
 duct he displayed in sundry attacks on the British detach- 
 ments, procured him the applause of his countrymen, and 
 thanks of congress." 
 
 The dexterity of some of the Georgia Wilkes county rifle- 
 men was truly astonishing. Instances are mentioned of a ri- 
 fleman killing a dragoon in front, then falling on the ground, 
 loading his rifle, and killing another dragoon who had charg- 
 ed him in the rear. 
 
 In a note to Cornwallis, (which major Jackson intercepted, 
 and long obtained the possession of) Tarleton attempts to 
 cover his disgrace in this action, by informing his lordship that 
 he had come up with, and cut to pieces the rebel rear guard. 
 This rear guard was, however, nothing more than a small re- 
 connoitering party, commanded by captain Patrick Carr, who 
 had taken prisoners some tories and mill-boys. On sight of 
 the British, Carr, as he had been ordered, retreated to make 
 a report, leaving the wretched tories at the mercy of colonel 
 Tarleton. 
 
JACKSON. 263 
 
 'Their loyalty did not save them from the sabres of his dra- 
 goons; they were cut to pieces, which saved them probably 
 from a milder fate than Carr had reserved for them. 
 
 Twiggs remained on the field of battle two hours after it 
 had ended, and detached major Jackson after the British, who 
 captured and brought off thirty of their horses. The British 
 force consisted of seven hundred men, the greatest part of 
 whom were regulars. The Americans brought into action 
 only four huniu .d and twenty militia, as appears from a com- 
 parison of tin- returns of major Jackson, and the brigade ma- 
 jor of general Sumpter. 
 
 The British lost in killed ninety-two, and upwards of one 
 hundred wounded; among our brave countrymen, Sumpter 
 and two others were wounded, and one killed. The conduct 
 of major Jackson in this action gained him a high and well- 
 earned reputation among the militia of South Carolina and 
 Georgia. 
 
 Such was his influence and popularity at this period, and 
 such was the unbounded confidence reposed in him, that he 
 more than once, after colonel Clarke had been disabled by a 
 wound at Long Cane, saved his camp from a total abandon- 
 ment. 
 
 From the field of Blackstocks we will next conduct major 
 Jackson to the battle of the Cowpens, in which he acquired 
 much glory, and the marked approbation of general Morgan 
 The details of this battle are in the possession of every one. 
 It is only our duty to advert to them as they may be immedi- 
 ately connected with the particular conduct of major Jackson. 
 The day preceding this memorable engagement, the gallant 
 Morgan was joined by the militia under the command of Pick- 
 ens. Morgan was then at the Cowpens, and had resolved to 
 give battle to the enemy. The Georgia and South Carolina 
 militia were incorporated, and placed under the command of 
 Pickens, who appointed major Jackson brigade major of the 
 whole. 
 
 On this day he had the honour to receive the sword of ma- 
 jor M'Arthur of the British infantry, whom he conducted to 
 general Morgan, and to receive the thanks of the general on 
 the field of battle, for his useful and conspicuous services dur- 
 ing the engagement. Major Jackson's name is not mentioned 
 in general Morgan's report of meritorious officers, an omis- 
 sion which has been attributed to the inattention of his aid, 
 major Giles. 
 
 After the signal victory of the Cowpens, Morgan hastened 
 with his trophies and prisoners to cross the Catawba. The 
 historian informs us, that the interposition of a flood of ram, 
 checked the eager pursuit of Cornwallis, and gave time to 
 
564 JACKSON. 
 
 the American chief, not only to place his trophies and prison- 
 ers beyond the reach of the enemy, but to indulge his soldiers 
 with the short repose they had so nobly deserved. The act 
 of God had thus retarded the rapid movements of the pursuing 
 British : but the fords of the Catawba being at length practi- 
 cable, Cornwallis made his preparations to force a passage. 
 
 The ford at Mr. Cowen's was the point to which his prin- 
 cipal attention was directed. There the brave general Da- 
 vidson and a body of North Carolina militia had posted them- 
 selves. 
 
 The fall of this commander was the signal for the disper- 
 sion of the militia. They fled, and were pursued by Tarle- 
 ton, who obtaining information that a party of militia had col- 
 lected at Torrans' tavern, ten miles from Mr. Cowen's ford, 
 moved off thither with his dragoons to surprise, and attack 
 them. The assault of the cavalry was immediate and impetu- 
 ous; the militia assembled there were dispersed, and fifty of 
 them slaughtered. 
 
 Major Jackson had crossed the Catawba with Morgan, and 
 in this skirmish displayed great personal courage in many 
 bold attempts to rally the broken ranks of the militia. The 
 perils he encountered this day, induced a belief that he had 
 been slain, and he was accordingly reported to general Mor- 
 gan, as one of the killed. 
 
 His conduct in general Picken's brigade, in the whole of its 
 severe duty in North Carolina, has been noticed in the 
 certificate of that general. It met the approbation of general 
 Greene, and the merit and gallantry which attracted the notice 
 of that wise and illustrious commander, could have been of 
 no ordinary complexion. 
 
 The battle of Guilford had completely reversed the destinies 
 of the two armies. The British were left in possession of the 
 field, but that was the only "positive good" (as it is expressed 
 by the historian) derived from their victory. Greene was 
 prepared to renew the combat. Cornwallis has taken his 
 measures to seek security in a retreat. Such was the victory 
 of Guilford. 
 
 Disappointed in his expectation of bringing on another gen- 
 eral action by a further pursuit of the victorious enemy, Greene 
 halted and deliberated, the result of which was a determina- 
 tion to re-commence hostilities in South- Carolina. This de- 
 termination, bold and happily conceived, offered to Cornwal- 
 lis the alternative of again following him. or of abandoning 
 the British garrisons in the back parts of South- Carolina and 
 Georgia. 
 
 The resolution being formed of making South-Carolina the 
 seat of war. general Pickens received orders to collect the 
 
JACKSON. 265 
 
 militia of his brigade, and to intercept and destroy all convoys 
 and supplies intended for the posts of Ninety-Six and Augus- 
 ta. But at this time colonel Baker had undertaken an ex- 
 pedition against the upper country of Georgia, upon intelli- 
 gence of which major Jackson left South Carolina, and re- 
 paired to the standard of that otiicer. 
 
 After encountering all the difficutics and dangers of a passage 
 through an hostile country, major Jackson arrived in Geor- 
 gia, and was immediately ordered with the gallant major 
 Samuel Hammond to re-cross into South Carolina, and to or- 
 ganize the militia on that side of the Savannah river. Two 
 hundred and fifty men were collected hy these officers, and the 
 command given to colonel Leroy Hammond. The British 
 had now lost six of their posts ; and the next object of the 
 Americans was the reduction of the garrisons of Ninety-Six 
 and Augusta. 
 
 At this period, agreeably to a promise made him, when af> 
 tached to Pickens' brigade, he received from general Greene, 
 a colonel's commission for a partisan legion, which his well 
 established popularity, influence and bravery, enabled him to 
 fill in the course of a few days. He was also appointed com- 
 mandant of Augusta. He afterwards marched into Wilkes 
 county to succour the militia and inhabitants under colonel 
 Clarke, who were menaced by the garrison of Ninety-Six, 
 and the tories of South Carolina. 
 
 He maintained the post at Augusta until a legislature w r as 
 convened there, in August, 1781, when Nathan Brownson was 
 elected governor, and colonel Twiggs, in consideration of his 
 gallant services, was at the same time appointed a brigadier 
 general. 
 
 In September, the general, with the legion of colonel Jack- 
 son in advance, took a position midway between Augusta and 
 Savannah, from whence he was engaged in perpetual skir- 
 mishes with the enemy. Some short time previous to the march 
 of the militia from Augusta, British emissaries had nearly ef- 
 fected a revolt in colonel Jackson's legion. Intelligence of 
 these intrigues were communicated to the colonel by his ser- 
 vant, David Davis, one of his dragoons, who by affecting an 
 animosity against the colonel, obtained a full knowledge of 
 the intended mutiny. Their plan was to bayonet the colonel 
 in his bed, which service was to have been performed by his 
 own quarter guard; to murder the principal officers, and to 
 conduct the governor to the British in Savannah. 
 
 Not a moment was now to be lost; every thing depended 
 upon an instantaneous boldness and decision. The colonel 
 sent immediate orders to his dragoons not engaged in the con- 
 spiracy, to repair to him. On their arrival, he ordered the 
 
26G JACKSON. 
 
 infantry to turn out without arms, under the pretence of re~ 
 ceiving clothing, and in this situation he came in full charge 
 wpon them with his dragoons. A court martial was convened 
 and the ringleaders executed. Such were the happy effects 
 produced hy this austere discipline, that ever afterwards 
 the greatest confidence was reposed in the fidelity and bra- 
 very of the infantry. 
 
 I A November, 1781, general Twiggs detached colonel Jack- 
 son, with Stalling's dragoons, M'Kay's riflemen, and Carr's 
 volunteer dragoons, to surprize the British fort at Ogechce 
 ferry. This service was performed with great address and se- 
 crecy. The attack of the white house was conducted with 
 the same caution and success; a surrender almost immediately 
 followed the appearance of the Americans; but the glory of this 
 brilliant exploit was soon obscured by the rash and sangui- 
 nary act of captain Carr, who killing one of the British of- 
 ficers after the surrender, the rest resumed their arms, and 
 retiring to a fortified house, compelled the colonel to relin- 
 quish his prize. 
 
 The next object which presented itself was the strong post 
 of militia, established at Butler's house, under the command 
 of a captain Goldsmith. This post was carried by assault, 
 and the whole of the British party killed or captured. A 
 few hours after the reduction of this post, the battle was re- 
 newed with the whole force of colonel Campbell's cavalry. — 
 The situation of colonel Jackson was now critical and alarm- 
 ing. No contest could have been more unequal. M'Kay's 
 riflemen had left him to collect the spoils of their preceding 
 victories; and the defection of these men had now reduced his 
 force to forty-nine of Stallings and Carr's dragoons, and 
 eight dismounted militia, under the command of captain Wil- 
 liam Greene. With this small force, he had to combat with 
 eighty-five British dragoons, well accoutered and equipped, 
 Greene's men were ordered to advance in front of a hammoc- 
 thicket, which covered the dragoons. 
 
 This little band having received the first shock of the Bri- 
 tish horse, the dragoons of Jackson immediately charged and 
 broke the centre of their column. The British cavalry fled, 
 and were pursued; but being stopped by a fence, they rallied 
 and formed. The American dragoons slowly retired. The 
 British did not think it prudent to follow them. The enemy 
 lost in killed and wounded, forty-two officers and privates, 
 within seven of the whole force of the American dragoons ; 
 whose loss amounted to six killed and seven wounded, and 
 five taken prisoners, among whom was captain Bugg of the 
 Legion. This action being represented to general Greene, 
 iic wrote a letter to governor Brownson, in which he applauded 
 
JACKSON. 267 
 
 in high terms the gallantry of colonel Jackson, anil promised 
 to communicate it to congress. 
 
 The battle of the 21st May, 1782, with colonel Brown, 
 brought to a conclusion the revolutionary services of colonel 
 Jackson. On this day he was ordered to take a position near 
 the plantation of James Habersham. Here he was informed, 
 that a troop of British dragoons were stationed at Ogcchee 
 ferry. Having posted the main body of his detachment at 
 Little Ogcrhee bridge, he moved on with his horse, and a few 
 mounted infantry, and fell in at Fox's with a large body of Bri- 
 tish militia and regulars. These he charged, but being re- 
 pulsed by a superiority of numbers, retreated in good order 
 to join the main body at the bridge of Little Ogechee. The 
 British continued the pursuit until the colonel had reached his 
 detachment, with which he made so prompt and judicious a 
 manoeuvre, as nearly to have taken prisoners the whole of 
 the enemy's horse. 
 
 This skirmish was of great importance to general Wayne, 
 as by diminishing the force of the British cavalry, it tended 
 to facilitate his victory over colonel Brown. 
 
 On the 12th of July, 1782, the British evacuated Savananh, 
 and in consequence of the military and meritorious services 
 (as it was expressed by general Wayne) colonel Jackson was 
 ordered to enter and take possession of the town. The keys 
 of the gates were delivered him by a committee of British of- 
 ficers, and he had the pleasure, the proud satisfaction, of being 
 the first man who entered the town, from whence, in 1778, he 
 and his brother soldiers and patriots had been driven and 
 exiled. 
 The following orders were issued on this occasion by general 
 
 Wayne : 
 ''Head-Quarters, Camp at Gibbons's, July 10, 1782, 
 
 u As the enemy may be expected daily to evacuate the town, 
 the troops will take care to be provided with a clean shift of 
 linen, and to make themselves as respectable as possible for 
 the occasion. The officers are particularly called upon to 
 attend to this order, and see it executed in their respective 
 corps. No followers of the army are to be permitted to enter 
 the town, until the main body has marched in. Lieutenant 
 colonel Jackson, in consideration of his severe and fatiguing 
 service in the advance, is to receive the keys of Savannah, and 
 is allowed to enter at the western gate, keeping a patrole in 
 town to apprehend stragglers, who may steal in with the 
 hope of plunder. Marauders may assure themselves of the 
 most severe and exemplary punishment." 
 
 This was a glorious day to the republican Jackson. Al- 
 ways devoted to the principles of freedom, he had embarked 
 
268 JACKSON. 
 
 in the American cause with the ardour of a brave soldier, and 
 the determined zeal of an honest incorruptible patriot. In 
 tlie rapid survey we have taken of his military services, it 
 cannot be denied, but that he was useful and undaunted in all 
 the stations he had the honour to occupy: and surely nothing 
 is hazarded in the assertion, that in the subordinate spheres 
 in which he was permitted to move, no patriot of the revolu- 
 tion was more enthusiastically sincere in his attachment to 
 the interests of America, or encountered with more resolution 
 the perils which encompassed the exertions of our revolution- 
 ary heroes. 
 
 In July, 1782, the general Assembly of Georgia, presented 
 him with a house and lot in Savannah, for his revolutionary 
 services. 
 
 Colonel Jackson had been educated as an attorney, and in 
 that capacity he now soon acquired an extensive practice. 
 Indeed, such was his industry and indefatigable devotion to 
 the duties of his profession, that in a short time he had the sa- 
 tisfaction of finding himself in possession of a competency, 
 which enabled him to turn his attention to pursuits more con- 
 genial to his ambition. 
 
 In 1783, he was chosen a member of the legislature. In 1784, 
 lie was appointed colonel of the Chatham county, or first regi- 
 ment of Geogia militia. In 1786, he received the commission 
 of Brigadier General ; and in the course of the same year was 
 admitted an honorary member of the Georgia Cincinnati So- 
 ciety. In January, 1788, he was elected governor of Geor- 
 gia, but declined that honourable and distinguished station. 
 He was also appointed a major general of the militia of the 
 state of Georgia ; and subsequently elected by the legislature 
 of Georgia, to the dignified station of Senator in the congress 
 of the United States. 
 
 In this rapid succession, did honors follow the revolution- 
 ary merit and patriotism of general Jackson. 
 
 General Jackson died at the city of Washington, on the 
 19th day of January, 1806, whilst attending his duties as a 
 Senator of the United States. 
 
 He died the unalterable, the fervid patriot of 1776. He 
 drew his last breath at a moment when the situation of this 
 country demanded all his zeal. If he had lived, he would 
 have stood in the lists of those patriots who will never sacri- 
 fice the legal rights of their country at the shrine of ignoble 
 peace. If we mistake not, no temporary inconveniences to com- 
 mercial profit, no temporary diminution of the revenue of the 
 United States, would have obtained his assent to any measures 
 which indirectly acknowledged the imbecility of their govern- 
 ment, or the pusilanimity of their people. 
 
JAMES. 269 
 
 General Jackson was born an Englishman, but his heart 
 was American. If every native feels the same affection for 
 this country that he did, it is able to protect itself against all 
 attempts on its liberties. The amor vincit patriae of theorists 
 would then be confirmed by the operation of practical vir- 
 tues. He offers a noble example to naturalized citizens, who 
 have solemnly pledged themselves to support the principles of 
 this government. The love of native soil is natural, and it 
 is amiable: but local attachment should not prevent an hon • 
 nourable discharge of duty, when the dangers and interests of 
 this country demand the services and zeal of adopted country- 
 men. They have done their duty. Having discharged it, 
 they will meet the reward which it is in the power of a free 
 people to bestow: and like general Jackson, they will afford 
 this useful lesson to the world, that men can be found in the 
 bosom of this rising republic, who know and feel no other ob- 
 ligations than those which result from honour and abstract 
 patriotism. 
 
 General Jackson had his frailties and imperfections in com- 
 mon with other men. He suffered perhaps the impetuosity of 
 his temper to hurry him into extremes, too often and unne- 
 cessarily. In private life, the manners and virtues of the ge- 
 neral were of an amiable complexion. He was indeed an af- 
 fectionate father and husband; and a humane master. In all 
 these relations, and in the discharge of the duties incidental 
 to them, he is worthy of the strictest imitation. He was a 
 plain hearted republican, whose tongue knew no guile; whose 
 heart never palpitated with fear, or planned dishonesty. 
 
 There were other patriots who performed greater services 
 than he performed; but no patriot ever practised a more dar- 
 ing courage, or evinced a more fervid attachment to the liberty 
 and independence of America. No officer moving in the li- 
 mited spheres of command which was given him at different 
 periods of the war, could have performed his duty better; with 
 more zeal, fidelity and firmness. 
 
 JAMES, John, Mas born in Ireland in 1732, and was the 
 son of an officer who had served king William in his wars in 
 Ireland against king James. This circumstance was the ori- 
 gin of the name of Williamsburg, which is now attached to 
 one of the districts of Carolina. The elder James, with his 
 family, and several of his neighbours, migrated to that district 
 in 1733, made the first settlement there, and in honor of king 
 William gave his name to a village laid out on the east bank 
 of Black river. The village is now called King's Tree, from 
 a white or short leafed pine which in old royal grants was re- 
 served for the use of the king ; and the name of Williamsburg 
 lias been transferred to the district. To it major James, when 
 
270 JAMES. 
 
 an infant, was brought by his parents. His first recollec- 
 tions were those of a stockade fort, and of war between the 
 new settlers and natives. The former were often reduced to 
 great straits in procuring the necessaries of life, and in defend- 
 ing themselves against the Indians. In this then frontier set- 
 tlement, major James, Mr. James Bradley, and other compa- 
 triots of the revolution, were trained up to defend and love 
 their country. Their opportunities for acquiring liberal edu- 
 cations, were slender; but for obtaining religious instruction, 
 were very ample. They were brought up under the eye and 
 pastoral care of the Rev. John Rae, a presbyterian minister, 
 who accompanied his congregation in their migration from 
 Ireland to Carolina. When the revolution commenced in 1775, 
 major James had acquired a considerable portion of reputation 
 and property. He was a captain of militia under George the 
 3d. Disapproving of the measures of the British govern- 
 ment, he resigned his royal commission, but Mas soon after 
 reinstated by a popular vote. In the year 1776, he marched 
 with his company to the defence of Charleston. In the year 
 1779, he was with general Moultrie on his retreat before gen- 
 eral Prevost, and commanded one hundred and twenty rifle- 
 men in the skirmish at Tulifinny. When Charleston was be- 
 sieged in 1780, major James marched to its defence, but gov 
 ernor John Rutledge ordered him back to embody the country 
 militia. The town having fallen, he was employed to wait 
 on the conquerors and to inquire of them what terms they 
 would give. On this occasion major James waited on cap- 
 tain Ardesoif, a British officer, who had arrived at George- 
 town, and published a proclamation, inviting the people to 
 come in, swear allegiance to king George, and take protec- 
 tion. Many of the inhabitants of Georgetown submitted. 
 But that portion of the district, stretching from the Santeeto 
 the Pedee, containing the whole of the present Williamsburg, 
 and part of Marion district, the inhabitants of which being 
 generally of Irish extraction, were very little disposed to 
 submission. At this crisis there was a meeting of the people, 
 to deliberate on their situation. Major James was selected 
 as the person who should go down to captain Ardesoif, and 
 know from him upon what terms they would be allowed to sub- 
 mit. Accordingly, he proceeded to Georgetown, in the plain 
 garb of a country planter, and was introduced to the captain 
 at his lodgings. 
 
 After narrating the nature of his mission, the captain, sur- 
 prised that such an embassy should be sent to him, answered, 
 "that their submission should be unconditional." To an en- 
 quiry "whether they would be allowed to stay at home upon 
 their plantation in peace and quiet," he replied, "though yon 
 
JAMES. 271 
 
 have rebelled against his majesty he offers you a free pardon, 
 of which you were undeserving, for you ought all to have been 
 hanged. As he offers you a free pardon you must take up arms 
 in support of his cause." To major James suggesting ''that 
 the people he came to represent would not submit on such 
 terms," the captain, irritated at his republican language, par- 
 ticularly at the word 'represent,' replied, "you d d 
 
 rebel ! if you speak in such language, I will immediately order 
 you to be hung up to the yard arm." Major James perceiv- 
 ing what turn matters were likely to take, and not brooking 
 this harsh language, suddenly seized the chair on which he 
 was seated, brandished it in the face of the captain, made good 
 his way through the back door of the house, mounted his 
 horse, made his escape through the country, and rejoining his 
 friends, formed the stamina of the distinguished corps known 
 in the latter periods of the revolutionary war by the name of 
 Marion's brigade. 
 
 In the course of this cruel and desultory warfare, major 
 James was reduced from easy circumstances to poverty. All 
 his movable property was carried off, and every house on his 
 plantation burnt; but he bore up under these misfortunes and 
 devoted not only all his possessions but life itself for the good 
 of his country. After Greene, as commander in chief, had su- 
 perseded Marion, major James continued to serve under the 
 former and fought with him at the battle of Eutaw. The corps 
 with which he served consisted mostly of riflemen, and 
 were each furnished with twenty-four rounds of cartridges. 
 Many of them expended the whole, and most of them twenty 
 of these in firing on the enemy. As they were in the habit 
 of taking aim, their shot seldom failed of doing execution. 
 Shortly after this action, major James and general Marion, 
 Avere both elected members of the state legislature. Before the 
 general had rejoined his brigade, it was unexpectedly attack- 
 ed, and after retreating was pursued by a party of the British 
 commanded by colonel Thompson, now count Rumford. In 
 this retreat major James being mounted, was nearly overta- 
 ken by two British dragoons, but kept them from cutting 
 him down by a judicious use of his pistols, and escaped by 
 leaping a chasm in a bridge twenty feet in width. The dra- 
 goons did not follow. The major being out of their reach, 
 rallied his men, brought them back to the charge, and stop- 
 ped the progress of the enemy. When the war was nearly 
 over, he resigned his commission, and like another Cincinnatus, 
 returned to his farm, and devoted the remainder of his days to 
 the improvement of his property and the education of his 
 children. In the year 1791, he died with the composure and 
 fortitude of a christian hero. 
 
273 JASPER. 
 
 JASPER, ■ — - — , was a man of strong mind, but as it 
 
 had not been cultivated by education, he modestly declined 
 the acceptance of a commission, which was offered to him. — 
 His conduct, however, merits particular notice, and his name 
 is entitled to a page in the history of fame. At the com- 
 mencement of the revolutionary war, Jasper enlisted in the 
 second South Carolina regiment of infantry, commanded by 
 colonel Moultrie, as a sergeant. He distinguished himself in 
 a particular manner at the attack which was made upon Fort 
 Moultrie, on Sullivan's island, the 28th of June, 17 76. In 
 the warmest part of the contest, the flag-staff was severed by 
 a cannon ball, and the flag fell to the bottom of the ditch, on 
 the outside of the works. This accident was considered by 
 the anxious inhabitants of Charleston as putting an end to the 
 contest, by striking the American flag to the enemy. The mo- 
 ment that Jasper made discovery that the flag had fallen, he 
 jumped from one of the embrasures, and mounted the colours, 
 which he tied to a sponge staff, and replanted them on the pa- 
 rapet, where he supported them until another flag-staff was 
 procured. The subsequent activity and enterprise of this 
 patriot, induced colonel Moultrie to give him a sort of a rov- 
 ing commission, to go and come at pleasure, confident that he 
 was always usefully employed. He was privileged to select 
 such men from the regiment as he chose to accompany him in 
 liis enterprises. His parties consisted of five or six ; and he 
 often returned with prisoners before Moultrie was apprised of 
 his absence. Jasper was distinguished for his humane treat- 
 ment when an enemy fell into his power. His ambition ap- 
 pears to have been limited to the characteristics of bravery, 
 humanity and usefulness, to the cause in which he engaged — 
 When it was in his power to kill, but not capture, it was his 
 practice to permit a single prisoner to escape. By his sagacity 
 and enterprise, he often succeeded in the capture of those who 
 were lying in ambush for him. In one of these excursions, an 
 instance of bravery and humanity is recorded by the bio- 
 grapher of general Marion, which would stagger credulity, if 
 it was not well attested. While he was examining the British 
 camp at Ebenezer, all the sympathy of his kind heart was 
 awakened by the distresses of Mrs. Jones, whose husband, an 
 American by birth, had taken the king's protection, and been 
 confined in irons for deserting the royal cause, after he had 
 taken the oath of allegiance. Her well-founded belief was, 
 that nothing short of the life of her husband would atone for 
 the offence with which he was charged. Anticipating the aw- 
 ful scene of a beloved husband expiring upon the gibbet, had 
 excited inexpressible emotions of grief and distraction. 
 Jasper secretly consulted with his companion, sergeant 
 
JASPER. 273 
 
 Newton, whose feelings for the distressed female and her child, 
 were equally excited with his own, upon the practicability of 
 releasing Jones from his impending fate. Though they were 
 unable to suggest a plan of operation, they had determined to 
 watch for the most favorable opportunity, and make the ef- 
 fort. The departure of Jones and several others (all in irons) 
 to Savannah, for trial, under a guard consisting of a ser- 
 geant, a corporal, and eight men, was ordered upon the suc- 
 ceeding morning. Within two miles of Savannah, about thir- 
 ty yards from the main road, is a spring of fine water, sur- 
 rounded by a deep and thick underwood, where travellers of- 
 ten halt to refresh themselves with a cool draught from the 
 pure fountain. Jasper and his companion considered this the 
 most favorable to their enterprize. They accordingly passed 
 the guard and concealed themselves near the spring. When 
 the enemy came up, they halted, and only two of the guard 
 remained with the prisoners while the others leaned their guns 
 against trees in a careless manner and went to the spring.— 
 Jasper and Newton seized two of the muskets* and disabled 
 two sentinels. The possession of all the arms placed the ene- 
 my in their power, and compelled them to surrender. The 
 irons were taken off, and put into the hands of those who had 
 been prisoners, and the whole party arrived at Perrysburg 
 the next morning and joined the American camp. There are 
 but few instances upon record, where personal exertions, 
 even for self-preservation from certain death would have in- 
 duced resort to an act so desperate of execution. How much 
 more laudable was this where the spring to action was roused 
 by the lamentation of a female, unknown to the adventurers. 
 Subsequent to the gallant defence of Sullivan's Island, co- 
 lonel Moultrie's regiment was presented with a stand of colors 
 by Mrs. Elliot, which she had richly embroidered with her 
 own hands, and as a reward for Jasper's particular merit, 
 governor Rutledge presented him with a very handsome sword. 
 During the assault against Savannah, two officers bad been 
 killed, and one wounded endeavoring to plant these colors up- 
 on the enemy's parapet of the spring hill redoubt. Just be- 
 fore the retreat was ordered, Jasper endeavoured to replace 
 them upon the works, and while he was in the act, received a 
 mortal wound and fell into the ditch. When the retreat was 
 ordered he recollected the honorable conditions upon which 
 the donor presented the colors of the regiment, and among the 
 last acts of his life succeeded in bringing them off. Major 
 Horry called to see him soon after the retreat, to whom, it is 
 said, he made the following communication: "I have got my 
 furlough. That sword was presented to me by governor Rut- 
 ledge for my services in defence of Fort Moultrie; give it to 
 
274 JOHNSON— JONES. 
 
 my father, and tell him, I wore it in honor. If the old man 
 should weep, tell him his son died in hopes of a better life. — 
 Tell Mrs. Elliott that I lost my life in supporting the colors, 
 which she presented to our regiment. Should you ever see 
 Jones, wife and son, tell them Jasper is gone, hut the remem- 
 brance of that battle which he fought for them, brought a se- 
 cret joy into my heart, when it was about to stop its motions 
 forever." He expired in a few minutes after closing this sen- 
 tence. 
 
 JOHNSON, Francis, was a native of the state of Penn- 
 sylvania. He had just commenced the practice of the law, 
 when the revolutionary war commenced ; when abandoning 
 his private pursuits, he joined the late general Anthony 
 Wayne in raising a body of men, which were commanded by 
 Wayne as colonel, and Johnson as lieutenant colonel. Upon 
 the promotion of colonel Wayne, the subject of this memoir 
 succeeded to the command of the fifth Pennsylvania regiment; 
 with which he was present at many of the most sanguinary 
 conflicts, during the war; at Ticonderoga, Stoney Point, 
 Monmouth, Brandy wine, and other battles. After the resto- 
 ration of peace, he held several oflices of honour and profit, 
 under the government of his native state; and in his declin- 
 ing years, (having had his fortune materially injured by mis- 
 placed confidence) he was elected to the very lucrative and 
 honourable office of high sheriff of the city and county of Phi- 
 ladelphia. He was elected to this by those who differed with 
 him in political opinion, thereby shewing (however true the 
 charge of ingratitude may be against republics generally) that 
 the people of repuhlican America have not forgotten the ser- 
 vices of those to whose exertions they are indebted for the li- 
 berty they now enjoy. 
 
 Colonel Johnson died in Philadelphia, on the 22d February., 
 1815, in the sixty-seventh year of his age. He was a hene- 
 volent and kind friend, and beloved and respected by all who 
 had the pleasure of his acquaintance. 
 
 JONES, Paul, one of the most enterprising and resolute 
 mariners America had, during the contest with Great Bri- 
 tain, was born in Gal way county, Scotland, in 1747, and 
 could lay claims to but humble parentage. His father had 
 been a gardener to the earl of Selkirk. His original name 
 was John Paul. The son received the same name, and was 
 taken into the family of the earl of Selkirk, and was there 
 educated under a private tutor. At the age of fifteen, from 
 what cause is not at present known, he took up with a seafar- 
 ing life, and after a regular apprenticeship, became master of 
 a vessel, engaged in the West India trade. In one of his 
 * oyages to Tobago, a mutiny arose in the ship, which was 
 
JONES. 275 
 
 quelled, but not without the death of one of the mutineers. — 
 When arrived at Tobago, he delivered himself up to trial, and 
 was acquitted. After acquittal, he returned to England, and 
 was threatened with imprisonment, in order for a new trial. 
 Feeling, probably, the injustice of such a measure, he quitted 
 his country, and took refuge in America. He arrived here at 
 a most important period. The colonies were on the eve of a 
 separation from the parent state. The conflict had begun, 
 and Jones, under his assumed name, having received a lieute- 
 nant's commission, embarked on the expedition against New 
 Providence, under commodore Hopkins. 
 
 At his return, he was appointed to command a sloop of 
 twelve guns, and a short time after, to a ship of eighteen guns. 
 In this he cruised, in 1778, around the coasts of England and 
 Scotland, made a descent upon the coast of Scotland, near the 
 earl of Selkirk's house, and carried off the family plate, which 
 was afterwards restored. He landed also at Whitehaven, in 
 Cumberlandshire. but without causing material injury to the 
 inhabitants. In cruising the same year, off the Irish coast, 
 he discovered a British vessel, by the name of the Drake, in 
 the harbour of Waterford. and challenged her to combat. The 
 challenge she arcepted, and was beaten. 
 
 In the summer of 1779, a squadron was fitted out, over 
 which Mr. Jones was appointed commander. He sailed in 
 the Bonne Homme Richard of forty guns, and four hundred 
 and fifteen men. This squadron sailed from France on the 
 14th of August, and was successful in making a variety of 
 captures, both of merchant vessels, and vessels of war. In 
 a gale, he was separated from the rest of his forces, but was 
 rejoined by them about the first of September. He then cruis- 
 ed about the north-east coast of Scotland, and formed the dar- 
 ing plan of levying a contribution upon the town of Leith. — 
 This was to be effected by putting himself off as the command- 
 er of a British squadron, till his plan could be put in execu- 
 tion, and then to demand a ransom of the town for one hun- 
 dred thousand pounds, on the alternative of suffering a total 
 destruction of the town. This deception was discovered, just 
 as the squadron had hove to before the town of Leith. On 
 this he immediately put to sea, and on the 22d of September 
 arrived at Flamborough head. 
 
 When cruising off Flamborough head, about two leagues 
 from the shore, on the 22d September, at 2 o'clock, P. M. he 
 descried the Baltic fleet, for which he had been so long on the 
 look-out, under convoy. The fleet was convoyed by a fri- 
 gate and a sloop of war. Preparations were immediately 
 made for action. 
 
 When the hostile ships had sufficiently neared, their respe«» 
 
276 JONES. 
 
 tive captains hailed each other, and commenced the scene of 
 carnage, at moon rise, about a quarter before eight, at pistol 
 shot distance. The English ship gave the first fire from her 
 upper and quarter deck, which Jones returned with alacrity. 
 Three of his lower deck guns on the starboard side, burst in 
 the gunroom, and killed the men stationed at them, in conse- 
 quence of which, orders were given not to fire the other three 
 eighteen pounders mounted on that deck, lest a similar mis- 
 fortune should occur. This prevented him from the advantage 
 he expected to have derived from them in the then existing 
 calm. Having to contend alone with both the enemy's ships, 
 and the Bonne Homme Richard having received several shot, 
 between wind and water, he grappled with the larger vessel, 
 to render her force useless, and to prevent firing from the 
 smaller one. In effecting this object, the superior maneu- 
 vering of the larger ship embarrassed him greatly. He suc- 
 ceeded, however, in laying his ship athwart the hawse of his 
 opponent's. His mizzeu shrouds struck the jib-boom of the ene- 
 my, and hung for some time; but they soon gave way, when 
 both fell along side of each other, head to stern. The fluke of 
 the enemy's spare anchor, hooked the Bonne Homme Rich- 
 ard's quarter, both ships being so closely grappled fore and 
 aft, that the muzzles of their respective guns touched each 
 other's sides. The captain of the enemy's smaller ship judi- 
 ciously ceased firing, as soon as captain Jones had effected 
 his design, lest he should assist to injure his consort. In this 
 situation, the crews of both ships continued the engagement 
 for several hours. Many of the guns of the American ships 
 were rendered useless, while those of the English remained 
 manageable. Some time after, a brave fellow, posted in the 
 Bonne Homme Richard's main top, succeeded in silencing a 
 number of the enemy's guns. This man, with a lighted match, 
 and a basket filled with hand grenades, advanced along the 
 main yard, until he was over the enemy's deck. Being ena- 
 bled to distinguish objects by the light of the moon, wherever 
 he discovered a number of persons together, he dropped a 
 hand grenade among them. He succeeded in dropping seve- 
 ral through the scuttles of the ship; these set fire to the cart- 
 ridge of an eighteen pounder, which communicated successive- 
 ly to other cartridges, disabled all the officers and men, and 
 rendered useless all the guns abaft the mainmast. The ene- 
 my's ship was, many times, set on fire, by the great quantity 
 of combustible matter thrown on board, and with much diffi- 
 culty and toil the flames were as often extinguished. To- 
 wards the close of the action, all the guns of the Bonne 
 Homme Richard were silenced, except four on the fore-castle 
 which were commanded by the purser, who was dangerously 
 
JONES. 2.77 
 
 wounded. Jones immediately took their command on himself. 
 The two guns next the enemy were well served. The seamen 
 succeeded in removing another from the opposite side. Hence 
 only three guns were used towards the close of the action on 
 hoard of Jones' ship. The musketry and swivels, however, 
 did great execution, as did also the incessant fire from the 
 round tops, in consequence of which the enemy were several 
 times driven from their quarters. 
 
 About ten o'clock, a report was in circulation between 
 decks, that Jones and the chief officers were killed ; that the 
 ship had four or five feet water in her hold, and was sinking. 
 The crew became alarmed, and the gunner, the carpenter, and 
 the master at arms, were deputed to go on deck, and beg quar- 
 ters of the enemy. They ascended the quarter deck, and 
 whilst in the act of fulfilling their mission, were discovered 
 by the commodore, crying for quarters. Hearing the voice 
 of Jones, calling, "what rascals are these; shoot them; kill 
 them," the carpenter and master at arms succeeded in getting 
 below. The commodore threw both his pistols at the gunner, 
 who had descended to the foot of the gang-way ladder, and 
 his skull was thereby fractured. The man lay there until the 
 action was over, after which his skull was trepanned, and he 
 recovered. While the action continued to rage with relent- 
 less fury, both ships took fire, in consequence of which the 
 crews were obliged to cease from firing, and exert themselves 
 in extinguishing the flames, in which their respective vessels 
 were enveloped, and thus prevent the certain destruction of 
 the combatants. The fire being extinguished, the captain of 
 the hostile ships asked, if Jones had struck, as he had heard 
 a cry for quarters. Jone!s replied, that his colours would 
 never descend, till he was fairly beaten. The action re-com- 
 menced with renewed vigor. Shortly after, the Alliance, 
 captain Landais, came up within pistol shot, and began a 
 heavy firing, injuring both friend and foe; nor did the firing 
 cease from her, notwithstanding repeated hailing, until the 
 signal of recognition was fully displayed on board the Bonne 
 Homme Richard. Nearly one hundred of the prisoners, pre- 
 viously captured, had been suffered to ascend the deck by 
 Jones' master at arms, during the confusion occasioned by the 
 cry for quarters, owing to a belief that the vessel was sink- 
 ing. To prevent danger from this circumstance, they were, 
 stationed at the pumps, where they remained in active employ 
 during the remainder of the battle. 
 
 The sides of the Bonne Homme Richard were nearly stove 
 in, her helm had become unmanageable: a splintered piece of 
 timber alone supported the poop. A brisk firing, however, 
 was kept up from her three guns on the quarter deck. Their 
 
£~S JONES. 
 
 shot raked the enemy fore and aft, cutting up his rigging and 
 spars, so that his mainmast had only the yard-arm of the 
 Bonne Homme Richard for his support. The enemy's fire 
 subsided by degrees, and when his guns could no longer be 
 brought to bear, lie struck his colours. 
 
 At this juncture, his mainmast went by the board. Lieu- 
 tenant Dale was left below, where being no longer able to 
 rally his men, he, although severely wounded, superintended 
 the working of the pumps. Notwithstanding every effort, 
 the hold of the Bonne Homme Richard was half full of water, 
 when the enemy surrendered. After the action, the wind blew 
 fresh, and the flames on board the Richard spread anew, nor 
 were they extinguished until day-light appeared. In the 
 meantime all the ammunition was broughton deck to be thrown 
 overboard, in case of necessity. The enemy had nailed his 
 flag to the mast, at the beginning of the action: and after the 
 captain had called for quarters, he could not prevail upon his, 
 men to bring down his colours, as they expressed their dread 
 of the American rifles. He was, therefore, obliged to do that 
 service himself. In taking possession of the enemy, three of 
 Jones' men were killed after the surrender, for which an apo- 
 logy was afterwards made. The captured vessel proved to 
 be His Britannic Majesty's ship Serapis, captain Pearson, 
 rating forty-four, but mounting fifty carriage guns. The 
 Bonne Homme Richard had one hundred and sixty-five killed, 
 and one hundred and thirty-seven wounded and missing. The 
 Serapis one hundred and thirty-seven killed, and seventy-six 
 wounded. All hands were removed on board the prize, to- 
 gether with such articles as could be saved, and about ten 
 o'clock, A. M. the next day, the Bonne Homme Richard 
 sunk. 
 
 Shortly after this contest had terminated, captain Cotineau 
 in the Pallas, engaged the enemy's lesser ship, which struck 
 after a severe engagement of two hours and a half. She 
 proved to be the Countess of Scarborough. Her braces were 
 all cut away, as well as her running rigging and top-sail 
 sheets. Seven of her guns were dismounted; four men killed, 
 and twenty wounded. More than fifteen hundred persons 
 witnessed the sanguinary conflict from Flamborough head. 
 
 On his arrival in America, Congress passed an act, dated 
 April 14, 1781, in which he was thanked, in the most flatter- 
 ing manner, "for the zeal, the prudence and the intrepidity, 
 with winch he sustained the honour of the American flag ; for 
 his bold and successful enterprise, with a view to redeem from 
 captivity the citizens of America, who had fallen into the 
 hands of the English ; and for the eminent services by which 
 he had added lustre to his own character and the arms of Anier- 
 
KALB. 27$ 
 
 ica." A committee of Congress was also of opinion, "that 
 lie deserved a gold medal in remembrance of his services." 
 
 Jones seems to have been a man capable of the most daring 
 deeds, both from his bravery and his arts of deception. An 
 instance of the latter occurs in a case of attack upon an En- 
 glish frigate, superior to him in force, off the Island of Ber- 
 muda. Happening to fall in with this frigate, he was imme- 
 diately hailed, when he returned the name of a ship of the Bri- 
 tish navy. This satisfied the English captain, who, as the 
 sea was rough and as it was near night, ordered him to keep 
 company till the morrow, when he would send his boat aboard. 
 But to-morrow never dawned on the hapless Englishman, 
 for Jones, getting up within pistol shot distance, discharged a 
 broadside into him, and immediately discharged the other, 
 when the English vessel sunk with every soul on board her. 
 Jones was then in the United States' frigate Ariel. On peace 
 taking place, he returned to Europe, and going to St. Peters- 
 burgh, was honoured with a commission in the Empress Cath- 
 arine's fleet, when the English under him refusing to serve, 
 he was transferred to a command under the Prince of Nassau, 
 then acting against the Turkish fleet. Here by a successful 
 stratagem, he put the Turkish fleet into the power of the 
 Prince, who wantonly set it on fire, and thus barbarously in- 
 volved the crews in one general destruction. On Jones' retire- 
 ment from the service, he went to France, and after living 
 through the first stages of the revolution, died in the city of 
 Paris in the year 1792. 
 
 KALB, Barojv de, was major general in the American 
 army during the revolutionary war. He was a German by 
 birth, a brave and meritorious officer. He had attained a high 
 reputation in military service, and was a knight of the order 
 of military merit, and a brigadier general in the armies of 
 France. He accompanied the marquis de la Fayette to this 
 country, and having proffered his services to Congress, he was 
 appointed to the office of major general. He repaired to the 
 main army, in which he served at the head of the Maryland 
 division, very much respected. 
 
 Possessing a stout frame, with excellent health, no officer 
 was more able to encounter the toils of war. Moderate in 
 mental powers, as in literary acquirements, he excelled chief- 
 ly in practical knowledge of men and things, gained during a 
 life by close and accurate investigation of the cause and ef- 
 fect of passing events. 
 
 No man was better qualified for the undertaking. He was 
 sober, drinking water only : abstemious to excess; living on 
 bread, sometimes with beef soap, at other times with cold beef; 
 industrious, it being his constant habit to rise at five in the 
 
280 KALE. 
 
 morning, light his candle, devote himself to writing, which 
 was never intermitted during the day but when interrupted by 
 his short meals, or by attention to his official duty ; and pro- 
 foundly secret. 
 
 No man surpassed this gentleman in simplicity and conde- 
 scension ; which gave to his deportment a cast of amiability 
 extremely ingratiating, exciting confidence and esteem. 
 
 At the battle of Camden, in South Carolina, the baron de 
 Kalb commanded the right wing of the American army.— 
 At the commencement of the action, the great body of the 
 militia, who formed the left wing of the army, on being charg- 
 ed with fixed bayonets by the British infantry, threw down 
 their arms, and with the utmost precipitation fled from the 
 field. In this battle the Americans suffered a severe defeat 
 and loss. The continental troops, who formed the right wing 
 of the army, inferior as they were in numbers to the British, 
 stood their ground, and maintained the conflict with great re- 
 solution. Never did men acquit themselves better. The 
 Americans lost the whole of their artillery, eight field pieces, 
 upwards of two hundred wagons, and the greatest part of 
 their baggage. The royal army fought with great bravery, 
 but their victory was in a great measure owing to their supe~ 
 riority in cavalry, and the precipitate retreat of the American 
 militia. 
 
 Dc Kalb, sustaining by his splendid example the coura- 
 geous efforts of our inferior force, in his last resolute attempt 
 to seize victory, received eleven wounds, and was made pri- 
 soner. His lingering life was rescued from immediate death 
 by the brave interposition of lieutenant-colonel du Buysson, 
 one of his aid-de-camps; who, embracing the prostrate gene- 
 ral, received into his own body the bayonets pointed at his 
 friend. Chevalier de Buysson rushed through the clashing 
 bayonets, and stretching his arms over the body of the fallen 
 hero, exclaimed, "save the Baron de Kalb ! save the Baron 
 dc Kalb !" The British officers interposed and prevented his 
 immediate destruction ; but he survived the action but a few 
 hours. To a British officer, who kindly condoled with him in 
 his misfortune, he replied, " I thank you for your generous 
 sympathy, but I die the death I always prayed for ; the oeath 
 of soldier fighting for the rights of man." 
 
 The heroic veteran, though treated with every attention, 
 survived but a few days. Never were the last moments of a 
 soldier better employed. He dictated a letter to general 
 Small wood, who succeeded to the command of his division, 
 breathing in every word his sincere and ardent affection for 
 his officers and soldiers; expressing his admiration of their 
 late noble, though unsuccessful^ stand ; reciting the eulogy 
 
KALB. 281 
 
 which their bravery had extorted from the enemy ; together 
 ■with the lively delight such testimony of their valour had ex- 
 cited in his own mind, then hovering on the shadowy con- 
 fines of life. Feeling the pressure of death, he stretched out 
 his quivering hand to his friend and aid-de-camp, Chevalier 
 de Buysson. proud of his generous wounds, he breathed his 
 last in benedictions on his faithful, brave division. We lost, 
 besides major general baron de Kalb, many excellent officers, 
 and among them lieutenant colonel Potterfield, whose pro- 
 mise of future greatness had endeared him to the whole army. 
 General Washington, many years after, on a visit to Cam- 
 den inquired for the grave of DeKalb. After looking on it 
 awhile, with a countenance marked with thought, he breathed, 
 a deep sigh, and exclaimed, "so there lies the brave De Kalb; 
 the generous stranger, who came from a distant land to fight 
 our battles, and to water with his blood the tree of our liberty. 
 Would to God he had lived to share its fruits!" 
 
 On the 14th of October, 1780, congress resolved, that a 
 monument should be erected to his memory, in the town of 
 Annapolis, in the state of Maryland, with the following in- 
 scription: 
 
 Sacred to the memorv of the 
 
 BARON DE KALB, 
 
 Knight of the royal order of Military Merit, 
 
 Brigadier of the armies of France, 
 
 and 
 
 MAJOR GENERAL 
 
 In the service of the United States of America. 
 Having served with honour and reputation, 
 For three years, 
 He gave a last and glorious proof of his at- 
 tachment to the liberties of mankind, 
 And the cause of America, 
 In the action near Camden, in the state of South Carolina, 
 On the 16th of August, 1780; 
 Where, leading on the troops of the 
 Maryland and Delaware lines, 
 Against superior numbers, 
 And animating them by his example, 
 
 To deeds of valour, 
 
 He was pierced with many wounds, 
 
 And on the nineteenth following expired, 
 
 In the 48th year of his age. 
 
 THE CONGRESS 
 
 Of the United States of America, 
 
 In gratitude to his zeal, services and merit, 
 
 Have erected this monument. 
 
KENNARD— KIRKWOODo 
 
 KENNARD, Nathaniel, at the commencement of the Wat 
 of the revolution, entered as a volunteer in one of the first 
 regiments in Massachusetts, for the term of one year. At 
 the expiration of that engagement, he entered on board a pri- 
 vate armed vessel ; was captured, carried to England, and 
 kept in close confinement at the Mill prison for two years and 
 a quarter, being encouraged with no other prospect, than a 
 still protracted confinement, a termination of it by being 
 banged as a rebel. Thence lie was sent to France in a cartel, 
 where on the 20th April, 1779, be entered on board the Bon 
 Homme Richard, under the celebrated John Paul Jones, and 
 was with him in some of the most desperate enterprises in 
 which that commander was engaged. From that vessel he 
 Mas put on board a prize and ordered for France. He was 
 again captured and carried into Hull in the north of England, 
 transported to Spithead, put on board the Unicorn frigate and 
 compelled to do duty until, at the eminent hazard of his life, 
 he escaped in the Island of Jamaica. Thence he returned to 
 America, a little before the close of the war. After the peace 
 of '83, he engaged in the merchant service and continued a 
 reputable ship master until near the commencement of the late 
 war, when he was appointed by government to the command 
 of a Revenue Cutter and continued in the same to the close 
 of the war. After that period, until his death, he was employ- 
 ed as an Inspector of the Customs at Portsmouth. 
 
 He died June 24th, 1823, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, 
 aged sixty eight years. 
 
 KIRK WOOD, Robert, a brave and meritorious officer 
 of the Delaware line, in the army of the revolution, whose 
 character and services have not received that notice to which 
 they are entitled. We embrace, therefore, with pleasure, the 
 opportunity, so far as it lies in our power, to preserve the 
 memory of one, who, though from accident, not elevated to 
 conspicuous rank, nor hitherto decorated with eminent histo- 
 rical distinction, was the pride of his native state, and an or- 
 nament to the army that defended American independence. 
 We doubt not there are many that held subordinate stations 
 in the army of the revolution, who have not received that meed 
 of renown which they merited: and there can be no task more 
 delightful to a grateful posterity, nor more worthy of a pat- 
 riot, than to search out the rolls of honorable exploit, and to 
 promulgate it to our country. Whether we consider the in- 
 trinsic gallantry of our revolutionary heroes and statesmen, 
 the sufferings they endured, or the inestimable value of the 
 blessings they obtained, no nation has prouder examples to 
 appeal to than the American people; no nation v«as ever called 
 on by stronger obligations. of gratitude, to honor their cha- 
 racters and to consecrate their memories. 
 
KIRKWOOD. 285 
 
 Robert Kirkwood was a native of the state of Delaware. 
 He was born in Newcastle county, near the village of New- 
 ark, celebrated for an excellent academy, in which be receiv- 
 ed a classical education. On the termination of bis literary 
 studies, be engaged in farming, and continued bis agricultu- 
 ral pursuits until hostilities took place between Great Britain 
 and the colonies. In January, 1776, when it became obvious 
 that the war would be serious aiid bloody, when uncondition- 
 al submission to absolute power or resistance, were the alter- 
 natives, the intelligent and patriotic mind of Kirkwood did not 
 hesitate as to the proper course, lie entered as lieutenant in 
 the regiment of his native state, commanded by colonel Haz- 
 let, and with it joined the army under Washington at New- 
 York. He was present throughout the campaign at Long 
 Island and its neighborhood, and partook in tiie disasters that 
 ensued from the misfortunes of our troops in that quarter. 
 On Washington's return to the Jersies. when victory was re- 
 called to the American standard at Trenton and Princeton, 
 he participated in bis country's triumphs. In the engagement 
 at Princeton, colonel Hazlet fell, deeply lamented; and the 
 year's enlistment of his men being expired, the regiment vs as 
 re-organized early in 1777, under colonel Hall, since govern- 
 or of Delaware. Kirkwood now received the commission of 
 captain in this regiment, and served as such throughout the 
 rampaigns of 1777, *78 and J 79, being concerned in every 
 battle of importance fought during these years. 
 
 In 1780, general Gates took with him the Delaware regi- 
 ment and the Maryland line, to South Carolina, and they were 
 actively employed under the command of lieutenant colonel 
 Vaughan and major Patton, at the battle of Camden, in 
 which general Gates sustained a serious reverse of fortune, 
 and the American army was totally defeated. In this disas- 
 ter the Delaware regiment was reduced from eight to two 
 companies, containing together about 195 men, the command- 
 ing officers, with the greater part of the regiment, being made 
 prisoners by the British. The two companies that remained 
 continued under the command of captains Kirkwood and Jac- 
 quet. the latter of whom yet lives near Wilmington, Dela- 
 ware, beloved and esteemed for his virtues and patriotism. 
 Under these officers the remains of the regiment served until 
 the close of the war: and when the peculiar circumstances of 
 this corps are considered, the reason will be discovered why 
 an officer so meritorious as captain Kirkwood, was not pro- 
 moted, notwithstanding promotions as high as colonels were 
 made in the lines of several states. The state of Delaware, 
 had but one regiment in the army; and as it was expected 
 from time to time, that colonel Vaughan and major Patton, or 
 
384 KIRKWOOD. 
 
 both, would be exchanged, Kirkwood could not be promoted 
 in the line of this state; and in the lines of other states promo- 
 tions took place among themselves. Besides, the regiment 
 was so reduced in numbers, as not to require an officer of a 
 higher rank than captain. In another line, or under different 
 circumstances, there can be no doubt Kirkwood's gallantry, 
 zeal, and uniform devotion to the cause, would have been re- 
 warded with a higher rank, and a more conspicuous standing 
 in the eye of the nation. 
 
 In the southern campaign the two companies were attached 
 as light infantry to Lee's celebrated legion, and Lee placed 
 great confidence in them. In the battles of the Cowpens, in 
 which the corps of the marauding Tarleton was cut to pieces; 
 at Guilford, where lord Corn wal lis' army received a shock 
 from which it never recovered; at Camden, the Eutaws, and 
 other places, where victory became familiar to the American 
 soldier, Kirkwood exhibited his usual traits of srallantrv. At 
 the Cowpens, he was at the head of the first platoon of colo- 
 nel Howard's memorable corps; and when the colonel was or- 
 dered to charge, Kirkwood advanced ten paces in front of the 
 corps, charged with his espontoon, and called to his men to 
 come on! His example, said general Morgan, who used to 
 relate this anecdote, inspired the whole corps. 
 
 The southern army finally drove the enemy from the Caro- 
 linas, taking successively nine of their forts or fortified places. 
 Captain Kirkwood was always among the first in the enemy's 
 lines or works, and repeatedly received the thanks and ap- 
 plause of generals Greene, Morgan and Smalhvood. This 
 distinguished enterprise achieved a high reputation for him- 
 self, and acquired, by the co-operation of his brother officers 
 and soldiers, a peculiar renown for the gallant remnant of 
 the Delaware regiment. At the termination of the war, 
 through the solicitation and influence of general Washington, 
 be was brevetted a major, and he returned to his native state, 
 where he was cordially received, and gratefully welcomed, 
 by his numerous friends and admiring fellow citizens. 
 
 Major Kirkwood afterwards emigrated to the state of Ohio, 
 and settled on his lands nearly opposite to Wheeling, in the 
 Indian country. This was an adventurous attempt, and would 
 have probably intimidated any but the firm mind of a man to 
 whom danger was familiar: for he was almost the only white 
 person on that side of the river. He had left his family in 
 Delaware, and commenced the building of a log cabin. It 
 was not long, however, before his military skill and intrepidity 
 were wanting to defend his life and property. The Indians 
 approached at night with design to attack him. Being assist- 
 ed by an officer and some soldiers, who had crossed the river 
 
KIRKWOOD. 285 
 
 from Wheeling, he ordered them to lie down, and instructed 
 them when the Indians advanced to rise up suddenly, fire all 
 at once, and then rush on. The stratagem was executed, and 
 succeeded: the Indians advanced boldly, not suspecting dan- 
 ger, and several being hilled, the rest fled. 
 
 But his country's danger once more summoned him, and for 
 the last time, to the field; and the veteran soldier obeyed the 
 call with alacrity. The whole West was in alarm from the 
 incursions of the savages, and an army being raised by the 
 government of the United States to repel them, and placed 
 under the command of general St. Clair, Kirkwood resumed 
 his sword as the oldest captain of the oldest regiment of the 
 United States. In the decisive defeat of St. Clair, by the Mi- 
 ami Indians, on the 4th November, 1792, Kirkwood fell on 
 the field of battle, fighting with his usual heroism at the head 
 of his detachment. It was the thirty-third time he had risked 
 his life for his country, and he died, as he had lived, brave, 
 patriotic, and full of honour. 
 
 Major Kirkwood's character and qualities are always 
 spoken of, by those who knew him, in exalted language. Ge- 
 neral Lee, in his memoirs, mentions him in terms of approba- 
 tion and distinction. Colonel Jacob Slough, of Lancaster, 
 Pennsylvania, who was his intimate associate and brother of- 
 ficer in St. Clair's army, in a letter to his friend, a represen- 
 tative in congress from the state of Maryland, written in 
 May, ] 824, states some particulars relative to his death. 
 
 "I have received the letter you honoured me with," says 
 colonel Slough, 4k on the subject of the services and virtues of 
 my much-lamented friend, Kirkwood, and will, with pleasure, 
 narrate them. Having heard many of the officers of the re- 
 volution, who knew him, when he belonged to Smallwood's, 
 afterwards Howard's, regiment, speak of him in the most ex- 
 alted terms, I became much prepossessed in his favour, long 
 before I knew him: and when I found him a captain in gene- 
 ral St. Clair's army, I took pains to become acquainted with 
 him. I soon discovered that this desire was mutual, and in a 
 little time we became fast friends; so much so, that when not 
 on duty, we were generally together. I passed many nights 
 with him on guard, and benefitted greatly from his experience, 
 as a man of honour, a soldier, and a police officer. Captain 
 Kirkwood had been sick for several days previous to the 4th 
 November, but was always ready for duty. At the dawn of 
 day that morning, after the advanced guard was attacked and 
 driven in, I saw him cheering his men, and by his example, 
 inspiring confidence in all who saw him. When he received 
 the wound, I cannot say. I was at a distance from him, and 
 busily engaged in attending to my own duty. About eight 
 
286 KNOWLTON. 
 
 o'clock. I received a severe wound in my right arm, just 
 above the elbow. As it bled very much, and our surgeon was 
 in the rear, I was advised to go and have it dressed. On my 
 way to rejoin my company, I found my friend Kirkwood lying 
 against the root of a tree, shot through the abdomen, and 
 in great pain. After calling to the surgeon, and commending 
 him to his care, I saw no more of him until the retreat was 
 ordered. I then ran to him, and proposed having him carried 
 off. He said no. "I am dying; save yourself if you can, 
 and leave me to my fate ; but as the last act of friendship you 
 can confer on me, blow my brains out. I see the Indians 
 coming, and God knows how they will treat me!" You can 
 better judge of my feelings than I can describe them. I shook 
 him by the hand, and left him to his fate." 
 
 Thus fell by the hands of the savages, the hero who had sur- 
 vived the most eventful battles of the revolution, where he had 
 faced danger and death in every shape. But his example will, 
 we trust, long live for the imitation of posterity, and his name 
 merits a portion of that fame which it belongs to Americans 
 to award to those by whom the revolution was achieved. 
 
 KNOWLTON, Thomas, a brave and distinguished officer 
 in the revolutionary war, was a native of Ashford, Connect- 
 icut. He was among the first who rallied round the standard 
 of independence, giving the country that warlike attitude ne- 
 cessary to sustain it. At the battle of Long Island, and in 
 the memorable retreat of the American army to New York, 
 in August, 1776, he commanded a regiment of light infantry, 
 which formed the van of the American army. It was to co- 
 lonel Knowlton, to whom general Washington applied, to de- 
 vise some mode of obtaining information of the strength and 
 future movements of the British army. Colonel Knowlton 
 communicated the views and wishes of the commander in chief 
 to captain Nathan Hale, an officer in his regiment, and whose 
 ardent patriotism, and bold and adventurous spirit, was well 
 known. Captain Hale, as has already been mentioned in our 
 preceding pages, immediately offered himself a volunteer in 
 this difficult and hazardous enterprise. It has been already 
 mentioned, he fell a martyr to the liberties of his country, and 
 no officer in the American army lamented his early fall more 
 than his friend colonel Knowlton. He, however, did not long 
 survive his young friend Hale. In September, 1776, a skir- 
 mish took place between two battalions of light infantry and 
 Highlanders, commanded by brigadier general Leslie, and 
 some detachments from the American army, under the com- 
 mand of colonel Knowlton, and major Leitch, of Virginia. 
 The colonel was killed, and the major badly wounded. The 
 officers and men fought with great bravery, and fairly beat 
 
KNOX. 287 
 
 their adversaries from the field. Thus fell the brave colonel 
 Knowlton, who had early embarked in the revolutionary con- 
 test, and sacrificed his life for the cause of liberty and his 
 country, in which he had engaged with patriotic ardour and 
 chivalrous heroism. 
 
 KNOX, Henry, major-general in the American army du- 
 ring the revolutionary war, was born in Boston, July 25, 1750. 
 His parents were of Scottish descent. Before our revolutionary 
 war; which afforded an opportunity for tbc developement of 
 his patriotic feelings and military talents, he was engaged in 
 a bookstore. By means of his early education, and this hon- 
 ourable employment, he acquired a taste for literary pursuits, 
 which he retained through life. 
 
 Young Knox gave early proofs of his attachment to the cause 
 of freedom and his country. It will be recollected, that, in 
 various parts of the state, volunteer companies were formed 
 in 1774, with a view to awaken the martial spirit of the peo- 
 ple, and as a sort of preparation for the contest which w as ap- 
 prehended. Knox was an officer in a military corps of this 
 denomination ; and was distinguished by his activity and dis- " 
 cipline. There is evidence of his giving uncommon attention 
 to military tactics at this period, especially to the branch of 
 enginery and artillery, in which he afterwards so greatly ex- 
 celled. 
 
 It is also to be recorded, in proof of his predominant love 
 of country, and its liberties, that he had before this time, be- 
 come connected with a very respectable family, which adhered 
 io the measures of the British ministry, and had received great 
 promises both of honour and profit, if he would follow the 
 standard of his sovereign. Even at this time his talents were 
 too great to be overlooked : and it was wished, if possible, to 
 prevent him from attaching himself to the cause of the provin- 
 cials. He was one of those whose departure from Boston was 
 interdicted by governor Gage, soon after the affair of Lexing- 
 ton. The object of Gage was probably not so much to keep 
 these eminent characters as hostages, as to deprive the Amer- 
 icans of their talents and services. In June, however, he 
 found means to make his way through the British lines, to the 
 American army at Cambridge. He was here received with 
 joyful enthusiasm : for his knowledge of the military art, and 
 his zeal for the liberties of the country, were admitted by all. 
 The provincial congress then convened at Watertow n, imme- 
 diately sent for him, and entrusted solely to him the erection 
 of such fortresses as might be necessary to prevent a sudden 
 attack from the enemy in Boston. 
 
 The little army of militia, collected in and about Cambridge. 
 iti the spring of t775, soon after the battle of Lexington, Mas 
 
288 KNOX. 
 
 without order and discipline. All was insubordination and 
 confusion. General Washington did not arrive to take com- 
 mand of the troops until after this period. In this state of 
 things, Knox declined any particular commission, though he 
 readily directed his attention and exertions to the objects which 
 congress requested. 
 
 It was in the course of this season, and before he had for- 
 mally undertaken the command of the artillery, that Knox 
 volunteered his services to goto St. John's, in the province of 
 Canada, and to bring thence to Cambridge, all the heavy or- 
 dinance and military stores. This hazardous enterprise he 
 effected in a manner which astonished all who knew the diffi- 
 culty of the service. 
 
 Soon after his return from this fortunate expedition, he 
 took command of the whole corps of the artillery of our army, 
 and retained it until the close of the war. To him the coun- 
 try was chiefly indebted for the organization of the artillery 
 and ordnance department. He gave it both form and efficien- 
 cy ; and it was distinguished alike for its expertness of disci- 
 pline and promptness of execution. 
 
 At the battle of Monmouth, in New Jersey, in June, 1778, 
 general Knox exhibited new proofs of his bravery and skill. 
 Under his personal and immediate direction, the artillery gave 
 great effect to the success of that memorable day. It will be 
 remembered, that the British troops were much more numer- 
 ous than ours; and that general Lee was charged with keep- 
 ing back the battalion he commanded from the field of battle. 
 The situation of our army was most critical. General Wash- 
 ington was personally engaged in rallying and directing the 
 troops in the most dangerous positions. The affair terminat- 
 ed in favour of our gallant army ; and generals Knox and 
 Wayne received the particular commendations of the com- 
 mander-in-chief, the following day, in the orders issued on the 
 occasion. After mentioning the good conduct and bravery of 
 general Wayne, and thanking the gallant officers and men who 
 distinguished themselves, general Washington says, "he can 
 with pleasure inform general Knox, and the officers of the ar- 
 tillery, that the enemy have done them the justice to ac- 
 knowledge that no artillery could be better served than 
 ours." 
 
 When general Greene was offered the arduous command of 
 the southern department, he replied to the commander-in- 
 chief, " Knox is the man for this difficult undertaking: all 
 obstacles vanish before him ; his resources are infinite." — 
 "True," replied Washington, " and therefore I cannot part 
 with him." 
 
 No officer in the army, it is believed, more largely shared 
 
KNOX. £89 
 
 in the affection and confidence of the illustrious Washington. 
 In every action where he appeared, Knox was with him: at 
 every council of war, he bore apart. In truth, he possessed 
 talents and qualities, which could not fail to recommend him 
 to a man of the discriminating mind of Washington. — 
 He was intelligent, brave, patriotic, humane, honourable. 
 Washington soon became sensible of his merits, and bestowed 
 on him his esteem, his friendship, and confidence. 
 
 On the resignation of major-general Benjamin Lincoln, 
 Knox was appointed secretary of the war department, by 
 congress* during the period of the convention. And when the 
 federal government was organized in 1789, he was designated 
 by president Washington for the same honourable and respon- 
 sible office. 
 
 This office he held for about five years; enjoying the confi- 
 dence of the president, and esteemed by all his colleagues in 
 the administration of the federal government. Of his talents, 
 his integrity, and his devotion to the interests and prosperity 
 of his country, no one had ever any reason to doubt. In 
 1794, he retired from office to a private station, followed by the 
 esteem and love of all who had been honoured with his ac- 
 quaintance. 
 
 At this time he removed with his family to Thomaston, on 
 St. George's river, in the district of Maine, two hundred 
 miles north-east of Boston. He was possessed of extensive 
 landed property in that part of the country, which had for- 
 merly belonged to general Waldo, the maternal grandfather of 
 Mrs. Knox. 
 
 At the request of his fellow-citizens, though unsolicited on 
 his part, he filled a seat at the council-board of Massachu- 
 setts, during several years of his residence at Thomaston ; 
 and the degree of Doctor of Laws was conferred on him by 
 the president and trustees of Dartmouth college. 
 
 The amiable virtues of the citizen and the man, were as 
 conspicuous in the character of general Knox, as the more 
 brilliant and commanding talents of the hero and statesman. 
 The afflicted and destitute were sure to share of his compas- 
 sion and charity. "His heart was made of tenderness;" and 
 he often disregarded his own wishes and convenience, in kind 
 endeavors to promote the interest and happiness of his friends. 
 The possession of extensive property and high office, is too 
 apt to engender pride and insolence. But general Knox was 
 entirely exempt, both in disposition and manners, from this 
 common frailty. Mildness ever beamed in his countenance; 
 ••on his tongue were the words of kindness;" and equanimity 
 and generosity always marked his intercourse witli his fellow 
 men. The poor he never oppressed: the more obscure citi« 
 
KOSCIUSCO. 
 
 zen, we believe, could never complain of injustice at his hands. 
 With all classes of people he dealt on the most fair and hon- 
 orable principles, and would sooner submit to a sacrifice of 
 property himself, than injure or defraud another. 
 
 In his person general Knox was above the common stature; 
 of noble and commanding form; of manners elegant, concili- 
 ating and dignified. 
 
 To the amiable qualities and moral excellencies of general 
 Knox, which have already been enumerated, we may justly 
 add his prevailing disposition to piety. With much of the 
 manners of the gay world, and opposed, as he was, to all su- 
 perstition and bigotry, he might not appear to those, ignor- 
 ant of his better feelings, to possess religious and devout af- 
 fections. But to his friends it was abundantly evident that 
 he cherished exalted sentiments of devotion and piety to God. 
 He was a firm believer in the natural and moral attributes of 
 the Deity, and his overruling and all-prevailing providence. 
 
 General Knox died at Thomaston, October 25, 1806, aged 
 56 years. His death was occasioned by swallowing the bone 
 of a chicken. 
 
 KOSCIUSCO, Thaddeus, descended from an ancient fami- 
 ly in the palatinate of Brescia, Lithuania proper, received the 
 rudiments of his education in the military academy founded 
 by Stanislaus Augustus. The commandant of that academy, 
 prince Adam Czartorski, soon remarked the uncommon mili- 
 tary genius of the youth, together with his predilection for the 
 science of war, and in consequence, sent him into France to 
 complete his studies. To the latest moments of his life, Kos- 
 < iusco gratefully remembered the obligations which he owed 
 to the bounty of his benefactor. The abject, impotent and 
 submissive situation of Poland, at that period, engendered de- 
 jection and despair in his useful breast. He left his country 
 and repaired to a foreign land, there to fight the battles of 
 independence, when he found that her standard would not be 
 raised in the land of his birth. 
 
 When very young, he was informed by the voice of fame, 
 that the standard of liberty had been erected in America; that 
 an insulted and oppressed people had determined to be free, or 
 perish in the attempt. His ardent and generous mind caught, 
 with enthusiasm, the holy flame, and from that moment he be- 
 came the devoted soldier of liberty. 
 
 His rank in the American army afforded him no opportuni- 
 ty greatly to distinguish himself. But he was remarked 
 throughout his service, for all the qualities which adorn the 
 human character. His heroic valor in the field could only 
 be equalled by his moderation and affability in the walks of 
 private life. He was idolized by the soldiers for his bravery, 
 
KOSCIUSCO. 291 
 
 and beloved and respected by the officers for the goodness of 
 his heart, and the great qualities of his mind. 
 
 As the companion of the immortal Washington, he fought 
 bravely from the Hudson to the Potomac, from the shores of 
 the Atlantic to the lakes of Canada. He patiently endured 
 incredible fatigue; he acquired renown; and, what was infi- 
 nitely more valuable in his estimation, he acquired the love 
 and gratitude of a disenthraled nation. The flag of the Uni- 
 ted States waved in triumph over the American forts, and the 
 great work of liberation was finished ere Kosciusco returned 
 to his native country. 
 
 Contributing greatly, by his exertions, to the establishment 
 of the independence of America, he might have remained, and 
 shared the blessings it dispensed, under the protection of a 
 chief who loved and honoured him, and in the bosom of a 
 grateful and affectionate people. 
 
 Kosciusco had, however, other views. It is not known that, 
 until the period I am speaking of, he had formed any distinct 
 idea of what could, or indeed what ought, to be done for his 
 own. But in the revolutionary war he drank deeply of the 
 principles which produced it. In his conversations with the 
 intelligent men of our country, he acquired new views of the 
 science of government and the rights of man. He had seen 
 too that to be free it was only necessary that a nation should 
 will it, and to be happy it was only necessary that a nation 
 should be free. And was it not possible to procure these bles- 
 sings for Poland ? For Poland, the country of his birth, which 
 had a claim to all iiis efforts, to all his services? That unhappy 
 nation groaned under a complication of evils which has scarce- 
 ly a parallel in history. The mass of the people were the ab- 
 ject slaves of the nobles. The nobles, torn into factions, were 
 alternately the instruments and the victims of their powerful 
 and ambitious neighbours. By intrigue, corruption, and 
 force, some of its fairest provinces had been separated from 
 the republic, and the people, like beasts, transferred to foreign 
 despots, who were again watching for a favorable moment for 
 a second dismemberment. To regenerate a people thus deba- 
 sed : to obtain for a country thus circumstanced, the blessings 
 of liberty and independence, was a work of as much difficulty 
 as danger. But to a mind like Kosciusco's, the difficulty and 
 danger of an enterprise served as stimulants to undertake it. 
 
 Immediately after his return to his native country, he was 
 imanimously appointed generalissimo of Poland. In the strug- 
 gles of the Polish army against their oppressors, Kosciusco 
 often led them to victory. His army performed prodigies, 
 and charged, with effect, the veteran Russians and Prussians. 
 Iu consequence of the treachery of one of Kosciusco's oflv 
 
S92 LACEY. 
 
 cer-s, who covered with a detachment the advance of the army, 
 abandoned his position to the enemy, and retreated, the Poles 
 were defeated with great slaughter. The conflict was terrible. 
 Kosciusco fell, covered with wounds, but still recovered. He 
 was conveyed by the orders of Catharine, the empress of 
 Russia, to the dungeons of St. Petersburg, where he remain- 
 ed until her son Alexander came to the throne. One of his 
 first acts was to restore the brave Kosciusco to liberty. AY lien 
 he was liberated, he turned his eyes to that country, where, 
 in his youth, he had fought for liberty and independence. He 
 embarked for America, and landed at Philadelphia. The 
 members of congress, then in session, his friends and acquain- 
 tances, and the citizens generally, hailed his arrival with 
 pleasure. The people surrounded the carriage and accom- 
 panied him to his lodgings. After some time, he visited the 
 shores of Europe once more. He went to Switzerland, where 
 he soon after died. 
 
 LACEY, John, an active officer, and zealous whig of the 
 Revolution, was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, on the 
 4th day of February, 1755. His great-grandfather emigrated 
 from the Isle of Wight, England, and was among the earliest 
 of those who followed the fortunes of William Penn, in the 
 settlement of Pennsylvania. The family, from the first emi- 
 grant down to the subject of this biographical notice, were all 
 educated in the religious principles of the Society of Friends, 
 or Quakers; and were chiefly devoted to the peaceful pursuits 
 of agriculture. 
 
 Previously to the American revolution, the opportunities of 
 education were very limited in Pennsylvania; especially in 
 the country schools; and in addition to this, the Quakers were 
 considerably prejudiced against giving much school learning 
 to their children. The joint operation of these causes pre- 
 vented Mr. Lacey, while young, from receiving more than the 
 rudiments of an imperfect English education; a defect which 
 he, subscqently, often felt and regretted; and which he endea- 
 voured to supply, as far as possible, by his own industry and 
 application to private studies. His active mind soon perceiv- 
 ed the want of that nurture which it is the business of well- 
 ordered schools to afford; and, to the latest hour of his life, he 
 earnestly deprecated that neglect of the expanding faculties 
 of youth, which it had been his own misfortune to expe- 
 rience. 
 
 At the early age of fourteen years, he was taken from 
 school, and employed occasionally on the farm; but more ge T 
 nerally in attending to a mill, which his father owned. Here 
 he devoted his leisure moments to reading and study ; and 
 with the aid of borrowed books, procured among his friends 
 
LACEY. 295 
 
 of the neighborhood, he added very considerably to his stock 
 of useful knowledge. In this manner his time was princi- 
 pally occupied, until the disputes between the colonies and 
 Great Britain assumed a serious aspect. Every one took his 
 side, on that momentous occasion; and many of Mr. Lacey's 
 nearest connexions, in common with the greater portion of 
 the sect to which they belonged, inclined to the side of the 
 mother country: but he, young, enterprising, and full of pa- 
 triotic ardour, speedily became indignant at the conduct and 
 pretensions of Britain, and warmly espoused the cause of the 
 colonics. Animated by the noble feelings which roused the 
 American whigs to action, he immediately united with those 
 who prepared to resist the operations of the haughty oppres- 
 sor. A volunteer association of young men was formed, in 
 the county, to learn the use of arms, of which corps he was 
 unanimously chosen captain. Several youths of the Quaker 
 society joined the company, at first; but when the meetings 
 interfered, they all fell back* except Mr. Lacey, who was 
 soon after excommunicated for persisting in the cause. Al- 
 though attached to the society, in which he had been educat- 
 ed, by strong and numerous ligaments, yet the impetus of 
 his feelings, at that eventful crisis, quickly carried him be- 
 yond the limits prescribed by the submissive tenets of the 
 sect. 
 
 At the recommendation of the congress, several battalions 
 of troops were ordered to be raised in Pennsylvania, for the 
 defence of the country and its liberties; and Mr. Lacey receiv- 
 ed a captain's commission from congress, dated the 5th of 
 January, 1776. The commission reached him on the 20th of 
 the month; and such was his zeal, diligence and good fortune, 
 that he enlisted his complement of men, (mostly farmers' sons 
 of the neighborhood,) by the 12th of February, following. 
 Captain Lacey's company was attached to the 4th battalion 
 in the Pennsylvania line, commanded by colonel Anthony 
 Wayne, and was directed to rendezvous with the other troops 
 at Chester, on the river Delaware; for which place he com- 
 menced his march on the 12th of February. From Chester, they 
 were all soon afterwards ordered to New York, and from thence 
 towards Canada. About this time, a misunderstanding unfor- 
 tunately arose between colonel Wayne and captain Lacey, 
 which rendered the situation of the latter exceedingly irksome 
 and unpleasant; but he, nevertheless, continued faithfully to 
 serve out the residue of an arduous campaign, during which 
 he was selected by general Sullivan to go express into Cana- 
 da, with communications to general Arnold; a hazardous 
 expedition, which was accomplished to the entire satisfaction 
 of the commanding general. When the army went into win- 
 
294 LACEY. 
 
 ter quarters, captain Lacey sent in his resignation to the coun- 
 cil of safety, accompanied by a detailed statement of his rea- 
 sons for a procedure so little congenial with his wishes and 
 original views; but which existing circumstances, in his opi- 
 nion, imperiously required him to adopt. His connexions, 
 who were generally inimical to the revolution, hearing of his 
 resignation, and the reasons which induced it, seized the oc- 
 casion to urge him to abandon the pursuit of arms, and the 
 cause in which he was engaged: but he was too warmly de- 
 voted to both, to listen to their entreaties, or to be a passive 
 spectator of the contest. 
 
 The legislature of Pennsylvania, under the new constitu- 
 tion, was in session at Philadelphia, during the ensuing win- 
 ter, and was busily engaged in acts to organize the govern- 
 ment. Among others, a militia law was passed on the 17th 
 of March, 1777, by which an important tribunal was estab- 
 lished in each county, composed of a lieutenant and four sub- 
 lieutenants, with the rank of colonel and lieutenant-colonels, 
 respectively. These officers were to hold courts, to class and 
 district the militia, to organize them into regiments and com- 
 panies, to hold the elections for officers, to call out the classes, 
 find substitutes in the places of delinquents, and to assess and 
 cause the assessments on delinquents to be collected, and paid 
 into the state treasury; with other extensive duties enume- 
 rated in the act. Mr. Lacey was appointed one of the sub- 
 lieutenants of Bucks county, on the 22d of March, 1777; and 
 having acquired some knowledge of military affairs, during 
 the campaign of 1776, was one of the most active and effi- 
 cient in the prosecution of the business. Having succeeded 
 in organizing the militia of Bucks, Mr. Lacey carried in the 
 returns of the officers, when he was complimented by the ex- 
 ecutive council, as being the first who had complied with the 
 requisitions of the law. The militia of the district in which 
 Mr. Lacey resided, chose him for their lieutenant colonel, and 
 as the appointment did not interfere with his duties of sub- 
 lieutenant, he was commissioned a lieutenant colonel on the 
 6th of May, 1777, and continued to act in both capacities. 
 
 When the British army got possession of Philadelphia, af- 
 ter the battle of Brandywine, a draft was made on the mili- 
 tia of Sticks county, for the purpose of relieving those whoso 
 term of service was about to expire; and lieutenant colonel 
 Lacey, ever' anxious and ready for active employment, soli- 
 cited and obtained the command of a regiment, from the offi- 
 cer whose turn it was to take the field. Having collected 
 between three and four hundred men, he marched from New- 
 town, and joined general Potter's brigade, at Whitcmarsh, in, 
 the beginning of November, 1777. Whilst on this tour pf 
 
LACEY. 295 
 
 duty, he was engaged in frequent skirmishes with parties of the 
 enemy, particularly in one of some severity near the Gulf 
 mills, on Schuylkill, from which he had a narrow escape, in 
 consequence of his perseverance in rallying and encouraging 
 the troops, in the face of a superior force. General Washing- 
 ton, in his orders the next day, expressly complimented colo- 
 nel Lacey's regiment, for its good conduct on the occasion. 
 After this affair, colonel Lacey commanded a detachment of 
 militia on the eastern side of the Schuylkill, until the close of 
 the campaign. His active exertions in suppressing inter- 
 course with the British, and breaking up the iniquitous traffic 
 of their adherents, had by this time so strongly excited the 
 hatred of the tories and disaffected, that they menaced him 
 with personal vengeance: but a spirit so determined, and de- 
 voted to the service, was not to be influenced by such conside- 
 rations. Their threats were despised, and their denuncia- 
 tions disregarded. 
 
 About the time when colonel Lacey was preparing to re- 
 tire, at the close of this tour of duty, he received the appoint- 
 ment of brigadier general, dated the 9th of January, 1778, 
 and was ordered immediately to relieve general Potter. His 
 commission was enclosed in the following letter from the se- 
 cretary of the executive council: 
 
 u Lancaster, January 9, 1778. 
 " Sir, 
 
 "Enclosed is a commission authorising you to act as a 
 brigadier general of the militia of this state. I congratulate 
 you on this appointment, which, at the same time that it does 
 you honor, in acknowledging your merit as an officer, affords 
 a reasonable hope for benefit to the public, by calling you in- 
 to the field in an important station. I sincerely wish you suc- 
 cess, and am with great respect, 
 
 "Your very humble servant, 
 
 "Ty. MATLACK, Secretary. 
 "To brigadier general Lacey, at Camp." 
 
 General Lacey was not yet twenty-three years of age. when 
 he was invested with this important and very arduous com- 
 mand. On receiving the appointment, the responsibilities of 
 which might have shaken the resolution of a more experienced 
 officer, he repaired to his post, and had a most harrassing duty 
 to perform, on the lines, while the British army occupied 
 Philadelphia. The utmost vigilance was required, to cut off 
 the intercourse of the tories with the city, and also to watch 
 ihe movements of the enemy's parties, who denounced ven- 
 geance against the new general, and declared they would have 
 him, dead or alive. He was incessantly employed in this ser- 
 vice, until the middle of May, at the head of a fluctuating 
 
296 LACEY. 
 
 body of militia, whose force sometimes amounted to five hun- 
 dred men, but was frequently reduced to less than half that 
 number. On the 1st of May, owing to the misconduct of the 
 officer commanding the scouts, his camp was surprised, near 
 the Billet, (now village of Hatborough,) by a strong detach- 
 ment of the British, consisting, according to their own ac- 
 count, "of four hundred light infantry, three hundred rang- 
 ers, and a party of light dragoons," under the command of 
 colonel Abererombie. He was assailed on all sides , about day- 
 light, and was, for a short time, in a most perilous situation. 
 He, however, determined on a bold expedient, and forming his 
 little band with all possible despatch, he fought his way 
 through the enemy, with the loss of twenty six killed, and an 
 inconsiderable number of wounded and prisoners. The 
 wounded, in this affair, were treated with the most wanton and 
 shameful cruelty, by the British. Some of them were thrown 
 into buckwheat-straw, and the straw set on fire while they were 
 yet alive; and others who had been disabled by musket balls, 
 were afterwards deliberately hacked and mangled with cut- 
 lasses and bayonets, for the mere purpose as it would seem, 
 of venting the rage and chagrin of the barbarians, at not hav- 
 ing succeeded more completely in the object of their expedi- 
 tion. The militia behaved with great firmness, on this occa- 
 sion, which enabled their commander to extricate them from 
 their dangerous position, with a comparatively moderate loss. 
 A letter from council to general Lacey, dated May 16, says, 
 " your conduct is highly approved, and your men have justly 
 acquired great reputation by their bravery." 
 
 A number of hazardous enterprizes in the vicinity of the 
 enemy's outposts, requiring great address and dexterity in 
 the execution, were undertaken by general Lacey, at the re- 
 quest of general Washington ; and were performed, for the 
 most part, with entire success, and always to the satisfaction 
 of the latter. A most unpleasant duty was also imposed, by 
 the comander in chief, upon general Lacey, to be performed 
 amongst his neighbours and relations; which was, the derange- 
 ment of their grist mills, and the destruction of grain, forage, 
 and other private property, with a view to distress the enemy, 
 and prevent him from drawing supplies from that part of the 
 country. This painful service was executed, reluctantly, in- 
 deed, but with such rigid impartiality in all cases, that some 
 of his connexions could hardly ever forgive him for it; not- 
 withstanding he had acted under the peremptory orders of 
 general Washington, who believed that the safety and best 
 interests of the republic required the measure. 
 
 After the British had evacuated Philadelphia, general Lacey 
 was elected a member of the general assembly, from the county 
 
LAURENS. 297 
 
 >i Bucks, and took his scat in November, 1778. The year 
 following he was elected to council, of which he was a mem- 
 ber for the three succeeding years. In August, 1780, gene- 
 ral Washington being apprehensive that the enemy intended to 
 aim another blow at Pennsylvania, general Laccy was order- 
 ed to Trenton, in New-Jersey, with a brigade of militia from 
 the counties of Bucks and Berks; and by a correspondence 
 Vith the president of council, he appears to have been in al- 
 most continual service until October. 1781, when the militia 
 were discharged, and the thanks of the council voted to them 
 and their commander. 
 
 During this command general Lacey married a daughter 
 of colonel Thomas Reynolds, of New- Jersey, and shortly af- 
 terwards removed to that state and settled at the village of 
 New-Mills, in Burlington county, where he became largely 
 concerned in iron works. He was, for many years, an active 
 and useful citizen of his adopted state, having been a judge 
 and justice of the county where he resided, and also a mem- 
 ber of the legislature. In the latter part of his life he was 
 much afflicted with gout, to which disease he fell a victim, on 
 the 17th of February, 1814. aged 59 years. 
 
 General Lacey is represented by all who knew him and 
 served with him in the revolution, as having been an officer 
 of a remarkable fine, martial appearance, and of the most de- 
 termined and enterprizing character. All his letters, writ- 
 ten under every difficulty and pressure of the times, breathe 
 the most ardent spirit of patriotism and inflexible devotion to 
 the cause of his country's liberty and independence. 
 
 LAURENS, Henry, was born in Charleston, South Caro- 
 lina, in the year 1724. He took an early part in opposing the 
 arbitrary claims of Great Britain, at the commencement of the 
 American revolution. When the provincial congress of Ca- 
 rolina met in June, 1775, he was appointed its president; in 
 which capacity he drew up a form of association, to be sign- 
 ed by all the friends of liberty, which indicated a most deter- 
 mined spirit. Being a member of the general congress, after 
 the resignation of Hancock, he was appointed president of that 
 illustrious body, in November, 1777. In 1780, he was de= 
 puted to solicit a loan from Holland, and to negotiate at reaty 
 with the United Netherlands ; but on his pasage, he was cap- 
 tured by a British vessel, on the banks of Newfoundland. He 
 threw his papers overboard, but they were recovered by a 
 sailor. Being sent to England, he was committed to the tower, 
 on the 6th of October, as a state prisoner, upon a charge of 
 high treason. Here he was confined more than a year, and 
 was treated with great severity, being denied, for the most 
 part, all intercourse with his friends, and forbidden the use of 
 
 38 
 
298 LAURENS. 
 
 pen, ink, and paper. His capture occasioned no small em- 
 barrassment to the ministry. They dared not condemn him 
 as a rebel, through fear of retaliation ; and they were unwil- 
 ling to release him, lest he should accomplish the object of 
 his mission. The discoveries found in his papers, led to a war 
 with Great Britain and Holland, and Mr. Adams was ap- 
 pointed in his place to carry on the negotiation with the Uni- 
 ted Provinces. 
 
 Many propositions were then made to him, which were re- 
 pelled with indignation. At length, news being received that 
 his eldest son, a youth of such uncommon talents, exalted sen- 
 timents, and prepossessing manners and appearance, that a 
 romantic interest is still attached to his name, had been ap- 
 pointed the special minister of congress to the French court, 
 and was there urging the suit of his country, with winning elo- 
 quence, the father was requested to write to his son, and urge 
 his return to America; it being farther hinted, that, as he was 
 held a prisoner, in the light of a rebel, his life should depend 
 upon compliance. "My son is of age," replied the heroic fa- 
 ther of an heroic son, "and has a will of his own. I know him 
 to be a man of honor. He loves me dearly, and would lay 
 down his life to save mine; but I am sure that he would not 
 sacrifice his honor to save my life, and I applaud him." This 
 veteran was, not many months after, released, with a request 
 from lord Shelburne that he would pass to the continent and 
 assist in negotiating a peace between Great Britain and the 
 free United States of America, and France their ally. 
 
 Towards the close of the year 1781, his sufferings, which 
 had, by that time, become well known, excited the utmost sym- 
 pathy for himself, but kindled the warmest indignation against 
 the authors of his cruel confinement. Every attempt to draw 
 concessions from this inflexible patriot having proved more 
 than useless, his enlargement was resolved upon, but difficul- 
 ties arose as to the mode of effecting it. Pursuing the same 
 high-minded course which he had at first adopted, and influ- 
 enced by the noblest feelings of the heart, he obstinately re- 
 fused his consent to any act which might imply a confession 
 that he was a British subject, for as such he had been com- 
 mitted on a charge of high treason. It was finally proposed 
 to take bail for his appearance at the court of king's bench, 
 and when the words of the recognizance, "our sovereign 
 lord the king," were read to Mr. Laur«ns, he distinctly re- 
 plied in open court, "not my sovereign!" With this decla- 
 ration, he, with Messrs. Oswald and Anderson, as his secu- 
 rities, were bound for his appearance at the next court of 
 king's bench for Easter term, and for not departing without 
 leave of the court, upon which he was immediately discharge 
 
LAURENS. 399 
 
 ed. When the time appointed for his trial approached, he was 
 not only exonerated from obligation to attend, but solicited by 
 lord Shclburneto depart for the continent to assist in a scheme 
 for a pacification with America. The idea of being released, 
 gratuitously, by the British government, sensibly moved him, 
 for he had invariably considered himself as a prisoner of war. 
 Possessed of a lofty sense of personal independence, and un- 
 willing to be brought under the slightest obligation, he thus 
 expressed himself, "I must not accept myself as a gift; and 
 as congress once offered general Burgoyne for me, I have no 
 doubt of their being now willing tu offer earl Cornwallis for 
 the same purpose." 
 
 Close confinement in the tower for more than fourteen 
 months, had shattered his constitution, and he was, ever af- 
 terwards, a stranger to good health. As soon as his discharge 
 was promulgated, he received from congress a commission, 
 appointing him one of their ministers for negotiating a peace 
 with Great Britain. Arriving at Paris, in conjunction with 
 Dr. Franklin, John Adams, and John Jay, he signed the pre- 
 liminaries of peace on the 30th of November, 1782, by which 
 the independence of the United States was unequivocally ac- 
 knowledged. Soon after this, Mr. Laurens returned to Ca- 
 rolina. Entirely satisfied with the whole course of his con- 
 duct while abroad, it will readily be imagined that his coun- 
 trymen refused him no distinctions within their power to be- 
 stow; but every solicitation to suffer himself to be elected go- 
 vernor, member of congress, or of the legislature of the state, 
 he positively withstood. When the project of a general con- 
 vention for revising the federal bond of union, was under 
 consideration, he was chosen, without his knowledge, one of 
 its members, but he refused to serve. Retired from the world 
 and its concerns, he found delight in agricultural experiments, 
 in advancing the welfare of his children and dependants, and 
 in attentions to the interest of his friends and fellow-citizens. 
 
 He expired on the 8th of December, 1792, in the sixty-ninth 
 year of his age. 
 
 LAURENS, John, a brave officer in the revolutionary war, 
 was the sou of the preceding, and was sent to England for his edu- 
 cation. He joined the army in the beginning of 1777, from which 
 time he was foremost in danger. His first essay in arms was 
 at Brandywine. At the battle of Germantown, he exhibited 
 prodigies of valour, in attempting to expel the enemy from 
 Chew's house, and was severely wounded. He was engaged 
 at Monmouth, and greatly increased his reputation at Rhode 
 Island. At Coosawhatchie, defending the pass with a hand- 
 ful of men, against the whole force of Prevost, he was again 
 wounded, and was probably indebted for his Life to the gallan- 
 
300 LAURENS. 
 
 try of captain Wigg, who gave him his horse to carry him 
 from the field, when incapable of moving, his own having 
 been shot under him. He headed the light infantry, and was 
 among the first to mount the British lines at Savannah ; 
 and displayed the greatest activity, zeal and courage, dur- 
 ing the siege of Charleston. He was present and distin- 
 guished himself in every action of the army under general 
 Washington, and was among the first, who entered the Bri- 
 tish lines at York town. Early in 1781, while he held 
 the rank of lieutenant colonel, he was selected by congress on 
 a special mission to France to solicit a loan of money, and to 
 procure military stores. He arrived in March and returned 
 in August, having been so successful in the execution of his 
 commission, that congress passed a vote of thanks for his ser- 
 vices. Such was his despatch, that in three days after he re- 
 paired to Philadelphia, he finished his business with congress, 
 and immediately afterwards rejoined the American army. On 
 the twenty seventh of August, 1782, in opposing a foraging 
 party of the British, near Combahee river, in South Carolina, 
 he Avas mortally wounded, and he died at the age of twenty 
 seven years. 
 
 His gallantry in action was highly characteristic of his love 
 of fame. The post of danger was his favourite station. His 
 polite and easy behaviour, insured distinction in every so- 
 ciety. The warmth of his heart gained the affection of his 
 friends, his sincerity their confidence and esteem. An insult 
 to his friend he regarded as a wound to his own honour. Such 
 an occurrence led him to engage in a personal contest with 
 general Charles Lee, who had spoken disrespectfully of gen- 
 eral Washington. The veteran, who was wounded on the oc- 
 casion, being asked; "How Laurens had conducted him- 
 self?" replied: "I could have hugged the noble boy, he pleased 
 me so." 
 
 The following eulogium on the character of lieutenant 
 colonel Laurens, we copy from Marshall's life of Wash- 
 ington. 
 
 "This gallant and accomplished young gentleman had en- 
 tered at an early period of the war into the family of the 
 commander in chief, and had always shared a large portion 
 of his esteem and confidence. Brave to excess, he sought 
 every occasion in addition to those furnished by his station in 
 the army, to render services to his country, and acquire that 
 military fame which he pursued with the ardor of a young sol- 
 dier, whose courage seems to have partaken of that romantic 
 spirit which youth and enthusiam produce in a fearless mind. 
 Nor was it in the camp alone he was fitted to shine. His edu- 
 cation was liberal ; and those who knew him state his manners 
 
LED YARD. 301 
 
 10 have been engaging, and his temper affectionate. In a 
 highly finished portrait of his character, drawn by Dr. Ram- 
 say, he says, that, u a dauntless bravery was the least of his 
 virtues, and an excess of it his greatest foible." 
 
 LEDYARD, William, was a brave officer in the army of 
 the revolution, and was basely murdered by the British 
 troops, commanded by the traitor Arnold, after he had sur- 
 rendered. We have collected the following particulars of this 
 horrible transaction from various publications. General Ar- 
 nold was appointed to conduct an expedition against New 
 London, Connecicut. his native place. The embarkation hav- 
 ing passed over from Long Island shore in the night, the, 
 troops were landed in two detachments on each side of the 
 harbour, at ten o'clock in the morning of the 6th of Septem- 
 ber; that on the Groton side being commanded by lieutenant 
 colonel Eyre, and that on the New London side by general 
 Arnold, who met with no great trouble. Fort Trumbull and 
 the redoubt, which were intended to cover the harbour and 
 town, not being tenable, were evacuated as he approached, 
 and the few men in them crossed the river to fort Griswold, 
 on Groton-hill. Arnold proceeded to the town without being 
 otherwise opposed than by the scattered fire of small parties, 
 that had hastily collected. Orders were sent by the general 
 to Eyre for attacking fort Griswold, that so the possession of 
 it might prevent the escape of the American shipping. The 
 militia, to the amount of one hundred and fifty-seven, collect- 
 ed for its defence, but so hastily, as not to be fully furnished 
 with fire arms and other weapons. As the assailants ap- 
 proached, a firing commenced, and the flag-staff was soon 
 shot down, from whence the neighbouring spectators inferred, 
 that the place had surrendered, till the continuance of the 
 firing convinced them to the contrary. The garrison defend- 
 ed themselves with great resolution and bravery ; Eyre was 
 wounded near the works, and major Montgomery was killed 
 immediately after, so that the command devolved on major 
 Broomfield. The British at one time staggered; but the fort 
 being out of repair, could not be maintained by a handful of 
 men against so superior a number as that which assaulted it. 
 After an action of about forty minutes, the resolution of the 
 royal troops carried the place by the point of the bayonet. 
 The Americans had not more than half a dozen killed before 
 the enemy entered the fort, when a severe execution took place, 
 though resistance ceased. The British officer enquired, on his 
 entering the fort, who commanded? colonel Ledyard answer- 
 ed, " I did, sir, but you do now;" and presented him his 
 sword. The colonel was immediately run through and kill- 
 ed. The slain were seventy-three j the wounded between 
 
LEh. 
 
 ty and forty, and about forty were carried off prisoner-. 
 Soon after reducing; the fort, the soldien loaded a wagon with 
 . - -aid. by order of tbeir officers, and set the 
 was. p of the hill, which is long and very 
 
 stee;. : _ . went a considerable distance with great 
 
 inly stopt by an apple tree, which gave 
 the faint and b rnhh a shock that part of them 
 
 died instantly.' About fifteen vessels, with effects of the in- 
 habr treated up the river, notwithstanding the reduc- 
 
 tion of the fort, and four others remained in the harbour un- 
 hurt: a number were burnt by the fire communicating from 
 n in Basses. Sixty dwelling houses and eighty 
 re burned, including those on both sides of the 
 harbour and in New London. The burning of the town was 
 intentional, and not accidental. The loss that the Americans 
 - • ined in I r ;ctiou was very great; for there were 
 
 quantities of naval - European goods, of East 
 
 ■ Iiniia commodities, and of provisions in the several 
 1 British had two commissioned officers and forty 
 prrrates killed: eight officer-, with one hundred and thirty- 
 aoa-coaai ' and privates wounded. 
 
 The following is on a head-stone at the grave of colonel 
 L yard, half a mile S. E. of fort Griswold. orGroton. Con 
 ut. 
 
 -ACRED TO THE MEMORY 
 OF 
 
 WILLIAM LED YARD, esq. 
 
 • Colonel commandant of the garrisoned posts of New 
 •• L .• . and Groton, who. after a gallant defence, was, with 
 "a large part of the brave garrison, inhumanly massacred by 
 •• British troops in fort Griswold. September 6th, 1781. iEtat. 
 By a judicious and faithful discharge of the va- 
 cation, he rendered most essentia] servi- 
 - snntry. and stood confessed the unshaken patriot. 
 I hero. He lived the patron of magnanimity. 
 irtesy and humanity: He fell the victim of ungenerous 
 tj !" 
 LEhL. Richard. Hf.vry. president of congress, was a na- 
 tive of Virginia, and from his earliest youth devoted his ta- 
 lents to I - of his country. His public life was dis- 
 tinguished by some remarkable circumstances. He had the 
 honour of originating the first resistance to British oppres- 
 sion, in the time of the stamp act. in 1765. He proposed in 
 the Virginia boose of bnrgesses, in 1773. the formation of a 
 committee of correspondence, whose object was to disseminate 
 information, and to kindle the flame of liberty throughout the 
 continent. He was a member of the first congress, and it 
 
LEE. 
 
 - he who made and ably supported the motion for tL 
 Jaratio!. : endence. Jur.~ 10, ."" The motion was 
 
 seconded by Mr. Join A::..: 1 ..-. : >1 ssachose: 
 
 He delivered a speech in support of his motion to declare 
 the colonies independent, from which we give the following 
 
 '• Who doubts ihen that a declaration of indep endence 
 procure us allies : All nations are desirous of procurir.: 
 
 : our exubeic I - they will 
 visit our ports hitherto closed by the monopoly of insatiable 
 England. J%e} are no less eagei " mplate the redoc- 
 
 tion of her hated power : they all loathe her barbarous domi- 
 
 - e to our brave country me: 
 
 gratitude they bear them f tving been the first to shake the 
 foundation oi ": - Coloosns. F reiani princes wait onl; 
 
 tionof all hazard of reconciliation to throw off their 
 
 - kt reserve. 1. :'.. is measure is useful, it is no les> becom- 
 ing our dignity. America ha? arrived at a degree of ■ 
 which .-- _ - !■ a place among indepenc We 
 are i tless ntitled to it than the Ragfisa themselves. If 
 
 e wealth, so have we : if they are I are we : 
 
 if they are more mime; -. r population, through the incre- 
 dible froitl n 'f our chaste wives. will boob equal theirs: 
 .ve men of renown, as well in peace as in war, we 
 likewise have such : for political revolutions usually produce 
 rave, and generous - i Is. Fi\>ai what we 
 y achieved in these painful beginnings, it is easy to pre- 
 sume what we shall hereafter accomplish, for experience is the 
 source of sag mnsels, and liberty is the mother of great 
 men. Have you not seen the enemy driven fron Lexington, 
 by thirty thousand civ. - mod and ass 
 Already their most ted generals vieModia H 
 
 to the -kill off ours: already their seamen, repulsed from our 
 its, wander over the ocean, where they are the sport 
 of the tempest, and the prey of famine. Let us kail the 
 
 tirablc omen, and fight, not for the sake of kwowiag 
 wiiat tanas we are to be the slaves of England, but to secure 
 to ourselves a free existence, to found a just and independent 
 eminent. Animated by liberty, & ij - .'in- 
 
 numerable army of Persians: sustained by the love of indepen- 
 dence, the Swiss and the Dutch humbled the power \ 9- 
 tria by memorable defeat-, and conquered a rank among na- 
 tions. But the sun of America also shines upon the 
 the brave: the point oi our - is no less formidable than 
 
 theirs; here also the same union p ... - he same contempt 
 of danger and of death in asserting the our country. 
 
 •• W hy then do we looser delay : way -till deliberate / ■ 
 
304 LEE. 
 
 this most happy day give birth to the American Republic. Let 
 her arise, not to devastate and conquer, but to re-establish the 
 reign of peace and of the laws. The eyes of Europe are fixed 
 upon us ! she demands of us a living example of freedom, that 
 may contrast, by the felicity of the citizens, with the ever in- 
 creasing tyranny which desolates her polluted shores. She 
 invites us to prepare an asylum where the unhappy may find 
 solace, and the persecuted, repose. She intreats us to culti- 
 vate a propitious soil, where that generous plant, which first 
 sprung up and grew in England, but is now withered by the 
 poisonous blasts of Scottish tyranny, may revive and flourish, 
 sheltering under its salubrious and interminable shade all the 
 unfortunate of the human race. This is the end presaged by 
 so many omens, by our first victories, by the present ardour 
 and union, by the flight of Howe, and the pestilence which 
 broke out amongst Dunmore's people, by the very winds which 
 baffled the enemy's fleets and transports, and that terrible 
 tempest which ingulfed seven hundred vessels upon the coast 
 of Newfoundland. If we are not this day wanting in our 
 duty to the country, the names of the American legislators 
 will be exalted, in the eyes of posterity, to a level with those 
 of Theseus, Lycurcus, of Romulus, of Numa. of the three 
 Williams of Nassau, and of all those whose memory has been, 
 and will be, forever dear to virtuous men and good citizens." 
 
 After the adoption of the articles of the confederation, Mr. 
 Lee was under the necessity of withdrawing from congress, 
 as no representative was allowed to continue in congress more 
 than three years in any term of six years: but he was re-elect- 
 ed in 1784, and continued till 1787. In November, 1784, he 
 was chosen president of congress. When the constitution of 
 the United States was submitted to the consideration of the 
 public, he cohtended for the necessity of amendments previous- 
 ly to its adoption. After the government was organized, he 
 was chosen one of the first senators from Virginia, in 1789. 
 This station he held till his resignation, in 1792. 
 
 Mr. Lee died at his seat at Chantilly, in Westmoreland 
 county, Virginia, June 22, 1 794, in the sixty-third year of his 
 age. He supported through life the character of a philoso- 
 pher, a patriot, and a sage ; and he died, as he had lived, 
 blessing his country. 
 
 LEE, Henry, a distinguished officer in the revolutionary 
 war, entered the army as a captain of cavalry, in the Virginia 
 line, at the age of nineteen, in which situation he soon com- 
 manded the respect and attention of his country, by his active 
 and daring enterprize, and the confidence of the illustrious 
 commander in chief of the military forces of the United States ; 
 a confidence which continued through life. He was rapidly 
 
LEE. 3U5 
 
 promoted to the rank of major, and soon after, to that of lieu- 
 tenant colonel commandant of a separate legionary corps. 
 While major, he planned and executed the celebrated attack 
 on the enemy's post at Paulas Hook, opposite to the city of 
 New York, their head quarters; surprised and took the gar- 
 rison, under the eye of the British army and navy, and safely 
 conducted his prisoners into the American lines, many miles 
 distant from the post taken. There are few enterprises to be 
 found on military record, equal in hazard or difficulty, or 
 conducted with more consummate skill and daring courage. 
 It was, too, accomplished without loss; filled the camp of the 
 enemy with shame and astonishment; and shed an unfading 
 lustre on the American arms. Some time after, he accompa- 
 nied general Greene to the southern department of the United 
 States, subsequent to the memorable and disastrous battle of 
 Camden, which reduced under the power of the enemy the 
 three states of North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. 
 The many brilliant achievements which he performed in that 
 difficult and arduous war, under this celebrated and consum- 
 mate commander, it is not necessary to enumerate; they are 
 so many illustrious monuments of American courage and 
 prowess, which, in all future ages, will be the theme of histo- 
 rical praise; of grateful recollection by his countrymen, and 
 of ardent imitation by every brave and patriotic soldier. 
 Those states were recovered from the enemy. The country 
 enjoys in peace, independence and liberty, the benefits of his 
 useful services. All that remains of him is a grave, and the 
 glory of his deeds. 
 
 At the close of the revolutionary war, he returned to the 
 walks of civil life. He was often a member of the legisla- 
 ture of Virginia, one of its delegates to congress, under the 
 confederation, and one of the convention which adopted the 
 present constitution of the United States, and which he sup- 
 ported; three years governor of the state, and afterwards a 
 representative in the congress of the United States, under the 
 present organization. 
 
 While governor of Virginia, lie was selected by president 
 Washington, to command the army sent to quell the insurrec- 
 tion which had been excited from untoward and erroneous im- 
 pressions in the western counties of Pennsylvania, in which 
 he had the felicity to bring to order and obedience the mis- 
 guided inhabitants without shedding the blood of one fellow- 
 citizen. He possessed this peculiar characteristic as a mili- 
 tary commander, of being always careful of the health and 
 lives of his soldiers, never exposing them to unnecessary 
 toils, or fruitless hazards; always keeping them in readiness 
 for useful and important enterprizes. Every public station 
 
306 LEE. 
 
 to which he was called, he filled with dignity and propriety. 
 He died on the 25th of March, 1818, at the house of a friend 
 on Cumberland island, Georgia, on his return from the 
 West Indies to his native state, Virginia, in the sixty-first 
 year of his age. 
 
 In private life he was kind, hospitable and generous. Too 
 ardent in the pursuit of his objects; too confident in others, 
 he wanted that prudence which is necessary to guard against, 
 imposition and pecuniary losses, and accumulate wealth. 
 Like many other illustrious commanders and patriots, he died 
 poor. 
 
 He has left behind him a valuable historical work, entitled, 
 ''Memoirs of the War in the Southern Department of the 
 United States," in which the difficulties and privations en- 
 dured by the patriotic army employed in that quarter; their 
 courage and enterprise, and the skill and talents of their 
 faithful, active and illustrious commander, are displayed in 
 never-fading colours; a work, to use the language of the pub- 
 lishers, by the perusal of which 'the patriot will be always 
 delighted, the statesman informed, and the soldier instructed: 
 which bears in every part the ingenious stamp of a patriot 
 soldier; and cannot fail to interest all who desire to under- 
 stand the causes, and to know the difficulties of our memo- 
 rable struggle. The facts may be relied on, " all of which 
 he saw, and part of which he was." 
 
 Fortune seems to have conducted him, at the close of his 
 life, almost to the tomb of Greene, and his bones may now 
 repose by the side of those of his beloved chief; friends in 
 life, united in death, and partners in a never-dying fame. 
 
 LEE, Ezra, was a brave officer in the revolutionary ar- 
 my. It is not a little remarkable that this officer is the only 
 man, of which it can be said, that he fought the enemy upon 
 land, upon water, and under the water; the latter mode of 
 warfare was as follows: 
 
 'When the British fleet lay in the North River, opposite the 
 city of New-York, and while general Washington had posses- 
 sion of the city, he was very desirous to be rid of such neigh- 
 bors. A Mr. David Bushnell, of Saybrook, Connecticut, who 
 had the genius of a Fulton, constructed a sub-marine machine, 
 of a conical form, bound together with iron bands, within 
 which one person might sit, and with cranks and skulls, could 
 navigate it to any depth under water. In the upper part was 
 affixed a vertical screw for the purpose of penetrating ships* 
 bottoms, and to this was attached a magazine of powder, with- 
 in which was a clock, which on being set to run any given 
 time, would, when run down, spring a gun-lock, and an ex- 
 plosion would follow. This marine Turtle, so called, was ex- 
 
LEE. 307 
 
 amined by general Washington, and approved. To preserve 
 secrecy, it was experimented within an inclosed yard, over 
 twenty to thirty feet water, and kept during day light locked 
 in a vessel's hold. The brother of the inventor was to he the 
 person to navigate the machine into action, but on sinking it 
 the first time, he declined the service. 
 
 General Washington, unwilling to relinquish the object, re- 
 quested major general Parsons to select a person, in whom he 
 could confide, voluntarily to engage in the enterprize; the 
 latter being well acquainted with the heroic spirit, the patriot- 
 ism, and the firm and steady courage of captain Ezra Lee, 
 immediately communicated the plan and the offer, which 
 he accepted, observing that his life was at general Wash- 
 ington's service. After practising the machine until he un- 
 derstood its powers of balancing and moving under water, 
 a night was fixed upon for the attempt. General Washington 
 and his associates in the secret took their station upon the roof 
 of a house in Broadway, anxiously waiting the result. Morn- 
 ing came and no intelligence could be had of the intrepid sub- 
 marine navigator, nor could the boat which attended him 
 give any account of him after parting with him the first part 
 of the night. While these anxious spectators were about to 
 give him up as lost, several barges were seen to start sudden- 
 ly from Governor's Island, (then in possession of the British) 
 and proceed towards some object near the Asia ship of the 
 line; as suddenly they were seen to put about and steer for 
 the island with springing oars. In two or three minutes an 
 explosion took place, from the surface of the water, resemb- 
 ling a water-spout, which aroused the whole city and region; 
 the enemy's ships took the alarm; signals were rapidly given; 
 the ships cut their cables and proceeded to the Hook with all 
 possible despatch, sweeping their bottoms with chains, and 
 with difficulty prevented their affrighted crews from leaping 
 overboard. 
 
 During this scene of consternation the deceased came to the 
 surface, opened the brass head of his aquatic machine, rose 
 up and gave a signal for the boat to come to him, but they 
 could not reach him until he again descended under water, to 
 avoid the enemy's shot from the island, who had discovered 
 him and commenced firing in his wake. Having forced him- 
 self against a strong current under water, until without the 
 reach of shot, he was taken in tow and landed at the battery 
 amidst a great crowd, and reported himself to general Wash- 
 ington, who expressed his entire satisfaction that the object 
 was effected without the loss of lives. Captain Lee was un- 
 der the Asia's bottom more than two hours, endeavoring to 
 penetrate her copper, but in vain. He frequently came up un- 
 
308 LINCOLN. 
 
 der her stern galleries searching for exposed plank, and could 
 hear the centincls cry. Once he was discovered by the watch 
 on deck, and heard them speculate upon him, but concluded a 
 drifted log had paid them a visit. He returned to her keel and 
 examined it fore and aft, and then proceeded to some other 
 ships; but the impossibility of penetrating their copper, foi 
 want of a resisting power, hundreds owed the safety of their 
 lives to this circumstance. The longest space of time he could 
 remain under water was two hours. 
 
 Captain Lee, during the war, ever had the confidence and 
 esteem of the commander in chief, and was frequently employ- 
 ed by him on secret missions of importance. He fought with 
 him at Trenton and Monmouth ; at Brandywine the hilt of his 
 sword was shot away, and his hat and coat were penetrated 
 with the enemy's halls, On the return of peace, he laid aside 
 the habiliments of war, and returned to his farm, where, like 
 Cincinnatus, he tilled his lands, until now called by the great 
 commander in chief to the regions above. 
 
 He died at Lyme, Connecticut, on the 29th October, 1821, 
 aged seventy-two years. 
 
 LINCOLN, Benjamin, was born in Hingham, Massachu- 
 setts, January 23, 1733. His early education was not auspi- 
 cious to his future eminence, and his vocation was that of a 
 farmer, till he was more than forty years of age, though he 
 was commissioned as a magistrate, and elected a representa- 
 tive in the state legislature. In the year 1775, he sustained 
 the office of lieutenant colonel of militia, and having espous- 
 ed the cause of his country as a firm and determined whig, he 
 was elected a member of the provincial congress, and one of 
 the secretaries of that body, and also a member of the com- 
 mittee of correspondence. In 1776, he was appointed by the 
 council of Massachusetts a brigadier, and soon after a major 
 general, and he applied himself assiduously to training and 
 preparing the militia for actual service in the field, in which 
 ne displayed the military talent he possessed. In October, he 
 marched with a body of militia and joined the main army at 
 New York. The commander in chief, from a knowledge of 
 his character and merit, recommended hiin to congress as an 
 excellent officer, and in February, 1777, he was by that ho- 
 norable body created a major general on the continental esta- 
 blishment. For several months he commanded a division, or 
 detachments in the main army, under Washington, and was 
 in situations which required the exercise of the utmost vigi- 
 lance and caution, as well as firmness and courage. Having 
 the command of about five hundred men in an exposed situa- 
 tion near Bound Brook, through the neglect of his patroles, 
 a large body of the enemy approached, within two hundred 
 
LINCOLN. 309 
 
 yards of his quarters undiscovered; the general had scarcely 
 time to mount and leave the house, before it was surrounded. 
 He led off his troops, however, in the face of the enemy, and 
 made good his retreat, though with the loss of about sixty 
 men killed and wounded. One of his aids, with the general's 
 baggage and papers, fell into the hands of the enemy, as did 
 also three small pieces of artillery. In July, 1777, general 
 Washington selected him to join the northern army under the 
 command of general Gates, to oppose the advance of general 
 Burgoyne. He took his station at Manchester, in Vermont, 
 to receive and form the New England militia, as they arriv- 
 ed, and to order their march to the rear of the British army. 
 He detached colonel Brown, with five hundred men, on the 
 JLSthof September, to the lauding at lake George, where he 
 succeeded in surprising the enemy, took possession of two 
 hundred batteaux, liberated one hundred American prisoners, 
 and captured two hundred and ninety-three of the enemy, 
 with the loss of only three killed and five wounded. This 
 enterprise was of the highest importance, and contributed es- 
 sentially to the glorious event which followed. Having de- 
 tached two other parties to the enemy's posts at Mount Inde- 
 pendence and Skeensborough, general Lincoln united his re- 
 maining force with the army under general Gates, and was 
 the second in command. During the sanguinary conflict on 
 the 7th of October, general Lincoln commanded within our 
 lines, and at one o'clock the next morning, he marched with 
 his division to relieve the troops that had been engaged, and 
 to occupy the battle ground, the enemy having retreated. 
 While on this duty he had occasion to ride forward some dis- 
 tance, to reconnoitre, and to order some disposition of his 
 own troops, when a party of the enemy made an unexpected 
 movement, and he approached within musket shot before he 
 was aware of his mistake. A whole volley of musketry was in- 
 stantly discharged at him and his aids, and he received a 
 wound by which the bones of his leg were badly fractured, 
 and he was obliged to be carried off the field. The wound 
 was a formidable one, and the loss of his limb was for some 
 time apprehended. He was for several months confined at 
 Albany, and it became necessary to remove a considerable 
 portion of the main bone before he was conveyed to his house 
 at Hingham, and under this painful surgical operation, the 
 writer of this being present, witnessed in him a degree of 
 firmness and patience not to be exceeded. I have known him, 
 says colonel Rice, who was a member of his military family, 
 during the most painful operation by the surgeon, while by- 
 standers were frequently obliged to leave the room, entertain 
 us with some pleasant anecdote, or story, and draw forth a 
 
S10 LINCOLN. 
 
 smile from his friends. His wound continued several years 
 in an ulcerated state, and by the loss of the bone the limb was 
 shortened, which occasioned lameness during the remainder 
 of his life. General Lincoln certainly afforded very import- 
 ant assistance in the capture of Burgoyne, though it was his 
 unfortunate lot, while in active duty, to be disabled before he 
 could participate in the capitulation. Though his recovery 
 was not complete, he repaired to head quarters in the follow- 
 ing August, and was joyfully received by the commander in 
 chief, who well knew how to appreciate his merit It was 
 from a developement of his estimable character as a man, 
 and his talent as a military commander, that he was desig- 
 nated by congress for the arduous duties of the chief command 
 in the southern department, under innumerable embarrass- 
 ments. On his arrival at Charleston, December, 1778, he 
 found that he had to form an army, to provide supplies, and 
 to arrange the various departments, that he might be able to 
 cope with an enemy consisting of experienced officers and ve- 
 teran troops. This, it is obvious, required a man of superior 
 powers, indefatigable perseverance, and unconquerable energy. 
 Had not these been his inherent qualities, Lincoln must have 
 yielded to the formidable obstacles which opposed his pro- 
 gress. About the 28th of December, general Prevost arrived 
 with a fleet, and about three thousand British troops, and took 
 possession of Savannah, after routing a small party of Ame- 
 ricans, under general Robert Howe. General Lincoln im- 
 mediately put his troops in motion, and took post on the east- 
 ern side of the river, about twenty miles from the city ; but 
 he was not in force to commence offensive operations, till the 
 last of February. In April, with the view of covering the 
 upper part of Georgia, he marched to Augusta, after which 
 Prevost, the British commander, crossed the river into Caro- 
 lina, and marched for Charleston. General Lincoln, there- 
 fore, recrossed the Savannah, and followed his route, and on 
 his arrival near the city, the enemy had retired from before it 
 during the previous night. 
 
 He joined the count D'Estaing in September, 1779, with 
 one thousand men, in the bold assault on Savannah. On the 
 9th of October, in the morning, the troops were led on by 
 D'Estaing, and Lincoln united, while a column led by count 
 Dillion missed their route in the darkness, and failed of the 
 intended co-operation. Amidst a most appalling fire of the 
 covered enemy, the allied troops forced the abbatis, and plant- 
 ed two standards on the parapets. But being overpowered at 
 the point of attack, they were compelled to retire; the French 
 having seven hundred, the Americans two hundred and forty 
 killed and wounded. The count Pulaski, at the head of a 
 
LINCOLN. 311 
 
 body of our horse, was mortally wounded. General Lincoln 
 next repaired to Charleston, and endeavoured to put that city 
 in a posture of defence, urgently requesting of congress a re- 
 inforcement of regular troops, and additional supplies, whicb 
 were but partially complied with. In February, 1780, gene- 
 ral sir Henry Clinton arrived, and landed a formidable force 
 in the vicinity, and on the 30th of March, encamped in front 
 of the American lines at Charleston. Considering the vast 
 superiority of the enemy, both in sea and land forces, it might 
 be questioned whether prudence and correct judgment, would 
 dictate an attempt to defend the city; it will not be supposed, 
 however, that the determination was formed without the most 
 mature deliberation, and for reasons perfectly justifiable. It 
 is well known that the general was in continual expectation of 
 an augmentation of strength by reinforcements. On the 10th 
 of April, the enemy having made some advances, summoned 
 the garrison to an unconditional surrender, which was prompt- 
 ly refused. A heavy and incessant cannonade was sustained 
 on each side, till the 11th of May, when the besiegers had 
 completed their third parallel line, and having made a second 
 demand of surrender, a capitulation was agreed on. 
 
 It is to be lamented that, with all the judicious and vigorous 
 efforts in his power, general Lincoln was requited only by the 
 frowns of fortune, whereas had he been successful in his bold 
 enterprise and views, he would have been crowned with un- 
 fading laurels. But notwithstanding a series of disappoint- 
 ments and unfortunate occurrences, he was censured by no 
 one, nor was his judgment or merit called in question. He re- 
 tained his popularity and the confidence of the army, and was 
 considered as a most zealous patriot, and the bravest of sol- 
 diers. "The motives and feelings that prompted general 
 Lincoln rather to risk a siege than to evacuate Charleston, 
 were most honourable to him as a man and a soldier. There 
 was such a balance of reasons on the question, as under the 
 existing circumstances should exempt his decision from blame 
 or distrust. He could not calculate on the despondence and 
 inactivity of the people who should come to his succour. The 
 suspense and anxiety, the toil and hazard attending the siege, 
 gave the fullest scope to his wisdom, patience and valour. 
 His exertions were incessant. He was on the lines night and 
 day, and for the last fortnight never undressed to sleep." 
 Notwithstanding this unfortunate termination of his command, 
 so established was the spotless reputation of the vanquished 
 general, that he continued to enjoy the undiminished respect 
 and confidence of the congress, the army, and the commander 
 in chief. «' Great praise is due to general Lincoln," says Dr. 
 Ramsay, "for his judicious and spirited conduct in baffling 
 
Slfi LINCOLN. 
 
 for three months the greatly superior force of sir Henry 
 Clinton and admiral Arbuthnot. Though Charleston and the 
 southern army were lost, yet by their long protracted defence 
 the British plans were not only retarded, but deranged, and 
 North Carolina was saved for the remainder of the year 
 1780." 
 
 General Lincoln was permitted to his parole, and in No- 
 vember following, he was exchanged for major general Phil- 
 lips, a prisoner of the convention of Saratoga. In the cam- 
 paign of 1781, general Lincoln commanded a division under 
 Washington, and at the siege of Yorktown he had his full 
 share of the honour of that brilliant and auspicious event. 
 The articles of capitulation stipulated for the same honour in 
 favour of the surrendering army, as had been granted to the 
 garrison of Charleston. General Lincoln was appointed to 
 conduct them to the field where their arms were deposited, 
 and received the customary submission. In the general or- 
 der of the commander in chief, the day after the capitulation, 
 general Lincoln was among the general officers whose servi- 
 vices were particularly mentioned. In October, 1781, he 
 was chosen by congress secretary at war, retaining his rank 
 in the army. .In this office he continued till October, 1783, 
 when his proffered resignation was accepted by congress, as 
 follows: " Resolved, that the resignation of major general 
 Lincoln, as secretary of war for the United States, be accept- 
 ed in consideration of the earnest desire which he expresses, 
 the objects of the war being so happily accomplished, to retire 
 to private life, and that he be informed that the United States 
 in congress assembled, entertain a high sense of his perse- 
 verance, fortitude, activity and meritorious services in the 
 field, as well as of his diligence, fidelity, and capacity in the 
 execution of the office of secretary at war, which important 
 trust he has discharged to their entire approbation." Hav- 
 ing relinquished the duties and cares of a public employ- 
 ment, he retired and devoted his attention to his farm; but in 
 1784, he was chosen one of the commissioners and agents on 
 the part of the state, to make and execute a treaty with the 
 Penobscot Indians. When in the year 1786 — 7, the authority 
 of the state government was in a manner prostrated, and the 
 country alarmed by a most audacious spirit of insurrection, 
 under the guidance of Shays and Day, general Lincoln was 
 appointed by the governor and council, to command a detach- 
 ment of militia, consisting of four or five thousand men to 
 oppose their progress, and compel them to a submission to the 
 laws. He marched from Boston on the 20th of January, into 
 the counties of Worcester, Hampshire, and Berkshire, where 
 The insurgents had erected their standard. They were em~ 
 
LINCOLN. S13 
 
 bodied in considerable force, and manifested a determined re- 
 sistance, and a slight skirmish ensued between them and a 
 party of militia under general Shepherd. Lincoln, however, 
 conducted with such address and energy, that the insurgents 
 Avere routed from one town to another, till they were com- 
 pletely dispersed in all directions; and by his wise and pru- 
 dent measures, the insurrection was happily suppressed with- 
 out bloodshed, excepting a few individuals who were slain 
 under general Shepherd's command. At the May election, 
 1787, general Lincoln was elected lieutenant governor by the 
 legislature, having had a plurality of votes by the people. 
 He was a member of the convention for ratifying the federal 
 constitution, and in the summer of 1789, he received from 
 president Washington the appointment of collector of the port 
 of Boston, which office he sustained till being admonished by 
 the increasing infirmities of age, he requested permission to 
 resign about two years before his death. In 1789, he was ap- 
 pointed one of the commissioners to treat with the Creek In- 
 dians on the frontiers of the southern states, and in 1793, he 
 was one of the commissioners to effect a peace with the west- 
 ern Indians. 
 
 Having, after his resignation of the office of collector, pass- 
 ed about two years in retirement, and in tranquility of mind, 
 but experiencing the feebleness of age, he received a short at- 
 tack of disease, by which his life was terminated on the 9th 
 of May, 1810. 
 
 General Lincoln in his nature was unsusceptible of the spi- 
 rit of envy. AVhoever achieved a noble action to the honour 
 and advantage of his country, whether as a patriot or soldier, 
 was with him the man of merit, and the theme of eulogy, 
 though it might eclipse his own fame. He was universally 
 respected as one of the best of men, of ardent patriotism, and 
 of heroic courage. Major general Knox, whose candour and 
 discriminating judgment no one will deny, was known to es- 
 timate next to Washington, in military talents, generals 
 Greene and Lincoln. Colonel Nathan Rice, a respectable offi- 
 cer, who was a member of his military family, observes, that 
 the sacrifice of as much domestic happiness as falls to the lot 
 of man, to serve his country, would seem to place his patriot- 
 ism beyond suspicion. The firmness and zeal with which he 
 rendered this service during her struggle, the coolness with 
 which he met danger, his fortitude under bodily pain, priva- 
 tion and disappointment, and the confidence reposed in him 
 by the commander in chief, all strongly evince that his coun- 
 try had not misjudged in elevating him to the distinguished 
 rank he held in the army. While at Purysburg, on the Sa- 
 vannah river, a soldier named Fickling, having been ds- 
 
 40 
 
S14 LINCOLN. 
 
 tectcd in frequent attempts to desert, was tried and sentenced 
 to be hanged. The general ordered the execution. The rope 
 broke; a second was procured, which broke also; the case was 
 reported to the general for directions. "Let him run," said 
 the general, "I thought he looked like a scape gallows." 
 
 We are indebted for the foregoing interesting sketch of ge- 
 neral Lincoln, to Dr. Thacher's excellent work. We select 
 what follows from Garden's interesting Anecdotes of the Re- 
 volutionary War: 
 
 " It happened, that as Fielding was led to execution, the 
 surgeon general of the army passed accidentally on his way 
 to his quarters, which were at some distance off. On being 
 tied up to the fatal tree, the removal of the ladder caused 
 the rope to break, and the culprit fell to the ground. This 
 circumstance, to a man of better character, might have proved 
 of advantage; but being universally considered as a mis- 
 creant, from whom no good could be expected, anew rope was 
 sought for, which lieutenant Hamilton, the adjutant of the 1st 
 regiment, a stout and heavy man, essayed by every means, 
 but without effect, to break. Fickling was then haltered, 
 and again turned off, when to the astonishment of the by-stan- 
 ders, the rope untwisted, and he fell a second time, uninjured, 
 to the ground. A cry for mercy was now general throughout 
 the ranks, which occasioned major Ladson, aid-de-camp to 
 general Lincoln, to gallop to head-quarters, to make a repre- 
 sentation of facts, which were no sooner stated, than an imme- 
 diate pardon was granted, accompanied with an order, that he 
 should, instantaneously, be drummed, with every mark of in- 
 famy, out of camp, and threatened with instant death, if ever 
 he should, at any future period, be found attempting to ap- 
 proach it. In the interim, the surgeon general had establish- 
 ed himself at his quarters, in a distant barn, little doubting but 
 that the catastrophe was at an end, and Fickling quietly rest- 
 ing in his grave. Midnight was at hand, and he was busily 
 engaged in writing, when hearing the approach of a footstep, 
 he raised his eyes, and saw with astonishment, the figure of 
 the man, who had, in his opinion, been executed, slowly and 
 with haggard countenance, approaching towards him. " How ! 
 how is this ?" exclaimed the doctor. "Whence come you r 
 What do you want with me ? Were you not hanged this morn- 
 ing ?" "Yes, sir, replied the resuscitated man, "I am the 
 wretch you saw going to the gallows, and who was hanged." 
 •' Keep your distance," said the doctor ; approach me not till 
 you say, why you come here?" "Simply, sir," said the sup 
 posed spectre, "to solicit food. I am no ghost, doctor. The 
 rope broke twice while the executioner was doing his office. 
 and the general thought proper to pardon me." "If that be 
 
LIPPITT. 315 
 
 the case," rejoined the doctor, " eat and welcome; but I beg 
 of you, in future, to have a little more consideration, and not in- 
 trude so unceremoniously into the apartment of one who bad 
 every right to suppose you an inhabitant of the tomb." 
 
 The person and air of general Lincoln betokened his mili- 
 tary vocation. He was of a middle height and erect, broad 
 chested and muscular, in his latter years corpulent, with open 
 intelligent features, a venerable and benign aspect. His man- 
 ners were easy and unaffected, but courteous and polite. In 
 all his transactions, both public and private, his mind was 
 elevated above all sordid or sinister views, and our history 
 will not perhaps record many names more estimable than was 
 that of general Lincoln. 
 
 Regularity, both in business and his mode of living, were 
 peculiar traits in his character; habitually temperate, and ac- 
 customed to sleep, unconfined to time or place. In conversa- 
 tion he was always correct and chaste; on no occasion utter- 
 ing any thing like profanity or levity on serious subjects, and 
 when others have indulged in these respects in his presence, 
 it was ever received by him with such marked disapproba- 
 tion of countenance, as to draw from them an instantaneous 
 apology, and regret for the offence. 
 
 The following anecdote is related of general Lincoln: 
 When he went to make peace with the Creek Indians, one of 
 the chiefs asked him to sit down on a log. He was then de- 
 sired to move, and, in a few minutes, to move farther. The 
 request was repeated until the general got to the end of the log. 
 The Indian said, " Move farther;" to which the general re- 
 plied, "lean move no farther." "Just so it is with us," 
 said the chief; "you have moved us back to the water, and 
 then ask us to move farther!" 
 
 LIPPITT, Christopher, was one of the early advocates 
 and firmest supporters of our efforts for independence, and a 
 gentleman distinguished in the early part of his life, for the 
 discharge of numerous civil and military offices with which he 
 was invested by the government of his native state, and by 
 the father of his country. In September, 1776, when the re- 
 giment .under his command was called for by general Wash- 
 ington, he took a continental commission, and left Rhode 
 Island for the camp of the commander in chief, at Harlaem 
 Heights, and was engaged under general Lee in the battle on 
 White Plains, and was afterwards under the immediate com- 
 mand of general Washington in the engagements at Trenton 
 and Princeton. At this time, he received a brevet brigadier 
 general's commission from general Washington, and soon 
 after his term of service expired, he returned home. He af- 
 terwards received a brigadier general's commission from the 
 
816 LIVINGSTON. 
 
 governor of Rhode Island, and was shortly after in the en- 
 gagement in that state. 
 
 He died in Cranston, Rhode Island, in the year 1824, aged 
 eighty. 
 
 LIVINGSTON, Philip, whose signature is attached to 
 onr Declaration of Independence, was born at Albany, on the 
 15th of January, 1716, and educated at Yale college, in Con- 
 necticut, where he graduated in 1737. He was a grandson of 
 Robert Livingston, the original proprietor of the manor of 
 Livingston, on the river Hudson, in the state of New-York, 
 who was born at Ancram in Scotland, in the year 1654. His 
 father, the Reverend John Livingston, a very distinguished mi- 
 nister of the kirk of Scotland, having some years after found it 
 necessary to quit his native country, on account of his "oppo- 
 sition to Episcopacy," took charge of an English Presbyteri- 
 an church in Rotterdam, while he himself selected America 
 as his future residence. 
 
 The grant, or patent of the manor of Livingston, bears date 
 1686, and the colonial history of New- York, from the year 
 1798, to the revolution, furnishes abundant evidence of the 
 elevated standing in public life, which was maintained during 
 that period, as well by the first proprietor of the manor, ashy 
 his immediate descendants. 
 
 At the present day, when the advantages of a liberal educa- 
 tion are so justly appreciated, and so readily obtained ; when 
 a diploma is considered as necessary a preliminary for the 
 counting-house as for either the pulpit or the bar, its posses- 
 sion confers no further distinction on an individual than what 
 is enjoyed in common throughout the circle in which he moves ; 
 there is reason, however, to believe, that Philip Livingston 
 participated in its benefits at a time when it was almost ex- 
 clusively confined to the learned professions, and that to his 
 early attainments may, in some measure, be attributed 
 that deference to his opinions on subjects of general interest 
 which the mercantile pursuits that afterwards occupied his 
 attention, would not alone have been calculated to inspire. 
 
 The solicitude already manifested to connect the obituary 
 notices of the times with the events of the American revolu- 
 tion, and the natural propensity of mankind to trace their ge- 
 nealogy to celebrated sources, render it evident, that, with the 
 progress of time,an increasing interest will be felt in the bio- 
 graphy of those illustrious statesman and soldiers who laid 
 the foundation of the American empire, and that future and 
 remote generations will be directed and stimulated in a ca- 
 reer of distinguished patriotism, by meditating on the glo- 
 rious achievements of arenowned ancestry. The authors of 
 our independence will indeed occupy a higher rank in the 
 
LIVINGSTON. 317 
 
 veneration of posterity, than ever the founders of Rome at- 
 tained in the estimation of the eternal city : and for the grati- 
 fication of the present and all future times, it is now proper 
 to collect the shattered notices of the personal and political his- 
 tory, to mould them into form, and to exhibit the result to the 
 contemplation of an admiring world. 
 
 His entrance into public life was as a magistrate in the city 
 of New York, where he settled as a merchant shortly after his 
 marriage, and which he afterwards represented in the coloni- 
 al general assembly, from 1759 to 1769, inclusive. The jour- 
 nals of that body, during his term of service, evince his fidel- 
 ity towards his constituents and a constant regard for the in- 
 terests and welfare of the colony. In 1764, he submitted to 
 the house, in his capacity of chairman of a committee appoint- 
 ed for that purpose, a very animated petition to the king, 
 which was afterwards adopted, and in which the ''intimation 
 of a design" to tax "these colonies" by laws passed in Great 
 Britain, is made the subject of serious complaint; and, in 
 1768, we find his name as speaker, to an answer of the house 
 to the celebrated Boston letter, and also, to two several me- 
 morials to the English parliament, on the subject of the exist- 
 ing grievances, which, in conjunction with certain explana- 
 tory resolutions, entered on the journals, occasioned the dis- 
 solution of the assembly shortly after. 
 
 The election of 1769, appears to have been warmly contest- 
 ed in the city and county of New York. The old members 
 were nominated and strenuously supported by many, "for 
 their noble and patriotic spirit, in boldly asserting and main- 
 taining the rights and privileges of Americans," "without fee 
 or reward; while, on the other hand, several other citizens 
 were held up in opposition by a party, respectable both as to 
 numbers and character, but acting apparently under the influ- 
 ence of feelings excited by former religious controversies be- 
 tween the members of the church of England and the dissent- 
 ers. 
 
 At the very commencement of the contest, Mr. Livingston 
 published his determination "not to have any agency in an 
 election which he apprehended would be productive of the most 
 violent heats and animosities," and persisted in this resolu- 
 tion, notwithstanding the solicitations of both parties to dis- 
 suade him from it; another name was accordingly substituted 
 on the old ticket, while the friends of the new candidates made 
 a vigorous but unsuccessful attempt to accomplish their pur- 
 pose by appropriating his to themselves, without his consent. 
 He was, also, during the same year, returned as <i member 
 from the manor of Livingston, but, although the election was 
 unanimous, it was decided by the house that his non-residence 
 
318 LIVINGSTON. 
 
 disqualified him from taking his seat. His constituents peti 
 tioned against the decision, hut to no purpose. A detail of 
 the various circumstances which characterized the life of Mr. 
 Livingston, from the last mentioned period until the year 
 1774, would be hut a record of those events which preceded 
 and terminated in the meeting of the continental congress, as 
 he invariably took an active part in all those measures adopt- 
 ed by his fellow-citizens, the object of which was to obtain re- 
 dress for past grievances, or prevent their recurrence for the 
 future. An incident, however, occurred, a few days previous 
 to his first election to the proposed congress, which may be 
 worthy of notice from the evidence it furnishes that the con- 
 duct of Mr. Livingston, and of his colleagues, was influenced 
 by liberal and independent views, becoming statesmen, and 
 not by motives of sectional interests or individual popularity. 
 Shortly after his nomination as a delegate in May, 1774, a let- 
 ter, signed by several gentlemen, was directed to him, in con- 
 junction with John Jay, John Allsop, Isaac Low, and James 
 Duane, in which they were requested, "in order to avoid the in- 
 conveniences that may arise from a contested election," to 
 state, explicity, whether they " would engage to use their ut- 
 most endeavours at the proposed congress, that an agreement 
 not to import goods from Great Britain, until the American 
 grievances should be redressed, should be entered into by the 
 colonies;" in answer to which they observed, that they would 
 do every thing in their power, which in their opinion, would be 
 conducive to the general interests of the colonies, and that, at 
 present, they thought the proposed measure the most efficacious 
 one tbat could be adopted, but concluded with, "Permit us 
 to add, that we make this declaration of our sentiments be- 
 cause we think it right, and not as an inducement to be favour- 
 ed with your votes ; nor have we the least objection in your 
 electing any other gentlemen, as your delegates, in whom you 
 repose greater confidence." This manly avowal was suc- 
 ceeded by an unanimous election, and when the time approach- 
 ed for them to enter on their duties, they were escorted on the 
 first of September, 1774, to the vessel in which they embark- 
 ed for Philadelphia, with all those testimonials of respect to 
 which their character and their cause so justly entitled them. 
 From the year 1774 to 1778, Mr. Livingston was zealous 
 and indefatigable in attending to his congressional duties, 
 either as a representative from the colony, or the state of New 
 York, although he was in the mean time also called on to assist 
 in the formation of a state government, and to perform other 
 public duties of a more local description. On the 22d No- 
 vember, 1774, he was elected a member of the association 
 formed agreeably to a resolve of congress to abstain from im 
 portation. &e. 
 
LIVINGSTON. 319 
 
 In congress, he was appointed, (October 11th, 1774,) to- 
 gether with Messrs. Lee and Jay, to prepare a memorial to 
 the people of British America, and an address to the people of 
 Great Britain. On the 20th April, 1775, he was chosen 
 president of the " Provincial Congress," assembled in New- 
 York, for the purpose of electing out of their body, delegates 
 to the next continental congress; and was one of the delegates. 
 On the 8th of May, 1775, he, together with his colleagues, 
 left the city for Philadelphia, " attended by a great train to 
 the ferry, of whom, about five hundred gentlemen, including 
 two hundred as militia under arms, crossed over with them. 
 On the 1st February, 1776, he, together with John Allsop, 
 John Jay and Alexander M'Dougal, were unanimously elec- 
 ted to serve for the city and county in the next general assem- 
 bly." On the 16th of the ensuing April, he was elected one of 
 the delegates to serve in the next provincial congress ; and in 
 June, 1776, he was one of the delegates then elected to serve 
 in the provincial congress the ensuing year, with the addi- 
 tional power of forming a new government for the colony of 
 New York. He was not, however, destined to witness the ter- 
 mination of a conflict, in the prosecution of which he had 
 thus far redeemed the sacred pledge by which lie stood com- 
 mitted to his country. In May, 1778, he left his family, with 
 a presentiment that what to them appeared a temporary, would 
 in fact be a final separation; and shortly after, having resum- 
 ed his seat in congress, then sitting in Yorktown, Pennsylvan- 
 ia, he was followed to the grave, by that body, whose cha- 
 racter for wisdom, firmness and integrity, he had contributed 
 towards establishing : whose fame has ere this been recorded 
 in the histories of other nations than our own, and whose ac- 
 tions, when compared with the events of preceding ages, may 
 justify an American in exclaiming: 
 
 " Priscojavent alios: ego me nunc denique natum gratulor." 
 
 As one of the founders of our independence, he foresaw the 
 difficulties and sacrifices that were to be encountered, and 
 proceeded in its earliest stages with a degree of prudence and 
 circumspection, which were warranted by his age and expe- 
 rience, and which served as a chock on the more animated ca, 
 reer of some of his youthful associates; when, however, "in 
 the course of human events it became necessary to dissolve the 
 political bands" which connected this country with Great Bri- 
 tain, neither considerations of personal convenience, nor the 
 probable loss of fortune, were sufficient to prevent him from 
 prosecuting, with ardour, a' cause in which moderation and 
 forbearance had hitherto been ineffectually tried ; and but a 
 short time previous to his death, lie gave a proof of his devo- 
 
320 LIVINGSTON. 
 
 tion to it, by selling a portion of his private estate to support 
 the public credit. 
 
 In his temper, Mr. Livingston was somewhat irritable, yet 
 exceedingly mild, tender, and affectionate to his family and 
 friends. There was a dignity, with a mixture of austerity, in 
 his deportment, whicli rendered it difficult for strangers to ap- 
 proach him, and which made him a terror to those who swerv- 
 ed from the line, or faltered in the path, of personal virtue and 
 patriotic duty. He was silent and reserved, and seldom in- 
 dulged with much freedom in conversation. Fond of reading, 
 and endowed with a solid and discriminating understanding, 
 his mind was replenished with various extensive and useful 
 knowledge. 
 
 He possessed, in an extraordinary degree, an intuitive per- 
 ception of character. He saw, at one glance, into the souls 
 of men, and every man carried a window in his bosom, with 
 regard to him, through which his penetrating eyes could ob- 
 serve the minute lineaments, as well as the great outlines, of 
 character. This deep insight into men and things rendered 
 him peculiarly useful in the important drama of the American 
 revolution. 
 
 His last moments were correspondent with the tenor of his 
 well-spent life. He met, with characteristic firmness and 
 christian fortitude, the trying hour Which separated him from 
 this world. 
 
 He taught us how to live, and (oh ! too high 
 The "price for knowledge, J taught us how to die. 
 
 LIVINGSTON, William, governor of New Jersey, de- 
 scended from a family in New York, which emigrated from 
 North Britain, and which was distinguished for its numbers, 
 opulence, talents, christian virtue, and attachment to liberty. 
 He was born about the year 1723, and was graduated at Yale 
 college in 1741. He afterwards pursued the study of the law. 
 Possessing from the gift of God a strong and comprehensive 
 mind, a brilliant imagination, and a retentive memory, and 
 improving with unwearied diligence the literary advantages 
 which he enjoyed, he soon rose to eminence in his profession. 
 He early embraced the cause of civil and religious liberty. 
 When Great Britain advanced her arbitrary claims, he em- 
 ployed his pen in opposing them, and in vindicating the rights 
 of his countrymen. After sustaining some important offices 
 in New York, he removed to New Jersey, and as a represen- 
 tative of this state, was one of the principal members of the 
 first congress, in 1774. After the inhabitants of New Jersey 
 had sent their governor, Mr. William Franklin, under a 
 strong guard to Connecticut, and had formed a new consti- 
 
MACCLINTOCK. 321 
 
 tution in July, 1776, Mr. Livingston was elected the first 
 chief magistrate, and such was his integrity and republican 
 virtue, that he was annually re-elected till his death. During 
 the war he bent his exertions to support the independence of 
 his country. By the keenness and severity of his political 
 writings, he exasperated the British, who distinguished him 
 as an object of their peculiar hatred. His pen bud no incon- 
 siderable influence in exciting that indignation and zeal, 
 which rendered the militia of New Jersey so remarkable for 
 the alacrity with which on any alarm they arrayed themselves 
 against the common enemy. He was, in 1787, a delegate to 
 the grand convention which formed the constitution of the 
 United States. After having sustained the office of governor 
 for fourteen years, with great honor to himself and usefulness 
 to the state, he died at his seat near Elizabethtown, July 25, 
 1790, aged sixty-seven years. 
 
 MACCLINTOCK, Nathaniex, was born March 21, 
 1757, and received his education at Harvard College, where 
 he was graduated in 1775, at the age of eighteen. Being in 
 Boston at the commencement of the revolutionary war, he had 
 the offer of an ensign's commission in the British army, but 
 he declined a place so tempting to youthful ambition, and 
 espoused the cause of liberty and his country. Soon after the 
 battle of Lexington, he joined the American army as lieuten- 
 ant of one of the companies in the New Hampshireline; was soon, 
 appointed adjutant in colonel Poor's regiment, and promoted to 
 the rank of a Brigade Major, when Poor was advanced to that 
 of Brigadier general. He was with general Washington's 
 army at the capture of the Hessians at Trenton, in 1776, and 
 was very active on that memorable night, especially, in con- 
 veying the enemy, after the capture, across the river. The 
 soldiers suffered severely on that occasion. Many were so 
 destitute of shoes and stockings, that their footsteps on the 
 snow and ice were imprinted with blood, yet they cheerfully 
 performed their duty. He was at Ticonderoga, and in the 
 various engagements with Burgoyne's army until its final cap- 
 ture. His letters to his father while in the army exhibit a 
 noble enthusiasm in the public service. His talents and edu- 
 cation gave him great advantages, and his character as an 
 officer was so high in the estimation of Washington and all 
 the general officers, that before he was twenty-one years of 
 age, he w as promoted over all the captains in the regiment 
 to a majority in the line. The officers, who were thus super 
 seded, although they entertained the highest opinion of his 
 talents and usefulness in the army, and felt disposed to make 
 every sacrifice consistent with honor to retain him, were in- 
 
 • 41 
 
322 MACPHERSON. 
 
 duced by a regard for their rank, to remonstrate against this 
 appointment. 
 
 Believing that, under these peculiar circumstances, the 
 good of the service and the prosperity of the great cause for 
 which we were contending, required his resignation, he ten- 
 dered it to general Washington, assigning the above circum* 
 stances as the only cause. Sensible of the force of Major 
 Macclintock's reasons, general Washington accepted his re- 
 signation, and he retired from the army much regretted by the 
 commander in chief and all the general officers of his acquain- 
 tance. He returned home in 1779. Wishing to do something 
 more in the service of his country, he embarked as captain of 
 marines on board the private armed ship, general Sullivan, 
 of 20 guns, captain Manning, commander, and having cap- 
 tured a British ship of war, they manned her to cruize in 
 Company. Major Macclintock was second to his friend, 
 lieutenant Broadstreet, in command of this ship. In an en- 
 engagement in 1780, under great disadvantage, with two of 
 the enemy's ships of vastly superior force, lieutenant Broad- 
 street's ship was captured and Major Macclintock was killed 
 by a ball through his head. Thus fell as promising a young 
 man as the state of New-Hampshire at that time contained. 
 
 MACPHERSON, William, was the son of captain John 
 Macpherson, a Scotch gentleman, who came to America about 
 thirty years before the declaration of independence, and of 
 Margaret Rodgers, the sister of the late Reverend Dr. John 
 Rodgers, of New York. He was born in Philadelphia, in 
 the year 1756, and there received the early part of his educa- 
 tion, which was finished at Princeton, in New Jersey. At the 
 age of thirteen he received the appointment of cadet in the 
 British army, and before the declaration of independence, his 
 lather having purchased for him a lieutenant's commission, 
 he was made adjutant of the 16th regiment. Mr. Macpher- 
 son was with his regiment at Pensacola, at the commencement 
 of the revolutionary war, at which period he offered to resign 
 his commission, but his resignation was not accepted. Se- 
 veral years afterwards, on the arrival of the 16th regiment at 
 New York, sir Henry Clinton permitted Mr. Macpherson to 
 resign his commission, in consequence of his declaring that 
 he never would bear arms against his countrymen. He was 
 not, however, allowed to sell his commission, for which his 
 father had given a considerable sum of money. He joined the 
 American army on the river Hudson, above New York, about 
 the end of the year 1779, and as general Washington had 
 known him for many years, and understood the value of the 
 -sacrifice he had made for the good of his country, the appoint 
 
MACPHERSON. 323 
 
 mentof major by brevet, in the American army, was confer- 
 red upon him. 
 
 Major Macpherson was for some time aid-dc-camp to gen- 
 eral La Fayette, and was afterwards appointed by general 
 Washington to the command of a partizan corps of cavalry, 
 which served in Virginia, in 1781. The appointment of so 
 young an officer to so honorable a command, appears to have 
 been a cause of dissatisfaction to the colonels and lieutenant 
 colonels of the Pennsylvania line, and to have induced them 
 to make application to general Washington on the subject, 
 through the medium of generals Wayne and Irvine. It is be- 
 lieved that this circumstance never became public, the officers 
 having been satisfied by the unanswerable arguments and ir- 
 resistible appeals to their patriotism and honour, contained 
 m the following letter from general Washington, dated 11th 
 August, 1780, addressed to generals Wayne and Irvine: 
 
 u Head Quarters, Tappan, August 11, 1780. 
 " Gentlemen, 
 
 "I cannot but premise my answer to your letter of yester- 
 day, by observing, that the refusal of the colonels and lieuten- 
 ant colonels of your line, to comply witli my request for stating 
 in writing their motives to the part they have taken in the af- 
 fair of major Macpherson, is to me as extraordinary as unex- 
 pected. I assure you, I had not the least idea there could 
 have been any difficulty in the matter, and had no other rea- 
 son for desiring it, than that which I assigned to you; to pre- 
 vent a possibility of misrepresentation. 
 
 " Though I consider the conduct of the gentlemen concern- 
 ed as extremely exceptionable, in every point of view, yet as 
 I attribute it to misapprehension, as I have a good opinion of 
 their intentions, and the highest sense of their patriotism, 
 their zeal for the service, their talents and merit; as I should 
 esteem their resignation an injury to the army, not only by 
 the loss of so many good officers, but by deranging a very 
 valuable corps of troops; as I wish the motives to the step I 
 have taken, to be well understood by them, I shall recapitu- 
 late the substance of the conversation which passed between 
 us at our interview, and request you once more, to call their 
 attention to it, before they come to a final determination. I 
 wish them to be assured that on the appointment of major 
 Macpherson, I did not imagine it could, by any construction, 
 be deemed injurious to their rights, or prejudicial to their 
 honour; and that they cannot be more tender of both, them- 
 selves, than I have been, and ever should be: that though I 
 have the best opinion of that gentleman's qualifications, the 
 choice of him was not founded on any preference derogatory 
 to them : that from the fullest information of the practice of 
 
324 MACPIIERSON. 
 
 all other armies, I was convinced the appointment was agreea- 
 ble to military rule; that it appeared to me, by the articles of 
 war, and repeated resolutions of congress, to he agreeable to 
 our own constitution: that the estimation in which Mr. Mac- 
 pherson seemed to be held hy the whole Pennsylvania line ; 
 the former application of some of the officers to me in his 
 behalf; the sacrifice he made to his principles, by quitting a 
 service in which he had a handsome existence ; his heing a 
 native of the same state, and a man of acknowledged capacity 
 and worth, left me no douht that the officers of your line 
 would, with pleasure, see him placed in a situation, which 
 would enable him to be useful to the puhlic, and to do credit 
 to himself. 
 
 il A command in the light corps offered itself as an unex- 
 ceptionable mode for answering this purpose. Corps formed 
 by detachments are the usual method in which brevet officers 
 are employed ; as they cannot be introduced into regiments 
 without displacing other officers, or violating the right of 
 succession: both of which are justly deemed injurious in every 
 service. But the reasoning is new, by which the employ- 
 ing such officers in detached corps, is made an infringement 
 of the rights of regimental officers. Military rank, and an 
 elegibility to military command, arc ideas which cannot be 
 separated. Take away the latter, and the former becomes an 
 unmeaning sound. The principle being admitted, would in 
 our army degrade many officers who have every claim to the 
 consideration of their country, and to the justice of their fel- 
 low soldiers, some of whom have been in the army since the 
 commencement of the war: have relinquished regimental sta- 
 tions, by which, in the natural course of succession, they would 
 have been higher in rank than they now are ; have made as 
 great sacrifices as many others; and yield to none in merit 
 or in useful service. To wish to exclude them from the most 
 essential privilege of an officer, is alike inconsistent with jus- 
 tice and generosity; and on cooler reflection, the liberality of 
 sentiments, which I believe the gentlemen concerned to pos- 
 sess, will not suffer them to persist in such a design. 
 
 " The practice of other armies, in all cases not expressly 
 provided for, is the best standard by which we can form our 
 notions, and it would have obviated many difficulties, if it 
 had been been better known, or more attended to. If parti- 
 cular officers are to depart from that, and setup new distinc- 
 tions as it suits their interest or fancy, there is an end to all 
 order and subordination. Every thing is set afloat upon the 
 precarious footing of as many different opinions as there are 
 individuals that compose the army. It is too notorious to be 
 denied, that the practice of other armies, (not less than otm 
 
MACPHERSON. 325 
 
 own) warrants the appointment of major Macpherson to his 
 present command. I understand, however, from you, gentle- 
 men, that a line has been drawn, and applied to the present 
 case, between temporary and permanent commands: admitting 
 this distinction to be good, detachments which are again to 
 return to their corps, can be deemed nothing else than tempo- 
 rary commands; whether they are out for a week, for a month, 
 or for a campaign, they are still temporary. The permanent 
 commands are of regiments, and other established corps: if 
 we appeal to precedent, here also we shall find the period for 
 brevet commands indefinite. 
 
 "You inform me that a distinction was also made between a 
 detachment from one line, and a detachment from different 
 lines, and that no objection would have arisen if the corps to 
 which major Macpherson was appointed, had been composed 
 partly of Pennsylvania and partly of other troops. Though 
 there are particular quotas of troops furnished by the several 
 states, the whole compose one army, and the commissions are 
 from the same authority, with different designations: all de- 
 tachments, therefore, whether from one line, or from more 
 than one, must be subject to the same rules ; and if a brevet 
 is not to operate upon a detachment from one line, I see no 
 principle upon which it can have effect in detachments from 
 different lines, united together. 
 
 " If it be allowed that brevet commissions create a capa- 
 bility of temporary command by detachment, and that the 
 light infantry answers to this description, then the propriety 
 of appointing major Macpherson can only be questioned on 
 two principles; a want of qualifications, or being appointed 
 out of course. The first would be inadmissible, because the 
 officer commanding the army has alone the right to judge, and 
 if he made an injudicious choice, the officers might entertain 
 what private opinions they pleased, but they could not make 
 it the subject of official complaint. If it be said, major Mac- 
 pherson was appointed out of course, and that the officers of 
 light infantry should be taken by roster, as in the common 
 routine of service, let the practice of armies, as in the other 
 case, be recurred to, and it will be found that no regard is 
 paid to the roster in similar corps. It is an undisputed pri- 
 vilege of the commander in chief to officer them as he 
 pleases. 
 
 "The same was done last year, nor would scarcely an offi- 
 cer then in the corps have been appointed, if the principle in 
 question had been observed. No objection, however, that I 
 ever heard of, was made on the score, and why should the offi- 
 cers of the Pennsylvania line be singular in making it now? 
 or why not make it in the case of colonel Stewart, as well as 
 
526 MACPHERSON. 
 
 of major Macpherson? His appointment, no more than that 
 of the latter, can be justified by the roster. The good sense 
 of every officer of discernment must decide against this rule 
 for a variety of obvious considerations. 
 
 " For these reasons, and others equally decisive, it is im- 
 possible for me to revoke the appointment. I view the mea- 
 sure the gentlemen concerned have entered into, as peculiarly 
 intemperate, hasty, and ill-judged. 1 sincerely hope they may 
 be induced to re-consider it, and change their resolution. On 
 my part, I shall be happy to forget what has happened, and to 
 continue to them the same share of my esteem, which they 
 have merited and possessed. I am persuaded their rights in 
 the present case are untouched. I am conscious I had no in- 
 tention to injure them. I cannot pretend an indifference to 
 the conduct they may observe, because, as I have already con- 
 fessed, [ shall consider their quitting the service, as a serious 
 detriment to it. They ought also, as good citizens and good 
 men, to realize the consequences, and to assure themselves 
 they act upon substantial grounds, before they venture to exe- 
 cute what they have intimated. They ought to recollect that 
 they cannot hereafter be happy, if they find their conduct con- 
 demned by the country and by the army, especially if it has 
 been the cause of any misfortune. They should remember 
 that we have actually entered upon the operations of the cam- 
 paign; that we are men in the vicinity of the enemy, and in 
 a position that makes an action not very improbable, perhaps 
 (if my intelligence is true) not very remote. When they duly 
 weigh these things, they cannot but be sensible that the love 
 of their country; the obligations of their respective stations ; 
 what they owe to their own characters, and to that discipline 
 which ought to be sacred among military men; all these mo- 
 tives call upon them to relinquish the intention they have sug- 
 gested. It is true, we have not many considerations of in- 
 terest to attach us to the service; but we have those of honour 
 and public good in a high degree, and I flatter myself these 
 ties will not prove too feeble. 
 
 "I wish you to communicate this letter as well to the majors 
 as to the other field officers; and if they still persist, I shall 
 think I have discharged my duty to them and to the public. 
 
 " I am, with great esteem, 
 
 Gentlemen, 
 
 Your most obedient servant, 
 GO: WASHINGTON. 
 Generals Wayne and Irvine." 
 
 The foregoing letter, the original of which in general Wash- 
 ington's hand-writing, is now in the possession of a member 
 of general Macpherson's family, shows very clearly the high 
 
MANLY. 327 
 
 opinion entertained by the former of the character of the lat- 
 ter, and of the sacrifices he had made to the welfare of his 
 country. Major Macpherson always retained the esteem and 
 friendship of the commander in chief, and his services during 
 the revolutionary war, were rewarded by president Washing- 
 ton by the appointment of surveyor of the port of Philadelphia, 
 by commission dated 19th September, 1789. On March 8th, 
 1792, a new commission was issued, appointing him inspector 
 of the revenue for the port of Philadelphia, and on the 28th 
 November, 1793, he was appointed naval officer of the port of 
 Philadelphia, which office he held until his death, in 1813; be- 
 ing continued therein during the successive administrations of 
 president Adams, Jefferson and Madison. 
 
 In the year 1794, upon the manifestation of opposition in 
 some of the western counties of Pennsylvania, to the excise 
 law, enacted in the previous session of congress, a large 
 and respectable body of the citizens of Philadelphia, form- 
 ed themselves into several companies, and invited major 
 Macpherson to place himself at their head. They were orga- 
 nized into a battalion, and in compliment to him, they styled 
 themselves Macpherson's Blues. This fine corps formed a 
 part of the army commanded by governor Mifflin on the wes- 
 tern expedition, and was universally respected for its patrio- 
 tism and dicipline. Before the return of the army to Philadel- 
 phia, major Macpherson was promoted to the rank of colonel, 
 and subsequently was appointed by governor Mifflin, a briga- 
 dier general in the militia of Pennsylvania. On the occasion 
 of war with France in 1798, the Blues were re-organised, and 
 with the addition of several companies, consisting of calvary, 
 artillery, grenadiers and riflemen, were formed into a legion 
 under the command of general Macpherson. On the 1 1th of 
 March, 1799, general Macpherson was appointed by president 
 Adams abrigadier general of the provisional army, and was se- 
 lected to command the troops sent into Northampton county 
 to enforce obedience to the revenue laws. After the disband- 
 ing of the provisional army, general Macpherson retired from 
 military life to his country seat near Philadelphia, where he re- 
 sided until his death which took place in November, 1813, in 
 consequence of hemorrhage caused by a schirrous tumour on 
 his neck. The greater part of his life had been spent in the 
 active service of his country, and he was universally beloved 
 for his urbanity and generosity, and respected for his integ- 
 rity, honour, and patriotism. 
 
 MANLY, John, a captain in the navy of the United 
 States, received a naval commission from Washington, com- 
 mander in chief of the American forces, October 24, 1775. 
 Invested with the command of the schooner Lee, he kept the 
 
328 MANLY. 
 
 hazardous station of Massachusetts bay, during a most tem- 
 pestuous season, and the captures which he made were of im- 
 mense value at the moment. An ordnance brig, which fell 
 into his hands, supplied the continental army with heavy pie-' 
 ces, mortars and working tools, of which it was very destitute, 
 and in the event led to the evacuation of Boston. His services 
 were the theme of universal eulogy. 
 
 The spirit of enterprise, encouraged by success, he sailed 
 in the privateer Hancock, on a cruise, and falling in with his 
 Britannic majesty's sloop of war Fox. compelled her to sur- 
 render. This capture increased his high reputation for bra- 
 very and skill. Some time after this, commanding the priva- 
 teer Jason, he was attacked by two British privateers, the one 
 of eighteen, the other of ten guns. He reserved his fire till 
 he came close upon them; run his vessel betwixt the two, and 
 by a well-directed broadside, fired into each, compelled them 
 both to strike their colours and surrender. The Americans 
 had already learnt to fire with deliberation and effect. Short 
 as the contest was, the larger privateer lost thirty of her 
 crew. But he was taken prisoner with his prize, by the Rain- 
 bow, of forty guns, July 8, 1777, and suffered a long and ri- 
 gorous confinement on board that ship at Halifax, and in Mill 
 prison, which precluded him from further actual service till 
 near the close of the war. 
 
 In September 1782, the Hague frigate was entrusted to his 
 care. The cruise was peculiarly unhappy. A few days after 
 leaving Martinque, he was driven by a British seventy four 
 on a sand bank, at the back of Guadaloupe. Three ships of 
 the line having joined this ship, came too within point blank 
 shot, and with springs on their cables opened a most tremendous 
 fire. Having supported the heavy cannonade for three days, 
 on the fourth day the frigate was got off, and hoisting the con- 
 tinental standard at the main top-gallant-mast, thirteen guns 
 were fired in farewell defiance. On his return to Boston, a 
 few months afterwards, he was arrested to answer a variety of 
 charges exhibited against him by one of his officers. The pro- 
 ceedings of the court were not altogether in appprobation of 
 his conduct. He died in Boston, February 12, 1793, in the 
 sixtieth year of his age. 
 
 MARION, Francis, colonel in the regular service, and 
 brigadier-general in the militia of South Carolina, was born 
 in the vicinity of Georgetown, in South Carolina, in the year 
 1733. 
 
 Young Marion, at the age of sixteen, entered on board a 
 vessel bound to the West Indies, with a determination to fit 
 himself for a seafaring life. On his outward passage, the ves- 
 sel was upset in a gale of wind, when the crew took to their 
 
MARION. 329 
 
 boat without water or provisions, it being impracticable to 
 save any of either. A dog jumped into the boat with the 
 crew, and upon his flesh, eaten raw, did the survivors of these 
 unfortunate men subsist for seven or eight days; in which pe- 
 riod several died of hunger. 
 
 Among the few who escaped was young Marion. After 
 reaching land, Marion relinquished his original plan of life, 
 and engaged in the labours of agriculture. In this occupa- 
 tion he conntinued until 1759, when he became a soldier, and 
 was appointed a lieutenant in a company of volunteers, raised 
 for an expedition against the Cherokee Indians, commanded 
 by captain William Moultrie, (since general Moultrie.) This 
 expedition was conducted by governor Lyttleton : it was fol- 
 lowed in a year or two afterwards by another invasion of the 
 Cherokee country by colonel Grant, who served as major-gen- 
 eral in our war under sir William Howe. 
 
 In this last expedition lieutenant Marion also served, hav- 
 ing been promoted to the rank of captain. As soon as the war 
 broke out between the colonies and the mother country, Ma- 
 rion was called to the command of a company in the first corps 
 raised by the state of South Carolina. He was soon after- 
 wards promoted to a majority, and served in that rank un- 
 der colonel Moultrie, in his intrepid defence of fort Moultrie, 
 against the combined attack of sir Henry Clinton and sir 
 Henry Parker, on the 2d of June, 1776. He was afterwards 
 placed at the head of a regiment as lieutenant colonel com- 
 mandant, in which capacity he served during the siege of 
 Charleston ; when, having fractured his leg by some accident, 
 he became incapable of military duty, and fortunately for his 
 country, escaped the captivity to which the garrison was,, in 
 the sequel, forced to submit. 
 
 Upon the fall of Charleston, many of the leading men of the 
 state of South Carolina sought personal safety, with their ad- 
 herents, in the adjoining states. Delighted at the present 
 prospect, these faithful and brave citizens hastened back to 
 their country to share in the perils and toils of war. 
 
 Among them were Francis Marion and Thomas Sumpter ; 
 both colonels in the South Carolina line, and both promoted 
 by governor Rutledge to the rank of brigadier general in the 
 militia of the state. Enthusiastically wedded to the cause of 
 liberty, he deeply deplored the doleful condition of his belov- 
 ed country. The common weal was his sole object; nothing 
 selfish, nothing mercenary, soiled his ermine character. Fer- 
 tile in stratagem, he struck unperceived; and retiring to those 
 hidden retreats, selected by himself, in the morasses of Pcdee 
 and Black River, he placed his corps not only out of the 
 reach of his foe, but often out of the discovery of his friends. 
 
 42 
 
330 MARION. 
 
 A rigid disciplinarian, he reduced to practice the justice of 
 his heart; and daring the diflicult course of warfare, through 
 which he passed, calumny itself never charged him with vio- 
 lating the rightsof person, property, or humanity. Never avoid- 
 ing danger, he never rashly sought it; and acting for all around 
 him as he did for himself, he risked the lives of his troops 
 only when it was necessary. Never elated with prosperity, 
 nor depressed by adversity, he preserved an equanimity which 
 won the admiration of his friends and exacted the respect of 
 his enemies. The country, from Camden to the sea-coast, be- 
 tween the Pedee and Santee, was the theatre of his exertions. 
 When Charleston fell into the enemy's hands, lieutenant- 
 colonel Marion abandoned his state, and took shelter in North 
 Carolina. The moment he recovered from the fracture of his 
 leg, he engaged in preparing the means of annoying the ene- 
 my, then in the flood-tide of prosperity. With sixteen men 
 only he crossed the Santee, and commenced that daring sys- 
 tem of warfare which so much annoyed the British army. 
 
 Colonel Peter Horry, in his life of general Marion, gives 
 the following interesting incident: "About this time we re- 
 ceived a flag from the enemy in Georgetown, South Carolina, 
 the object of which was to make some arrangements about the 
 exchange of prisoners. The flag, after the usual ceremony 
 of blindfolding, was conducted into Marion's encampment. 
 Having heard great talk about general Marion, his fancy had 
 naturally enough sketched out for him some stout figure of a 
 warrior, such as O'Hara, or Cornwallis himself, of martial 
 aspect and flaming regimentals. But what was his surprise, 
 when led into Marion's presence, and the bandage taken from 
 his eyes, he beheld, in our hero, a swarthy, smoke-dried little 
 man, with scarcely enough of thread-bare homespun to cover 
 his nakedness! and, instead of tall ranks of gay-dressed sol- 
 diers, a handful of sun-burnt, yellow-legged militia-men; some 
 roasting potatoes, and some asleep, with their black firelocks 
 and powder-horns lying by them on the logs. Having recov- 
 ered a little from his surprise, he presented his letter to gen- 
 eral Marion, who perused it, and soon settled every thing to 
 his satisfaction. 
 
 The officer took up his hat to retire. 
 
 'Oh no!' said Marion, 'it is now about our time of dining, 
 and I hope, sir, you will give us the pleasure ofiyour compa- 
 ny to dinner.' 
 
 At mention of the word dinner, the British officer looked 
 around him, but to his great mortification could see no sign 
 of a pot, pan, Dutch oven, or any other cooking utensil, that 
 could raise the spirits of a hungry man. 
 
 'Well, Tom,' said the general to one of his men, 'come, 
 give us our dinner.' 
 
MARION. 331 
 
 The dinner to which he alluded, was no other than a heap 
 of sweet potatoes, that were very snugly roasting under the 
 embers, and which Tom, with his pine stick poker soon lib- 
 erated from their ashy confinement; pinching them every now 
 and then with his fingers, especially the big ones, to see whe- 
 ther they were well done or not. Then, having cleansed 
 them of the ashes, partly by blowing them with his breath and 
 partly by brushing them with the sleeve of his old cotton shirt, 
 he piled some of the best on a large piece of bark, and placed 
 them between the British officer and Marion, on the trunk of 
 the fallen pine on which they sat. 
 
 'I fear, sir,' said the general, 'our dinner will not prove so 
 palatable to you as I could wish; but it is the best we have.' 
 
 The officer, who was a well bred man, took up one of the 
 potatoesand affected to feed, as if he had found a great dain- 
 ty; but it was very plain that he ate more from good manners 
 than good appetite. 
 
 Presently he broke out into a hearty laugh. Marion look- 
 ed surprised. 'I beg pardon, general,' said he, 'but one can- 
 not, you know, always command one's conceits. I was think- 
 ing how drolly some of my brother officers would look, if our 
 government were to give them such a bill of fare as this.' 
 
 'I suppose,' replied Marion, 'it is not equal to their style 
 of dining.' 
 
 'No, indeed,' quoth the officer, 'and this, I imagine, is one 
 of your accidental lent dinners: a sort of banyan. In gene- 
 ral, no doubt, you live a great deal better.' 
 
 'Rather worse,' answered the general, 'for often we don't 
 get enough of this.' 
 
 'Heavens!' rejoined the officer; 'but probably what you 
 lose in meal you make up in malt, though stinted in jwovisions, 
 you draw noble pay.' 
 
 ' Not a cent, sir,' said Marion, 'not a cent. 9 
 
 'Heavens and earth! then you must be in a bad box. I 
 don't see, general, how you can stand it.' 
 
 'Why, sir,' replied Marion, with a smile of self-approba» 
 tion, 'these things depend on feeling.' 
 
 The Englishman said, * he did not believe it would be an 
 easy matter to reconcile his feelings to a soldier's life on ge- 
 neral Marion's terms: all Jighting, no pay, and no provisions, 
 but potatoes.' 
 
 'Why, sir,' answered the general, ' the heart is all; and 
 when that is much interested, a man can do any thing. Many 
 a youth would think it hard to indent himself a slave for four- 
 teen years. But let him be over head and ears in love, and 
 with such a beauteous sweetheart as Rachael, and lie will think 
 110 more of fourteen years servitude, than young Jacob did, 
 
332 MARIILV. 
 
 Well, now this is exactly my case. I am in love ; ami my 
 sweetheart is Liberty. Be that heavenly nymph my cham- 
 pion, and these woods shall have charms beyond London and 
 Paris in slavery. To have no proud monarch driving over 
 me with his gilt coaches ; nor his host of excisemen and tax- 
 gatherers, insulting and robbing; hut to be my own master, 
 my own prince and sovereign; gloriously preserving my na- 
 tional dignity, and pursuing my true happiness; planting my 
 vineyards, and eating their lucious fruit; sowing my fields, 
 and reaping the golden grain; and seeing millions of brothers 
 all around me, equally free and happy as myself. This, sir, 
 is what I long for.' 
 
 The officer replied, that both as a man and a Briton, he 
 must certainly subscribe to this as a happy state of things. 
 
 'Happy,' quoth Marion, 'yes, happy indeed: and I would 
 rather fight for such blessings for my country, and feed on 
 roots, than keep aloof though wallowing in all the luxuries 
 of Solomon. For now, sir, I walk the soil that gave me 
 birth, and exult in the thought, that I am not unworthy of it. 
 I look upon these venerable trees around me, and feel that I 
 do not dishonour them. I think of my own sacred rights, and 
 rejoice that I have not basely deserted them. And when I 
 look forward to the long, long ages of posterity, I glory in the 
 thought that I am fighting their battles. The children of dis- 
 tant generations may never hear my name; but still it glad- 
 dens my heart to think that I am now contending for their 
 freedom, with all its countless blessings.' 
 
 I looked at Marion as he uttered these sentiments, and fan- 
 cied I felt as when I heard the last words of the brave De 
 Kalb. The Englishman hung his honest head and looked, I 
 thought, as if he had sqen the upbraiding ghosts of his illus- 
 trious countrymen, Sidney and Hamden. 
 
 On his return to Georgetown, he was asked by colonel 
 Watson, why he looked so serious? 
 
 * I have cause, sir,' said he, ' to look so serious.' 
 'What! has general Marion refused to treat?' 
 'No, sir.' 
 
 'Well, then, has old Washington defeated sir Henry Clin- 
 ton, and broke up our army?' 
 
 ' No, sir, not that neither, but worse. 9 
 4 Ah! what can be worse?' 
 
 * Why, sir, I have seen an American general and his offi- 
 cers, without pay, and almost without clothes, living on roots, 
 and drinking water; and all for Liberty ! ! What chance 
 have we against such men?' 
 
 It is said colonel Watson was not much obliged to him for 
 his speech. But the young officer was so struck with Ma 
 
MATHEWS— MERCER. S33 
 
 non's sentiments, that he never rested until he threw up his 
 commission, and retired from the service." 
 
 General Marion was in stature of the smallest size, thin as 
 well as low. His visage was not pleasing, and his manners 
 not captivating. He was reserved and silent, entering into 
 conversation only when necessary, and then with modesty and 
 good sense. 
 
 He possessed a strong mind, improved by its own reflec- 
 tions and observations, not by books or travel. His dress 
 was like his address ; plain, regarding comfort and decency 
 only. In his meals he was abstemious, eating generally of 
 one dish, and drinking water mostly. 
 
 He was sedulous and constant in his attention to the duties 
 of his station, to which every other consideration yielded. 
 
 The procurement of subsistence for his men, and the con- 
 trivance of annoyance to his enemy, engrossed his entire mind. 
 He was virtuous all over; never, even in manner, much less 
 in reality, did he trench upon right. Beloved by his friends, 
 and respected by his enemies, he exhibited a luminous exam- 
 ple of the beneficial effects to be produced by an individual, 
 who, witli only small means at his command, possesses a vir- 
 tuous heart, a strong head, and a mind devoted to the com- 
 mon good. After the war the general married, but had no 
 issue. 
 
 General Marion died in February, 1795, leaving behind 
 him an indisputable title to the first rank among the patriots 
 and soldiers of our revolution. 
 
 MATHEWS, Thomas, was one of those who early em- 
 barked in the cause of his country in the revolutionary war, 
 and continued a steady and determined supporter of American 
 rights in every stage of the long, doubtful, and arduous con- 
 test. He was afterwards speaker of the house of delegates of 
 Virginia. In public life general Matthews was useful and in- 
 telligent, in private life, he was kind, affectionate, sociable, 
 polite and benevolent. He died at Norfolk, Virginia, on the 
 twentieth of April, 1812. General Mathews was respected 
 and esteemed by all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. 
 
 MERCER, Hugh, was born at Aberdeen, in the north of 
 Scotland, and received his education in the university of that 
 place. His profession was that of physician, and he acted in 
 the capacity of surgeon's mate, at the memorable battle of 
 Culloden. Soon after that event, (1746) he left his native 
 country, and came to this. He settled in the then colony of 
 Pennsylvania, and took an active part in the wars of that day, 
 carried on in the back parts of the settlement, against the sa- 
 vages. He was with general Braddock in the disastrous cam- 
 paign of 1755, and was thus early the companion in arms of 
 
334 MERCER. 
 
 the illustrious Washington. He served in the expedition under 
 colonel Armstrong, in the year 1756, and received a medal 
 for his good conduct at the battle of Kittaning, from the cor- 
 poration of the city of Philadelphia. This mark of approba- 
 tion is still preserved by his children, as a sacred memorial of 
 his public worth, and private virtues. In this battle, which 
 terminated in the defeat of the Indians and the destruction of 
 their town, general Mercer was severely wounded in the right 
 arm. which was broken. Upon that occasion he narrowly 
 escaped being taken prisoner, and being separated from his 
 party, wandered a fortnight in the wilderness, slaking his 
 thirst in the brook of the forest, and subsisting on the body 
 of a rattle-snake which he had killed, until he reached the 
 settled country. 
 
 Being a physician, he applied temporary relief to his wound. 
 While wandering in the woods, much exhausted from loss of 
 blood, and the want of proper food and nourishment, and sur- 
 rounded by hostile savages, he took refuge in a hollow tree 
 which lay on the ground. In that situation he was, when 
 many of the savages came up, and seated themselves on the 
 tree. They remained there some time, and departed without 
 discovering that a wounded soldier and foe was near them. 
 General Mercer then endeavoured to return by the route in 
 which the army had advanced, and, incredible as it may ap- 
 pear, he reached Fort Cumberland, through a trackless wild, 
 of more than a hundred miles, with no other nutriment than 
 that already mentioned. 
 
 After the peace of 1763, doctor Mercer came from Penn- 
 sylvania, and settled in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and mar- 
 ried Isabella, the youngest daughter of John and Margaret 
 Gordon. 
 
 General Mercer was a zealous advocate for the rights of the 
 colonists; and upon the breaking out of the war between them 
 and the mother country, was among the first who entered the 
 revolutionary army. He was soon afterwards honoured by 
 congress with a brigadier general's commission. For a long 
 time previous to the American revolution, he pursued his pro- 
 fession as a physician, and had a very extensive practice. To 
 the poor, he was studiously kind, often bestowing on them his 
 professional attendance ; and in his last will, he left it in 
 special charge to his executors, not to require payment of the 
 debts due by those in indigent circumstances. 
 
 General Mercer's brigade formed a part of the left wing of 
 Washington's army, in the capture of the Hessians, at Tren- 
 ton, in December, 1776. The battle of Princeton, on the 
 morning of the 3d of January, 1777, was commenced by ge- 
 neral Mercer with his column, consisting of about three hun- 
 
MERCER. 333 
 
 tired and fifty men, near Stoney -brook. Upon hearing the 
 firing, general Washington, in person, led on his force to the 
 support of Mercer, with two pieces of artillery. The force 
 engaged against him was the British 17th regiment, com- 
 manded by colonel Mawhood. After the third fire, in conse- 
 quence of a charge made by the British, Mercer's corps, 
 chiefly raw militia, fled in disorder. 
 
 General Mercer made great exertions to rally them, and 
 was much exposed to the enemy's fire. His horse becoming 
 restiffand unmanageable, he dismounted, thinking he could 
 then the more effectually rally his broken troops, but he was 
 surrounded by the enemy, whom he resisted with great deter- 
 mination and bravery, but was overpowered. It is said that he 
 was stabbed after he had surrendered. General Washington 
 coming up at this juncture, changed the fortune of the day. 
 After the battle of Princeton, general Mercer lived a week, 
 being about fifty-five years of age. He was buried at Prince- 
 ton, but the body was afterwards removed to Philadelphia, 
 and interred in Christ church-yard, with military honours. 
 Provision was made by congress, in 1793, for the education 
 of his youngest son, Hugh Mercer. 
 
 General Wilkinson, in his memoirs, in giving the particu- 
 lars of the battle of Princeton, says: "But in general Mercer 
 we lost a chief, who for education, experience, talents, dispo- 
 sition, integrity and patriotism, was second to no man but the 
 commander in chief, and was qualified to fill the higher trusts 
 of the country." General Wilkinson, in the same work, ob- 
 serves, "That the evening of January 1st, 1777, was spent 
 with general St. Clair, by several officers, of whom Mercer 
 was one, who, in conversation, made some remarks disapprov- 
 ing the appointment of captain William Washington to a ma- 
 jority in the horse, which was not relished by the company: 
 he thus explained himself :" " We are not engaged in a war 
 of ambition ; if it had been so, I should never have accepted 
 a commission under a man (Patrick Henry) who had never 
 seen a day's service; we serve not for ourselves, hut for our 
 country: and every man should be content to fill the place in 
 which he can be most useful. I know Washington to be a 
 good captain of infantry, but I know not what sort of a ma- 
 jor of horse he may make : and I have seen good captains 
 make indifferent majors. For my own part, my views in this 
 contest are confined to a single object, that is, the success of 
 the cause, and God can witness how cheerfully I would lay- 
 down my life to secure it." 
 
 Little did he then expect, that a few fleeting moments would 
 have sealed the compact. His death was a most serious loss 
 to his country, his family and friends. 
 
336 MEIGS. 
 
 MEIGS, Return, Jonathan, was born in Middletown, 
 in the state of Connecticut. Immediately after the battle of 
 Lexington, which opened the bloody drama of the revolution, 
 he marched a company of light infantry, completely uniform- 
 ed and equipped, which he had previously organized and dis- 
 ciplined, for the environs of Boston. He was soon appointed 
 a major by the state of Connecticut, and marched with colonel 
 Arnold in his tedious and suffering expedition to Canada. In 
 the bold enterprise of storming Quebec, he commanded a bat- 
 talion ; and, after penetrating within the walls of the city, was 
 made prisoner, together with captains Morgan and Dearborn, 
 since become generals, and well distinguished in American 
 history. In 1776, major Meigs was exchanged, and return- 
 ed home. In 1777, general Washington appointed him co- 
 lonel, with authority to raise a regiment. Colonel Meigs, 
 having raised a part of his regiment, marched to New-Haven, 
 to carry into execution a plan projected for the surprisal and 
 destruction or a part of the enemy at Sag-Harbour, on Long 
 Island, where large quantities of stores and forage had been 
 collected for the army at New-York; the account of which is 
 given in " Marshall's life of Washington," as follows. 
 
 " General Parsons intrusted the execution of this plan to 
 colonel Meigs, a very gallant oflicer, who had accompanied 
 Arnold in his memorable march to Quebec, and had been ta- 
 ken prisoner in the unsuccessful attempt made on that place 
 by Montgomery. He embarked with about two hundred and 
 thirty men on board thirteen whale-boats, and proceeded along 
 the coast to Guilford, from whence he was to cross the Sound. 
 Here he was detained some time by high winds and a rough 
 sea; but on the 23d of May, about one o'clock in the afternoon, 
 he re-embarked one hundred and seventy of his detachment, 
 and proceeded, under convoy of two armed sloops, across the 
 Sound, to the north division of the Island near Southold. The 
 cast end of Long Island is deeply intersected by a bay, on the 
 north side of which had been a small foraging party, against 
 which the expedition was in part directed; but they had 
 inarched to New-York two days before. 
 
 "Here, however, information was received, that the stores 
 had not been removed from Sag-Harbour, which lies in the 
 northern division of the Island, and that a small guard still re- 
 mained there for their defence. The boats were immediately 
 conveyed across the land, a distance of about fifteen miles, in- 
 to the bay, where the troops re-embarked, and crossing the 
 bay, landed within four miles of Sag-Harbour, at two o'clock 
 in the morning: which place they completely surprised, and 
 carried with fixed bayonets. At the same time a division of 
 the detachment secured the armed schooner and the vessels, 
 
MEIGS. 357 
 
 With the forage which had been collected for the supply of the 
 army at New- York. These brigs and sloops, twelve in num. 
 ber, were set on fire and entirely consumed. Six of the ene- 
 my were killed and ninety of them taken prisoners; a very 
 few escaped under cover of the night. Colonel Meigs return- 
 ed to Guilford with his prisoners; having thus completely ef- 
 fected the object of the expedition, without the loss of a single 
 man, and having moved with such uncommon celerity, as to 
 have transported his men by land and water ninety miles in 
 twenty-five hours. 
 
 "As a mark of their approbation of his conduct, congress 
 directed a sword to be presented to him, and passed a resolu- 
 tion expressive of their high sense entertained of his merit, and 
 of the prudence, activity and valour, displayed by himself and 
 his party, in this expedition." 
 
 In 1779, colonel Meigs commanded one of the regiments 
 Which stormed and carried Stony Point, under general 
 Wayne. 
 
 He was one of the first settlers of the wilderness, which 
 has since become the state of Ohio ; having landed at the 
 confluence of the Ohio and Muskingum rivers, with the ear- 
 liest emigrants. A government for the north western terri- 
 tory had been prepared, by an ordinance of the Congress of 
 1787. Governor St. Clair, and the judges of the territory 
 had not arrived. The emigrants were without civil laws or 
 civil authority. Colonel Meigs drew up a concise system of 
 regulations, which were agreed to by the emigrants, as the 
 rule of conduct and preservation, until the proper authorities 
 should arrive. To give these regulations publicity, a large 
 oak, standing near the confluence of the rivers, was selected, 
 from which the bark was cut off, of sufficient space to attach 
 the sheet, on which the regulations were written ; and they 
 were beneficially adhered to until the civil authorities arrived* 
 This venerable oak was, to the emigrants, more useful, and 
 as frequently consulted, as the oracle of ancient Delphos, by 
 its votaries. 
 
 During a long life of activity and usefulness, no man ever 
 sustained a character more irreproachable than colonel Meigs. 
 He was a pattern of excellence as a patriot, a philanthropist, 
 and a Christian. In all the vicissitudes of fortune, the duties 
 of religion were strictly observed, and its precepts strikingly 
 exemplified. The latter part of Ms life was devoted to the 
 amelioration of the condition of the aborigines of the country, 
 for which purpose he accepted the agency of the Cherokee sta- 
 tion ; and in the discharge of his duties he inspired the high- 
 est degree of confidence in that nation, by whom he was em- 
 phatically denominated "The White Path." In all cases 
 
 43 
 
333 MIFFLIN— MILLER. 
 
 they revered him as their father, and obeyed his counsel as an 
 unerring guide. 
 
 His death is a loss to the country, and especially to that sta- 
 tion. His remains were interred with the honours of war, 
 amidst a concourse of sincere friends, and in the anguish of un- 
 dissembled sorrow. His death was serenely happy in the as- 
 surance of Christian hope. He died on the 28th of January. 
 18£3, at the Cherokee Agency. 
 
 MIFFLIN, Thomas, a major general in the American army 
 during the revolutionary war, and governor of Pennsylvania, 
 was born in the year 1744, of parents who were quakers. — 
 His education was intrusted to the care of the reverend Dr. 
 Smith, witli whom he was connected in habits of cordial inti- 
 macy and friendship, for more than forty years. Active and 
 zealous, lie engaged early in opposition to the measures of the 
 British parliament. He was a member of the first congress 
 in 1774. He took arms, and was among the first officers 
 commissioned on the organization of the continental army, be- 
 ing appointed quarter-master-general in August, 1775. For 
 this offence he was read out of the society of Quakers. In 
 1777, he was very useful in animating the militia, and enkin- 
 dling the spirit, which seemed to have been damped. His san- 
 guine disposition and his activity rendered him insensible to 
 the value of that coolness and caution, which were essential to 
 the preservation of such an army, as was then under the com- 
 mand of general Washington. In 1787, he was a member of 
 the convention, which framed the constitution of the Unit- 
 ed States, and his signature is affixed to that instrument. 
 In October, 1788, he succeeded Franklin as president of 
 the supreme executive council of Pennsylvania, in which 
 station he continued till October, 1790. In September a con- 
 stitution for this state was formed by a convention, in which 
 lie presided, and he was chosen the first governor. In 1794, 
 during the insurrection in Pennsylvania, he employed, to the 
 advantage of his country, the extraordinary powers of elocu- 
 tion, with which he was endowed. The imperfection of the 
 militia laws was compensated by his eloquence. He made a 
 circuit through the lower counties, and, at different places, 
 publicly addressed the militia on the crisis in the affairs of 
 their country, and through his animating exortations, the state 
 furnished the quota required. He was succeeded in the office 
 of governor by Mr. M'Kean, at the close of the year 1799. 
 He died at Lancaster, January £0, 1 800, in the fifty-seventh 
 year of his age. He was an active and zealous patriot, who 
 had devoted much of his life to the public service. 
 
 MILLER, Henry, was a brave and useful soldier of the 
 revolutionary war. He served in the successive rank of lieu- 
 
M'KEAN. 339. 
 
 tenant, captain, major, lieutenant colonel, and colonel. In 
 the retreat across the state of New-Jersey, he performed im- 
 portant services in embarrassing the retreat of the enemy. In 
 the battle of Monmouth, he had two horses killed under him. 
 He was in many battles during the war. In the Western ex- 
 pedition, he was quarter-master general. He commanded a 
 brigade of militia for the defence of Baltimore, in the late war. 
 He had likewise, during his life, filled, with great respect, ma- 
 ny civil offices, amongst which was that of superintendant of 
 the revenue for the district of Pennsylvania, to which office 
 he was appointed by president Adams. 
 
 He died on the 5th of April, 1824, at Carlisle, Pennsyl- 
 vania. 
 
 M'KEAN, Thomas, one of the signers of the declaration 
 ef independence, afterwards chief justice and governor of the 
 state of Pennsylvania, was born on the 19th day of March, 
 1734, in Chester county, in the then province of Pennsylva- 
 nia. His father, William M'Kean, was a native of Ireland, 
 but married in this country. The subject of this notice, was 
 at an early age placed under the tuition of the Rev. Francis xil- 
 jison, D. D. a man of distinguished learning, and who conduct- 
 ed the most celebrated academy in the province. In that institu- 
 tion, Thomas M'Kean acquired a sound knowledge of the lan- 
 guages, and was instructed in the practical branches of the 
 mathematics and moral philosophy. He proceeded to New- 
 Castle, Delaware, and read law in the office of David Kin- 
 ney, Esquire. Having been admitted to the bar, he con- 
 tinued to reside at New Castle, where he soon acquired a 
 solid reputation, and obtained full business. Extending his 
 practice into Pennsylvania, he was, in the year 1757, ad- 
 mitted to the bar of the supreme court of that province. 
 During the early part of his career, he was particularly re- 
 markable for his attentive habits of business, and for his de- 
 votion to the acquisition of knowledge, and thus laid the* 
 foundation of his subsequent usefulness and distinction. In 
 the year 1762, he was elected a member of assembly for New 
 Castle county, and was annually returned for eleven succes- 
 sive years, until his removal to Philadelphia, as a place of re- 
 sidence; and even after that removal, so great was the confi- 
 dence reposed in him by the freeholders of New Castle coun- 
 ty, that they elected him annually for six years more, though 
 he frequently communicated to them, through the newspapers, 
 his desire to decline the honour. At the end of this period, 
 after he had represented Delaware in congress, and become 
 chief justice of Pennsylvania, an occurrence took place of so 
 interesting a character, that we think it worthy of being re- 
 nted to our readers. On the day of the general election in 
 
340 M'KEAN. 
 
 Delaware, in October, 1779, he waited on bis constituents at 
 New Castle, and after a long address on the situation and 
 prospects of the United States, in which he displayed the 
 wisdom of the statesman, and the energy of the patriot, he 
 desired to be no longer considered one of the candidates for 
 the state legislature, assigning reasons which were received 
 as satisfactory. Soon after he had retired, a committee of 
 the electors present waited on him, informed him that they 
 would excuse him from serving in the assembly, but request- 
 ed, in the name of the electors, that as the times were critical, 
 and they could fully rely on his judgment, he would recom- 
 mend seven persons in whom they might confide, as represen- 
 tatives. So singular a method of exhibiting their confidence 
 in him, could not but excite his surprise; however, he instant- 
 ly acknowledged the compliment, and desired the committee 
 to acquaint his fellow citizens, that he thanked them for the 
 honour intended him, but as he knew not only seven, but se- 
 •venttj of the gentlemen then attending the election, whom he 
 believed to be worthy of their votes, he felt assured, they 
 would not, on further reflection, subject him to the hazard 
 of giving offence, by the preference he must show, if he com- 
 plied with their request; and hoped to be excused. The com- 
 mittee having left him, soon returned, and stated, that the 
 electors after hearing his reply, had unanimously reiterated 
 their request, and declared, that a compliance by him would 
 offend no one. He, thereupon, instantly, though reluctantly, 
 wrote down seven names, and handed them to the committee,, 
 with the observation, that his conduct would at least evidence 
 a reciprocity of confidence between them. The election pro- 
 ceeded harmoniously, and resulted in the choice of the seven 
 gentlemen whom he had thus named. He was afterwards ac- 
 customed to speak of this transaction as one of the most gra- 
 tifying circumstances of his life. 
 
 Upon the adoption of the first act of the British parliament, 
 imposing * 'stamp duties'* on the colonies, a congress of com- 
 mittees from different legislative assemblies, was, upon the 
 suggestion of the assembly of Massachusetts Bay, convened 
 at New York, in October, 1765. Of this congress, Mr. 
 M'Kean was a representative from Delaware, and was the 
 surviving member. He was one of the committee appointed 
 to draft an address to the house of commons of Great Bri- 
 tain. At this early period, he displayed, in support of th& 
 rights of his country, that unbending firmness and energy, 
 which illustrated his subsequent public conduct. On his re- 
 turn to New Castle, he, with his colleague, Mr. Rodney, re- 
 ceived the unanimous thanks of the assembly of Delaware. 
 He continued to be engaged in various public employments. 
 
M'KEAN. 341 
 
 mid, in 1765, was appointed a justice of tlie court of common 
 pleas and quarter sessions, and of the orphans' court, for the 
 county of New Castle. In November term, 1765, and in 
 February term, 1766, he sat on the bench which ordered all 
 the officers of the court to proceed in their several vocations, 
 as usual, on unstamped paper. This was done accordingly, 
 and it is believed this was the first court that made such an 
 order, in any of the colonies. 
 
 In relation to all the public events which soon after follow- 
 ed, his opinions were firm and decided. He was uniform and 
 energetic in resisting the usurpations of the British crown. 
 Immediately after the second attempt of the mother country 
 to raise a revenue from the colonies, without their consent, 
 which was made by an act, imposing a duty on tea, &c. a cor- 
 respondence took place among leading and influential cha- 
 racters, in most of the colonies, who concerted measures of 
 opposition to this proceeding, and procured a meeting of de- 
 legates from their respective houses of assembly, at Philadel- 
 phia, in September, 1774. Mr. M'Kean took an active part 
 in this affair, as he had done in 1765, and was appointed a 
 representative of Delaware, though he had, a short time be- 
 fore, removed his residence to Philadelphia. At the opening 
 of this congress, whose conduct proved it the most glorious 
 assemblage which the world ever knew, Mr. M'Kean ap- 
 peared as a representative from Delaware. He was annually 
 returned as a member, until the independence of his country 
 was formally acknowledged by the treaty of peace, in 1783. 
 
 Two circumstances are peculiar in his history, as connect- 
 ed with this period. He was the only man who was, without 
 intermission of time, a member of the revolutionary congress, 
 from the day of its opening, in 1774, till the preliminaries of 
 the peace of 1783, were signed. The various public duties 
 of different members, with other circumstances, concurred to 
 produce this fact. Though he was also engaged in other im- 
 portant public affairs, yet his residence at Philadelphia in- 
 duced his constituents to continue to return him. The other 
 circumstance, to which we refer, is, that while he represent- 
 ed the state of Delaware in this congress, until 1783, and was 
 in 1781, president of congress, as will be presently stated, 
 yet from July, 1777, he held the appointment and executed 
 the duties of chief justice of Pennsylvania. Each of these 
 states claimed him as her own; and for each were his ta- 
 lents faithfully exerted. 
 
 He was particularly active and useful in procuring the de- 
 claration of independence, in 1776. Delaware was repre- 
 sented in congress by Csesar Rodney, George Read, and 
 Thomas M'Kean. Mr. Rodney was absent when the ques- 
 tion was discussed in committee of the whole, and Mr. Read 
 
$42 M'KEA.V 
 
 in committee liatl voted against the declaration. Delaware 
 was thus divided. All the other states, except Pennsylvania, 
 had voted in favour of the measure, and it therefore hecamc 
 important to the friends of the declaration, that the votes of 
 these two states should he secured. Mr. M'Kean, immedi- 
 ately, at his own expense, sent an express for Mr. Rodney, 
 who, in consequence of it, arrived in Philadelphia just as con- 
 gress was assembling on the morning of the 4th of July. He 
 was met at the state house door by Mr. M'Kean. After a 
 friendly salutation, and without a word being spoken on the 
 subject, they entered the hall together, and took their seats. 
 When the vote of Delaware was called, Mr. Rodney rose, in 
 his boots and spurs, just as he had arrived, and briefly ex- 
 pressing his conviction that the welfare of his country de- 
 manded the declaration, voted with Mr. M'Kean, and secur- 
 ed the voice of Delaware. The state of Pennsylvania, on 
 this day, also joined in the same vote, (two of the members, 
 who voted against it in committee, being absent) and thus the 
 declaration became the unanimous act of the thirteen states. 
 
 Shortly after the declaration of independence, Mr. M'Kean 
 was appointed colonel of a regiment of associators, of the 
 city of Philadelphia, and marched at the head of them, to 
 support general Washington, until a flying camp of ten thou- 
 sand men was raised. On his return to Philadelphia, he 
 found he had been elected a member of the convention for 
 forming a constitution for the state of Delaware. He pro- 
 ceeded to New Castle, and wrote in a tavern, without a book, 
 or any assistance, the constitution which was afterwards 
 adopted. 
 
 On the 10th of July, 1781, he was elected president of con- 
 gress. The following extracts from the journal, will illus- 
 trate this part of our subject, and it is thought, will prove in- 
 teresting to the reader: 
 
 "October 23, 1781, the secretary laid before congress, a 
 letter from the president, in the words following: 
 
 " Sin — I must beg you to remind congress, that when they 
 did me the honour of electing me president, and before I as 
 sumed the chair, I informed them, that as chief justice of 
 Pennsylvania, I should be under the necessity of attending 
 the supreme court of that state, in the latter end of Septem- 
 ber, or at farthest, in October. That court will be held to- 
 day. I must, therefore, request, that they will be pleased to 
 proceed to the choice of another president. 
 
 "I am, sir, 
 
 " With much respect, 
 
 «< Your most obedient humble servant, 
 "THOMAS M'KEAN. 
 ft Charles Thomson, Secretary of Congress." 
 
M'KEAN. 343 
 
 " Whereupon, Resolved, That the resignation of Mr. 
 *\PKcan be accepted. 
 
 " Ordered, That the election of a president, be postponed 
 until to-morrow." 
 
 " October 24, 1781. On motion of Mr. Witherspoon, se- 
 conded by Mr. Montgomery, 
 
 " Resolved, tinanimously, That Mr. M'Kean be requested 
 to resume the chair, and act as president, until the first Mon- 
 day in November next, the resolution of yesterday, notwith- 
 standing." 
 
 "November 5th, 1781. Congress proceeded to the election 
 of a president, and the ballot being taken, the Honourable 
 John Hanson was elected." 
 
 "November 7, 1781. Resolved, That the thanks of con- 
 gress be given to the Honourable Thomas M'Kean, late pre- 
 sident of congress, in testimony of their approbation of his 
 conduct in the chair, and in the execution of public business." 
 
 His commission, as chief justice of Pennsylvania, was 
 dated July 28, 1777. During the progress of the revolution, 
 Philadelphia being the seat of government of the states, and an 
 object of peculiar w atchfulness on the part of the enemy, the 
 just performance of Mr. M'Kean's judicial functions requir- 
 ed not only the learning of the lawyer, but the unyielding 
 spirit of the patriot. We find him proclaiming from the bench 
 the law of justice and his country, with distinguished learn- 
 ing, ability, and integrity. Regardless of the powers of the 
 crown of Great Britain, he did not hesitate to hazard his own 
 life, by causing to be punished, even unto death, those who 
 were proved to be traitors to their country, while he demon- 
 strated that popular excitement against individuals accused 
 of offences, could not in the slightest degree divert him from 
 the sound and inflexible discharge of his public duty. It was 
 energy, tempered with justice and humanity, that carried us 
 triumphantly through the terrible conflict. 
 
 Having passed through the trying scenes of the revolution, 
 with the well-earned and undisputed reputation of being one 
 of the most unwavering and efficient whigs of the times, he de- 
 voted himself to the discharge of the duties of chief justice, 
 until the year 1799, when he was elected governor of the com- 
 monwealth of Pennsylvania. Of his judicial character, we 
 have not room to speak at large. In all the qualifications of 
 1 he judge, however, it may, without hesitation, be said, that 
 he had few equals in this or any other country. They who 
 remember the supreme court of Pennsylvania while he presid- 
 ed there, speak of the dignity which it preserved, and the 
 reverence which it inspired; and his judicial opinions, at a 
 period when the law of the state was unsettled, and when a 
 
344 M'KEAIS. 
 
 mastermind Mas requisite to reduce it to a system, have esta- 
 blished for him the reputation of being one of the ablest law- 
 yers of his country. To the present day, his memory is held 
 in the courts, in the most profound respect and veneration, 
 and successive judges have, by their unvarying testimony, 
 given unfading lustre to his judicial fame. In 1790. he was 
 a member of the convention which framed the constitution of 
 Pennsylvania. The best talents of the state were engaged in 
 this important work, and among them, the force of Mr. 
 M'Kean's knowledge and opinions, was felt and justly ap- 
 preciated. 
 
 In 1799, he was elected governor of Pennsylvania. His 
 election was the result of a warm conflict between the two 
 great parties which were then assuming those distinct politi- 
 cal ranks, into which, for many years, the people of our coun- 
 try continued to be divided. His success was the precursor 
 of Mr. Jefferson's elevation to the Presidency ; and during 
 the whole period of that gentleman's administration, the weight 
 of Mr. M'Kean's opinions and conduct, was directed to the 
 upholding of the principles which marked the policy of the ge- 
 neral government. Such is the nature of the constitution of 
 Pennsylvania, with respect to the powers of the governor, that 
 party spirit will be roused, and the feelings of individuals, 
 governed by personal interest, will be exhibited during every 
 administration. Whatever, therefore, may have been the* 
 opinions of some, with regard to governor M'Kean's admi- 
 nistration, while they were under the excitement of the per- 
 sonal feelings of hope or disappointment, yet, during the 
 whole constitutional period of nine years, the people were 
 with him, and at this day, when his conduct is viewed through 
 the medium of candour and truth, it is not denied, that that 
 administration was marked by uncommon ability, and with 
 great benefit to the state. His messages to the different le- 
 gislative assemblies, are characterized by peculiar elegance 
 and force of language, and are replete with the soundest 
 maxims of political wisdom, and the clearest practical views 
 of the policy of government. 
 
 During the whole of his life, he was remarkable for the 
 most unbending integrity of character. He possessed a qua- 
 lification which lias been justly noticed, as a distinguished 
 trait in the character of Washington ; a determination to do 
 what he thought best for the interest of the state, without re- 
 gard to the clamour of ignorance or of discontent. Independ- 
 ent of the opinion which the narrow minded, but self-sufficient 
 might please to adopt with regard to him, he was willing to 
 be judged by the consequences of his actions, however remote 
 those consequences might be. 
 
M'KINSTRY. S45 
 
 In person, Mr. M'Kcan was tall, erect, and well formed. 
 His countenance, in a remarkable manner, bespoke the firm- 
 ness and intelligence for which he was distinguished. His 
 manners were impressive and dignified. He retired, in 1808, 
 from the cares of a long life, faithfully, ably, and successful- 
 ly, devoted to the service of his country ; and for the remain- 
 der of his days, enjoyed, in the peaceftil pursuits of science 
 and literature, the consciousness of a well earned and honour- 
 able fame. 
 
 He died at his mansion, in Philadelphia, on the 24th of 
 June, 1817, in the eighty fourth year of his age. 
 
 He had outlived all the enmities which an active and con- 
 spicuous part in public affairs had, in the nature of things, 
 created ; and his memory will be cherished as that of one of 
 the most useful, among the able and virtuous fathers of a 
 mighty republic. 
 
 M'KINSTRY, Johx, was a brave officer in the revolution- 
 ary war. At the first call of his country, he engaged in 
 her service ; and from the memorable battle of Bunker's Hill, 
 with which her sanguinary trials began, down to the surren- 
 der of Cornwallis, at Yorktown, with which they gloriously 
 ended, his zealous and efficient support was given to the cause 
 of freedom. He had been repeatedly and severely wounded ; 
 and some of the enemy's balls he has borne with him to the tomb 
 in which his remains are deposited. As a partizan officer he 
 was particularly distinguished ; and in many instances he 
 showed, that to a daring spirit of gallantry, (which was per- 
 haps, his most peculiar characteristic) he added the skill and 
 conduct so seldom attained, and yet so indispensable to the 
 formation of that character. 
 
 One incident, in the life of this veteran, is too remarkable 
 to be passed slightly over. At the battle of the Cedars, (thir- 
 ty miles above Montreal, on the St. Lawrence) colonel M'Kins- 
 try, then captain in colonel Patterson's regiment of continen- 
 tal troops, was twice wounded and taken prisoner by the In- 
 dians. The intrepidity of captain M'Kinstry, as a partizan 
 officer, to Avhich we have alluded above, had rendered him 
 alike the object of their fears, and of their unforgiving resent- 
 ment. The British officers were too much in dread of their 
 savage allies, on account of their vast superiority of numbers, 
 to risk an interposition of their authority to prevent a horrid 
 sacrifice they saw preparing : Already had the victim been 
 bound to the tree, and surrounded by the faggots intended for 
 his immolation; hope had fled, and in the agony of despair, he 
 had uttered that mystic appeal which the brotherhood of Ma- 
 sons never disregard ; when as if Heaven had interposed for his 
 
 44 
 
346 MONTGOMERY. 
 
 preservation, the warrior Brandt understood him and saved 
 him. 
 
 Brandt had been educated in Europe, and had there been 
 initiated into the mysteries of free-masonry. The advantages 
 of education, and his native strength of mind, gave him an 
 ascendancy over the uncultured sons of the forest, that few 
 other chiefs possessed. Situated as he was, the impending 
 danger of a brother must have forcibly brought to mind his 
 obligation to support him in the time of peril. His utmost 
 endeavours were accordingly used, and they were happily 
 successful in obtaining for him an immediate respite and 
 eventful ransom. 
 
 After the settlement of peace he retired to the cultivation 
 of his farm in the vicinity of Hudson, sustaining an unblem- 
 ished reputation, and enjoying the reward of his toils and suf- 
 ferings, in the respect which was accorded, as well as to the 
 rectitude of his private life, as to the patriotic services he 
 had rendered his country. 
 
 He died in the town of Livingston, New-York, in the year 
 1822. 
 
 MONTGOMERY, Richard, a major-general in the ar- 
 my of the United States, in the revolutionary war, was born 
 in the north of Ireland, in the year 1737. He possessed an 
 excellent genius, which was matured by a fine education. En- 
 tering the army of Great Britain, he successfully fought her 
 battles with Wolfe, at Quebec, 1759, and on the very spot, 
 where he was doomed to fall, when fighting against her, un- 
 der the banners of freedom. After his return to England, he 
 quitted his regiment in 1772, though in a fair way to prefer- 
 ment. He had imbibed an attachment to America, viewing 
 it as the rising seat of arts and freedom. After his arrival in 
 this country, lie purchased an estate in New- York, about a 
 hundred miles from the city, and married a daughter of judge 
 Livingston. He now considered himself as an American. 
 When the struggle with Great Britain commenced, as lie was 
 known to have an ardent attachment to liberty, and had ex- 
 pressed his readiness to draw his sword on the side of the col- 
 onies, the command of the continental forces in the northern 
 department was intrusted to him and general Schuyler, in the 
 fall of 1775. By the indisposition of Schuyler, the chief com- 
 mand devolved upon him in October. He reduced fort Cham 
 blee, and on the third of November, captured St. Johns. On 
 the 12th he took Montreal. Leaving a few troops in Mon- 
 treal, he despatched several detachments into the province, en- 
 couraging the Canadians to forward on provisions, and pro- 
 ceeded with expedition to Quebec. He formed a junction at 
 i'oint-Aux-Trembles vwth colonel Arnold, who had beendes- 
 
MONTGOMERY. 347 
 
 patched through the wilderness with a hody of troops from the 
 American army at Cambridge. The combined forces com- 
 menced the siege of the capital on the 1st of December, prior 
 to which general Montgomery sent in a summons to governor 
 Carlton, to surrender, in order to avoid the horrors of a storm. 
 The flag was fired upon and returned. Means, however, 
 were devised by which the summons was conveyed to the in- 
 habitants, but Carlton evinced astonishing iniiexbility and 
 firmness of mind on this trying occasion. The bombardment 
 was soon after begun from five small mortars, but with very 
 little effect. In a few days general Montgomery opened a 
 six gun battery, about seven hundred yards distant from the 
 walls, but his pieces were of too small calibre to make any 
 impression. Convinced that the siege jnust soon be raised, 
 or the place be stormed, the general decided on the latter, al- 
 though he esteemed success but barely within the grasp of pos- 
 sibility. He was induced to adopt this measure in order to 
 meet the expectations of the whole colonics, who looked up to 
 him for the speedy reduction of that province, which would 
 he completed by the capture of the capital. The upper town 
 was strongly fortified, the access to which from the lower town 
 was very difficult on account of its almost perpendicular steep- 
 ness. His confidence in the ardour of his troops, and a thirst 
 for glory, induced him to make the assault, or perish in the at- 
 tempt. The garrison of Quebec, consisted of about 1520 
 men, viz. 800 militia, 450 seamen, and the remainder marines 
 and regulars. The Americans consisted of only eight hun- 
 dred. 
 
 The siege having been for some ineffectually carried on, the 
 last day of the year was determined for the assault. The morn 
 was ushered in with a fall of snow. The general divided his 
 little force into four detachments. Colonel Livingston, at the 
 head of the Canadians, was directed to make a feint against 
 St. John's Gate ; and major Brown, another against Cape 
 Diamond, in the upper town, while himself and Arnold should 
 advance against the lower town, the first object of real attack. 
 Montgomery advanced at the head of the New York troops, 
 along the St. Lawrence, and having assisted with own hands 
 in pulling up the pickets, which obstructed his approach to 
 the second barrier, which he was determined to force, when 
 the only gun that was fired from the battery of the astonished 
 enemy, killed him and his two aids. The spot where general 
 Montgomery fell, is a place a little above Frazer's wharf, un- 
 der Cape Diamond. The road there is extremely narrow, 
 and will not admit of more than five people to walk abreast, 
 A barrier had been made across the road, and from the win- 
 dows of a low house, which formed part of it, were planted 
 
34a MONTGOMERY. 
 
 two cannon. At his appearing upon a little rising ground, 
 at the distance of about twenty or thirty yards, they were 
 discharged. He and his two aids-de-camp fell at the same 
 time, and thence rolled upon the ice in the river, which always 
 forms, in the winter, upon its side. The next morning, a party 
 being sent out to pick up the dead, he was discovered among 
 the slain. He was immediately taken to the prison where 
 the Americans were confined, as they had denied his death; 
 upon which they acknowledged him, and burst into tears. 
 The same night he was buried by a few soldiers, without any 
 kind of distinction whatever, at the corner of the powder house, 
 near port Louis. The lieutenant governor of Quebec, Mr. 
 Cramche, having served with him in the British army, was 
 induced, by the persuasions of a lady, who was afterwards 
 Mrs. Cramche, to order him a coffin, but made in the rough- 
 est manner. The other officers were indiscriminately thrown 
 with their clothes on, into the same grave with their men. As 
 there was a great quantity of snow on the ground, and the 
 earth was frozen very hard, it was impossible to dig the graves 
 very deep and of course the bodies were but slightly covered, 
 On the thawing of the snow in the ensuing spring, many of 
 them appeared above ground, and became offensive. They 
 were, however, again buried, on general Carlton's being made 
 acquainted with the circumstance. 
 
 He was thirty-eight years of age. He was a man of great 
 military talents, whose measures were taken with judgment, 
 and executed with vigour. With undisciplined troops, who 
 were jealous of Iiiui in the extreme, he yet inspired them with 
 his own enthusiasm. He shared with them in all their hard- 
 ships, and thus prevented their complaints. His industry 
 could not be wearied, his vigilance imposed upon, nor his cou- 
 rage intimidated. Above the pride of opinion, when a mea- 
 sure was adopted by the majority, though contrary to his 
 judgment, he gave it his full support. 
 
 The following character of general Montgomery, we copy 
 from Ramsay's history of the American revolution : 
 
 "Few men have ever fallen in battle, so much regretted by 
 both sides, as general Montgomery. His many amiable qua- 
 lities had procured him an uncommon share of private aifec- 
 tion, and his great abilities an equal proportion of public 
 esteem. Being a sincere lover of liberty, he had engaged in 
 the American cause from principle, and quitted the enjoy- 
 ment of an easy fortune, and the highest domestic felicity, to 
 take an active share in the fatigues and dangers of a war, in- 
 stituted for the defence of the community of which he was an 
 adopted member. His well known character was almost 
 equally esteemed by the friends and foes of the side which h« 
 
MONTGOMERY. 349 
 
 had espoused. In America, he was celebrated as a martyr to 
 the liberties of mankind ; in Great Britain, as a misguided 
 good man, sacrificing to what he supposed to be the rights of 
 his country. His name was mentioned in parliament with 
 singular respect. Some of the most powerful speakers in that 
 assembly, displayed their eloquence in sounding his praise, 
 and lamenting his fate. Those in particular who had been 
 his fellow soldiers in the previous war, expatiated on his many 
 virtues. The minister himself acknowledged his worth, while 
 lie reprobated the cause for which he fell. He concluded an 
 involuntary panegyric, by saying, " Curse on his virtues, they 
 have undone his country." 
 
 To express the high sense entertained by his country, of his 
 services, congress directed a monument of white marble, with 
 the following inscription on it, and which was placed in front 
 of St. Paul's church, New York. 
 
 THIS MONUMENT 
 
 Was erected by order of 
 Congress, 25th January, 177G, 
 
 To transmit to posterity, 
 
 A grateful remembrance of the 
 
 Patriotism, conduct, enterprize, and 
 
 Pcrseverence, 
 
 OF MAJOR GENERAL 
 
 RICHARD MONTGOMERY ; 
 
 Who, after a series of success, 
 Amidst the most discouraging difficulties, 
 Fell in the attack 
 On Quebec, 
 31st December, 1775, 
 Aged 38 years. 
 The remains of general Montgomery, after resting forty 
 two years at Quebec, by a resolve of the state of New York, 
 were brought to the city of New York, on the 8th of July, 
 1818, and deposited, with ample form, and grateful ceremo- 
 nies, near the aforesaid monument in St. Paul's church. 
 
 The removal of the remains was left by his excellency, go- 
 vernor Clinton, to the family of the deceased, and colonel L. 
 Livingston, (a nephew of general Montgomery,) proceeded to 
 Quebec for the purpose. They were identified by the faithful 
 hand of an honest and ingenious old soldier, who attended the 
 funeral, and whose retentive memory, almost half a century 
 after that mournful era, is yet spared to direct the hand of af- 
 fection to that hallowed turf. Montgomery was the perso- 
 nal and intimate friend of the lieutenant general of the Gana- 
 das ; was recognized by him after the battle, and favoured 
 with a coffin and a decent interment. He was buried within 
 the walls of the city. 
 
S50 MONTGOMERY. 
 
 The coffin which contained the remains had not fallen to 
 pieces. It appears to have heen of a rough structure, with a 
 silver plate on its lid. There was no inscription visible on 
 the plate. The anatomy was in a perfect state of preserva- 
 tion. The skeleton of the head, with the exception of the un- 
 der jaw, which was shot away, was perfect. Three teeth of the 
 under jaw were together. 
 
 The remains were taken up with great care by colonel Liv- 
 ingston, and secured by binding a Tarpaulin close round the 
 old coffin, and enclosing them in an iron bound chest. 
 
 At Troy they took them from the box and tar cloth, and en- 
 closed them, together with the original coffin, in a most 
 splendid mahogany coffin, With the following inscription, cle- 
 gantlv engraved upon a silver plate, placed on its lid : 
 THE STATE OF NEW YORK, 
 in noNouR or 
 GENERAL RICHARD MONTGOMERY r , 
 Who fell gloriously fighting for the 
 
 INDEPENDENCE AND LIBERTY OF THE UNITED 
 STATES, 
 
 Before the walls of Quebec, the 31st day of 
 
 December, 1775, caused these remains 
 
 Of this distinguished Hero, to 
 
 Be conveyed from Quebec, 
 
 And deposited on the eighth day of July, 1818, 
 
 In St. Paul's Church, in the city of 
 
 New York, near the monument 
 
 Erected to his memory, 
 
 BY THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 This patriotic act of the state of New York, redounds 
 much to its honour. 
 
 The following just remarks were made in the Albany Re- 
 gister on this occasion: 
 
 "The hallowed remains of our beloved Montgomery arc 
 removed from a foreign land, where, for near forty three years* 
 they have reposed "unknowing and unknoxvn." From all 
 the busy world who have listened to a relation of his patri- 
 otism, his devotion and his valour; from the host of thou- 
 sands, who saw with amazement the might of his Herculean 
 arm, when raised in the cause of liberty, one, one only, could 
 point to the sod, under whose favoured pall our hero slept. 
 That country to which his manly and generous soul was so 
 exclusively devoted, has received his decaying fragments of 
 mortality to its bosom. In consigning these sacred manes to 
 the protection of our common mother, a grateful people will 
 cherish in their hearts a sweet remembrance of his virtues, 
 with an embittered regret at his untimely fate. 
 
MORGAN. 351 
 
 i 
 
 a 
 
 "We have now, in relation to one of the Fathers of our 
 country, redeemed our character from the imputation of in- 
 gratitude. All this was due to the bereaved, disconsolate, 
 and venerable companion of our fallen chieftain's bosom, and 
 infinitely more was due to the memory and remains of the de- 
 voted martyr, on the sacred and imperishable altar of Free- 
 dom. 
 
 "The age-stricken widow of our hero yet lives to see the 
 loved remains of her's and her country's Montgomery, re- 
 moved from the plains of the crimsoned Abraham, and depo- 
 sited in the bowels of a country, at the shrine of whose wel- 
 fare he proffered all the warmth of his soul, all the energies 
 of his mind, and all the mightiness of his strength." 
 
 MORGAN, Daniel, brigadier general of the Virginia 
 line, in the revolutionary war, deservedly ranked among the 
 best and most efficient officers of the United States, was born 
 in Durham township, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, from 
 whence he emigrated to New Jersey, and from thence to Vir- 
 ginia, in 175 5. Like many of the greatest men of every coun- 
 try, his native condition was indigent, so much so as to ren- 
 der it necessary for young Morgan to enter into service as a 
 labourer for daily Mages. 
 
 Soon after his arrival in Virginia he obtained employment 
 from farmer Roberts, near Charleston, in the county of Jeffer- 
 son, (then Berkley.) Afterwards he was engaged to drive a 
 wagon for John Ashley, overseer for Nathaniel Burrel, Esq. 
 at his estate on the Shenandoah river, in Frederic county, 
 near Berry's ferry. "When he left Ashley, Morgan had, by 
 his care and industry, amassed enough cash to purchase a 
 wagon and team, which he did, and soon afterwards entered 
 with it into the employment of Mr. John Ballantine, at his 
 establishment on Occoquan creek. At the expiration of his 
 year, Braddock's expedition was spoken of as an event cer- 
 tainly to take place in the course of the ensuing summer. 
 Morgan reserved himself, wagon, &c. for this expedition; 
 when he joined the army, but in what character is not known. 
 
 He received, during his military service, a severe wound 
 in the face, the scar of which was through life very visible. 
 We do not understand in what affair this happened; but it 
 was from a rifle or musket, aimed, as he said himself, by an 
 Indian. The bullet entered the back of his neck, and passed 
 through his left cheek, knocking out all his hind teeth on that 
 side. 
 
 In the course of the campaign he was unjustly punished, 
 by being brought to thebaljiert, under a charge of contumely 
 to a British officer, where he received five hundred lashes. 
 The officer being afterwards convinced of his cruel error, made 
 
35£ MORGAN. 
 
 every amend in his power to the maltreated Morgan; who, 
 satisfied with the contrition evinced hy the officer, magnani- 
 mously forgave him. Nor did the recollection of this person- 
 al outrage operate in the least to the prejudice of the British 
 officers in the revolutionary war. Many of them, as is well 
 known, fell into the hands of Morgan, and invariably receiv- 
 ed from him compassionate and kind treatment. 
 
 The general would often, among his intimate friends, re- 
 cur to this circumstance, the narrative whereof he generally 
 concluded hy saying, in a jocular way, that "King George 
 was indebted to him one lash yet; for the drummer miscount- 
 ed one, and he knew well when he did it; so that he only re- 
 ceived four hundred and ninety-nine, when he promised him 
 five hundred." 
 
 In this period of life, from twenty to thirty years of age. 
 Morgan was extremely dissipated, and spent much of his time 
 in vulgar tippling and gambling houses. However, although 
 habituated to the free use of ardent spirits, he was never con- 
 sidered as a drunkard: and though enamored with cards and 
 dice, he was a cautious player, increasing rather than dimin- 
 ishing his cash fund. This course of life subjected him to ma- 
 ny affrays and furious pugilistic combats, in which he never 
 failed to take a leading part. The theatre of these exploits 
 was Berrystown, a small village in the county of Frederic, 
 commonly called Battletown: named, as is generally suppos- 
 ed, from the fierce combats fought on its soil under the ban 
 ncrs of Morgan. 
 
 Whatever may have been the cause, it is certain that he 
 spent much of his leisure at this place; that he fought there 
 many severe combats; and that though often vanquished, he 
 never was known to omit seizing the first opportunity which 
 presented, after return of strength, of taking another bout 
 with his conqueror; and this he repeated from time to time, 
 until at length victory declared in his favor. 
 
 Such was the innate invincibility of young Morgan, which 
 never forsook him, when, by the strength of his unimproved 
 genius, and the propitiousness of fortune, he mounted on an 
 extended theatre of action; as replete with difficulty as to him 
 with glory. When he returned from Braddock's expedition 
 he re-assumed his former employment, and drove his own 
 wagon. In a few years his previous savings, added to the 
 little he earned in the campaign, enabled him to purchase a 
 small tract of land from a Mr. Blackburn, in the county of 
 Frederic, on which, during our war, he erected a handsome 
 mansion house, with suitable accompanying improvements, 
 and called it Saratoga, in commemoration of the signal victo- 
 ry obtained by general Gates, to which he had himself princi- 
 
MORGAN. 353 
 
 pally contributed. On this farm Morgan, having married 
 shortly after his return from his military tour, resided when 
 (he revolutionary war broke out. 
 
 The smattering of experience gained during Braddock's 
 expedition, pointed him out to the leading men of Frederic, 
 as qualified to command the first company of riflemen raised 
 in that county in defence of our country. He speedily com- 
 pleted his company, as all the finest youth of Frederic flocked 
 to him; among whom was lieutenant, afterwards colonel 
 Heth, and many others, who in the course of the war became 
 approved officers. With this company Morgan hastened to 
 the American army encamped before Boston, in 1774, and 
 soon afterwards was detached by the commander in chief un- 
 der Arnold, in his memorable expedition against Quebec. 
 
 The bold and disastrous assault, planned and executed by 
 the celebrated Montgomery against that city, gave opportu- 
 nity for the display of heroism to individuals, and furnished 
 cause of deep regret to the nation by the loss of the much be- 
 loved Montgomery. No officer more distinguished himself 
 than did captain Morgan. Arnold commanded the column to 
 which Morgan was attached, who became disabled by a ball 
 through his leg early in the action, and was carried off to a 
 place of safety. 
 
 Our troops having lost their leader, each corps pressed for- 
 ward as the example of its officer invited. Morgan took the 
 lead, and preceded by sergeant, afterwards lieutenant colo- 
 nel, Potterfield, who unfortunately fell at the battle of Cam- 
 den, when his life might have saved an army, mounted the 
 first barrier; and rushing forward, passed the second barrier, 
 lieutenant Heth and Serjeant Potterfield only before him. In 
 this point of the assault, a group of noble spirits united in 
 surmounting the obstacles opposed to our progress; among 
 them was Greene and Thayer of Rhode Island, Hendricks of 
 Pennsylvania, and Humphreys of Virginia ; the two last of 
 whom were killed. 
 
 Vain was this blaze of glory. Montgomery's fall stopped 
 the further advance of the principal column of attack; and 
 the severity of the raging storm, the obstacles of nature and 
 of art in our way, and the combined attack of the enemy's 
 force, no longer divided by attention to the column of Mont- 
 gomery, overpowered all resistance. Morgan (with most of 
 the corps of Arnold) was taken; and experienced a different 
 treatment from sir Guy Carleton, than was at that period cus- 
 tomary for British officers to dispense to American prisoners. 
 The kindness of Carleton, from motives of policy, applied 
 more forcibly to the privates than to our officers, and produc- 
 ed a durable impression. 
 
 45 
 
354 MORGAN. 
 
 While Morgan was in confinement at Quebec, the following 
 anecdote, told by himself, manifests the high opinion enter- 
 tained by the enemy of his military talents from his conduct 
 in this assault. He was visited occasionally by a British of- 
 ficer, to him unknown; but from his uniform, he appeared to 
 belong to tjie navy, and to he an officer of distinction. Dur- 
 ing one of his visits, after conversing upon many topics, "he 
 asked Morgan if he did not begin to be convinced that the re- 
 sistance of America was visionary? and he endeavoured to 
 impress him with the disastrous consequences which must in- 
 fallibly ensue, if the idle attempt was persevered in, and very 
 kindly exhorted him to renounce the ill-advised undertaking. 
 He declared, with seeming sincerity and candor, his admira- 
 tion of Morgan's spirit and enterprise, which he said was wor- 
 thy of a better cause; and told him, if he would agree to 
 withdraAv from the American, and join the British standard, 
 he was authorised to promise him the commission, rank and 
 emoluments, of a colonel in the royal army." Morgan re- 
 jected the proposal with disdain; and concluded his reply, by 
 observing, "That he hoped lie would never again insult him 
 in his distressed and unfortunate situation, by making him 
 offers which plainly implied that he thought him a rascal." 
 The officer withdrew, and the offer was never repeated. 
 
 As soon as our prisoners were exchanged, Morgan hasten- 
 ed to the army; and by the recommendations of general 
 Washington, was appointed to the command of a regiment. 
 In this station he acted under the commander in chief, in 1777, 
 when a select rifle corps was formed out of the others in the 
 army, and committed to his direction, seconded by lieutenant 
 colonel Richard Butler, of Pennsylvania, and major Morris, 
 of New Jersey, two officers of high talents, and specially 
 qualified for the enterprising service to which they were as- 
 signed. Morgan and his riflemen were singularly useful to 
 Washington; but our loss of Ticonderoga, and the impetuous 
 advance of Burgoyne, proclaimed so loudly the gloomy con- 
 dition of our affairs in the north, that the genera!, who thought 
 only of the public good, deprived himself of Morgan, and 
 sent him to Gates, where he was persuaded his services were 
 most required. 
 
 The splendid part he acted on that occasion, and how much 
 his exertions contributed to the glorious triumph achieved af- 
 terwards, are circumstances generally known. 
 
 After the return of Morgan to the main army, he continued 
 actively employed by the commander in chief and never fail- 
 ed to promote the good of the service by his sagacity, his vi- 
 gilance, and his perseverance. In 1780, his health became 
 much impaired, and he obtained leave of absence, when he 
 
MORGAN. 355 
 
 returned to his family in Frederic, where he continued until 
 after the fall of Charleston. 
 
 When general Gates was called to the chief command in 
 the south, he visited Morgan, and urged the colonel to accom- 
 pany him. Morgan did not conceal his dissatisfaction at 
 the treatment he had heretofore received, and proudly spoke 
 of the important aid lie had rendered to bin, and the un- 
 grateful return he had experienced. Being some few weeks 
 afterwards promoted by congress, to the rank of brigadier 
 general by brevet, with a view of detaching him to the south, 
 he repaired to the army of Gates, but did not reach Carolina 
 in time to take a part in the battle of Camden. He joined 
 Gates at Hillsborough, and was sent under Smallwood to Sa- 
 lisbury, with all the force fitted for service. Gates, as soon 
 as he had prepared the residue of his army, followed, and 
 gave to Morgan, in his arrangements for the field, the com- 
 mand of the light troops. 
 
 Greene now arrived as the successor of Gates, which was 
 followed by that distribution of his force which led to the 
 battle of the Cowpens; the influence of which was felt in 
 every subsequent step of the war in the Carolinas. 
 
 The following account of the battle of the Cowpens, we copy 
 from Ramsay's history of the American revolution: 
 
 "Lieutenant colonel Tarleton was detached by lord Corn- 
 wallisin pursuit of Morgan, with eleven hundred men, and to 
 '•push him to the utmost." He had two field pieces, and a 
 superiority of infantry in the proportion of five to four, and of 
 calvary in the proportion of three to one. Besides this ine- 
 quality of force, two thirds of the troops under general Mor- 
 gan were militia. With these fair prospects of success, Tarle- 
 ton engaged Morgan at the Cowpens, with the expectation of 
 driving him out of South-Carolina. The latter drew up his 
 men in two lines. The whole of the southern militia, with 
 one hundred and ninety from North-Carolina, were put under 
 the command of colonel Pickens. These formed the first line, 
 and were advanced a few hundred yards before the second, with 
 orders to form on the right of the second, when forced to re- 
 tire. The second line consisted of the light infantry, and a 
 corps of Virginia militia riflemen. Lieutenant Colonel Wash- 
 ington, with his calvary and about forty-five militia men, 
 mounted and equipped with swords, were drawn up at some 
 distance in the rear of the whole. The open wood in which 
 they were formed, was neither secured in front, flank or rear. 
 On the side of the British, the light legion infantry fusileers, 
 though worn down with extreme fatigue, were ordered to 
 form in line. Before this order was executed, the line, though 
 far from being complete, was led to the attack by Tarleton 
 
35G MORGAN. 
 
 himself. They advanced with a shout, and poured in an inces- 
 sant fire of musketry. Colonel Pickens directed the men un- 
 der his command to restrain their fire, till the British were 
 within forty or fifty yards. This order, though executed with 
 great firmness, was not sufficient to repel their advancing foes. 
 The militia fell back. The British advanced and engaged 
 the second line, which after an obstinate conflict w T as compel- 
 led to retreat to the cavalry. In this crisis lieutenant colonel 
 Washinghton made a successful charge on captain Ogilvie, 
 who with about forty dragoons, was cutting down the militia, 
 and forced them to retreat in confusion. Lieutenant colonel 
 Howard, almost at the same moment, rallied the continental 
 troops and charged with fixed bayonets. The example was 
 instantly followed by the militia. Nothing could exceed the 
 astonishment and confusion of the British, occasioned by these 
 unexpected charges. Their advance fell hack on their rear, 
 and communicated a panic to the whole. Two hundred and 
 fifty horse which had not been engaged, fled with precipitation. 
 The pieces of artillery were seized by the Americans, and the 
 greatest confusion took place among the infantry. While 
 they were in this state of disorder, lieutenant colonel Howard 
 called to them, to " lay down their arms," and promised them 
 good quarter. Some hundreds accepted the offer and sur- 
 rendered. The first battalion of the 71st, and two British 
 light infantry companies, laid down their arms to the Amer- 
 ican militia, A party which had been left some distance in 
 the rear to guard the baggage, was the only body of infantry 
 that escaped. The officer of that detachment on hearing of 
 Tarlcton's defeat, destroyed a great part of his baggage, and 
 retreated to lord Cornwallis. Upwards of three hundred of 
 the British were killed or wounded, and above five hundred 
 prisoners were taken. Eight hundred muskets, two field pie- 
 ces, thirty-five baggage waggons, and one hundred dragoon 
 horses, fell into the hands of the conquerors. The Americans 
 had only twelve men killed and sixty wounded. 
 
 "General Morgan's good conduct on this memorable ('ay, 
 was honoured by congress with a gold medal. They also 
 presented medals of silver to lieutenant colonels Washington 
 and Howard, a swond to colonel Pickens, a brevet majority 
 to Edward Giles, the general's aid-de-camp, and a captaincy 
 to Baron Glassbeck. Lieutenant colonel Tarleton hitherto tri- 
 umphant in a variety of skirmishes, on this occasion lost his 
 laurels, though he was supported by the 7th regiment, one 
 battalion of the 71st, and two companies of light infantry; 
 and his repulse did more essential injury to the British interest, 
 than was equivalent to all the preceding advantages he had 
 gained, It was the first link in a chain of causes which final- 
 
MORGAN. 357 
 
 \y drew down ruin, both in North and South -Carolina, on the 
 royal interest." 
 
 The victory of the Cowpens was to the south, what that 
 of Bennington had been to the north. General Morgan, 
 whose former services had placed him high in public estima- 
 tion, was now deservedly ranked among the most illustrious 
 defenders of his country. Starke fought an inferior, Morgan 
 a superior foe. The former contended with a German corps: 
 the latter with the elite of the southern army, composed of 
 British troops. Starke was nobly seconded by colonel War- 
 ner and his continentals; Morgan derived very great aid from 
 Pickens and his militia, and was effectually supported by 
 Howard and Washington. The weight of the battle fell on 
 Howard; who sustained himself gloriously in trying circum- 
 stances, and seized with decision the critical moment to com- 
 plete with the bayonet the advantage gained by his fire. 
 
 Greene was now appointed to the command of the south. 
 After the battle of the Cowpens, a controversy ensued be- 
 tween that general and Morgan, as to the route which the lat- 
 ter should observe in his retreat. He insisted on passing the 
 mountains; a salutary precaution, if applied to himself, but 
 which was at the same time fatal to the operations of Greene, 
 lie informed the general that if that route was denied him, 
 he would not be responsible for the consequences. '* Neither 
 shall you," replied the restorer of the south; " I will assume 
 them all on myself." Morgan continued in his command un- 
 til the two divisions of the army united at Guilford court- 
 house, when, neither persuasion, entreaty, nor excitement, 
 could induce him to remain in the service any longer. He 
 retired and devoted himself exclusively to the improvement of 
 his farm and of his fortune. 
 
 He remained here, in the bosom of retirement, at Frederic, 
 until he was summoned by president Washington to repress, 
 by the force of the bayonet, the insurrection in the western 
 counties of Pennsylvania. The executive of Virginia then 
 detached Morgan to take the field, at the head of the militia 
 of that state. 
 
 Upon the retreat of the main body, Morgan remained in 
 the bosom of the insurgents, until the ensuing spring, when 
 he received orders from the president to withdraw. For the 
 first time in his life, he now appears to have entertained ideas 
 of political distinction. Baffled in his first attempt, he suc- 
 ceeded in his second, and was elected a member of the house 
 of representatives of the United States, for the district of 
 Frederic. Having served out the constitutional term, he de- 
 clined another election. His health being much impaired, 
 and his constitution gradually sinking, he removed from Sa- 
 
358 MORRIS. 
 
 ratoga to the scene of his juvenile years, Berrysville, (Bat-- 
 tletown) and from thence to Winchester, where he closed his 
 long, laborious and useful life. 
 
 Brigadier Morgan was stout and active, six feet in height, 
 strong, not too much encumbered with flesh, and was exact- 
 ly fitted for the toils and pomp of war. His mind was dis- 
 criminating and solid, but not comprehensive and combining. 
 His manners plain and decorous, neither insinuating nor re- 
 pulsive. His conversation grave, sententious and considerate, 
 unadorned and uncaptivating. He reflected deeply, spoke lit- 
 tle, and executed with keen perseverance whatever he under- 
 took. He was indulgent in his military command, preferring 
 always the affection of his troops, to that dread and awe 
 which surround the rigid disciplinarian. 
 
 No man ever lived who better loved this world, and no 
 man more reluctantly quitted it : yet no man valued less his 
 life than Morgan, when duty called him to meet his foe. 
 Stopped neither by danger nor by difficulty, he rushed into 
 the hottest of the battle, enamored with the glory which en- 
 circles victory. 
 
 General Morgan, like thousands of mortals, when nearly 
 worn out by the hand of time, resorted for mental comfort to 
 the solace of religion. He manifested great penitence for the 
 follies of his early life ; this was followed by joining the 
 presbyterian church in full communion, with which he con- 
 tinued to his last day. 
 
 MORRIS, Robert, superintendant of the finances of the 
 United States, during the revolutionary war, was born at Li- 
 verpool, England, on the 20th day of January, 1734. He 
 came to this country at the age of thirteen, with his father, 
 who was a respectable merchant. Immediately on his arri- 
 val, lie was placed under the tuition of the Rev. Mr. Gordon, 
 of Maryland, who was well qualified to finish the mould of 
 the youthful mind. His father died two years after his arri- 
 val in this country- and Robert was placed in the counting- 
 house of Charles Willing, Esq. at that time a distinguished 
 merchant in Philadelphia. After he had served the usual 
 term of years, he was established in his business by hte 
 patron. 
 
 About the year 1769, he renounced the unnatural solitude 
 of batchelorship, and intermarried with Mary, the daughter of 
 colonel White, and sister of the present amiable and learned 
 bishop of that name. She was elegant, accomplished and rich, 
 and, in every respect, qualified to carry the fecility of connu- 
 bial life to its highest perfection. 
 
 The objects and employments of Mr. Morris's life, for some 
 years after this change in his domestic character, were entire- 
 
MORRIS. 359 
 
 ly of a commercial nature. On the appearance of a rupture 
 with the British government, however, he was sent to con- 
 gress, as a member for Pennsylvania, at the close of the year 
 1775; and, during that session, was employed in some finan- 
 cial arrangements of the greatest importance to the opera- 
 tions of the army and navy. 
 
 During the march of the British troops through the Jer- 
 seys, in 1776, the removal of congress to Baltimore is well* 
 known. For reasons of a commercial nature. Mr. Morris 
 was left at Philadelphia, to remain as long as circumstances 
 would permit. At this crisis, a letter from the commander in 
 chief was received by the government, announcing, that while 
 the enemy were accurately informed of all his movements, he 
 was compelled, from the want of hard money, to remain in 
 complete ignorance of their arrangements, and requiring a 
 certain sum as absolutely necessary to the safety of the army. 
 Information of this demand was sent to Mr. Morris, in the 
 hope that, through his credit, the money might be obtained ; 
 the communication reached him at his office, in the way from 
 which to his dwelling-house, immediately afterwards, he was 
 met by a gentleman of the society of Friends, with whom he 
 was in habits of business and acquaintance, and who accost- 
 ed him with his customary phrase, " Well, Robert, what 
 news?" "The news is," said Mr. Morris, "that I am in 
 immediate want of a sum of hard money," mentioning the 
 amount, " and that you are the man who must procure it for 
 me. Your security is to be my note of hand and my honour." 
 After a short hesitation, the gentleman replied, " Robert, 
 ihou shalt have it;" and, by the punctual performance of his 
 promise, enabled congress to comply with the requisition of 
 the general. 
 
 The situation of general Greene, in South Carolina, was 
 equally critical ; his distresses rendering it scarcely prac- 
 ticable to keep his troops together, when a gentleman, Mr. 
 Hall of that state, by stepping forward, and advancing the 
 necessary sums, enabled him to stem the danger. On the re- 
 turn of general Greene to Philadelphia, after the war had 
 terminated, he repaired to the office of finance to settle his 
 accounts, when the secret was divulged, that Mr. Hall had 
 acted under the direction of Mr. Morris. The general was 
 hurt at such an apparent want of confidence in him; but on 
 re-considering the subject, he admitted the wisdom of the cau- 
 tion which had been used; il I give you my opinion," said he, 
 " that you never did a wiser thing: for, on other occasions, I 
 was sufficiently distressed to have warranted my drawing on 
 you, had I known that I might have done so, and I should 
 have availed myself of the privilege." Mr. Morris rejoin- 
 
360 MORRIS. 
 
 ed, that, even as matters had been conducted, the southern 
 expedition had gone nearer than the operations in any other 
 quarter, to the causing of an arrest of his commercial busi- 
 ness. 
 
 By a resolution of congress, the office of financier was esta- 
 blished in 1781, and Mr. Morris was unanimously elected 
 as the superintendant. Previous to this election, he had form- 
 ed a mercantile connection with I. and R. Hazlehurst, and 
 his fear lest the duties of an official situation of such impor- 
 tance should interfere with his engagements in business, pre- 
 vented his acceptance of office, until congress had specifically 
 resolved, that his fulfilment of his commercial obligations was 
 not incompatible with the performance of the public services 
 required of him. 
 
 To trace him through all the acts of his financial adminis- 
 tration, would be to make this biography a history of the last 
 two years of the revolutionary war. When the exhausted credit 
 of the government threatened the most alarming consequen- 
 ces; when the soldiers were utterly destitute of the necessary 
 supplies of food and clothing; when the military chest had 
 been drained of its last dollar; and even the intrepid confi- 
 dence of Washington was shaken; upon his own credit, and 
 from his own private resources, did Mr. Morris furnish 
 those pecuniary means, but for which the physical energies 
 of the country, exerted to their utmost, would have been 
 scarcely competent to secure that prompt and glorious issue 
 whic ii ensued. 
 
 One of the first acts of his financial government was the 
 proposition to congress of his plan for the establishment of 
 the bank of North America, which was chartered forthwith, 
 and opened on the 7th of January, 1782. At this time, "the 
 states were half a million of dollars in debt on that year's 
 taxes, which had been raised by anticipation, on that system 
 of credit which Mr. Morris had created:" and, but for this 
 establishment, his plans of finance must have been entirely 
 frustrated. On his retirement from office, it was affirmed, by 
 two of the Massachusetts delegates, ''that it cost congress at 
 the rate of eighteen millions per annum, hard dollars, to carry 
 on the war, till he was chosen financier, and then it cost them 
 but above five millions!" 
 
 Uy the representations of a committee of congress, Mr. 
 Morris was induced to abandon his intention of quitting of- 
 fice, in 1783, and he accordingly continued to superintend the 
 department of finance, to the 30th September, 1784, when, in 
 a letter to the commissioners of the treasury board, he resign- 
 ed his office, and immediately issued an advertisement, pledg- 
 ing himself to the payment of all his outstanding debts, as 
 they should arrive at maturity. 
 
MOULTRIE. S61 
 
 Fatigued with political cares, which, from the time of his 
 election to a seat in the senate of the first congress, under the 
 federal constitution, had so completely engrossed his mind, he 
 was now anxious to retire to the relaxation of private life. 
 That he was not avaricious after inlluence, may he sufficient- 
 ly established from the fact of his refusal to accept the situa- 
 tion of secretary of the treasury, which general Washington 
 wished him to fill. 
 
 That his long continuance in the public service, and his 
 unremitted attention to the business of his country, had caus- 
 ed some confusion in his private affairs, he assigned as a rea- 
 son for declining to comply with the solicitations of the city 
 of Philadelphia, which had sent a delegation to request he 
 would become its representative in congress. It is true, in- 
 deed, thatjie was subsequently induced to resume his situation 
 as a delegate from Pennsylvania, and that he continued to fill 
 this distinguished character, for several years after his re- 
 tirement from the financial department; but it is equally true, 
 that this compliance with the public wish was rather the effect 
 of a powerful sense of political duty, than of inclination. His 
 long inattention to his private affairs was productive of great 
 embarrassments of mind and circumstances, the results of 
 which cast a shade over those declining years which unem- 
 barrassed repose and honorable affluence ought to have sooth= 
 ed and cherished. 
 
 After a life of inestimable utility, Mr. Morris died in Phi- 
 ladelphia, on the 8th of May, 1806, in the 73d year of his age. 
 That his arrangements for the raising of pecuniary supplies, 
 and the support of the credit of his country, in her greatest 
 need, essentially conduced to the glorious termination of the 
 contest for liberty, is established in the evidence of the illus- 
 trious Washington himself: and it may as truly be said of 
 him, as it was of the Roman Curtius, that he sacrificed him- 
 self for the safety of the commonwealth. 
 
 MOULTRIE, William, a major-general in the revolution- 
 ary war, was devoted to the service of his country at an early 
 period of his life. An Englishman by birth, he had, like many 
 others of his countrymen, fled from the tyranny and oppres- 
 sion of the old world, and sought freedom and security in the 
 new. At the commencement of the opposition to the mea- 
 sures of the British ministry, he stood high in the estimation 
 of his fellow citizens of Carolina; and his name is found, in 
 every convention which assembled at Charleston, for the pur- 
 pose of devising ways and means of resisting those encroach- 
 ments on the rights of the citizen which were first attempted 
 at Boston, and which, with the noiseless tread of the savage, 
 assailed the person and habitation of every American with 
 
 4G 
 
s'62 MOULTRIE. 
 
 the toils of slavery, and the dagger of violation. It was from 
 the spirited exertions of the Rutledges, Pinckneys. Middletoa 
 and Moultrie, that Carolina was found among the first of her 
 sister states in exposing herself to the terrors of the raging 
 and warring elements of that time. On the 11th of January, 
 1775, the first provincial congress, as it was then railed, of 
 South-Carolina, assembled at Charleston. It \v?s a bright and 
 splendid assemblage of talents, patriotism and heroism, and 
 Moultrie was a distinguished member of it. Tl.e unanimity 
 which marked their proceedings, and the fixed and resolute 
 assertion of their rights and privileges, and the manly and 
 heroic devotion which they manifested in subscribing to the 
 association recommended by the congress at Philadelphia, 
 sufficiently testify that they were worthy to be the fathers of 
 Carolinian liberty. 
 
 Every thing wore the appearance of war but hostilities 
 had not yet even entered into the minds of our forefathers. In 
 supplication and the assertion of their rights, supported hy 
 arguments, completely unanswerable, it was hoped and believ- 
 ed, that British violence would be convinced, and yield that 
 prerogative right of oppression which she had claimed. But 
 the battle of Lexington was the tocsin of alarm; and the groans 
 of the dying freeman demanded vengeance for himself and se- 
 curity for his offspring, from his country: in consequence of 
 which, the provincial congress of South Carolina again as- 
 sembled at Charleston, on the first of June, 1775, and imme- 
 diately determined on raising two regiments of foot and one 
 of rangers, for the defence of the province; and of the second 
 regiment Moultrie was nominated the colonel. Measures 
 were taken to provide powder, and the other necessary imple- 
 ments of war. Difficult was the undertaking, but glorious 
 the result. Embalmed in the affections of their countrymen 
 are the memories of the gallant and noble few, who first trod 
 the ramparts of liberty. They have departed from among us, 
 and it is now indeed but seldom that our eyes are blessed with 
 the sight, and our hearts improved by the recog ition of the 
 grey hairs of the revolution. 
 
 The regiments which were ordered to be raised were soon 
 completed, and every measure which prudence could dictate to 
 prevent disaffection from attempting any thing within, and to 
 repel invasion from without, was accomplished. In the exe- 
 cution of these measures of prudence, colonel Moultrie was 
 always found the prompt and efficient officer. About the last 
 of this year, 1775, that spirit of disaffection which had hith- 
 erto lain dormant, began to manifest itself in the upper part 
 of the country. In the district of Ninety-Six, the insurgents 
 collected in large bodies, and, after a warm and obstinate ac- 
 
MOULTRIE. S63 
 
 lion, besieged colonel Williamson in his fortified camp. To 
 quell this insurrection, and repel any invasion which might be 
 attempted, was indeed a difficult task, and one from which 
 most men would shrink in despair. But our forefathers dared 
 attempt it, and succeeded. The tories were compelled to 
 abandon the siege of Williamson's camp, and to remain for 
 a time quiet spectators of the passing events. For the better 
 .securing the harbours of Charleston, Moultrie erected a fas- 
 cine battery on Sullivan's Island, which afterwards bore his 
 name. The English now began seriously to think of invad- 
 ing South Carolina, and fitted out accordingly a large naval 
 armament from New- York, the command of which was given 
 to commodore Parker. It was now that war seemed about 
 to pounce upon South Carolina as his prey. The husbandman 
 was seen deserting his farm, and hastening to Charleston to 
 protect his country. "The noisy drum and ear piercing fife," 
 were heard on every breeze; and the lengthening columns, 
 which proceeded to her aid from her sister states, gave " aw 
 ful note of preparation and suspense." Lee and Armstrong, 
 two gallant leaders of the American forces, marshaled the ar- 
 mies, and gave directions to the patriotic ardour of the Caro- 
 linians. But where is Moultrie? In the battery, on Sulli- 
 van's Island, he may be seen toiling, and directing the ener- 
 gies of his regiment to the completion of their works. Hasti- 
 ly erected, and apparently incapable of resistance, the gallant 
 commander was advised to abandon it, and told that the Bri- 
 tish ships would knock it down in half an hour; but his truly 
 Spartan reply, " We will lay behind the ruins, and prevent 
 their men from landing," showed the spirit of Leonidas, and 
 that he was worthy to command tl»e Thermopylae of his 
 country. 
 
 On the 28th of June, 1776, the British fleet commenced an 
 attack on fort Moultrie. The great and unequal conflict was 
 met by the gallant Moultrie, with a firm and unyielding front. 
 The raw and undisciplined troops of Carolina sustained from 
 eight ships of the British navy an incessant cannonade for 
 ten hours. But during that time none were seen to waver. 
 Animated by the presence of their gallant commander, all 
 were heroes; and their guns, pointed with deliberation, pour- 
 ed a slow but certain havoc over the decks of the enemy's 
 vessels. One spirit, victory or death, pervaded every rank ; 
 even the wounded and the dying cheered and encouraged their 
 comrades to perseverance. It was, indeed, a scene to fill 
 every bosom. The wharves of Charleston were lined with 
 crowds of anxious citizens, listening, in death-like silence, to 
 every gun, and watching, in an agony of hope and fear to 
 <svery raotiou of Moultrie's flag. There, too, were assembled 
 
364 MOULTRIE. 
 
 the wives and children of the defenders of the fort. Every- 
 thing depended on the issue of the contest. Domestic happi- 
 ness and liberty held their mantles high over their heads, and 
 under such a covering, victory and triumph were certain. 
 
 For the gallant defence at fort Moultrie, the commander 
 and his little band were entitled to, and received the eviden- 
 ces of the warmest gratitude of their country. To the female 
 patriotism of Mrs. Elliott, they were indebted, for the present 
 of a pair of colours, made sacred by the language of the fair 
 donor; that she " had no doubt but that they would stand by 
 them, as long as they could wave in the air of liberty." The 
 belief was not vain; those colours were wet with the expiring 
 blood of Bush, Hume, Gray, and the gallant Jasper; and, 
 until Charleston fell, they waved in the van of the Carolina 
 army. 
 
 After the signal repulse of the enemy from Sullivan's 
 island, the country was left in a state of tranquility; and the 
 declaration of independence was received at a time when ex- 
 ultation had not yet subsided for the recent victory, and when 
 every heart was throbbing with the most delightful anticipa- 
 tions for the future. South Carolina sung the song of triumph 
 and victory; and scarcely had the loud and swelling notes ex- 
 pired upon the ear, when she chaunted the hymn of liberty and 
 independence. 
 
 Shortly after this time, Moultrie rose to the rank of briga- 
 dier general, and was put upon the continental establishment. 
 The state continued to enjoy a repose from the attacks of the 
 externa] enemies, until the year 1779. 
 
 In the mean time, the state was rent asunder by the in- 
 trigues of the disaffected; and the infatuated tories pulled down 
 the angry vengeance and just chastisement of their country, 
 upon their heads. The invasion of Georgia, by the British, 
 and the defeat of general Howe at Savannah, was the com- 
 mencement of that deluge of calamities which afterwards over- 
 whelmed South Carolina. The experience of general Lin- 
 coln, when opposed by the rash and head-strong conduct of 
 the militia, could only retard for a time, not entirely dissi- 
 pate, the approaching storm. In the defence of Beaufort, 
 general Moultrie displayed his usual sagacity and prudence ; 
 he repulsed the enemy at all points, and kept them in check 
 with a handful of militia, until it was judged proper for him 
 to abandon Beaufort to its fate, and unite himself with the 
 main army. Encamped at Parisburg, Lincoln and Moultrie, 
 with an army greatly inferior in numbers, composing mostly 
 of militia and raw recruits, opposed a steady and never-vary- 
 ing front to the veteran ranks of England. It was even deter- 
 mined, with the assistance of general Ash, to push the war 
 
MOULTRIE. S65 
 
 into Georgia, and by one bold movement drive general Pro- 
 vost to the necessity of surrendering. But the defeat of ge- 
 neral Ash's army at Blair creek, completely frustrated the 
 plans of the American officers, and drove them to the necessity 
 of abandoning offensive for defensive war. 
 
 The enemy now endeavoured to approach to Charleston by 
 land, from Georgia. To their advance, the veteran genius of 
 Moultrie was opposed. Like a wounded lion, compelled to 
 tread back his steps, his retreat was daring ; and facing about, 
 lie occasionally snatched his prey from his pursuers, and made 
 their recoiling ranks tremble for their safety. Lincoln, who 
 had previously marched with the flower of the army for Augus- 
 ta, is seen stretching forward with a rapid march to gain the 
 rear of the advancing enemy, or to unite himself with Moul- 
 trie. It was a time of difficulty ; every nerve was strained 
 for the contest; the militia could scarcely be induced to turn out, 
 and when in service, they deserted the ranks to return to their 
 homes, at pleasure. Danger was presenting itself at every 
 door, and individual interest was more regarded than that of 
 the country. But the exertions of Moultrie and governor 
 Jlutledge, gathered from all parts, the citizen yeomanry ; and 
 general Provost, instead of finding Charleston an easy prey, 
 found it guarded and protected, and the hero of Sullivan's 
 island presiding over all as the genius of safety. A siege was 
 not attempted, and the enemy precipitately withdrew from be- 
 fore the town. Lincoln now began to draw near, and the 
 hitherto pursuing enemy became in their turn the pursued. 
 •About this time Moultrie received the commission of a ma- 
 jor general in the army of the United States. The battle of 
 Stonp followed immediately after, which although uncertain in 
 the result, was sufficiently evincive of the bravery of the Ame- 
 rican troops, and of the prudence and gallantry of Moultrie. 
 The enemy, although left in possession of the field, did not 
 think proper to retain the post, but soon after abandoned it, 
 and retired to Savannah. The pursuit was conducted to 
 Sheldon by Moultrie. He there gave up the command to ge- 
 neral Lincoln, and returned to Charleston. Fortunately for 
 him his laurels were not blighted by the frost of repulse which 
 general Lincoln sustained in the siege of Savannah. 
 
 In the year 1780, a third invasion of South Carolina was 
 projected, and carried into execution under the command of 
 sir Henry Clinton. The force was overwhelming and irresis- 
 table. In vain did Lincoln and Moultrie endeavour to check 
 their approach ; in vain did they endeavour to retard the works 
 of the besiegers ; Charleston sarrendered to a numerous and 
 well appointed army, and her barbour, filled with the fleet of 
 England, after a gallant resistance, was obliged to surrender. 
 
S66 MUHLENBERG. 
 
 On the 12th of May. 1780, Carolina witnessed the* mournful 
 spectacle of an army of freemen, piling their arms, and Bur- 
 rendering themselves prisoners of war. Hero ended the ca- 
 reer of major general Moultrie as a military man. He re- 
 mained a prisoner until nearly tin* (lose of the American war, 
 when lie was exchanged at Philadelphia, and returned to 
 South Carolina, where lie was received with proud and en- 
 thusiastic joy. His slaves, although having every opportunity, 
 during the war. to abandon his Bervice, not one of them dont. 
 so. On hearing of Ids return, they crouded around their ve 
 nerable muster to kiss hi* hand, and to show their attachment 
 to his person and fortune, by the tears of rapturous joy which 
 they sited, at 5eing once more permitted to behold him. He 
 had the pleasure of witnessing the evacuation of Charleston, 
 shortly after his arrival at home, and of seeing peace return 
 "with healing in her wings, and majesty in her beams," to ir- 
 radiate the prospects of America. 
 
 The subsequent life of Moultrie was one-of tranquility, and 
 presents nothing verj striking or interesting, lie was once 
 governor of South Carolina. He died at Charleston, Sep- 
 tember '~7, 1805, in the seventy sixth year of his age. 
 
 The character of general Moultrie, as an officer, a man, and 
 a citizen, was unexceptionable. The glory of his services 
 was surpassed by his disinterestedness and integrity. 
 
 MUHLENBERG, Peter, a brave and distinguished oft 
 cer during the revolutionary war, was anativeofPennsylva 
 nia. In early life he yielded to the wishes of his vene- 
 rable father, the patriarch of the German Lutheran church^h 
 Pennsylvania, by becoming a minister of the Episcopal 
 church, and participating in the spirit of the times, exchang- 
 ed his clerical profession for that of a soldier. Having in 
 bis pulpit inculcated the principles of liberty, and the cause 
 of bis country, he found no difficulty in enlisting a regiment 
 of soldiers, and he was appointed their commander. He en- 
 tered the pulpit with his sword and cockade, preached his 
 farewell sermon, and the next day marched at the head of his 
 regiment to join the army. 
 
 in the year 1776, he became a member of the convention, 
 and afterwards a colonel of a regiment of that state. In the 
 year 1777. he was appointed a brigadier general in the revo- 
 lutionary army, in which capacity he acted until the termina- 
 tion of the war which gave liberty and independence to his 
 • ir>, at which time he was promoted to the rank of major 
 general. General Muhlenberg was a particular favorite of 
 the commander in chief, and he was one of those brave men. 
 in whose coolness, decision of character; and undaunted reso- 
 lution, he could ever relv. It has been asserted with some 
 
KELSON. 567 
 
 degree of confIdence f that it was general Muhlenberg, who 
 lommanded the American storming party at Vnrkinwn, the 
 bonour of which station bas been attributed, i»y the different 
 histories of the American revolution, to another person* it 
 is, however* a well known fact, that he acted a distinguished 
 Hid brave pari at the siege of Yorktown* 
 
 After the peace, general Muhlenberg whs chosen by bis fel- 
 low citizens of Pennsylvania} to Jilt In succession the various 
 stations <»r rice president of the Biipreme executive council of 
 Pennsylvania) member of the house of representatives, and 
 senator of the United Stales; and afterwards appointed l»y 
 the president of the United states, supervisor of the exi ise in 
 Pennsylvania, and Anally, collector of the port of Philadel- 
 phia, which office lie held at the lime of his death. In all the 
 above military and political stations, general Muhlenberg acted 
 
 faithfully tO his country and honourably to himself. Me was 
 bravo in the field, and linn in the cabinet. In private life \\r, 
 was strictly just ; in his domestic and social attachments, he 
 
 was affectionate and sincere; and in his intercourse with his 
 fellow citizens, always amiable and unassuming. 
 
 Be died on the Lst day of October, 1807, in the sixty-second 
 year of his age, at, his seat near Schuylkill, Montgomery 
 oanty, Pennsylvania. 
 
 NELSON, Thomas, governor of Virginia, was a distin 
 
 guished patriot in Die revolution, and uniformly ardent in his 
 
 ittachment to liberty. He was among the first of that glo- 
 rious band of patriots, whose, exertions dashed and defeated 
 tiff, machinations of liritish tyranny ; and gave to America, 
 
 freedom and independent empire. At a most important crisis, 
 during our struggle for American liberty, when Virginia ap 
 
 peared to he, designated as tin- theatre of action for the con- 
 tending armies, he was selected hy the unanimous suffrage of 
 
 the legislature to command the virtuous yeomanry of his coun- 
 try ; in which honourable employment he remained to the end 
 of the war. Asa soldier, he was indefatigabl y active and 
 cooly intrepid. Resolute and undetected in misfortunes, he 
 
 lowered above distress ; and struggled with the manifold dif- 
 ficulties, to which his situation exposed him, with (oust amy 
 
 ami courage* 
 
 In the year 1781, when the force of the southern British 
 irmy was directed to the immediate subjugation of that state, 
 he was called to the helm of government, and took (lie, held, 
 at the head of his countrymen* The commander in chief, and 
 the 0&cer8 at the B.eg6 at Yorktown, witnessed his merit and 
 
 attachment to civil and religious liberty. H<' was an intre- 
 pid soldier and an able statesman. lie died in February, 
 1789, 
 
368 OGDEN— OLNEY. 
 
 OGDEN, Matthias, a brigadier general in the army of 
 the United States, took an early and a decided part in the re- 
 volutionary war with Great Britain. He joined the army at 
 Cambridge, and such was his zeal and resolution, that he ac- 
 companied Arnold in penetrating through the wilderness to 
 Canada. He was engaged in the attack upon Quebec, and 
 was carried wounded from the place of engagement. On his 
 return from this expedition he was appointed to the command 
 of a regiment, in which station he continued until the conclu- 
 sion of the war. When peace took place he was honoured 
 with a commission of brigadier general. He died at Eliza- 
 beth town, New Jersey, March 31, 1T91. He was distin- 
 guished for his liberality and philanthrophy. 
 
 OLNEY, Jeremiah, commenced his military career at 
 the earliest period of the defensive revolutionary war, and be- 
 came the companion in arms of the immortal Washington, 
 under whose auspicious command (frequently as the chief offi- 
 cer of the Rhode Island forces) he nobly persevered, through 
 all the trying, changing scenes of the revolution, till a glo- 
 rious independence emancipated his beloved country, and in 
 "peace, liberty, and safety," ranked her among the nations 
 of the earth. His heroism at Red Bank, Springfield, Mon- 
 mouth, Yorktown, and other places where "men's souls" were 
 tried, will be honourably registered by the pen of the faithful 
 historian in the annals of his country, and will embalm his 
 memory to all posterity. 
 
 The life of this amiable and highly revered gentleman, was 
 distinguished by the most undeviatiug honour and integrity, 
 from which no interest could swerve him, no danger appal 
 him. To his innate love and ardent practice of truth and jus- 
 tice, were united a disposition the most social and endearing, 
 a philantrophy the most exalted, and a hospitality the most 
 unostentatious and interesting to the finer feelings of the heart. 
 To every branch of his numerous and respectable family, to 
 all his associates and neighbours, he was ever attentive and 
 affectionate, and to those whom he knew were oppressed with 
 sickness, sorrow and misfortune, he was a liberal, active com- 
 forter; a friend indeed! Even his servants he humanely con- 
 sidered his "humble friends," and treated them accordingly. 
 Indeed, all who were connected or associated with him, by af- 
 finity, friendship, or patronage, will long remember him with 
 the most lively gratitude and regard, mingled with sentiments 
 of the ten derest regret. His many virtues were numerous and 
 exemplary, as he wisely regulated his conduct by his revered 
 monitor, conscience; the incorruptible vicegerent of the most 
 high God. As a citizen, he was public spirited; as a patriot 
 soldier, ardent, judicious and intrepid. 
 
OTIS. 363 
 
 He was for many years collector of the customs of the port 
 and district of Providence, Rhode Island, and president of 
 the society of Cincinnati of that state. He died the tenth of 
 November, 1812, in the sixty third year of his age. 
 
 OTIS, James, a distinguished patriot and statesman, was 
 the son of the honorable James Otis, of Barnstable, Massa- 
 chusetts, and was graduated at Harvard college, in 1743. Af- 
 ter pursuing the study of the law under Mr. Gridley, the first 
 lawyer and civilian of his time, at the age of twenty one he 
 began the practice at Plymouth. In 1761, he distinguished 
 himself by pleading against the writs of assistance, which the 
 officers of the customs had applied for to the judges of the 
 supreme court. His antagonist was Mr. Gridley. He was in 
 this or the following year, chosen a member of the legislature 
 of Massachusetts, in which body the powers of his eldquence, 
 the keenness of his wit, the force of his arguments, and the 
 resources of his intellect, gave him a most commanding in- 
 fluence. When the arbitrary claims of Great Britain were 
 advanced, he warmly engaged in defence of the colonies, and 
 was the first champion of American freedom who had the 
 courage to affix his name to a production that stood forth 
 against the pretensions of the parent state. He was a mem- 
 ber of the congress which was held at New York, in 1765, in 
 which year his Rights of the Colonies Vindicated, a pamphlet, 
 occasioned by the^stamp act, and which was considered as a 
 masterpiece, both of good writing and of argument, was pub- 
 lished in London. For the boldness of his opinions he was 
 threatened with arrest ; yet he continued to support the rights 
 of his fellow citizens. He resigned the office of judge advo- 
 cate in 1 767, and renounced all employment under an admi- 
 nistration which had encroached upon the liberties of his 
 country. His warm passions sometimes betrayed him into 
 unguarded epithets, that gave his enemies an advantage, 
 without benefit to the cause which lay nearest his heart. — 
 Being vilified in the public papers, he in return published 
 some severe strictures on the conduct of the commissioners of 
 the customs, and others of the ministerial party. A short 
 time afterwards, on the evening of the 5th of September 1769, 
 he met Mr. John Robinson, one of the commissioners, in a 
 public room, and an affray followed, in which he was as- 
 saulted by a number of ruffians, who left him and a young 
 gentleman, who interposed in his defence, covered with 
 wounds. The wounds were not mortal, but his usefulness 
 was destroyed, for his reason was shaken from its throne, 
 and the great man in ruins lived several years the grief of 
 his friends. In an interval of reason he forgave the men who 
 had done him an irreparable injury, and relinquished the sum 
 
 47 
 
sr© i OTis. 
 
 of five thousand pounds sterling, which Mr. Robinson had 
 been, by a civil process, adjudged to pay, on his signing a 
 humble acknowledgment. He lived to see, but not fully to 
 enjoy, the independence of America, an event towards which 
 his efforts had greatly contributed. At length on the twenty 
 third day of May, 1783, as he was leaning on his cane at the 
 door of Mr. Osgood's house in Andover, he was struck by a 
 flash of lightning ; his soul was instantly liberated from its 
 shattered tenement, and sent into eternity. 
 
 "It is a singular coincidence, that he often expressed a wish 
 for such a fate. He told his sister. Mrs. Warren, after his 
 reason was impaired, "My dear sister, I hope when God Al- 
 mighty in his righteous providence shall take me out of time 
 into eternity, that it will be by a flash of lightning," and this 
 idea he'often repeated. 
 
 "There is a degree of consolation blended with awe in the 
 manner of his death, and a soothing fitness in the sublime ac- 
 cident which occasioned it. The end of his life was ennobled, 
 when the ruins of a great mind, instead of being undermined 
 by loathsome and obscure disease, were demolished at once by 
 a bright bolt from Heaven. 
 
 "His body was taken to Boston, and his funeral was at- 
 tended with everv mark of respect, and exhibited one of the 
 most numerous processions ever seen in the town. 
 
 "Mr. Otis was one of the master spirits who began and con- 
 ducted an opposition, which at first, was only designed to 
 counteract and defeat an arbitrary administration, but which 
 ended in a revolution, emancipated a continent, and establish- 
 cd by the example of its effects, a lasting influence on all the 
 governments of the civilized world. 
 
 "He espoused the cause of his country, not merely because 
 it was popular, but because he said that its prosperity, free- 
 dom and honor, would be all diminished, if the usurpation of 
 the British parliament was successful. His enemies constant- 
 ly represented him as a demagogue, yet no man was less so. 
 His character was too liberal, proud and honest, to play that 
 part. He led public opinion by the energy which conscious 
 strength, elevated views and quick feelings inspire, and 
 was followed with that deference and reliance which great 
 talents instinctively command. These were the qualifications 
 that made him, for many years, the oracle and guide of the 
 patriotic party. 
 
 "As in every case of public or private oppression, he was 
 willing to volunteer in the cause of the suffering, and in ma- 
 ny instances where he thought the occasion would justify it, 
 he employed his talents gratuitously, his enemies were forced 
 *o acknowledge his liberality. 
 
ORR— PAINE. 371 
 
 "lie was a man of powerful genius and ardent temper, with 
 wit and humor that never failed: as an orator, he was hold, 
 argumentative, impetuous and commanding, with an eloquence 
 that made his own excitement irresistibly contagious : and as 
 a lawyer, his knowledge and ability placed him at the head 
 of his profession: and as a scholar, he was rich in acquisition 
 and governed by a classic taste; as a statesman and civilian, 
 he was sound and just in his views: as a patriot, he resisted 
 all allurements that might weaken the cause of that country, 
 to which he devoted his life, and for which he sacrificed it. — 
 The future historian of the United States, in considering the 
 foundation of American independence, will find that one of 
 the corner stones must he inscribed with the name of James 
 Otis. 
 
 ORR, Johx, was a worthy and much respected officer of 
 the revolution. He was in the battle of Bennington, under 
 general John Stark and received a wound in the thigh in the 
 early part of the engagement. The ball entered just above 
 the knee joint, and lodged in the hone, which was much frac- 
 tured, an.i 1 irge pieces were afterwards extracted. In con- 
 sequence of this wound the knee joint became stiff, and he was 
 a cripple the remainder of his life. As a man. a magistrate 
 and a christian, but few have been more esteemed, or can be 
 more deeply lamented. He possessed a strong discriminating 
 mind, a sound judgment, and retentive memory, which emi- 
 nently fitted him to discharge the duties of the several sta- 
 tions which he filled. For many years he represented the 
 town of iiis residence in the general court, and for seven years 
 in succession, was elected a senator from the seventh senato- 
 rial district. After the new division of the state into districts 
 for the choice of senators, December 29, 1803, he was elected 
 senator for district No 3, the two succeeding years. He w r as 
 afterwards, for a number of years in succession, the candi- 
 date for counsellor of the county of Hillsborough. He was 
 among the oldest magistrates in the county, and had been in 
 commission, as justice of the peace and of the quorum, more 
 than twenty years. He died in Bedford, New-Hampshire, 
 ni the year 1823, aged 75 years. 
 
 PAINE, Thomas, author of Common Sense, The Crisis, 
 Rights of Man, &c. &c. was born in England, 1737. His 
 education and early life differed in nothing from that of any 
 other intelligent enterprising young mechanic. As soon as he 
 iiad acquired a knowledge of his trade, he left his native 
 town, Thetford, in Nottinghamshire, and went to London, 
 with no higher (apparent) ambition, than that of establishing 
 himself in business as a master stay maker. He next went to 
 sea in a British privateer ; after that he was an exciseman 
 
$72 PAULDING. 
 
 and a grocer. He emigrated to this country by the advice o| 
 Doctor Franklin, in the year 1775, and here his literary and 
 political career commenced. The popularity of his writings, 
 and his eloquent speeches during the revolutionary war in 
 this country, rendered him, in many instances, a useful auxi- 
 liary to the army. The great and most striking feature in the 
 character of Thomas Paine, is that intellectual courage, that 
 bold decision, and unwavering confidence in his own powers, 
 which enable the possessor coolly to mark out with the eye 
 his destined course, and then to advance with firm and steady 
 step, careless of consequence, and fearless of public opinion. 
 The circumstances of the world so unaccountably fickle, so 
 ready to change order into anarchy, and then anarchy into 
 despotism, exceedingly favored the system of Paine, particu- 
 larly in Europe. As to the impious folly which Paine pub- 
 lished on the subject of religion, let it silently pass into the 
 grave with its wofully deluded author. He died at New 
 York, in the year 1809, aged 72 years. 
 
 PAULDING, John, a distinguished soldier of the revolu- 
 tionary war, and one of the three incorruptible patriots who 
 arrested Major Andre. When Andre found that he was dis-, 
 covered, he offered his gold watch, and any amount in cash 
 or dry goods, to Paulding, Williams, and Van Wert, if they 
 would permit him to escape. All his offers were rejected with 
 disdain, and they declared that ten thousand guineas, or any 
 other sum, would be no temptation. It was to their virtue, no 
 less glorious to America than Arnold's apostacy was dis- 
 graceful, that his treason was discovered. While Arnold is 
 handed down with execration to future times, posterity will 
 repeat with reverence the names of Paulding, Williams, and 
 Van Wert. 
 
 The following resolution was adopted by Congress, on the 
 third of November, 1780, as a reward for their virtue and 
 fidelity. 
 
 " Whereas Congress have received information that John 
 Paulding, David Williams, and Isaac Van Wert, three young 
 volunteer militia-men of the state of New- York, did, on the 
 twenty third day of September last, intercept major John 
 Andre, adjutant-general of the British army, on his return 
 from the American lines, in the character of a spy ; and not- 
 withstanding the large bribes offered them for his release, no- 
 bly disdaining to sacrifice their country for the sake of gold, 
 secured and conveyed hini to the commanding officer of the 
 district, whereby the dangerous and traitorous conspiracy of 
 Benedict Arnold was brought to light, the insiduous designs 
 of the enemy baffled, and the United States rescued from im- 
 pending danger: 
 
PETERS- 373 
 
 u Resolved, That Congress have a high sense of the virtu- 
 ous and patriotic conduct, of the said John Paulding, David 
 Williams, and Isaac Van Wert : In testimony whereof, 
 
 " Ordered, That each of them receive annually, out of the 
 public treasury, two hundred dollars in specie, or an equiva- 
 lent in the current money of these states, during life ; and 
 that the board of war procure for each of them a silver me- 
 dal, on one side of which shall be a shield with this inscrip- 
 tion, " Fidelity," and on the other, the following motto, 
 *< Vincit amor patriae," and forward them to the commander 
 in chief, who is requested to present the same, with a copy of 
 this resolution, and the thanks of Congress for their fidelity, 
 and the eminent service they have rendered their country." 
 
 Major Paulding died at Staasburg, New York, on the 
 thirtieth of December 1819, aged eighty seven years. 
 
 PETERS, Nathan, entered the service of his country at 
 the commencement of the revolutionary war, and early in 
 the year 1775, he joined the Connecticut squad, and marched 
 with them to Roxbury, the morning after the news of the alarm 
 at Boston reached Norwich. He was soon after promoted 
 to the rank of lieutenant, in which station he acquitted him- 
 self with great promptness and credit, and for his officer-like 
 conduct and urbanity of manners, he soon gained the fullest 
 confidence and esteem of general Washington, ami all those 
 of his brother officers with whom he had the pleasure of an ac- 
 quaintance. This intimacy and friendship of general Wash- 
 ington, which commenced so early in our struggle for inde- 
 pendence, continued unabated till the day of the departure of 
 the immortal father of our country. Major Peters soon pas- 
 sed through the different grades from lieutenant to major, and 
 in the mean time he was engaged in several of the most impor- 
 tant battles that led to our final emancipation from the Bri- 
 tish yoke. He was engaged at the battle at Long-Island, at 
 York-Island, at Frog's Point, at Princeton, at Trenton, and 
 at Newport. In most of all these engagements, he was con- 
 sidered a most efficient officer ; and in the latter, as appears 
 by his testimonials, he was from the nature of his duty expo- 
 sed to much imminent danger ; he had at that time two musket 
 balls passed through his clothes; but, like general Washing- 
 ton, he never received a wound. He was also no less distin- 
 guished for his courage, presence of mind, and intrepidity of 
 conduct at Groton Fort. He was the first man who dared to 
 enter that fortress after the disgraceful and unprecedented 
 assassinatiou of colonel Ledyard. At that critical juncture, he 
 rode into the fort, and with his own hands extinguished the 
 fire which had been set to a train of wet powder l^y the Bri- 
 tish, previous to their leaving, which, as has often been said 
 
374 PETTIT. 
 
 by those who were present, would in less than live minutes, 
 have communicated with the dry powder in the magazine, and 
 blown him, and all those who immediately followed him, into 
 eternity. Major Peters, after the close of the war, entered 
 immediately upon the husines of his profession, and soon be- 
 came, and was for many years, one of the most learned law- 
 yers, and able advocates in practice at the New-London Coun- 
 ty har. He was through a long life remarkable for the cor- 
 rectness and purity of his style, whether he expressed himself 
 with his pen. or orally, as he was also of a strong ami reten- 
 tive memory. Every story or circumstance, which he deem- 
 ed worthy of notice, he could call to mind and relate with the 
 utmost, correctness, even unto his latest days. 
 
 He died in Norwich, Connecticut, in the year 1823. 
 
 PETTIT. Charles, was educated and practised with re 
 piitation as a lawyer. At the commencement of the revolu- 
 tion he was secretary of New-Jersey (the province in which 
 he was born) under governor Franklin, the son of the Amcri 
 can sage. He immediately, however, joined the standard of 
 independence, and throughout the memorable contest he was 
 a constant, a faithful and an efficient public agent. He con- 
 tinued, under governor Livingston, in the station of secreta- 
 ry, until called to act in a more extensive field. By a reso- 
 lution of congress he was associated with his friends general 
 Greene am\ colonel Coxe, in the department of quarter- master- 
 general to the American army; and those friends, who well 
 knew the intelligence of his mind, the force of his industry, 
 and the ardor of his patriotism, with a merited and fortunate 
 confidence, devolved upon him the principal execution of this 
 arduous trust. General Washington, who praised him; the 
 soldiers who loved him; and the government who thanked (but 
 did not perhaps sufficiently reward) him, have borne testimo- 
 ny of his meritorious and exemplary services, in every vicis- 
 situde of the war. 
 
 General Greene had accepted the appointment of quarter- 
 lnaster-general only upon condition that the two gentlemen 
 above named should be associated with him. An account of the 
 peculiar difficulties which they all had to encounter, in the 
 management of this highly important branch of the public ser- 
 vice, will be found contained in the letters written by them at 
 the time, and referred to, and in part cited by Judge John- 
 son in the first volume of his "Sketches of the life and charac- 
 ter of general Greene." Upon the resignation by general 
 Greene of his station at the head of the department, proposals 
 were made to colonel Pettit to succeed to that important post. 
 Circumstances, however, of an imperative nature, had com- 
 pelled general Greene to resign, and as these equally concern- 
 
PICKENS. 375 
 
 ed colonel Pettit, who was upon terms of the most intimate 
 and confidential friendship with him, the overtures were of 
 course declined. 
 
 On the declaration of peace, Mr. Pettit chose Philadelphia 
 for his residence, and herame one of the most intelligent, ac- 
 tive, and influential merchants of the city He still, however, 
 participated in public business. He was an active agent to 
 procure a fair provision for the public creditors : himself, it 
 is true, having become in very hazardous times, to almost the 
 whole extent of his fortune, a public creditor. As a member 
 of the legislature of Pennsylvania, he was the author of the 
 funding system of the state : not with a view to embarrass 
 the then federal government, but with a view to alleviate the 
 distresses of his constituents, till the federal government had 
 acquired the power to do them justice. He was also a dele- 
 gate in Congress, under the confederation, and then for the 
 benefit of the union, as well as of the state, he acquired the 
 general confidence : employing that confidence in the ad- 
 vancement of the public good, regardless of personal advan- 
 tage. On the great question relative to the present constitu- 
 tion of the United States, he stated his objections with firm- 
 ness, but he recommended its adoption with candour : and it 
 is known that he became the principal instrument of subdu- 
 ing the Pennsylvania opposition, by his conciliatory conduct 
 and forcible reasoning, as a conferee, at the general confer- 
 ence which was held in Harrisburgh, previously to the ulti- 
 mate vote of ratification. 
 
 For some years before his death, Mr. Pettit mingled little 
 in the controversies, and felt little of the cares of public life. 
 As a man of business, however, he displayed great talents, 
 assiduity, and fidelity, in presiding over the first incorporated 
 insurance company of Philadelphia. As a member of society, 
 he circulated useful information, settled commercial disputes, 
 and cultivated by precept as well as example, " Peace on 
 earth, and good will towards men :" while as the father of a 
 numerous, respectable and respected offspring, he raised a mo- 
 nument to perpetuate the memory of his domestic virtues and 
 affections, which shall endure as long as the feelings of grati- 
 tude can influence the present generation, or the narrative of 
 truth can awaken the sensibility of their posterity. He died 
 at Philadelphia, on the sixth day of September, 1806, in the 
 seventieth year of his age. 
 
 PICKENS, Andrew, was horn in Bucks county. Penn- 
 sylvania, on the 13th September, 1739. His ancestors were 
 driven from France by the revocation of the edict of Nantz. 
 They first settled in Scotland, and afterwards in the north of 
 Ireland. His father emigrated to Pennsylvania, from where 
 
J70 PICKENS. 
 
 he removed to Augusta county, Virginia, and soon alter to the 
 Waxliaws, in South Carolina, before Andrew had attained 
 the age of manhood. 
 
 Like many of our most distinguished officers of the revolu- 
 tion, he commenced his military services in the French war, 
 which terminated in 1763, when he began to develope those 
 qualities for which he was afterwards so eminently distin- 
 guished. In the year 1761, he served as a volunteer with 
 Moultrie and Marion, in a bloody but successful expedition, 
 under lieutenant colonel Grant, a British officer, sent by ge- 
 neral Amherst to command against the Cherokees. After the 
 termination of the war, he removed to the Long Cane settle- 
 ment, and was wholly engaged for several years in the usual 
 pursuits of a frontier country ; hunting and agriculture. 
 
 At an early period he took a decided stand against the right 
 claimed by Great Britain, to tax her colonies without their 
 consent ; and at the commencement of the revolution was ap- 
 pointed captain of militia. The distinguished part which he 
 acted in the struggle for independence, has been recorded by 
 the historian, and the principal events can only be alluded to 
 in the present sketch. His zeal and skill were rewarded by 
 bis country, by his being rapidly promoted to the respective 
 commands of major, colonel, and brigadier general. In the 
 most despondent time, when this section of the union was 
 overrun by the enemy, and suffered from the tories all the hor- 
 rors of civil war, he remained unshaken, and, with Marion 
 and Sumpter, kept up the spirit of resistance. He commanded 
 in chief in the expedition against the Cherokees, in 1781; 
 and such was his success, that in a few days, with an incon- 
 siderable force, he subdued the spirit of that then powerful 
 nation, and laid the foundation of a peace so permanent, that 
 it has not since been disturbed. 
 
 At Kettle Creek his conduct was equally distinguished and 
 successful ; with half the force, he defeated, after a severe con- 
 test, a large body of tories, under the command of colonel 
 Boyd. The results of this victory were highly important. It 
 broke the spirit of the tories, and secured the internal peace for 
 a considerable time, of the interior of the Carolinas and Geor- 
 gia. No less conspicuous was his conduct at the Cowpens. 
 He there commanded the militia forces ; and, animated by the 
 spirit and courage of their commander in that important bat- 
 tle, they fairly won an equal share of glory with the continen- 
 tals, under colonel Howard. For his gallantry and conduct 
 on that occasion. Congress voted him a sword. At the Eu- 
 taw he commanded, with Marion, the militia of the two Car-- 
 olinas; but in the early part of the action received a severe 
 wound in his breast by a musket ball. His life was providen- 
 tially saved by the ball striking the buckle of his sword. 
 
PICKENS. 377 
 
 \\ hen Charleston fell, and the victorious Britons spreading 
 themselves over the country, advanced into the interior, the 
 revived resentments of the royalists, compelled Colonel Pic- 
 kens, and the steady adherents of the cause of freedom, to 
 abandon their habitations and country, and seek for refuge in 
 North Carolina. So soon, however, as General Greene had 
 taken command of the army, and ordered General Morgan to 
 enter the western division of the state, to check the aggres- 
 sions of the enemy, and to revive the drooping spirits of the 
 whig inhabitants, Colonel Pickens was found the most active 
 among his associates, seconding his enterprises, and by gen- 
 lleness and conciliation, attaching new adherents to the cause. 
 Of his intrepid conduct at the battle of the Cowpens, it is 
 scarcely necessary to speak. It is a well known fact, that he 
 not only prevailed upon his riflemen to retain their fire till it 
 could be given with deadly effect, but, when broken, and 
 compelled to retreat, that he rallied them ; and what had ne- 
 ver before been effected with militia, brought them a second 
 time to meet their enemy, and by continued exertion, to ac- 
 complish their final surrender. 
 
 Peace being restored, the voice of his country called him to 
 serve her in various civil capacities ; and he continued, with- 
 out interruption, in public employment until about 1801. By 
 the treaty of Hopewell, with the Cherokees, in which he was 
 one of the commissioners, the cession of that portion of the 
 state now called Pendleton and Greenville, was obtained. 
 Soon after he settled at Hopewell, on Kcowee river, where the 
 treaty was held. He was a member of the legislature, and af- 
 terwards of the convention which formed the state constitu- 
 tion. He was elected a member under the new constitution, 
 until 1794, when he became a member of Congress. Declin- 
 ing a re-election to congress, he was again returned a member 
 to the legislature, in which post he continued until about 1811. 
 Such was the confidence of general Washington in him, that 
 he requested his attendance at Philadelphia, to consult with 
 him on the practicability and best means of civilizing the 
 southern Indians; and he also offered him the command of 
 a brigade of light troops, under the command of general Wayne, 
 in his campaigns against the northern Indians; which he de- 
 clined. In 1794, when the militia was first organized confor- 
 mable to the act of Congress, he was appointed one of the two 
 major generals; which commission he resigned after holding 
 it a few years. He was employed by the United States as a 
 commissioner in all the treaties with the southern Indians, 
 until he withdrew from public life. 
 
 Determining to enjoy that serenity and tranquillity which 
 he had so greatly contributed to establish, with the simplici- 
 
 48 
 
378 PICKENS. 
 
 ij of the early times of the Roman republic, he retired from 
 the busy scenes of life, and settled on hi* farm at Tomussee, 
 (a place peculiarly interesting to him) where he devoted him- 
 self with little interruption to domestic pursuits and reflection 
 until his death. In this tranquil period, few events happen- 
 ed to check the tenor of his happy and virtuous life. Reve- 
 red and beloved by all, his house, though remote from the 
 more frequented parts of the state, was still tl e resort of nu- 
 merous friends and relations ; and often received tlie visits of 
 the enlightened traveller. Such was the gentle current of his 
 latter years ; still, of earthly objects, his country was the first 
 in his affections. He viewed with great interest our late strug- 
 gle, and the causes which excited it, distinctly perceh ing, that 
 in its consequences the prosperity, independence ant glorv of 
 his country were deeply involved; he was alive to its various 
 incidents. In this hour of danger the eyes of his fellow citi- 
 zens were again turned to their tried servant; without his 
 knowledge he was again called by the spontaneous voice of 
 his fellow citizens into public ser\ice. Confidence thus ex- 
 
 firessed could not be disregarded; he accepted a scat it: the 
 egislature in 1812, and was pressed to serve as governor at 
 this eventful crisis, which, with his characteristic moderation 
 and good sense, he declined. He thought the struggle should 
 be left to more youthful hands. 
 
 He died in South Carolina on the 11th of October, 1817. 
 
 In his domestic circumstances he was fortunate : by indus- 
 try and attention he soon acquired a competency ; and never 
 desired more. He married in early life, has left a numerous 
 and prosperous offspring, and his consort, the sister of John 
 E. Calhoun, formerly a senator in congress, died but a few- 
 years before him. 
 
 Of the private character of the deceased little need be said J 
 for among its strongest features was simplicity without con- 
 trariety or change; from his youth to age he was ever distin- 
 guished for a punctual performance of all the duties of life. 
 He was from early life a firm believer in the christian religion, 
 and an influential member of the Presbyterian church. The 
 strong points of his character were decision and prudence, ac- 
 companied, especially in youth, with remarkable taciturnity. 
 He was of middle stature, active and robust: and enjoyed, in 
 consequence of the natural goodness of his constitution :;nd 
 from early and combined temperance and activity, almost un- 
 interrupted health to the last moments of his life. He retain- 
 ed much of his strength and nearly all his mental vigour in 
 perfection ; and died, not in consequence of the exhaustion of 
 nature, or previous sickness ; for the stroke of death fell sud- 
 den, and while his personal acquaintance were anticipating 
 the addition of many years to his life. 
 
TORTER. 379 
 
 PORTER, Andrew, colonel of the fourth or Pennsylva- 
 nia regiment of artillery, ami subsequently brigadier and 
 major general of the second division Pennsylvania militia, was 
 born in what is now Worcester township, Montgomery coun- 
 ty, Pennsylvania, on the 24th September, 1743. His life af- 
 fords a striking and useful example of what native energy and 
 genius ma) accomplish, unfostered and unaided, except by its 
 own exertions. Without the influence of family and friends, 
 without the common advantages of early education, he rose 
 to rank ;r.:<i respectability, both in civil and military life, and 
 held a distinguished station in the scientific world. Nature 
 gifted him with a strong and vigorous intellect, and a clear 
 discriminating mind : and these faculties being applied, al- 
 though comparatively at a late period in life, to scientific pur- 
 suits, with untiring industry and perseverance, their posses- 
 sor was rewarded with a success seldom attained by those 
 who enter on a similar course under more favourable aus- 
 pices. 
 
 His father, Mr. Robert Porter, a native of Ireland, who 
 emigrated to this country in early life, was a respectable far- 
 mer, but in moderate circumstances, and having a large fami- 
 ly of children, he was unable, had he been so 'Usposed, to ex- 
 pend much upon their education. Andrew, the subject of this 
 notice, had shewn an early taste for reading what few 
 books he could procure; and when at the age of eighteen or 
 nineteen, his father had determined on his learning the trade 
 of a carpenter, with an elder brother, that brother, after a few 
 months trial, declared he must give him up ; that Andrew 
 was too fond of books and of figures, and too little disposed 
 to work, ever to be useful to him as an apprentice. About 
 this period of his life a circumstance occurred, laughable in 
 itself, but which had a serious effect in giving a direction to 
 his future pursuits. He had from the first discovered a taste 
 for mathematics, and had read some few books in that branch 
 of science, in which he was directed by an Irish gentle- 
 man, named Patrick Mennon, whom he occasionally met, 
 and who taught a school some twelve or fifteen miles from 
 Mr. Porter's residence. Seeing in those books the draft of a 
 sun-dial, and the principles upon which it was constructed, 
 he conceived the idea of making one for himself. He started 
 off to a soap stone quarry on the banks of the river Schuyl- 
 kill, near Spring Mill, and having selected a suitable stone, 
 he carried it to his father's residence, a distance of eight or 
 ten miles, where, his brothers being absent, he reduced it to 
 a proper size and shape by the use of their saws, planes, and 
 chissels, but in his operation completely spoiled the tools : 
 the dial was finished ; but on the return of his brothers he 
 
380 PORTER. 
 
 was banished from the carpenter's shop. His father then at- 
 tempted to confine him to the business of farming : this too 
 failed ; and believing that his aversion to labour, and his 
 fondness for books, were so great that he would never be suc- 
 cessful as a farmer or mechanic, he determined on fitting 
 him, in some measure, for the humble occupation of a coun- 
 try school-master. He was sent for a short time to Mr. Men- 
 lion's school, during which he made rapid improvement, es- 
 pecially in the mathematics, and then opened a school him- 
 self in the neighbourhood of his father's residence, pursuing 
 his favourite study at every leisure moment. 
 
 Understanding that Dr. Rittenhouse was spending some 
 time at his farm, in Norriton, young Mr. Porter paid him a 
 visit for the purpose of borrowing some work on fluxions, or 
 conic sections. The doctor enquired whether he had ever had 
 any mathematical instruction : from whom, and for what pe- 
 riod of time ; and finding that he had received but a few 
 months regular tuition, told him he thought he could not com- 
 prehend the work which he wished to borrow. Our young 
 mathematician, however, insisted that he was prepared to en- 
 ter on the subject, and a conversation ensued, which so sa- 
 tisfied the Doctor of the correctness of his knowledge, that he 
 advised him not to bury himself in the country, but immedi- 
 ately to proceed to Philadelphia, and open a mathematical 
 school there. 
 
 In the spring of the year 1767, he removed to Philadelphia, 
 and took charge of an English and Mathematical school, 
 which he conducted with much reputation and celebrity, un- 
 til the spring of the year 1776, when, at his country's call, 
 he bade adieu to his peaceful avocations, to defend her cause. 
 During his residence in Philadelphia, he was the associate of 
 Doctors Rittenhouse, Ewing, Rush, and other distinguished 
 scientific men, made great progress in his favourite studies, 
 and became an accurate astronomer. 
 
 On the 19th of June, 1776, he was commissioned by Con- 
 gress a captain of marines, and ordered on board the frigate 
 Effingham. At this time his school contained about one hun- 
 dred scholars, and enabled him to support, comfortably, a 
 family of five small children, who had recently lost their mo- 
 ther ; but all considerations of family or self seemed to him 
 to be lost in the cause of his country. Not finding in the ma- 
 rine service the opportunity of rendering his country the ser- 
 vice he desired, he was shortly after transferred to the artil- 
 lery, a corps, in which, from his previous studies, he was 
 qualified to be eminently useful. He continued to serve as a 
 captain of artillery, with great reputation for science and 
 bravery, until the year 1782, when he was promoted to a ma- 
 
PORTER. 381 
 
 jority, to rank as such from the 10th of April, 1731. He was 
 subsequently promoted to the successive ranks of lieutenant 
 colonel, lieutenant colonel commandant, and colonel of the 
 fourth, or Pennsylvania Regiment of Artillery; which lat- 
 ter station he held at the disbanding of tlie army. 
 
 While in the army, he was personally engaged in the 
 cannonade at Trenton, and in the battles of Princeton, 
 Brandywine, and Germantown. In the latter action, nearly 
 all his company were killed or taken prisoners : and in the 
 first, he received on the field, in person, the commendation 
 of General "Washington, for his conduct in the action. In the 
 month of April, 1779. he was detached with his company to 
 join Genera] James Clinton's brigade, in the operations un- 
 der General Sullivan, against the Indians. He left the grand 
 park of artillery at Pluckamin, on the sixth, and arrived at 
 Albany on the 13th of May, where he joined General Clin- 
 ton, with whom he proceeded to Canaioharie on the Mo- 
 hawk river. Hence the troops were marched to the head of 
 the Otsego lake. Here it was that Captain Porter suggested 
 to General Clinton the idea of damming the outlet of the lake, 
 to collect a sufficiency of water for the conveyance of the 
 troops in boats to Tioga point, where they were to meet Ge- 
 neral Sullivan's army. The experiment was tried ; the water 
 in the lake raised, by stopping the outlet, to the height of 
 three feet, and an artificial fresh created, which answered the 
 proposed purpose, and the effect of which on the river was 
 felt as low as Northumberland. The troops arrived safely at 
 Tioga Point, joined General Sullivan, and having by the bat- 
 tle of the £9th of August, and the subsequent destruction of 
 the Indian towns, cornfields, &c. accomplished the object of 
 the expedition, the artillery rejoined the main army, and 
 wintered at Morristown. 
 
 When the siege of Yorktown was determined on, Colonel 
 Porter was ordered to proceed to Philadelphia, and superin- 
 tend the laboratory, at which the various kinds of ammuni- 
 tion for that siege were prepared. He remonstrated against 
 being thus removed from a station in which he might distin- 
 guish himself in the field, to the superintendance of what was 
 generally considered a mere chemical laboratory. His objec- 
 tions were silenced at once by this remark of the Commander 
 in Chief : " You say you are desirous of being placed in that 
 situation in which you can render your country the most ef- 
 ficient services : our success depends much on the manner in 
 which our cartridges, bombs, and matches are prepared. Tiie 
 eye of science is required to superintend their preparation ; 
 and if the information of General Knox, who knows you 
 well and intimately, is to be depended on, there is no officer 
 
382 PORTER. 
 
 in the army better qualified than yourself, lor the station 1 
 have assigned you." 
 
 The grand object for which the Americans had taken np 
 arms, having been accomplished by the peace of 1783, and 
 the army being disbanded. Colonel Porter retired to private 
 life. The trustees of the University of Pennsylvania tendered 
 to him the Professorship of Mathematics in that institution, 
 which he declined. He was subsequently appointed by the 
 supreme executive Council of the state, a commissioner for 
 running by astronomical observations, the lines between 
 Pennsylvania and Virginia: Pennsylvania and what is now 
 Ohio ; and Pennsylvania and New York. In this business 
 lie was engaged during the years 1784, '5, '6, and '7, in 
 company with Dr. Rittenhouse Bishop Madison, Dr. Ew- 
 ing. General Clinton, and other gentlemen of science. He 
 shortly after retired to his farm, in Norriton township, Mont- 
 gomery county, within a few miles of the place of his nativi- 
 ty, on which he continued to reside until the spring of 1S09. 
 In the year 1800, he was appointed, in conjunction with Ge- 
 nerals Irvine and Bonde, to settle the controversies of the 
 Pennsylvania claimants in the seventeen townships, in the 
 county of Luzerne, but resigned the situation the next spring. 
 In the same year be was appointed Brigadier General of the 
 first brigade, second division of Pennsylvania Militia ; and 
 shortly after, on the removal of General Peter Muhlenberg 
 to Philadelphia, he was made Major General of the division. 
 
 In the month of April, 1809, the late excellent and lament- 
 ed governor Snyder, selected him to fill the office of Surveyor 
 General of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, which situa- 
 tion he held until his decease, which took place on the 16th of 
 November, 1813. The present lucid arrangement of that of- 
 fice was effected by him. He found it in much disorder, re- 
 modelled it, and made order and harmony out of chaos and 
 confusion. 
 
 During the years 1812 and 1813, he declined the situations 
 of brigadier general in the army, and secretary at war of the 
 United States, both which were offered to him by president 
 Madison, believing that his advanced age would prevent the 
 execution of the duties of either situation with that efficiency 
 which the public good and his own character required. 
 
 He died, universally lamented, at the advanced age of se- 
 venty years and upwards, and was buried at Harrisburg with 
 military honours, in the Presbyterian burial ground at that 
 place, where a neat white marble monument designates the 
 depository of his remains. 
 
 General Porter was twice married ; first in 1767, and se 
 condly in 1777, his first wife having died in the year 1775. 
 
PREBLE. 38$ 
 
 He left to survive him his second wife, and ten children ; six 
 sons and four daughters. In stature he was rather above the 
 middle size, athletic, and rather inclined to corpulency. His 
 long service in the army, gave him a military air and digni- 
 ty, which he carried with him throughout life. He was gen- 
 tlemanly and courteous in his intercourse with society; but 
 premeditated injury could rouse instantly all the appalling 
 energy of his character. In his politics he was decidedly re- 
 publican ; in his morals, pure ; and in his friendships, warm 
 and sincere. 
 
 PREBLE, Edwakd, commodore in the American navy, 
 was born August 15, 1761. in Portland, Massachusetts. From 
 early childhood he discovered a strong disposition for hazards 
 and adventures, and a firm, resolute, and persevering tem- 
 per. In his youth he became a mariner on board a merchant 
 vessel. 
 
 In the year 1779, he became a midshipman in the state ship 
 Protector, of twenty-six guns, commanded by that brave offi- 
 cer, John Forster Williams, who has always spoken with em- 
 phasis of the courage and good conduct of Mr. Preble, while 
 in his ship. 
 
 On the first cruise of the Protector, she engaged, off New- 
 foundland, the letter of marque Admiral Duff, of 36 guns. It 
 was a short but hard fought action. These vessels were . on- 
 stantly very near and much of the time along side, so that balls 
 were thrown from one to the other by hand. The Duff struck, 
 but taking fire about the same time, she in a few minutes blew 
 up. Between thirty and forty of her people were saved and 
 taken on board the Protector, where a malignant fever soon 
 spread and carried off two thirds of captain Williams's crew. 
 He returned to an eastern port, and landing his prisoners and 
 recruiting his men, sailed on a second cruise. Falling in with 
 a British sloop of war and frigate, the Protector was captured. 
 The principal officers were taken to England, but Preble, 
 by the interest of a friend of his father, colonel William 
 Tyng, obtained his release at New- York and returned to 
 Ms friends. 
 
 He then entered as first lieutenant on board the sloop of war 
 Winthrop, captain George Little, who had been captain Wil- 
 liams's second in command in the Protector, had scaled the 
 walls of his prison at Plymouth, and with one other person 
 escaping in a wherry to France, took passage thence to Bos- 
 ton. 
 
 One of Mr. Preble's exploits, while in this station, has been 
 often mentioned as an instance of daring courage and cool in- 
 trepidity not less than of good fortune. He boarded and cut 
 out an English armed, brig of superior force to the Winthrop 
 
S84 PREBLE. 
 
 lying in Penobscot harbour, under circumstances which justly 
 gave the action great eclat. Little had taken the brig's ten- 
 der, from whom he gained such information of the situation 
 of the brig, as made him resolve to attempt seizing on her by 
 surprise. He run her along side in the night, having prepa- 
 red forty men to jump into her dressed in white frocks, to en- 
 able them to distinguish friend from foe. Coming close upon, 
 her lie was hailed by the enemy, who, as was said, supposed 
 the Winthrop must be her tender, and who cried out, ''you 
 will run aboard." He answered, "I am coming aboard," 
 and immediately Preble, with fourteen men, sprung into the 
 brig. The motion of the vessel was so rapid that the rest of 
 the forty destined for boarding missed their opportunity. Lit- 
 tle called to his lieutenant "will you not have more men?" 
 "No," he answered with great presence of mind and a loud 
 voice: "we have more than we want; we stand in each other's 
 way." Those of the enemy's crew who were on deck chiefly 
 leaped over the side, and others below from the cabin window 
 and swam to the shore, which was within pistol shot. Pre- 
 ble instantly entering the cabin, found the officers in bed or 
 just rising ; he assured them they were his prisoners and that 
 resistance was vain, and if attempted, would be fatal to them. 
 Believing they w ere surprised and mastered by superior num- 
 bers, they forbore any attempt to rescue the vessel and sub- 
 mitted. The troops of the enemy marched down to the shore, 
 and commenced a brisk firing with muskets, and the battery 
 opened a canonade, which, however, was too high to take ef- 
 fect. In the mean time the captors beat their prize out of the 
 harbour, exposed for a considerable space to volleys of mus- 
 ketry, and took her in triumph to Boston. 
 
 Lieutenant Preble continued in the Winthrop till the peace 
 of 1783. 
 
 In 1801, he had the command of the frigate Essex, in which 
 he performed a voyage to the East Indies, for the protection 
 of our trade. In 1804, he was appointed commodore, with a 
 squadron of seven sail, and he soon made his passage to the 
 Mediterranean with the design of humbling the Tripolitan 
 barbarians. He, with commodore Rodgers, (who commodore 
 Preble succeeded) and captain Bainbridge, took such mea- 
 sures with regard to the emperor of Morocco, as led to a peace. 
 The commodore in giving an account to his government of 
 his proceedings, observed, " In the whole of this business I 
 have advised with colonel Lear, Mr. Simpson, and commo- 
 dore Rodgers. I am confident we have all been actuated by 
 the same motive, the good of our country." 
 
 Commodore Preble having nothing at present to fear from 
 Morocco, directed his principal attention to Tripoli. He or- 
 
PREBLE. 383 
 
 dered the frigate Philadelphia, captain Bainbridge, and the 
 schooner Vixen, to the coast of Tripoli, and formally declar- 
 ed the blockade of that place, and sent notice of the fact to the 
 respective neutral powers. On the 31st of October, the Phi- 
 ladelphia frigate, after pursuing a Tripolitan corsair till she 
 came to seven fathoms water, in beating off she ran on a rock, 
 not laid down in any chart, about four and a half miles from 
 the town. Every exertion to get her off, proved ineffectual* 
 Meanwhile she was attacked by numerous gun-boats, which 
 she withstood for four hours, whilst the careening of the ship 
 made the guns totally useless. A reinforcement coming off, 
 and no possible means of resisting them appearing, the cap- 
 tain submitted to the horrid necessity of striking to his bar- 
 barous enemy. They took possession of the ship, and made 
 prisoners of the officers and men, in number three hundred, 
 with robbery, violence, and insult. In forty-eight hours, the 
 wind blowing in shore, the Tripolitans were able to get off 
 the frigate, and having raised her guns, towed her into the 
 harbor of Tripoli. The commodore apprehended the worst 
 from this diminution of his force ; a war with Tunis, and per- 
 haps with Algiers ; at least, a protraction of the present war, 
 He now procured a number of gun-boats from the king of 
 Naples, and proceeded to the attack of Tripoli* 
 
 February 3rd, 1804, lieutenant Stephen Decatur, with se- 
 venty volunteers in the Intrepid, and accompanied by the Sy- 
 ren, sailed for Tripoli, with a view to destroy, as they could 
 not in any event expect to bring out, the frigate Philadelphia. 
 On the 16th, the service was accomplished in the most gal- 
 lant manner. Lieutenant Decatur entered the harbour of 
 Tripoli in the night; and laying his vessel along side the 
 frigate, boarded and carried her against all opposition. A 
 large number of men were on board, of whom twenty or 
 thirty were slain, and the remainder driven over the side, 
 excepting one boat's crew, which escaped to the shore, and 
 one person made prisoner. The assailants then set fire to her, 
 and left her. She was soon in a complete blaze, and was to- 
 tally consumed. The frigate lay within half gun shot of the 
 castle and the principal battery, with her guns mounted and 
 loaded, and two corsairs full of men, were riding very near. 
 We had none killed, and only one wounded. 
 
 From this time till the bombardment of Tripoli, the com- 
 modore was occupied in cruising and keeping up the block- 
 ade of the Tripoline harbour. In August the American squad- 
 ron and gunboats attacked the shipping and batteries, and a 
 desperate conflict ensued, which resulted gloriously for the 
 American arms. Such was the consternation of the Turks, 
 that the Bashaw retreated, it is said, with his priest, to his 
 
 49 
 
386 PRESCOTT. 
 
 bomb proof room. Many of the guns of the forts were dis- 
 mounted, and the town considerably damaged. In September, 
 commodore Preble obtained leave to return home. The offi- 
 cers of the squadron joined in an address to their late com- 
 mander, containing the strongest expressions of attachment 
 and respect. The congress of the United States voted the 
 thanks of the nation and an emblematical medal, which were 
 presented by the president with emphatic declarations of esteem 
 and admiration. 
 
 When the commodore returned he was received and treated 
 every where with distinguished attention. His countrymen 
 showed that they were proud of his fame, and grateful for his 
 services. The next year peace was made with Tripoli, and 
 the prisoners ransomed. He died on the 25th August, 1807, 
 in the 46th year of his age. 
 
 The person, air, and countenance, of commodore Preble 
 answered to his character. His features expressed strong 
 passions along with manly and generous feelings. His atti- 
 tude was erect, yet easy and natural ; and his whole appear- 
 ance and port were noble and commanding. 
 
 PRESCOTT, William, was an officer distinguished by 
 the most determined bravery, and became conspicuous as an 
 American officer from the circumstance of his having com- 
 manded the American troops at the battle of Bunker hill, on 
 the memorable 17th of June, 1775. He was born in 1726, at 
 Goshen, in Massachusetts, and was a lieutenant of the pro- 
 vincial troops at the capture of Cape Breton, in 1758. The 
 British General was so much pleased with his conduct in that 
 campaign, that he offered him a commission in the regular 
 army, which he declined, to return home with his country- 
 men. From this time till the approach of the revolutionary 
 war, he remained on his farm in Pepperel, filling various 
 municipal offices, and enjoying the esteem and affection of 
 his fellow citizens. As the difficulties between the mother 
 country and the colonies grew more serious, he took a deep- 
 er and more decided part in public affairs. 
 
 In 1774, he was appointed to command a regiment of mi- 
 nute men, organized by the provincial congress. He marched 
 his regiment to Lexington, immediately on receiving notice 
 of the intended operations of General Gage against Concord : 
 but the British detachment had retreated before he had time 
 to meet it. He then proceeded to Cambridge, and entered 
 the army that was ordered to be raised ; and the greater 
 part of his officers and privates volunteered to serve with 
 him for the first campaign. 
 
 On the 1 6th June, three regiments were placed under him, 
 and he was ordered to Charlestown in the evening, to take 
 
PRE SCOTT. 387 
 
 possession of Bunker hill, and throw up works in its de- 
 fence. When they reached the ground, it was perceived that 
 Breed's hill, which is a few rods south of Bunker's hill, was 
 the most suitahle station. The troops under the direction of 
 Colonel Gridley, an able engineer, were busily engaged in 
 throwing up a small redoubt and breast-work, which latter 
 was formed by placing t\\o rail fences near together, and fill- 
 ing the interval with the new mown hay lying on the ground. 
 There was something in the rustic materials of these defen- 
 ces, hastily made, in a short summer's night, within gun- 
 shot of a powerful enemy, that was particularly apposite to 
 to a body of armed husbandmen, who had rushed to the field 
 at the first sound of alarm. 
 
 As soon as these frail works were discovered the next 
 morning, the British commander made preparations to get 
 possession of them. General Howe, with various detach- 
 ments* amounting to near 5000 men, was ordered to dislodge 
 the " rebels." The force which Colonel Prescott could com- 
 mand for the defence of the redoubt and breast-work, was 
 about 1^00 men. Very few of these had ever seen an action. 
 They had been labouring all night in creating these defences ; 
 and the redoubt, if it could be so called, was open on two 
 sides. Instead of being relieved by fresh troops, as they had 
 expected, they were left without supplies of ammunition or 
 refreshment ; and thus fatigued and destitute, they had to 
 bear the repeated assaults of a numerous, well appointed, ve- 
 tei^an army. They destroyed nearly as many of their as- 
 sailants, as the whole of their own number engaged ; and 
 they did not retreat till their ammunition was exhausted, and 
 the enemy supplied with fresh troops and cannon, completely 
 overpowered them. 
 
 Colonel Prescott lost nearly one quarter of his own regi- 
 ment in the action. When General Warren came upon the 
 hill, Colonel Prescott asked him if he had any orders to give : 
 he answered, "No, colonel, I am only a volunteer ; the com- 
 mand is yours." When he was at length forced to tell his 
 men to retreat as well as they could, he was one of the last 
 who left the intrenchment. He was so satisfied with the bra- 
 very of his companions, and convinced that the enemy were 
 disheartened by the severe and unexpected loss which they 
 had sustained, that he requested the commander in chief to 
 give him two regiments, and he would retake the position the 
 same night. 
 
 He continued in the service till the beginning of 1777, when 
 he resigned and returned to his home : but in the autumn of 
 that year he went as a volunteer to the northern army under 
 General Gates, and assisted in the capture of General Bur- 
 
588 PRESCOTT. 
 
 goyne. This was his last military service. He was subse- 
 quently, for several years, a member of the legislature, and 
 died in 1795, in the seventieth year of his age. 
 
 Colonel Prescott was a genuine specimen of an energetic, 
 brave, and patriotic citizen, who was ready in the hour of 
 danger, to place himself in the van, and partake in all the 
 perils of his country ; feeling anxious for its prosperity, 
 without caring to share in its emoluments ; and maintaining 
 beneath a plain exterior and simple habits, a dignified pride, 
 in his native land, and a high-minded love of freedom. 
 
 The immediate results of this engagement were great and 
 various. Though the Americans were obliged to yield the 
 ground for want of ammunition, yet their defeat was sub- 
 stantially a triumph. The actual loss of the British army 
 was severe, and was deeply felt by themselves and their 
 friends. The charm of their invincibility was broken. The 
 hopes of the whole continent were raised. It was demonstra- 
 ted that although they might burn towns, or overwhelm raw 
 troops by superior discipline and numbers, yet the conquest 
 at least would not be an easy one. Those patriots, who, un- 
 der the most arduous responsibility, at the peril of every 
 thing which men of sense and virtue can value, hazarded in 
 the support of public principles, present ruin and future dis- 
 grace, though they felt this onset to be only the beginning of 
 a civil war, yet were invigorated by its results, which clear- 
 ed away some painful uncertainties ; while the bravery and 
 firmness that had been displayed by their countrymen, inspi- 
 red a more positive expectation of being ultimately trium° 
 phant. 
 
 In the life of James Otis, by William Tudor, of Boston, 
 from which work the foregoing is taken, the following note is 
 made relative to the battle. "The anxiety and various emo- 
 tions of the people of Boston, on this occasion, had a highly 
 dramatic kind of interest. Those who sided with the British 
 troops began to see even in the duration of this battle, the pos- 
 sibility that they had taken the wrong side, and that they might 
 become exiles from their country. While those whose whole 
 soul was with their countrymen, were in dreadful apprehen- 
 sion for their friends, in a contest, the severity of which was 
 shewn by the destruction of so many of their enemies. 
 
 " After the battle had continued for some time, a young per- 
 son living in Boston, possessed of very keen and generous feel- 
 ings, bordering a little perhaps on the romantic, as was natu- 
 ral to her age, sex, and lively imagination, finding that many 
 of the wounded troops brought over from the field of action 
 were carried by her residence, mixed a quantity of refreshing 
 beverage, and with a female domestic by her side, stood at the 
 
PRIOLEAU. 3S9 
 
 door and offered it to the sufferers as they were borne along, 
 burning with fever and parched with thirst. Several of them, 
 grateful for the kindness, gave her, as they thought, consola- 
 tion, by assuring her of the destruction of her countrymen. 
 One young officer said, " never mind it my young lady, we 
 have peppered 'em well, depend upon it." Her dearest feel- 
 ings, deeply interested in the opposite camp, were thus unin- 
 tentionally lacerated, while she was pouring oil and wine 
 into their wounds." 
 
 General Henry Lee, in his memoirs of the war in the South- 
 ern Department, makes the following remark, in relation to 
 Prescott and his gallant band : 
 
 " When future generations shall enquire, where are the 
 men who gained the brightest prize of glory in the arduous 
 contest which ushered in our nation's birth ? upon Prescott 
 and his companions in arms will the eye of history beam. 
 The military annals of the world rarely furnish an achieve- 
 ment which equals the firmness and courage displayed on that 
 proud day by the gallant band of Americans : and it certain- 
 ly stands first in the brilliant events of the war." 
 
 PRIOLEAU, Samuel, was a native of Charleston, South 
 Carolina. In the contest for our independence, he took an 
 early and an active part, from which he never shrunk during 
 the whole course of that memorable struggle; encountering 
 with his countrymen a full share of its dangers ; and sustain- 
 ing its vicissitudes "throughout those scenes that tried men's 
 souls." After the fall of Charleston, he was numbered by 
 the British with that band of patriots, whose constancy they 
 attempted to subdue by the torture of exile, persecution and 
 imprisonment. At St. Augustine he patiently and manfully 
 sustained, with his compatriots, all the sufferings and indigni- 
 ties heaped upon them by the enemy ; while his wife and fam- 
 ily of young children, stripped of all their means, were ban- 
 ished from their home, and transported to Philadelphia. Firm, 
 amidst these storms o? adversity, he disdained to purchase 
 from the enemy the smallest immunity or mitigation for him- 
 self or family, by abating a single sentiment in favor of his 
 country, or by ceasing to be a bold and exemplary advocate 
 for her independence. After the revolution, he repaired, by a 
 course of unabating industry, the ravages it bad made on his 
 fortune ; and maintained to the end of life the character of an 
 honest upright man. In his private relations he was justly 
 endeared for his affection, tenderness, indulgence, and benefi- 
 cence; the impressions of which will long remain, after the 
 lenient band of time shall have assuaged the poignancy of 
 grief for the loss of such a husband, father and friend. 
 
 He died in Charleston, on the 23d March, 1813, in the se- 
 venty-first year of his age. 
 
390 PULASKI. 
 
 PULASKI, (count.) This gallant soldier was a native oi 
 Poland, whose disastrous history is well known. Vainly 
 struggling to restore the lost independence of his country, he 
 was forced to seek personal safety by its abandonment. Pu- 
 laski, with a few men. in the year 1771, carried off king Stan- 
 islaus from the middle of his capitol, though surrounded by a 
 numerous body of guards, and a Russian army. The king 
 soon escaped and declared Pulaski an outlaw. Hearing of the 
 glorious struggle in which we were engaged, he hastened to 
 the wilds of America, and associated himself with our perils 
 and our fortunes. Congress honoured him with the commis- 
 sion of brigadier general, with a view, as was rumoured, of 
 placing him at the head of the American calvary, the line of 
 service in which he had been bred. But his ignorance of our 
 language, and the distaste of our officers to foreign superiori- 
 ty, stifled this project. He was then authorised to raise a le- 
 gionary corps, appointing his own officers. 
 
 Indefatigable and persevering, the count collected about two 
 hundred infantry and two hundred horse, made up of all sorts, 
 chiefly of German deserters. His officers were generally for- 
 eign, with some Americans. With this assemblage, the count 
 took the field ; and after serving some time in the northern ar- 
 my, he was sent to the south, and fell at the battle of Savan- 
 nah. There slumbers the gallant Pole, the immortal Pulaski, 
 who threw himself into the arms of America, and professed 
 himself the champion of her rights ; and in the unfortunate af- 
 fair of Savannah, sealed with his blood, the rising liberties 
 of his adopted country. 
 
 He was sober, diligent and intrepid, gentlemanly in his 
 manners, and amiable in heart. He was very reserved, and, 
 when alone, betrayed strong evidence of deep melancholy. 
 Those who knew him intimately, spoke highly of the sub- 
 limity of his virtue, and the constancy of his friendship. Com- 
 manding this heterogeneous corps badly equipped and worse 
 mounted, this brave Pole encountered difficulties ajid sought 
 danger. Nor is there a doubt if he had been conversant in 
 our language, and better acquainted with our customs and 
 country, he would have become one of our most conspicuous 
 and useful officers. 
 
 General Lee, to whom we are indebted for this sketch, 
 gives the following account in his memoirs, of the attack on 
 Savannah, where it will be found the intrepid Pulaski made a 
 gallant effort to retrieve the fortune of the day. 
 
 " On the 9th of October, 1779, the allied troops under the 
 count d'Estaing and general Lincoln, moved to the assault. 
 The serious stroke having been committed to two columns, 
 one was led by d'Estaing and Lincoln united, the other by 
 
PULASKI. 391 
 
 count Dillon ; the third column moved upon the enemy's cen- 
 tre and left, first to attract attention, and lastly to press any 
 advantage which might be derived from the assault by our 
 left. 
 
 "The troops acted well their parts and the issue hung for 
 some time suspended. Dillon's column, mistaking its route 
 in the darkness of the morning, failed in co-operation, and 
 very much reduced the force of the attack : while d'Estaing 
 and Lincoln, concealed by the same darkness, drew with ad- 
 vantage near the enemy's lines undiscovered. Notwithstan- 
 ding this loss of concert in assault by the two columns des- 
 tined to carry the enemy, noble and determined was the ad- 
 vance. The front of the first was greatly thinned by the foe, 
 sheltered in his strong and safe defences, and aided by batte- 
 ries operating not only in front but in flank. 
 
 " Regardless of the fatal fire from their covered enemy, 
 this unappalled column, led by Lincoln and d'Estaing, forced 
 the abbatis and planted their standards on the parapet. All 
 was gone, could this lodgment have been sustained. Mait- 
 land's comprehensive eye saw the menacing blow ; and his 
 vigorous mind seized the means of warding it off. He drew 
 from the disposable force, the grenadiers and marines, near- 
 est to the point gained. This united corps under lieutenant 
 colonel Glazier assumed with joy the arduous task to recover 
 the lost ground. With unimpaired strength it fell upon the 
 worried head of the victorious column ; who, though piercing 
 the enemy in one point, had not spread along the parapet ; 
 and the besieged bringing up superior force, victory was sup- 
 pressed in its birth. The triumphant standards were torn 
 down ; and the gallant soldiers, who had gone so far towards 
 the goal of conquest, were tumbled into the ditch and driven 
 through the abbatis. About this time that Maitland was pre- 
 paring this critical movement, count Pulaski, at the head of 
 two hundred horse, threw himself upon the works to force 
 his way into the enemy's rear. Receiving a mortal wound, 
 this brave officer fell ; and his fate arrested the gallant ef- 
 fort which might have changed the issue of the day. Re- 
 pulsed in every point of attack, the allied generals drew off 
 their troops. The retreat was effected in good order ; no at- 
 tempt to convert it into rout being made by the British gene- 
 ral. Count d'Estaing, who, with general Lincoln, had cour- 
 ted danger to give effect to the assault, was wounded. Cap- 
 tain Tawes, of the provincial troops, signalized himself by 
 his intrepidity in defending the redoubts committed to his 
 charge, the leading points of our assault. He fell dead at 
 the gate, with his sword plunged into the body of the third 
 enemy, whom he had slain." 
 
392 PUTNAM. 
 
 Pulaski died two days after the action, and congress resol- 
 Ted that a monument should be erected to his memory. 
 
 PUTNAM, Israel, a major general in the army of the 
 United States, was born at Salem, Massachusetts, January 
 7, 1718. His mind was vigorous, but it was never cultivated 
 by education. When he for the first time went to Boston, he 
 >vas insulted for his rusticity by a boy of twice his size. Af- 
 ter bearing his sarcasms until his good nature was entirely 
 exhausted, he attacked and vanquished the unmannerly fel- 
 low to the great diversion of a crowd of spectators. In run- 
 ning, leaping, and wrestling, he almost always bore away 
 the prize. In 1739, he removed to Pomfret, in Connecticut* 
 where he cultivated a considerable tract of land. He had 
 however to encounter many difficulties, and among his trou- 
 bles, the depredations of wolves on his sheepfold was not the 
 least. In one night seventy fine sheep and goats were killed. 
 A she wolf, who, with her annual whelps had for several 
 years infested the vicinity, being considered as the principal 
 cause of the havoc, Mr. Putnam entered into a combination 
 with a number of his neighbours to hunt alternately, till they 
 should destroy her. At length the hounds drove her into her 
 den, and a number of persons soon collected with guns, 
 straw, fire, and sulphur, to attack the common enemy. But 
 the dogs were afraid to approach her, and the fumes of brim- 
 stone could not force her from the cavern. It was now ten 
 o'clock at night. Mr. Putnam proposed to his black servant 
 to descend into the cave, and shoot the wolf; but, as the ne- 
 gro declined, he resolved to do it himself. Having divested 
 himself of his coat and w aistcoat, and having a long rope 
 fastened round his legs, by which he might be pulled back at 
 a concerted signal, he entered the cavern, head foremost, 
 with a blazing torch, made of strips of birch bark, in his 
 hand. He descended fifteen feet, passed along horizontally 
 ten feet, and then began the gradual ascent, which is sixteen 
 feet in length. He slowly proceeded on his hands and knees, 
 in an abode which was silent as the house of death. Cau- 
 tiously glancing forwards, he discovered the glaring eye- 
 balls of the wolf, who started at the sight of his torch, gnash- 
 ed her teeth, and gave a sullen growl. He immediately kick- 
 ed the rope, and was drawn out with a friendly celerity and 
 violence, which not a little bruised him. Loading his gun 
 with nine buckshot, and carrying it in one hand, while he 
 held the torch with the other, he descended a second time. 
 As he approached the wolf, she howled, rolled her eyes, snap- 
 ped her teeth, dropped her head between her legs, and was 
 evidently on the point of springing at him. At this moment 
 he fired at her head, and soon found himself drawn out of the 
 
PUTNAM. 393 
 
 I uve. Having refreshed himself, lie again descended, and 
 seizing the wolf by her ears, kicked the rope, and his, com- 
 panions above, with no small exultation, dragged them both 
 out together. 
 
 During the French war he was appointed to command a 
 company of the first troops which were raised in Connecti- 
 cut, in 1755. He rendered much service to the army in the 
 neighborhood of Crown Point. In 1756, while near Ticon- 
 deroga, he was repeatedly in the most imminent danger, He 
 escaped in an adventure of one night with twelve bullet holes 
 in his blanket. In August he was sent out with several hun- 
 dred men to watch the motions of the enemy. Being ambus- 
 caded by a party of equal numbers, a general, but irregular 
 action took place. Putnam had discharged his fusee se\eral 
 times, but at length it missed fire while its muzzle was pre- 
 sented to the breast of a savage. The warrior with his lifted 
 hatchet and a tremendous war-whoop compelled him to sur- 
 render, and then bound him to a tree. In the course of the ac- 
 tion the parties changed their position, so as to bring this 
 tree directly between them. The balls flew by him inces- 
 santly ; many struck the tree, and some passed through his 
 clothes. The enemy now gained possession of the ground, 
 but being afterwards driven from the field, they carried their 
 prisoners with them. At night he was stripped, and a fire 
 was kindled to roast him alive. For this purpose they led 
 him into a dark forest, stripped him naked, bound him to a 
 tree, and piled dry brush, with other fuel, at a small dis- 
 tance, in a circle round him. They accompanied their la- 
 bors, as if for his funeral dirge, with screams and sounds, 
 inimitable but by savage voices. Then they set the piles on 
 fire. A sudden shower damped the rising flame. Still they 
 strove to kindle it ; at last the blaze ran fiercely round the 
 circle. Major Putnam soon began to feel the scorching heat. 
 His hands were so tied that he could move his body. He often 
 shifted sides as the fire approached. This sight, at the very 
 idea of which, all but savages must shudder, afforded the 
 highest diversion to his inhuman tormentors, who demon- 
 strated the delirium of their joy by correspondent yells, dan- 
 ces, and gesticulations. He saw clearly that his final hour 
 was inevitably come, He summoned all his resolution, and 
 composed his mind, so far as the circumstances could admit, 
 to bid an eternal farewell to all he held most dear. To quit 
 the world would scarcely have cost a single pang : but for 
 the idea of home, but for the remembrance of domestic en- 
 dearments, of the affectionate partner of his sonl, and of their 
 beloved offspring. His thought was ultimately fixed on a 
 happier state of existence, beyond the tortures he was begin - 
 
 50 
 
394 PUTNAM. 
 
 ning to endure. The bitterness of death, even of that death 
 which is accompanied with the keenest agonies, was, in a 
 manner, past : nature, with a feeble struggle, was quitting 
 its last hold on sublunary things, when a French officer rush- 
 ed through the crowd, opened a way by scattering the burn- 
 ing brands, and unbound the victim. It was Molang himself, 
 to whom a savage, unwilling to see another human victim 
 immolated, had run and communicated the tidings. That 
 commandant spurned and severely reprimanded the barba- 
 rians, whose nocturnal powwas and hellish orgies he sud- 
 denly ended. Putnam did not want for feeling or gratitude. 
 The French commander, fearing to trust him alone with 
 them, remained till he could safely deliver him into the hands 
 of his master. 
 
 The savage approached his prisoner kindly, and seemed to 
 treat him with particular affection. He offered him some 
 hard biscuit; but finding that he could not chew them, on ac- 
 count of the blow he had received from the Frenchman, this 
 more humane savage soaked some of the bisruit in water, and 
 made him suck the pulp-like part. Determined, however, not 
 to lose his captive, the refreshment being finished, he took 
 the moccasons from his feet, and tied them to one of his 
 wrists ; then directing him to lie down on his bark on the 
 bare ground, he stretched one arm to its full length, and 
 bound it fast to a young tree ; the other arm was extended 
 and bound in the same manner : his legs were stretched apart, 
 and fastened to two sapplings. Then a number of tall, but 
 slender poles were cut down, which, with some long bushes, 
 were laid across his body from head to foot : on each side lay 
 as many Indians as could conveniently find lodging, in order 
 to prevent the possibility of his escape. In this disagreeable 
 and painful posture he remained till morning. During the 
 night, the longest and most dreary conceivable, our hero used 
 to relate that he felt a ray of cheerfulness come casually 
 across his mind, and could not e\en refrain from smiling 
 when he reflected on this ludicrous group for a painter, of 
 which he himself was the principal figure. 
 
 The next day he was allowed his blanket and moccasons, 
 and permitted to march without carrying any pack, or re- 
 ceiving any insult. To allay his extreme hunger, a little 
 bear's meat was given, which he sucked through his teeth. 
 At night the party arrived at Ticonderoga, and the prisoner 
 was placed under the care of a French guard. 
 
 The savages, who had been prevented from glutting their 
 diabolical thirst for blood, took this opportunity of manifest- 
 ing their malevolence for the disappointment, by horrid gri- 
 maces and angry gestures ; but they were suffered no more 
 to offer violence or personal indignity to him. 
 
PUTNAM. 595 
 
 After having been examined by tbe Marquis de Montcalm, 
 Major Putnam was conducted to Montreal by a French offi- 
 cer, who treated him with tiic greatest indulgence and hu- 
 manity. 
 
 At this place were several prisoners. Colonel Peter Schuy- 
 ler, remarkable for his philanthropy, generosity, and friend- 
 ship, was of tbe number. No sooner bad be heard of Major 
 Putnam's arrival, tban be went to the interpreter's quarters, 
 and inquired whether be bad a Provincial major in his cus- 
 tody. He found Major Putnam in a comfortless condition, 
 without coat, waistcoat, or bose ; tbe remnant of bis clothing 
 miserably dirty and ragged, his beard long and squalid, his 
 legs torn by thorns and briers, his face gashed with wounds, 
 and swollen with bruises. Colonel Schuyler, irritated beyond 
 all sufferance at such a sight, could scarcely restrain his 
 speech within limits consistent with tbe prudence of a priso- 
 ner, and tbe meekness of a Christian. Major Putnam was 
 immediately treated according to his rank, clothed in a de- 
 cent manner, and supplied with money by this liberal and 
 sympathetic patron of the distressed ; and by his assistance 
 he was soon after exchanged. 
 
 When general Amherst was marching across the country 
 to Canada, the army coming to one of the lakes, which they 
 were obliged to pass, found the French had an armed vessel 
 of twelve guns upon it. He was in great distress, his boats 
 were no match for her ; and she alone was capable of sinking 
 his whole army in that situation. While he was pondering 
 what should be done, Putnam comes to him, and says, "Gen- 
 eral, that ship must be taken." " Aye," says Amherst, "I 
 would give the world she was taken." " I'll take her," says 
 Putnam. Amherst smiled, and asked how? "Give me some 
 wedges, a beetle, (a large wooden hammer, or maul, used 
 for driving wedges,) and a few men of my own choice." Am- 
 herst could not conceive how an armed vessel was to be taken 
 by four or five men, a beetle and wedges. However, he gran- 
 ted Putnam's request. When night came, Putnam, with his 
 materials and men, went in a boat under tbe vessel's stern, 
 and in an instant drove in the wedges between the rudder 
 and ship, and left her. In the morning, the sails were seen 
 fluttering about: she was adrift in the middle of the lake ; and 
 being presently blown ashore, was easily taken. 
 
 At the commencement of hostilities between tbe colonies 
 and the mother country, Colonel Putnam, on hearing of the 
 battle at Lexington, left bis plough in the middle of the field, 
 and without changing bis clothes, repaired to Cambridge, 
 riding in a single day one hundred miles. He was soon ap- 
 pointed a major general in the provincial army, and return- 
 
s9o PUTNAM, 
 
 ing to Connecticut, he made no delay in bringing on a bodv 
 of troops. 
 
 Among other examples of patriotism that might be related, 
 the following is from a living witness. The day that the re- 
 port of the battle of Lexington reached Barnstable, a com- 
 pany of militia immediately assembled and marched off to 
 Cambridge. In the front rank there was a young man, the 
 son of a respectable farmer, and his only child. In marching 
 from the village, as they passed his house, he came out to 
 meet them. There was a momentary halt. The drum and 
 fifi paused for an instant. The father, suppressing a strong 
 and evident emotion, said, " God be with you all. my friends! 
 and John, if you, my son, are called into battle, take care 
 that you behave like a man, or else let me never see your face 
 again!" A tear started into every eye, and the march was 
 resumed. 
 
 Not long after his appointment, the commander of the Bri- 
 tish army, unwilling that so valuable an officer should act in 
 opposition, privately conveyed to him a proposal that if he 
 would quit the rebel party, he might rely on being made a 
 major general in the British establishment, and receiving a 
 great pecuniary compensation for his services ; but he spurn- 
 ed the offer. On the 16th of June, 1775, it was determined 
 in a council of war, at which General Putnam assisted, that 
 a fortified post should be established at or near Bunker hill. 
 General Putnam marched with the first detachment, and com- 
 menced the work : he was the principal agent or engineer 
 who traced the lines of the redoubt, and he continued most if 
 not all the night with the workmen ; at any rate he was on 
 the spot before sun-rising in the morning, and had taken his 
 station on the top of Bunker hill, and participated in ihc 
 danger, as well as the glory of that day. 
 
 When the army was organized by general Washington at 
 Cambridge, general Putnam was appointed to command the 
 reserve. In August, 1776, he war- stationed at Brooklyn, on 
 Long Island. After the defeat of our army, on the 27th of 
 that month, he went to New York, and was very serviceable 
 in the city and neighborhood. In October or November, he 
 was sent* to Philadelphia to fortify that city. In January, 
 1777, he was directed to take post at Princeton, where he 
 continued until spring. At this place, a sick prisoner, a cap- 
 tain, requested that a friend in the British army at Bruns- 
 wick, might be sent for, to assist him in making his will. 
 Putnam was perplexed. He had but fifty men under his com- 
 mand, and did not wish to have his weakness known ; but 
 yet he was unwilling to deny the request. He, however, 
 sent a flag of truce, and directed the officer to be brought in 
 the night. In the evening, lights were placed in all the col- 
 
PUTNAM. Stt 
 
 icge windows, and in every apartment of the vacant houses 
 throughout the town. The officer, on his return, reported 
 that general Putnam's army, could not consist of less than 
 four or five-thousand men. In the spring, he was appointed 
 to the command of a separate army, in the highlands of New 
 Yoi'k. One Palmer, a lieutenant in the tory new levies, was 
 detected in the camp : governor Tyron reclaimed him as a 
 British officer, threatening vengeance if he was not restored. 
 General Putnam wrote the following pithy reply. 
 
 " Sir — Nathan Palmer, a lieutenant in your king's ser- 
 vice was taken in my camp as a spy : lie was tried as a spy ; 
 he was condemned as a spy ; and he shall be hanged as a spy. 
 
 « ISRAEL PUTNAM." 
 
 "P. S. Afternoon. He is hanged." 
 
 After the loss of fort Montgomery, the commander in chief 
 determined to build another fortification, and he directed ge- 
 neral Putnam to fix on a spot. To him belongs the praise of 
 having chosen West Point. The campaign of 1779, which 
 was principally spent in strengthening the works at this place, 
 finished the military career of Putnam. A paralytic affec- 
 tion impaired the activity of his body, and he passed the re- 
 mainder of his days in retirement, retaining his relish for en- 
 joyment, his love of pleasantry, his strength of memory, and 
 all the faculties of his mind. 
 
 He died at Brookiine, Connecticut, May 29, 1790, aged 
 seventy two years. 
 
 PUTNAM, Rufus, was born in Sutton, in the state of 
 Massachusetts. At the age of sixteen, he entered what is called 
 the old French war, in 1756. In our revolutionary struggle, 
 he took an active and decided part. He commanded a regi- 
 ment at the commencement of hostilities, and performed the 
 part of an engineer during the greater part of the war. To- 
 wards its close, he was appointed a brigadier-general by bre- 
 vet. In 17S6 — 7, he was engaged in organizing the Ohio 
 Company for the purpose of purchasing and settling lands in 
 the Northwest Territory. On the 7th of April. 1788. he, in 
 company with about forty others, commenced the first perma- 
 ment settlement in the territory, a part of which now com- 
 prises the state of Ohio. They located themselves at the 
 mcuth of the Muskingum river, and called their village Ma- 
 rietta. From so small a beginning he lived to see a flourish- 
 ing State, composed of nearly seventy counties, and a popu- 
 lation of seven hundred thousand inhabitants. So rapid a 
 progress in population, is without parallel in the United 
 States. In 1789, President Washington appointed him a 
 Judge of the Supreme Court of the Northwestern Territory, 
 and, in 1791, he was appointed a Brigadier General in the 
 
S9S RAMSAY. 
 
 army of the United States under General Wayne. In 1795, 
 he was appointed Surveyor General of the United States, 
 which office he held during a part of the presidency of Gene- 
 ral Washington, all of Mr. Adams's, and several years un- 
 der President Jefferson. 
 
 He died at Marietta, Ohio, on the 4th of May, 1824, aged 
 eighty six years. His soul was pure and unsullied ; a chris- 
 tian that carried the mantle of charity ; liberal, generous, and 
 hospitable ; with a large share of philanthropy. In a word, 
 he was an honour to human nature. 
 
 RAMSAY, David, was born in Lancaster county, Penn- 
 sylvania, and graduated at Princeton college, New Jersey, 
 in the seventeenth year of his age. He studied physic under 
 Dr. Thomas Bond, of Philadelphia, and was the fifth who 
 obtained the degree of M. D. from the Philadelphia medical 
 school, the only institution of the kind then in America. He 
 commenced the practice of medicine in Cecil county, Mary- 
 land ; but in a short time removed to Charleston, South Ca- 
 rolina, where he continued in practice until his death. Du- 
 ring tlie revolutionary war, he espoused, with ardor and abi- 
 lity, the cause of his country ; and when Charleston fell in- 
 to the hands of the enemy, he was with many other distin- 
 guished patriots, transported to St. Augustine, where lie suf- 
 fered a long and rigorous imprisonment, during which he 
 employed himself in historical researches and writings. In 
 1782, '83, '85, and *86, he represented South Carolina in the 
 Congress of the United States ; and for the last six months of 
 that period filled the Presidential chair, in the absence of 
 John Hancock. He represented the city of Charleston in the 
 state legislature, for twenty one successive years, for the last 
 seven of which he was President of the senate of that state. 
 To good natural abilities, and a liberal education, he added 
 close application to public business and private studies; and 
 the opportunities which his legislative stations gave him, 
 were diligently improved in the collection of official and au- 
 thentic materials for the various historical works which he 
 was engaged in. The principal of these, were his Universal 
 History Americanised ; History of America, in three vo- 
 lumes ; History of the Revolution, in two volumes ; and His- 
 tory of South Carolina, in two volumes. Besides these, he 
 published many orations and essays on medical and political 
 subjects ; and an Historic and Biographic Chart of the Uni- 
 ted States. As an historian and physician, he deservedly 
 ranks high ; and as a patriot and christian, he was revered 
 and esteemed. He was cut off in the midst of his honours 
 and usefulness, by a man whose insanity he was called to bear 
 testimony to as a physician in a court of justice ; and who, 
 
RANDOLPH. 399 
 
 \n revenge, assassinated him in the street soon after. He lin- 
 gered a few days, and died on the 6th of May, 1815. 
 3 RANDOLPH, Peyton, first President of Congress, de- 
 scended from one of the most ancient and respectable fami- 
 lies in Virginia, of which colony he was attorney general, as 
 early as 1748. In 1756, he formed a company of a hundred 
 gentlemen, who engaged as volunteers against the Indians. 
 He commanded a company in the regiment commanded by Co- 
 lonel Washington. In 1764, he was elected a member of the 
 house of burgesses. In 1766, having resigned the office of at- 
 torney general, he was chosen speaker of the assembly, to 
 the great satisfaction of all classes of his fellow citizens. In 
 1769, a new assembly was convened by Lord Botetourt, who 
 had lately arrived as governor. This assembly proceeded to 
 the immediate consideration of a new grievance which was 
 about to fall on the colonies. This was the threatened trans- 
 portation to England, for trial, of all persons who might be 
 charged with treason in the province of Massachusetts ; a 
 measure which had passed both houses of parliament. The 
 assembly of Virginia added a decided protest to the measure, 
 and a copy of their resolutions was ordered to be sent to the 
 colonial assemblies throughout the continent, with a request 
 that they would concur therein. The assembly being sudden- 
 ly dissolved by the governor, the members convened at a pri- 
 vate house, where, having chosen Mr. Randolph as Modera- 
 tor, they entered into a non-importation agreement, the arti- 
 cles of which were signed by every one present ; among 
 whom were Peyton Randolph, George Washington, Thomas 
 Jefferson, Patrick Henry, R. C. Nicholas, and many others, 
 second to those only in the remembrance of their country. 
 
 Intelligence of the act of parliament, shutting up the port 
 of Boston, reached Williamsburg on the 26th of May. The 
 house of burgesses, then in session, instantly resolved, that 
 the first of June, the day on which the act was to go into 
 operation, should be set apart as a day of fasting, humilia- 
 tion, and prayer; that the divine interposition might then be 
 implored, either to avert the threatening evils of civil war, 
 or to give to the people energy and union, to meet them with 
 spirit and effect. In the midst of further animated debate, 
 the assembly was abruptly dissolved by Lord Dunmore. But 
 the members, soon after, met as private citizens, and, their 
 late speaker, Mr. Randolph, presiding, they unanimously sign- 
 ed an address to their countrymen ; in which, after recom- 
 mending to them to abstain from the purchase or use of East 
 India commodities, they declare, that the late attack on the 
 rights of a sister colony, menaced ruin to the rights of all,. 
 unless the united wisdom of the whole should be applied; and 
 
400 RANDOLPH. 
 
 the committee of correspondence, of which Mr. Randolph was 
 chairman, were therefore instructed to communicate with the 
 other colonies on the expediency of calling a general congress 
 of delegates, to meet annually, for the purpose of deliberating 
 on those general measures, which the united interests of Amer- 
 ica might from time to time require. It may be necessary to 
 remark, that the meeting of the first congress at Philadelphia, 
 in the September following, was a consequence of this recom- 
 mendation. 
 
 On the first day of August, the convention of deputies elec- 
 ted by the several counties of Virginia, assembled at Wil- 
 liamsburg, and Peyton Randolph was chosen their chairman. 
 The first act of this body was a declaration of the necessity 
 of a general congress, in order that redress might be procu- 
 red for the much injured province of Massachusetts, and that 
 the other provinces might be secured from the ravage and 
 ruin of arbitrary taxes. In pursuance of this declaration, on 
 the fifth of the same month, they chose seven of their most 
 distinguished members, to represent the colony in general 
 congress ; among these were Peyton Randolph, George 
 Washington, Edmund Pendleton, Richard Henry Lee, and 
 Patrick Henry. The convention, however, did not dissolve 
 itself, until it had entered into a solemn agreement, which it 
 also recommended to the people, not to import British mer- 
 chandize or manufactures, nor to import nor even use the 
 article of tea ; and in case the American grievances were not 
 redressed before the tenth of the next August, to cease the 
 exportation of tabacco, or any other article whatever to 
 Great Britain. 
 
 On the meeting of the first general congress at Philadel- 
 phia, on the fifth day of September, 1774, Peyton Randolph 
 was called, by the united voice of the members, to preside 
 over their deliberations. The character and proceedings of 
 that august and enlightened assembly are so well known to 
 the world, that to dwell upon them here would be superfluous. 
 It may be permitted, however, to mention a remarkable oc- 
 currence which took place on the opening of congress, re- 
 garding as it docs, a personage, respecting whom e\en tri- 
 fles become interesting. It is related, on the authority of the 
 venerable Charles Thompson, that, upon the house being 
 summoned to prayers, and their chaplain having commenced 
 the service, it was perceived, that of all the members present, 
 George Washington was the only one who was upon his 
 knees. A striking circumstance, certainly, and adding ano- 
 ther trait to the character of a man, who seemed destined to 
 be, in every situation distinguished from his fellow mortals. 
 
 The severe indisposition of Mr. Randolph obliged him tore 
 
RANDOLPH. 401 
 
 tire from the chair on the 22d October of this year, and he 
 was succeeded by the honourable Henry Middleton as presi- 
 dent of congress. But his country was not yet to be deprived 
 of his valuable services; on the 20th of March 1775, he ap- 
 peared as president of the convention of deputies, convened at 
 the town of Richmond, and was again elected a delegate to 
 the general congress which was to be held at Philadelphia, 
 on the 10th of the following May. But, before he left Vir- 
 ginia a second time, he had more than one occasion of display- 
 ing the uncommon moderation of his character. About the 
 middle of April, the conduct of lord Dunmore, in clandestine- 
 ly removing on board a ship of war, the powder of the city, 
 together with his violent menaces against Williamsburg, had 
 necessarily excited the resentment of the people ; they were 
 even upon the point of entering his house in an armed body ; 
 and nothing, probably, but the timely interference of their 
 venerated townsman, Randolph, would have saved the gover- 
 nor from their violence. A considerable number of the inha- 
 bitants of the upper country had also risen in arms. They 
 assembled at Fredericksburg, and had just come to a deci- 
 sion to march towards Williamsburg, when Mr. Randolph 
 arrived there on his way to Philadelphia. His advice, joined 
 by that of his friend Edmund Pendleton, had its usual influ- 
 ence, and the volunteer companies, generally, returned ta 
 their several homes. There was, however, a remarkable ex- 
 ception to this acquiescence : a small force, commanded by 
 the warm and enthusiastic Patrick Henry, actually proceed- 
 ed to within a few miles of Williamsburg ; where their lead- 
 er, before he would disband his troops, obtained, from the 
 king's receiver general, a bill for the value of the powder in 
 question. 
 
 A few days after the meeting of Congress, in May 1775, oil 
 the arrival in America of what was called Lord North's con- 
 ciliatory proposition, Mr. Randolph again quitted the chair 
 of congress, and repaired to Williamsburg, where Lord Dun- 
 more had summoned the house of burgesses to assemble on 
 the first of June, in order that he might lay "before them the 
 proposition of the British minister. Mr. Randolph resumed 
 his situation as speaker of the house, and. when the answer 
 to Lord North was to be given, anxious that its tone and spi- 
 rit should be sucli as to have an effect upon those of the other 
 colonies that would follow, and meet the feelings of the body 
 he had left, he requested the aid of a younger and more ar- 
 dent pen ; and it is to the vigorous conception of Jefferson 
 that we owe that bold and masterly production. The opposi- 
 tion to it was but feeble, and Mr. Randolph steadily supported 
 and carried it through the house, with a few softenings only, 
 
 51 
 
402 RANDOLPH. 
 
 "which it received, in its course, from the more timid mem- 
 bers. 
 
 After the adjournment of the house of burgesses, he re» 
 turned to the congress, which was still sitting at Philadel- 
 phia. It was generally expected that Mr. Hancock, who had 
 succeeded him as President, would have resigned the chair 
 on his return. Mr. Randolph, however, took his seat as a 
 member, and entered readily into all the momentous pro- 
 ceedings of that hody. But he was not destined to witness 
 the independence of the country he had loved and served so 
 faithfully. A stroke of apoplexy deprived him of life on the 
 twenty first of October 1775, at the age of fifty two years. 
 He had accepted an invitation to dine with other company 
 near Philadelphia. He fell from his seat, and immediately 
 expired. His corpse was taken to Virginia for interment. 
 
 Peyton Randolph was, indeed, a most excellent man, and 
 no one was ever more beloved and respected by his friends. 
 In manner, he was, perhaps, somewhat cold and reserved to- 
 wards strangers, but of the sweetest affability when ripened, 
 into acquaintance ; of attic pleasantry in conversation, and 
 always good humoured and conciliatory. He Mas liberal in 
 his expences, but so strictly correct also, that he never found 
 himself involved in pecuniary embarrassment. His heart was 
 always open t-3 the amiable sensibilities of our nature ; and 
 he performed as many good acts as could have been done 
 with his fortune, without injuriously impairing his means of 
 continuing them. 
 
 As a lawyer, he was well read, and possessed a strong and 
 logical mind. His opinions were highly regarded. They 
 presented always a learned and sound view of the subject, 
 but generally, too, betraying an unwillingness to go into its 
 thorough developement. For, being heavy and inert in body, 
 he was rather too indolent and careless for business, which 
 occasioned him to have a smaller portion of it than his abili- 
 ties would have otherwise commanded. Indeed, after his ap- 
 pointment as attorney general, he did not seem to court, nor 
 scarcely to welcome business. It ought, however, to be said 
 of him to his honour, that in the discharge of that office he 
 considered himself equally charged with the rights of the co- 
 lony as with those of the crown : and that, in criminal pro- 
 secutions, exaggerating nothing, he aimed only to arrive at 
 a candid and just state of the transaction, believing it more 
 a duty to save an innocent, than to convict a guilty, man. 
 
 As a politician he was firm in his principles, and steady in 
 his opposition to foreign usurpation ; but, with the other 
 older members of the assembly, generally yielding the lead 
 to the younger ; contenting himself with tempering their ex- 
 
REED. 40S 
 
 Irene ardour, and so far moderating their pace, as to prevent 
 rheii* going too much in advance of public sentiment. He 
 presided in the house of burgesses, and subsequently, in the 
 general congress, with uncommon dignity ; and, although 
 not eloquent, yet when he spoke, his mutter was so substan- 
 tial, that no man commanded more attention. This, joined 
 with the universal knowledge of his worth, gave him a weight 
 in the assembly of Virginia, which few ever attained. 
 
 He left no issue, and his fortune was bequeathed to his wi- 
 dow, and his nephew, the late Edmund Randolph. 
 
 REED, Joseph, President of the state of Pennsylvania, 
 born in the state of Nev- Jersey, the 27th of August, A, D. 
 1741. In the year 1757, at the early age of sixteen, he grad- 
 uated with considerable honour, at Princeton college. Hav- 
 ing studied the law with Richard Stockton, Esquire, an emi- 
 nent counsellor of that place, he visited England and pursu- 
 ed his studies in the temple, until the disturbances which first 
 broke out in the colonies on the passage of the stamp act. Ou 
 his return to his native country, he commenced the practice 
 of the law. and bor? a distinguished part in the political com- 
 motions of the day. Having married the daughter of Dennis 
 De Berdt, an eminent merchant of London, and before the 
 American revolution, agent for the province of Massachu- 
 setts, he soon after returned to America and practised the law 
 with eminent success in the city of Philadelphia. Finding 
 that reconciliation with the mother country was not to he ac- 
 complished without the sacrifice of honour as well as liberty, 
 he became one of the most zealous advocates of independence. 
 In 1774, he was appointed one of the committee of corres- 
 pondence of Philadelphia, and afterwards president of the 
 convention, and, subsequently, member of the continental 
 congress. On the formation of the army he resigned a lucra- 
 tive practice, which he was enjoying at Philadelphia, and re- 
 paired to the camp at Cambridge, where he was appointed 
 aid-de-camp and secretary to General Washington ; and al- 
 though merely acting as a volunteer, he displayed in this 
 campaign, on many occasions, the greatest courage and mili- 
 tary ability. At the opening of the campaign in 1776, on the 
 promotion of General Gates, he was advanced, at the special 
 recommendation of General Washington, to the post of ad- 
 jutant-general, and bore an active part in this campaign, his 
 local knowledge of the country being eminently useful in the 
 affair at Trenton, and at the battle of Princeton : in the course 
 of these events, and the constant follower of his fortunes, he 
 enjoyed the confidence and esteem of the commander in chief, 
 At the end of the year he resigned the office of adjutant-gene- 
 ral, and was immediately appointed a geueral officer, irith a 
 
404 REED. 
 
 view to tlic command of cavalry ; but owing to the difficulty 
 of raising troops, and the very detached parties in which they 
 were employed, he was prevented from acting in that station. 
 He still attended the army, and from the entrance of the Bri- 
 tish army into Pennsylvania, till the close of the campaign in 
 1777, he was seldom absent. He was engaged at the battle 
 of Gcrmantown, and at White Marsh assisted general Pottcp 
 in drawing up the militia. In 1778, he was appointed a mem- 
 ber of Congress, and signed the articles of confederation. 
 About this time the British commissioners, governor John- 
 stone, lord Carlisle, and Mr. Eden, invested with power to 
 treat of peace, arrived in America- and governor Johnstone, 
 the principal of them, addressed private letters to Henry 
 Laurens, Joseph Reed, Francis Dana, and Robert Morris, 
 offering them many advantages in case they would lend 
 themselves to his views. Private information was communi- 
 cated from governor Johnstone to general Reed, that in case 
 lie would exert his abilities to promote a reconciliation, ten 
 thousand pounds sterlitig, and the most valuable office in the 
 colonies, were at his disposal; to which Mr. Reed made this 
 memorable reply : " that he ivas not worth purchasing ; but 
 that, such as he was, the king of Great Britain was not rich 
 enough to do it." These transactions caused a resolution in 
 congress, by which they refused to hold any further commu- 
 nication with that commissioner. Governor Johnstone, on 
 bis return to England, denied, in parliament, ever having 
 made such offers ; in consequence of which general Reed pub- 
 lished a pamphlet in which the whole transaction was clear- 
 ly and satisfactorily proved, and which was extensively cir- 
 culated, both in England and America. 
 
 In 1778, he was unanimously elected president of the su- 
 preme executive council of the state of Pennsylvania, to 
 which office he was elected annually, with equal unanimity, 
 for the constitutional period of three years. About this time 
 there existed violent parties in the state, and several serious 
 commotions occurred, particularly a large armed insurrec- 
 tion in the city of Philadelphia, which he suppressed, and 
 rescued a number of distinguished citizens from the most im- 
 minent danger of their lives at the risk of his own, for which 
 he received a vote of thanks from the legislature of the state. 
 
 At the time of the defection. of the Pennsylvania line, go- 
 vernor Reed exerted himself strenuously to bring back the 
 revolters, in which he ultimately succeeded. Amidst the most 
 difficult and trying scenes, his administration exhibited the 
 most disinterested zeal and firmness of decision. In the civil 
 part of his character, his knowledge of the law was very use- 
 ful in a new and unsettled government ; so that, although be 
 
REED. 405 
 
 found in it no small weakness and confusion, he left it at the 
 expiration of his term of office, in as much tranquillity and en- 
 ergy as could be expected from the time and circumstances of 
 the war. In the year 1781, on the expiration of his term of 
 office, he returned to the duties of his profession. 
 
 General Reed was very fortunate in his military career, 
 for. although he was in almost every engagement in the 
 northern and eastern section of the union, during the war, he 
 never was wounded : he had three horses killed under him, 
 one at the hattle of Brandy wine, one in the skirmish at White 
 Marsh, and one at the battle of Monmouth. During the 
 whole of the war he enjoyed the confidence and friendship of 
 generals Washington. Greene, Wayne, Steuben, la Fayette, 
 and many others of the most distinguished characters of the 
 revolution, with whom he was in habits of the most confiden- 
 tial intercourse and correspondence. The friendship that 
 existed between general Reed and general Greene, is parti- 
 cularly mentioned by the biographer of general Greene. 
 "Among the many inestimable friends who attached them- 
 selves to him. during his military career, there was no one 
 whom general Greene prized more, or more justly, than the 
 late governor Reed, of Pennsylvania. It was before this gen- 
 tleman had immortalized himself by his celebrated reply to 
 the agent of corruption, that these two distinguished patriots 
 had begun to feel for each other, the sympathies of congenial 
 souls. Mr. Reed had accompanied general Washington to 
 Boston, when he first took command of the American army; 
 where he became acquainted with Greene, and, as was almost 
 invariably the case with those who became acquainted with 
 him, and had hearts to acknowledge his worth, a friendship 
 ensued which lasted with their lives." Had the life of 
 general Reed been sufficiently prolonged, he would have dis- 
 charged, in a manner worthy of the subject, the debt of na- 
 tional gratitude to which the efforts of the biographer of gene- 
 ral Greene have been successfully dedicated, who had in 
 his possession the outlines of a sketch of the life of general 
 Greene by this friend. 
 
 In the year 1784, he again visited England for the sake of 
 his health, but his voyage was attended with but little effect 
 as in the following year he fell a victim to a disease, most 
 probably brought on by the fatigue and exposure to which he 
 was constantly subjected. In private life, he was accomplish- 
 ed in his manners, pure in his morals, fervent and faithful in 
 his attachments. 
 
 On the 5th of March, 1785, in the 43d year of his age, too 
 soon for his country and his friends, he departed a life, ac- 
 tive, useful, and glorious. His remains were interred in the 
 
406 REVERE— RUSH. 
 
 Presbyterian ground, in Arch street, in the city of Philadel- 
 phia, attended by the president and executive council, and the 
 speaker am! the general assembly of the state. 
 
 REVERE. Paul, was an active and influential patriot at 
 the commencement of the revolution, associating with a num- 
 ber of mechanics who watched with a vigilant eye every move 
 of the British, and promptly communicated intelligence to the 
 proper authority. In the evening preceding the 19th of April, 
 1775. Colonel Revere was one of the first who discovered 
 that a British detachment was ordered on an expedition into 
 the country, and with the utmost despatch repaired to Lex- 
 ington, spreading the alarm among the militia, and giving 
 notice to Messrs. Hancock and Adams, who were then at the 
 house of the clergyman in that town, that they might escape 
 the impending danger. Colonel Revere was afterwards 
 appointed to command a regiment of artillery in the militia, 
 and was on the unfortunate Penobscot expedition in the sum- 
 mer of 1779. He was through life, esteemed for unimpeach- 
 able integrity, attachment to correct political principles, and 
 as a useful citizen. He died in Boston, 1818, in his eighty 
 fourth year. 
 
 RUSH. Benjamin, was born the 24th of December, 1745. 
 on his father's estate, about twelve miles from the city ot 
 Philadelphia. His ancestors followed William Penn from 
 England to Pennsylvania, in the year 1683. His father died 
 while he was yet young. At the age of nine years he was 
 placed under the care of his maternal uncle, the Rev. Dr. 
 Samuel Finley, an excellent scholar, whose talents and learn- 
 ing afterwards elevated him to the presidency of Princeton 
 college. At this school young Rush remained five years. At 
 the age of fourteen, after completing his course of classical 
 studies, he was removed to the college at Princeton, then un- 
 der the superintendence of President Davis. At college young 
 Rush became distinguished for his talents, his uncommon pro- 
 gress in his studies, and especially for his eloquence in pub- 
 lic speaking. 
 
 In the year 1760, at the early age of fifteen, young Rush 
 received the degree of Bachelor of Arts. The next succeed- 
 ing six years were devoted to the study of medicine, under 
 Dr. John Redman, at that time an eminent practitioner in. 
 the city of Philadelphia. Having, with great fidelity, com- 
 pleted his course of medical studies under Dr. Redman, he 
 embarked for Europe, and passed two years at the universi- 
 ty of Edinburg, attending the lectures of those celebrated 
 professors, Dr. Munro, Dr. Gregory, Dr. Cullen, and Dr. 
 Black. 
 
 In the spring of 1768, he received the degree of Doctor of 
 
RUSH. 407 
 
 Medicine. From Edinburg. Dr. Rush proceeded to London^ 
 where, in attendance upon the hospitals of that city, he made 
 many accessions to the stock of knowledge already acquired. 
 In the spring of 1769, after visiting Paris, he returned to 
 his native country, and immediately commenced the practice 
 of physic in the city of Philadelphia, in which he soon be- 
 came eminently distinguished. In a few months he was elec- 
 ted a professor in the medical school which had been recent- 
 ly established by the exertions of Dr. Shippen, Dr. Kuhn, 
 Dr. Morgan, and Dr. Bond. 
 
 But Dr. Rush did not confine his attention and pursuits 
 either to the practice of medicine, or to the duties of his pro- 
 fessorship : his ardent mind did not permit him to be an in- 
 active spectator of those important public events which oc- 
 curred in the early period of his life. 
 
 The American revolution ; the independence of his coun- 
 try ; the establishment of a new T constitution of government 
 for the United States, and the amelioration of the constitu- 
 tion of his own particular state, all successively interested 
 his feelings, and induced him to take an active concern in the 
 scenes that were passing. He held a seat in the celebrated 
 congress of 1776, as a representative of the state of Penn- 
 sylvania, and subscribed the ever memorable instrument of 
 American independence. In 1777 he was appointed physi- 
 cian general of the military hospital for the middle depart- 
 ment : and in the year 1787, he received the additional grati- 
 fication and evidence of his country's confidence in his ta- 
 lents, his integrity, and his patriotism, by being chosen a 
 member of the state convention for the adoption of the fede- 
 ral constitution. 
 
 These great events being accomplished, Dr. Rush gradu- 
 ally retired from political life, resolved to dedicate the re- 
 mainder of his days to the practice of his profession, the per- 
 formance of his collegiate duties, and the publication of those 
 doctrines and principles in medicine which he considered 
 calculated to advance the interests of his favourite science, or 
 to diminish the evils of human life. 
 
 In 1789, Dr. Rush was elected the successor of Dr. Mor- 
 gan to the chair of the theory and practice of physic. In 
 1791, he was appointed to the professorship of the institutes 
 of medicine, and clinical practice ; and in 1805, upon the 
 resignation of Dr. Kuhn, he was chosen to the united pro- 
 fessorships of the theory and practice of physic, and of clini- 
 cal medicine, which he held the remainder of his life. 
 
 Besides these delegated and official trusts, he took, as a 
 member of the community, a very prominent concern in all 
 the leading national transactions that occurred from the com- 
 
10b RUSH. 
 
 mencement of the revolutionary war till the organization of 
 our present form of government. Contemporary with this 
 latter event was the termination of his political life. He af- 
 terwards devoted himself exclusively to his profession, and to 
 the discharge of his duties as a private citizen. The only 
 appointment he ever held under the federal government, as an 
 acknowledgment of all that he had contributed towards its 
 establishment, was that of cashier of the mint of the United 
 States. 
 
 In addition to those already enumerated, he held many 
 other places of honour and confidence, which were conferred 
 on him by the suffrages of select associations. He was, for 
 many years, one of the physicians of the Pennsylvania Hos- 
 pital, to the interests of which he most faithfully devoted a 
 portion of his time. He was president of the American So- 
 ciety for the abolition of slavery, vice president of the Phila- 
 delphia Bible Society, an early member, and, for a time, 
 president of the Philadelphia Medical Society, one of the vice 
 presidents of the American Philosophical Society, and a mem- 
 ber of many other learned and benevolent institutions, both 
 in America and Europe. 
 
 In private charities and acts of hospitality, in public con- 
 tributions for benevolent purposes, and in donations to 
 churches, colleges and other useful establishments, Dr. Rush 
 was always liberal ; more so, perhaps, during a part of his 
 life, than was consistent with his income. But his object was 
 to do good, and he recognized no value in money, except 
 what arose from the proper employment of it. His charities 
 as a physician were also extensive ; for throughout the whole 
 of his life, he regularly set apart a portion of his time for 
 the rendering of professional services to the poor. Those 
 persons in particular, who, in a season of prosperity, had 
 employed him as their physician, he never forsook in the hour 
 of their adversity, when the hand of penury was heavy on 
 their spirits. To their shattered and desponding minds he 
 feelingly administered the balm of comfort, while, by his at- 
 tention and skill, he removed or alleviated their bodily suf- 
 ferings. 
 
 But an hour awaited himself, the severities of which nei- 
 ther caution could avert, art countervail, nor all the solici- 
 tudes of kindness assuage. In the midst of his honours and 
 usefulness, advanced in years, but in the meridian of his 
 fame, he died, after a short illness, on the 19th of April, 1813. 
 From one extreme of the United States to the other, the event 
 was productive of emotions of sorrow. Since the death of 
 Washington, no man, perhaps, in America was better known, 
 more sincerely beloved, or held in higher admiration and es- 
 
SCAMMEL. 409 
 
 teem. Even in Europe the tear of sensibility descended on 
 his ashes, and the voice of eulogy was raised to his memory : 
 for the man of genius and learning, science and active phi- 
 lanthropy, becomes deservedly the favourite of the civilized 
 world. 
 
 In enumerating the excellencies of Dr. Rush's character, 
 it would be an unjustifiable omission not to mention, that du- 
 ring his whole life he was distinguished by a spirit of prac- 
 tical piety, and a strict observance of the rites and ordinan- 
 ces of the Christian religion. 
 
 His person was above the middle stature, and his figure 
 slender but well proportioned. His forehead was prominent, 
 his nose acquiline, his eyes blue, and highly animated, and 
 previously to the loss of his teeth, his mouth and chin ex- 
 pressive and comely. The diameter of his head from front 
 to back was uncommonly large. His features combined, be- 
 spoke the strength and activity of his intellect. His look 
 was fixed, and his whole demeanor thoughtful and grave. 
 
 He was temperate in his diet, neat in his dress, sociable 
 in his habits, and a well bred gentleman in his intercourse 
 with the world. In colloquial powers he had but few equals, 
 and no one, perhaps, could be held his superior. His con- 
 versation was an Attic repast, which, far from cloying, in- 
 vigorated the appetites of those who partook of it. Yet none 
 could enjoy it without being conscious of intellectual refresh- 
 ment : so ample were his resources, and so felicitous his talent 
 for the communication of knowledge. 
 
 SCAMMEL, Alexander, was born in Mention, Massa- 
 chusetts. He graduated at Harvard college, in 1769, and 
 was employed for some time as a teacher of a school, and a 
 surveyor of lands. In 1775, he was appointed brigade major, 
 and in 1776, colonel of the third battalion of continental 
 troops raised in New r Hampshire. In 1771, colonel Scammel 
 commanded the third regiment of that state, and was wound- 
 ed in the desperate battle of Saratoga. In 1780, the levy of 
 New Hampshire was reduced to two regiments, w hen he com- 
 manded the first. He was afterwards appointed adjutant ge- 
 neral of the American armies, in which office he was deser- 
 vedly popular, and secured the esteem of the officers of the 
 army generally. With this situation he became dissatisfied, 
 because it often excused him from those dangers to which 
 others were exposed ; and preferring a more active command, 
 he was put at the head of a regiment of light infantry. On 
 the 30th of September, 1781, at the memorable and successful 
 siege of Yorktown, he was officer of the day ; and while re- 
 connoitering the situation of the enemy, was surprised by a 
 party of their horse; and after being taken prisoner, was 
 
 5'? 
 
410 SCHAICK. 
 
 inhumanly wounded by them. He was conveyed to the city 
 of Williamsburg, Virginia, where he died October 6, 1781. 
 
 He was an officer of uncommon merit, and of the most 
 amiable manners ; and was sincerely regretted by all who 
 had the pleasure of his acquaintance, and particularly by the 
 officers of the American army. The following lines were 
 written the day after the capitulation of lord Cornwallis, at 
 Yorktown, and placed on the tomb-stone of colonel Scammel : 
 
 " What tho' no angel glanc'd aside the ball, 
 Nor allied arms pour'd vengeance for his fall ; 
 Brave Scammel's fame, to distant regions known, 
 Shall last beyond this monumental stone, 
 Which conqu'ring armies (from their toils return'd) 
 Rear'd to his glory, while his fate they mourn'd." 
 
 SCHAICK, Gosen Van, a brigadier general in the Uni- 
 ted States army, was the son of Sybrant G. Van Schaick, 
 Esq. formerly mayor of the city of Albany, and was born in 
 the year 1737. In the year 1756, at the early age of nine- 
 teen, he entered the British army as a lieutenant under the 
 patronage of lord Loudon, his father's friend. He served 
 through the remainder of the French war, and rose to the 
 rank of lieutenant colonel in 1760. When the revolution- 
 ary war commenced, he took sides with his native country. 
 A muster of the militia hav ing been made on the east side of 
 the Hudson river, opposite the city of Albany, not a person 
 was found among them capable of taking command. At this 
 emergency, colonel Van Schaick was requested to go over 
 and take charge of the drill ; and he particularly distinguish- 
 ed himself on that occasion by introducing confidence and re- 
 gularity among them. He afterwards commar-ded the first 
 New York regiment in the line. He was at the battle of Mon- 
 mouth court house, and in 1779, headed an expedition against 
 the Onondaga Indian settlements. With the assistance of 
 colonel Willet and major Cochran, the objects were complete- 
 ly effected and success rewarded their efforts. The enemy 
 were defeated, and the troops returned to fort Schuyler, the 
 place of rendezvous, in five days and a half after they had 
 left it, performing the arduous service required of them, and 
 a march through the wilderness of one hundred and eighty 
 miles. For this handsome display of talents as a partisan offi- 
 cer, colonel Van Schaick and the officers and soldiers under 
 his command, received the thanks of congress. 
 
 The cruelties exercised on the Wyoming and other settle- 
 ments attacked by the Indians in the course of the preceding 
 campaign, had given a great degree of importance to this ex- 
 pedition : and a deep interest was felt in its success. 
 
SCHUYLER. 411 
 
 Shortly before his death in 1784, he received a brigadier 
 general's commission in the regular line. His own fortune 
 was not a little impaired by the heavy demands made upon it, 
 by the necessities of his men, at a time when the supplies were 
 scanty ami irregular. In short he was ever a good citizen, 
 a true patriot, and a bra\c soldier. 
 
 SCHU ELER, PHiLir, a major general in the revolutiona- 
 ry war, received this appointment from congress June 19, 
 1776. He was directed to proceed immediately from New- 
 York to Ticonderoga, to secure the lakes, and to make pre- 
 parations for entering Canada. Being taken sick in Septem- 
 ber, the command devolved upon general Montgomery. On 
 his recovery he devoted himself zealously to the management 
 of the affairs in the northern department. The superintend- 
 ence of the Indian concerns claimed much of his attention. 
 On the approach of Burgoyne in 1777, he made every exertion 
 to obstruct h'»s progress; but the evacuation of Ticonderoga 
 by St. Clair, occasioning unreasonable jealousies in regard to 
 Schuyler in New England, he was superceded by general Gates 
 in August, and congress directed an inquiry to be made into 
 his conduct. It was a matter of extreme chagrin to him to 
 be recalled at the moment, when he was about to take ground 
 and to face the enemy. The patriotism and magnanimity dis- 
 played by general Schuyler, on this occasion, does him high 
 honour. AH that could have been effected, to impede the pro- 
 gress of tic British army, had been done already. Bridges 
 were broken up ; causeways destroyed : trees felled in eve- 
 ry direction to retard the conveyance of stores and artillery. 
 Patrols were employed to give speedy intelligence of every 
 movement of. the enemy, and detached corps of light troops 
 to harrass and keep up perpetual alarm. 
 
 On Gates' arrival, general Schuyler, without the slightest 
 indication of ill-humour, resigned his command, communica- 
 ted all the intelligence he possessed, and put every interest- 
 ing paper into his hands, simply adding, "I have done all 
 that could be done as far as the means were in my power, to 
 injure the enemy, and to inspire confidence in the soldiers of 
 our army, and I flatter myself with some success ; but the 
 palm of victory is denied me, and it is left to you, general, to 
 reap the fruits of my labours. I will not fail, however, to 
 second your views ; and my devotion to my country, will 
 cause me with alacrity to obey all your orders." He perform- 
 ed his promise, and faithfully did his duty, till the surrender; 
 of Burgoyne put an end to the contest. 
 
 Another anecdote is recorded to his honour. General Bur- 
 goyne, dining with general Gates immediately after the con- 
 vention of Saratoga, and general Schuyler named among the 
 
412 SERGEANT. 
 
 officers presented to him, thought it necessary to apologize lor 
 the destruction of his elegant mansion a few days hefore, by 
 his orders. " Make no excuses. General," was the reply, " I 
 feel myself more than compensated by the pleasure of meet- 
 ing you at this table." 
 
 SERGEANT, Jonathan Dickenson, a zealous patriot, 
 and eminent lawyer, was born at Princeton, in New Jersey, 
 in the year 1746. His father was Jonathan Sergeant, a high- 
 ly respectable citizen of New Jersey, and his mother was the 
 daughter of the reverend Jonathan Dickinson, the first presi- 
 dent of Princeton college, whose learned and pious writings 
 are extensively known ; and have obtained for his memory 
 the high respect due to so enlightened and faithful a servant 
 in the cause of religion and letters. The subject of this artU 
 cle studied the law with Richard Stockton, Esq. the elder. 
 He began the practice early and with decided success. When 
 the resistance commenced to the oppression of Great Britain, 
 he took at once an active and distinguished part in favour of 
 the rights of his countrymen, and throughout the whole of the 
 arduous struggle which ensued, was a stedfast and resolute 
 "whig, in the darkest periods, preserving a cheerful confidence, 
 and exerting himself with unabated vigour. 
 
 In February, 1776, he was returned a delegate from New 
 Jersey to Congress, when he became a faithful and industrious 
 member of that illustrious body. He continued in this sta- 
 tion throughout the perilous period of 1776, and part of 1777. 
 In the month of July of the latter year, he was called by the 
 state of Pennsylvania to the office of attorney general of that 
 state, which he accepted with a full sense of the laborious and 
 critical nature of the service he was thus required to render, 
 but feeling, too, that the cause of the revolution might in some 
 measure be considered as turning upon a vigorous exertion 
 of judicial authority of Pennsylvania, for it was then a very 
 prevalent opinion that her laws against treason could not be 
 enforced. On the departure of the British from Philadel- 
 phia, he removed to that city with his family, and there re- 
 sided until his death. In the distressing period that passed 
 during the occupation of Philadelphia by the British, he bore 
 a leading and prominent part in the administration of the af- 
 fairs of the state, and then became intimately acquainted with 
 the leading whigs of Pennsylvania, with whom he delighted, 
 during the remainder of his life, to maintain the relations of 
 political and personal friendship, and in concert with them, 
 to devise the measures necessary for strengthening the foun- 
 dations of liberty which had been laid in the revolution. 
 
 In 1778, congress having directed a court martial for the 
 trial of general St. Clair and other officers, in relation to the 
 
SERGEANT. 41G 
 
 • 
 evacuation of Ticonderoga, and ordered two counsellors 
 learned in the law, to be appointed to assist the judge advo- 
 cate in conducting the trial, select*! Mr. Sergeant and Mr. 
 Patterson, attorney general of New Jersey, to perform that 
 duty. 
 
 In the celebrated controversy between the states of Penn- 
 sylvania and Connecticut, concerning the Wyoming lands, 
 which was heard and determined in 1782, before a court of 
 commissioners, held under the confederation, Mr. Sergeant 
 was one of the counsel for the state of Pennsylvania. 
 
 In 1780, the storm of war having passed away, he resign- 
 ed the office of attorney general, and devoted himself to his 
 profession, in which his business was large and lucrative. 
 Declining, after the peace, like many of the patriots of 1776, 
 to accept of any office, his acquaintance was courted, and 
 his advice and aid were constantly sought by the republi- 
 cans who took part in the important transactions of those 
 days. 
 
 He continued to enjoy good health in the midst of his friends 
 and a numerous family till the pestilence of the yellow fever 
 of 1793, visited the city of Philadelphia. Terror, and alarm, 
 and flight, were the effects of the appearance of this appal- 
 ling visitor, whose strides were too gigantic and marked, not 
 to be perceived. The poor were left destitute, and the chil- 
 dren of the poor who fell victims to the disease, were orphans 
 indeed. Mr. Sergeant, with a few others, obeying the im- 
 pulse of humanity, and facing the danger which every where 
 surrounded them, took upon themselves the office of a com- 
 mittee of health, and remained to assist the sick, relieve the 
 distressed, and provide the helpless orphans with clothing 
 and food and shelter, from funds charitably contributed by 
 themselves and their fellow citizens. In the performance of 
 this interesting and hazardous duty, he fell a victim to the 
 fever in the month of October, 1793. He died at the age of 
 forty seven. 
 
 As a lawyer, he was distinguished for integrity, learning, 
 and industry : for great promptness, and an uncommonly fine 
 natural elocution. As a man, he was kind, generous, and ac- 
 tively benevolent ; free from selfishness and timidity, and at 
 the same time prudent and just; maintaining in his house a 
 liberal hospitality, without ostentation or display. As a citi- 
 zen and a public man, he was ardent, sincere, and indefati- 
 gable ; fearless of every consequence of the honest discharge 
 of his duty. He died in the midst of his usefulness, but he 
 fell in the cause of humanity ; and the blessings and tears of 
 the orphans whom he had helped to rescue, accompanied his 
 departing spirit. 
 
414 SHERMAN. 
 
 • 
 
 SHERMAN, Roger, one of the signers of the Declara- 
 tion of Independence, was born in Newtown, Massachusetts, 
 on the 19th of April, lTJfcl. He received no other education 
 than the ordinary country schools in Massachusetts, at that 
 period, afforded. He was apprenticed to a shoemaker, and 
 pursued that occupation for some time after he was. twenty- 
 two years of age. It is recorded of Mr. Sherman that he was 
 accustomed to sit at his work with a book before him, devo- 
 ting to study every moment that his eyes could be spared from 
 the occupation in which he was engaged. In 1743, Mr. Sher- 
 man travel led, with his tools, on foot, to New Milford, Con- 
 necticut, where he continued to work at his trade for some 
 time. 
 
 Several years after this, he applied himself to the study of 
 law. and was admitted to the bar in 1734. The next year, he 
 was appointed a justice of the peace, and soon after, a repre- 
 sentative in the general assembly. In 1761, he removed to 
 New-Haven. From this time his reputation was rapidly ris- 
 ing and he soon ranked among the first men in the State. 
 
 His knowledge of the human character, his sagacious and 
 penetrating mind, his general political views, and his ac- 
 curate and just observation of passing events, enabled him on 
 the first appearance of serious difficulties between the colo- 
 nies and the parent country, to perceive the consequences that 
 would follow ; and the probable result of a contest arising 
 from a resistance to the exercise of unjust, oppressive and un- 
 constitutional acts of authority, over a free people, having 
 sufficient intelligence to know their rights, and sufficient spi- 
 rit to defend them. Accordingly, at the commencement of the 
 contest, he took an active and decided part in favor of the 
 colonies, and subsequently in support of the revolution 
 and their separation from Great Britain. In 1774, he was 
 chosen a member of the first continental congress ; and con- 
 tinued to be a member except when excluded by the law of 
 rotation. He was a member of the illustrious congress of 
 1776 ; and was one of the committee that drew up the decla- 
 ration of Independence, which was penned by the venerable 
 Thomas Jefferson, who was also one of the committee. Af- 
 ter the peace, Roger Sherman was a member of the conven- 
 tion which formed the constitution of the United States ; and 
 he was chosen a representative from this State to the first 
 Congress under this constitution. He was removed to the 
 Senate in 1791, and remained in this situation until his death, 
 July 23, 1793, in the 73d year of his age. The life of Mr. 
 Sherman is one among the many examples of the triumph of 
 industry over all the obstacles arising from the want of what 
 is generally considered as a regular and systematic education. 
 
SHERMAN. 415 
 
 Yet it deserves consideration, whether a vigorous mind, stim- 
 ulated by an ardent thirst of knowledge, left to its own exer- 
 tions, unrestrained and unembarrassed, by rules of art, and 
 unshackled by systematic regulations, is not capable of pur- 
 suing the object of acquiring knowledge more intensely and 
 with more success ; of taking a more wide and comprehen- 
 sive survey ; of exploring with more penetration the fields of 
 science and of forming more just and solid views. Mr. Sher- 
 man possessed a powerful mind, and habits of industry which 
 no difficulties could discourage and no toil impair. In early 
 life, he began to apply himself with unextinguishable zeal to 
 the acquisition of knowledge. In this pursuit, although he 
 was always actively engaged in business, he spent more hours 
 than most of those who are professedly students. In his pro- 
 gress, he became extensively acquainted with mathematical 
 science, natural philosophy, moral and metaphysical philoso- 
 phy, history, logic and theology. As a lawyer and statesman, 
 he was very eminent, having a clear, penetrating and vigor- 
 ous mind ; and as a patriot, no greater respect can be paid to 
 his memory than the fact which has already been noticed, 
 that he was a member of the patriotic congress of 1776, which 
 declared these colonies to be free and independent. 
 
 The following inscription is recorded upon the tablet which 
 covers his tomb : 
 
 "In memory of 
 
 the HON. ROGER SHERMAN, Esq.. 
 
 Mayor of the city of New Haven, 
 
 and Senator of the United States. 
 
 He was born at Newtown, in Massachusetts, 
 
 April 19th, 1721, 
 
 And died in New Haven, Julv 23rd, A. D. 1793, 
 
 aged LXXII. 
 
 Possessed of a strong, clear, penetrating mind, 
 
 and singular perseverance, 
 
 He became the self taught scholar, 
 
 eminent for jurisprudence and policy. 
 
 He was nineteen years an assistant, 
 
 and twenty-three years a judge, of the superior court, 
 
 in high reputation. 
 
 He was a delegate in the first congress, 
 
 Signed the glorious act of Independence, 
 
 and many years displayed superior talents and ability in the 
 
 national legislature. 
 
 He was a member of the general convention, 
 
 approved the federal constitution, 
 
 And served his country, with fidelity and honour, in the 
 
 House of representatives, 
 
416 STARK. 
 
 and in the Senate of the United States. 
 He was a man of approved integrity : 
 a cool, discerning Judge ; 
 a prudent, sagacious politician ; 
 a true, faithful, and firm, patriot. 
 He ever adorned 
 the profession of Christianity 
 which he made in youth : 
 and, distinguished through life 
 for public usefulness, 
 died in the prospect 
 of a blessed immortality." 
 STARK, Joiix. was born in Londonderry, New Hanip 
 shire, 28th of August, (old style,) 1728. John removed with 
 his father to Derryfield, (now Manchester) about the year 
 1736, and settled a mile north of Amoskeig Falls, where he 
 was employed occasionally in hunting and husbandry, until 
 the 28th day of April 1752 ; when he and three others while 
 hunting beaver on Baker's river, were surprised by ten St. 
 Francois Indians. He had separated from his companions, 
 in order to collect the traps. In the act of taking the last trap, 
 he was seized by the Indians, who interrogated him about his 
 companions ; but he pointed out a contrary route. He led 
 them nearly two miles from the right place, and was pro- 
 ceeding, when they heard guns fired, which his comrades 
 had commenced, on presumption that he had lost his way. 
 The Indians then changed their course, got ahead of the boat, 
 and lay in ambush. His comrades having fallen into the am- 
 bush, the Indians directed Stark to call for them ; he did so, 
 but advised them to escape to the opposite shore, on which 
 four of the Indians fired. In this situation be had the temeri- 
 ty to snatch away two of their guns, and on the others pic 
 paring to fire, he did the same. One of his comrades, how- 
 ever, was killed. The savages beat Stark most severely. He 
 and one of his comrades remained prisoners with the Indians 
 six weeks, when two gentlemen were sent by Massachusetts 
 to redeem prisoners, and they were accordingly redeemed, 
 and returned by way of Albany, and arrived at Derryfield in 
 August following. Stark paid one hundred and three dollars, 
 and his comrade sixty, for their freedom. In the following 
 winter the general court of New Hampshire concluded to 
 send a party to explore the Coos country. A company was 
 enlisted to perform this duty. On their arrival at Concord, 
 they applied to Mr. Stark to act as their pilot, who agreed to 
 accompany them. They returned on the thirteenth day to 
 Concord. In the year 1754, it was understood that the French 
 were making a fort at the upper Coos. Captain Powers was 
 
STARK. 417 
 
 Sent by the governor of New Hampshire, with thirty men, 
 bearing a Hag of truce, lb demand the reason of making a 
 fort there. On bis arrival at Concord he had n<> pilot, and 
 applied to Mr. Stark ; who, ever ready to embark in the most 
 hazardous enterprizes, readilj accompanied them. He con- 
 ducted the party to the upper Coos, and on the same i 
 that the Indians had led him captive two years before They 
 found no garrison, and the scout returned alter exploring tor 
 the first, time, (by any English adventurer,] the ( oos inter- 
 vals, the now healthful and flourishing towns of Haverhill 
 an' 1 Newburg. 
 
 On the commencement of the seven years war. in 1755, 
 Stark had acquired so much celebrity by these se\eral expe- 
 ditions, that the governor appointed h m a lieutenant in cap- 
 tain Rogers's company, in colonel I)lan( hard's regiment. 
 Rogers possessing the same hold and enterprising spirit, the 
 ruggea sons of the forest soon ranged themselves under their 
 banners, and were ordered to proceed to Coos, and burn the 
 intervals, preparatory to building a fort and forming an es- 
 tablishment there ; but before they reached Coos, a new or- 
 der commanded them to join the regiment at Fort Edward, 
 by wa\ of Charlestown. No. 4, and Housack, and arri\ed 
 about the lime that SirAVilliam Johnson was attacked by the 
 French and Indians near Bloody Pond, between Fort Edward 
 and Lake George, This campaign passed over without any 
 occurrence worthy of remark. In the autumn, the regiment 
 wa discharged, and lieutenant Stark returned borne. 
 
 In the winter of 1756, a project was formed by the British 
 commander at Fort Edward, to establish a corps of rangers, 
 to counteract the French scouts of Canadians and Indians 
 that constantly harrassed the frontiers, and hung on the wings 
 of the army. Rogers was appointed captain, and he immedi- 
 atelv repaired to New Hampshire to engage Stark to be his 
 lieutenant, and raise the soldiers. They soon completed their 
 quota, and in April following began their march for Fort 
 Edward. This campaign nothing of importance was done, 
 except that this company was almost constantly on foot, 
 watching the motions of the enemy at Tie and Crown Point, 
 and preparing themselves for more important seiwices. In 
 the autumn of this year the corps was joined by two compa- 
 nies commanded by Hobs and Spickman from Halifax. At 
 this time the three companies contained nearly three hundred 
 men. and began to be esteemed of considerable consequence. 
 In January. 1757. a plan was formed for this corps to march 
 to the lake, and intercept the supplies from Crown Point to 
 Ticonderoga. They turned Tie, seized a few sleighs, and 
 were returning to Fort George, when the party was attacked 
 
 53 
 
41b STARK. 
 
 about three miles from Tie, by the combined force of French 
 and Indians from the garrison, when a most bloody ami des- 
 perate action ensued. Perhaps, according to numbers enga- 
 ged, a more sanguinary battle was not fought during the war. 
 In this instance, great prudence and coolness, joined with the 
 most obstinate bravery, marked the conduct of the young of- 
 ficer. Captain Spickman being killed, and Rogers wounded, 
 the command of the retreat devolved on lieutenant Stark, 
 who, by his industry and firmness, in the face of the garrison, 
 secured the wounded, and drew off the detachment with such 
 order and address, as to keep the enemy at bay. At tight in 
 the morning, they armed at Lake George. The wounded, 
 who, during the night march, had kept up their spirits, now 
 stiff with cold, fatigue, and loss of blood, could march no 
 farther. It became necessary to send notice to Fort George, 
 that sleighs might be sent for them : he undertook the task, 
 and by fatigue more easily imagined than described, arrived 
 at the fort about eight o'clock in the evening ; and the day 
 following his companions returned in sleighs. In the new or- 
 ganization of the corps, lieutenant Stark was appointed to 
 supply the vacancy caused by the death of captain Spickman. 
 The garrison had been quiet for some time, when on the 
 evening of the sixteenth of March he made his rounds, and 
 heard the rangers planning a celebration of the Irish St.. 
 Patrick's. By one of those eccentricities for which he was 
 always remarkable, he commanded the suttler to deliver no 
 rum to the rangers without a written order. He then pre- 
 tended to be unwell, and lame in his right hand, and could 
 make no order. By this circumstance the rangers were kept 
 sober ; but the Irish regiment did not forget their ancient 
 practice, and the day following took large libations in honoi* 
 of Shelah, that saint's good lady. The French at Tie. know- 
 ing the laudable custom of the Hibernians on that festival, 
 had planned an attack on the garrison that night, and would 
 probably have carried the fort without much difficulty, if 
 these sober sentinels and troops had not repulsed them, while 
 the others were coming to their senses. The fate of the at- 
 tack belongs to history. The British commander in chief, 
 sensible of the services of Stark, held him in high estimation 
 ever after. From this time to the autumn following, no mili- 
 tary movement of any consequence took place, when Lord 
 Loudone, the then commander, ordered the rangers to march 
 to New York, to be employed on the Halifax station. When 
 the order came, captain Stark was on a scout, and did not 
 join them till their arrival at New York, at which place he was 
 seized with the small pox of the most malignant kind, and of 
 course did not embark. Indeed he hardly recovered his 
 
STARK. 419 
 
 strength during the season ; but as he was on the eve of sail- 
 ing for Halifax, the rangers returned, and he again joined 
 them at Albany in the month of October, and passed the fol- 
 lowing winter at Fort Edward. 
 
 In the year 1T58, general Abercrombie commanding the 
 British forces, resolved to attempt the reduction of Ticonde- 
 roga. The rangers, as usual, were ordered to scour the coun- 
 try, and open the way for the British troops to march up to 
 the attack. The evening before this fatal battle he had a long 
 conversation with Lord Howe, resting on a large bear skin, 
 (his lordship's camp bed) relative to the mode of attack, and 
 the position of the fort. Similarity of character had created 
 a strong friendship between them ; they supped together, and 
 the last orders were given to the rangers to carry the bridge 
 between lake George, and the plains of Tie, at an early hour 
 in the morning. According to orders, they advanced, and on 
 approaching the bridge, Major Rogers was at their head, and 
 sa^v the Canadians and Indians prepared to dispute the pas- 
 sage with them : he halted a few minutes, which naturally 
 pushed the rear on the front : not knowing the cause, Stark 
 rushed forward to Rogers, and told him it was no time to 
 delay, but to run boldly on to the bridge, and the danger 
 would soon be over ; the advice was pursued, and in a few 
 minutes the enemy fled and left the course clear for the army 
 to pass. The result of the action is well known. His regrets 
 for the fate of the brave lord Howe lasted with his life, with 
 only the exception of the revolutionary war, when he often 
 remarked that he became more reconciled to his fate, lest he 
 might have been employed against the United States. 
 
 This disaster closed the campaign. In the winter he was 
 permitted to return home on furlough, when he married Eli- 
 zabeth Page. In the spring following he joined the army 
 under General Amherst, and was present at the reduction of 
 Tie and Crown Point. 
 
 By the conquest of Canada in 1759 and '60, little more ac- 
 tive military services were expected in America. This cir- 
 cumstance, added to the death of lord Howe, and the jea- 
 lousies of the British officers, induced him to quit the service. 
 General Amherst, however, by an official letter, assured him 
 of his protection, and that if he should be inclined to re-enter 
 the service, he should not lose his rank by retiring. 
 
 From this period until the year 1774, nothing of moment 
 in public or private life, roused him to action. In all instan- 
 ces of disputes between the king's governors and the people, 
 lie was uniformly attached to the interests of the latter, and 
 became a kind of rallying point for the people in his vicinity 
 to exchange ideas and discuss public measures. About this 
 
420 STARK. 
 
 period he was appointed one of the committee of safety, and 
 performed that critical and delicate duty with great firmness 
 and moderation ; using all his endeavours to inspire union of 
 sentiment, and to he prepared for action in case it became 
 necessary. 
 
 On the news of the battle of Lexington, he immediately 
 mounted his horse and proceeded to the theatre of action, 
 encouraging the volunteers from New Hampshire to rendez- 
 vous at Medford, as the most contiguous ar.d proper place to 
 assemble. His military services, and his uniform integrity 
 and patriotism, left him no rival in the minds of his neigh- 
 bours who had appeared in arms ; and lie was hailed their 
 colonel and commander, by a unanimous voice. Isaac Wy- 
 man was chosen lieutenant colonel, and Andrew M' Clary, 
 major. They soon had ten or twelve full companies, and be- 
 gan exercising their men with all possible diligence and acti- 
 vity. As he had left a considerable farm and numerous fa- 
 mily of young children, at about ten minutes notice, with no 
 other equipments than a second shirt, he returned home in 
 about twenty days, arranged his affairs as well as he could, 
 (in two days that he tarried,) and returned to the army for 
 the campaign. Soon after joining his regiment he was in- 
 structed by general Ward to take a small escort, and examine 
 Noddle's island, preparatory to a project to raise some bat- 
 teries to annoy the shipping in Boston harbour. He took ma- 
 jor M' Clary, and one or two other officers, and crossed on 
 to the island from Chelsea. While in the act of examining 
 the ground, they discovered a similar detachment of English, 
 who had formed a project to cut them off, by seizing their 
 boat. Timely vigilance frustrated their plan. After exchang- 
 ing a few shots (no damage on the American side, the other 
 unknown,) they reached the boat, and safely landed on terra 
 firma. Soon after this, the battle of Bunker hill called his 
 regiment into action, and it is an acknowledged fact, that 
 they sustained the repeated attacks of the enemy with a re- 
 solution and success that would have done credit to chivalry 
 in its most daring and respectable periods. When the fort 
 was carried, and retreat became unavoidable, he drew off his 
 men in tolerable order, although his soldiers were very un- 
 willing to quit their position, as they had repulsed the ene- 
 my so often, that they considered themselves completely vic- 
 torious. Immediately on the retreat, the lines were laid out 
 on Winter hill, and finished with uncommon zeal and enthu- 
 siasm. The remainder of the campaign passed over without 
 any more fighting. A few abortive projects, and settling the 
 rank of the general .md field officers, occupied the remainder 
 @f the season. Towards the close of the vear it was deemed 
 
STARK. 421 
 
 prudent to re-enlist the army. His exertions in this service 
 were equal, and attended with the same success, as his cou- 
 rage and prudence in the field. The regiment was soon com- 
 pleted. 
 
 On the evacuation of Boston his regiment was ordered to 
 New York, where he assisted in planning and executing the 
 defences of that city, until May, when the regiment was or- 
 dered to proceed hy way of Alhany to Canada. He left New 
 York, and passing through the New England states, joined 
 the army at St. Johns early in June, and soon proceeded to 
 the mouth of Sorrel. He opposed the expedition to Three Ri- 
 vers as Siazardous and imprudent. On the return of the re- 
 mains of that expedition, he accompanied his regiment to 
 Chamblee, and was very active in rendering assistance to 
 the soldiers afflicted with the small pox. After crossing lake 
 Champlain, his regiment encamped on Chimney Point, until 
 they were ordered to proceed to Ticonderoga. He was op- 
 posed to the removal, and got up a memorial in form of a 
 protest against the measure; limits will not allow the rea- 
 sons to be given. General Schuyler being of a different opi- 
 nion, the array was removed on the sixth or seventh of July. 
 It was always his maxim to give his opinion firmly, and then 
 obey the orders of the commanding officer/ On the morning 
 after the arrival of the army at Tie. the Declaration of In- 
 dependence was proclaimed to the array with shouts of ap- 
 plause. His post was mount Independence, (named on the oc- 
 casion,) then a wilderness. General Gates soon joined the 
 army, and in the organization he was appointed to command 
 a brigade, and to clear and fortify the mount. Towards the 
 close of the campaign, .Congress appointed several of the 
 younger colonels, (brigadiers ; against which he protested, on 
 the ground of insecurity of rank, and planting the seeds of 
 jealousy among the officers. 
 
 On closing the campaign in the north, his regiment was 
 ordered to Pennsylvania, and joined general Washington at 
 Newton, a few days before the battle of Trenton. He was in- 
 structed by general Sullivan to lead the vanguard, and by 
 his promptness contributed his share in that bloodless and 
 fortunate coup du main. He was with general Washington 
 when he crossed the Delaware, and very active at the battle 
 of Princeton, and continued with the general until he had 
 established his winter quarters at Morristown. As the en- 
 listed term of his regiment had expired, and only a small 
 number could be induced to tarry a few weeks longer, he was 
 ordered to New Hampshire, to recruit another regiment. 
 
 Early in the month of March he summoned his officers to 
 hand him a return of their success,, which fully equalling his 
 
422 STARK. 
 
 expectations, be immediately gave notice to the council of 
 New Hampshire and general Washington. Early in April 
 he went to Exeter, to receive instructions for the campaign, 
 and was, for the first time, informed that a new list of pro- 
 motions had been made, and his name omitted. He easily 
 traced the cause to some officers of high rank, and members 
 of Congress, who were not pleased with his unbending cha- 
 racter. He immediately called on the council, waited on ge- 
 neral Sullivan and general Poor, explained his motives, 
 wished them all possible success, surrendered his commis- 
 sion, and returned home without expectation of ever again 
 taking the field : in the mean time fitted out all his own fami- 
 ly old enough for service, assisted them to join the army, and 
 continued his zeal for the national cause as heretofore. From 
 this period to the retreat from Ticonderoga he was busily 
 engaged in husbandry. 
 
 On that disastrous event New Hampshire was called on to 
 recruit and forward men to check the advance of the enemy. 
 The council immediately fixed their eyes on colonel Stark, 
 and sent an express to notify him and request a conference. 
 Ever prompt when his country was in danger, he hastened 
 to Exeter, and presented himself to the council. They soon 
 communicated their views, urged him to forget what had 
 passed, and assume the command. He demanded a few hour, 6 ' 
 for consideration, and returned, informed them that he had 
 very little confidence in the then commanders of the north, 
 and that lie did not think that lie could be useful with the ar- 
 my ; but if they would raise as many men as they could, to 
 hang on the Vermont wing and rear of the enemy, with con- 
 dition that he should not be amenable to any other officer, and 
 only accountable to their body, he would %pcept the appoint- 
 ment, and proceed immediately to the frontiers. They closed 
 with the terms, and made out a commission and instructions 
 accordingly. He was soon on the ground, and a considerable 
 number of drafts and volunteers enabled him to form a small 
 army of observation. 
 
 General Gates, who had succeeded to the command of the 
 northern army, having learned that this body was encamped 
 at Bennington, sent major general Lincoln and suit to assume 
 the command, and conduct them to head quarters on North 
 river. He presented his letter from general Gates, and his 
 instructions, and proposed an immediate march. He was can- 
 didly informed of the objections, and wrote a statement to 
 general Gates ; he informed general Washington and Con- 
 gress, urging reinforcements, as he had been pressed so close 
 by Burguyne as to take post south side of Mohawk river. 
 General Lincoln, after tarrying a few days in a private ca 
 
STARK. 423 
 
 parity, at Bennington, returned to the main army to consult 
 with general Gates, on the critical state of affairs. In the 
 mean time Burgoyne (probably apprized of these jarrings) 
 detached colonel Baum to beat up their quarters, and destroy 
 the force on that wing. General Stark was apprized of the 
 advance on the fourteenth of August, and prepared for battle 
 on the following morning. The fifteenth proved very rainy 
 and prevented the intended attack ; at the same time enabled 
 colonel Baum to surround his camp with a log breastwork. 
 The weather proving favourable on the sixteenth, the troops 
 were in motion at an early hour and advanced to search for 
 the enemy. He was found on an eminence forming a kind of 
 sodded bluff, fronted by the Walloomschaick on the south, 
 and a gradual slope to the north and west. His position was 
 reconnoitred at about a mile distance, and the plan of attack 
 arranged. Two detachments, one to the right and the other 
 to the left, were commanded to turn his rear and advance di- 
 rectly to the entrenchment or lines, and to reserve their fire 
 until they were very near. Fortunately they both arrived at 
 their stations almost at the same minute, and by a rapid step 
 were at the works so soon that the enemy derived no advan- 
 tage from their labour, and were pushed out of the fort with 
 only firing a few shots, and driven directly on the reserve, 
 who soon decided the battle. The prisoners were collected 
 and hurried off as soon as possible. At this critical moment 
 information was brought that a reinforcement was close upon 
 them. The large portion of the troops taken to guard the 
 prisoners, and the dispersion for refreshments, plunder and 
 other purposes, left scarcely any men to resist them. At this 
 critical period colonel Warner with a small detachment of his 
 regiment, having heard the guns of the first battle, was has- 
 tening to support them, and now was directed to advance di- 
 rectly and commence an attack while other troops could he 
 collected. These troops had been in service from the begin- 
 ning of the war, and it was easy for their brave commander 
 to bring them into action. They checked the enemy and were 
 continually reinforced by small squads until nearly sunset, 
 when the enemy gave way at every point, abandoned their 
 cannon, and were pursued until dark. Many prisoners were 
 taken, but the main body retreated so rapidly, that they es- 
 caped by favour of the night. Upon the advance of Burgoyne, 
 general Stark approached near the main army at Behman's 
 heights, and finally entered the camp. On the 18th of Sep- 
 tember the term of his troops expired. Great management 
 "was used to induce them to tarry a month, or even a fort- 
 night : as it was seen that a battle must shortly take place, 
 and general Gates was strongly impressed with the impor- 
 
124 STARK. 
 
 tance of these victorious troops to his camp ; but all to no 
 purpose. They began their march home on the evening of 
 the same day, and on the morning of the nineteenth ; am; his 
 service having been performed, he returned with them. No 
 appearance was perceived of movements in Burgoyne's army 
 until they had passed the North river, when it was seen in 
 motion ; and this militia had scarcely marched ten miles, 
 when the battle began. Some of them turned about ; but 
 when the firing ceased, they pursued their march homeward. 
 The news of the battle overtook them on the road, General 
 Stark passed one night at home, and then proceeded to Exe- 
 ter to make report to the council, proclaiming that Bur- 
 goyne would certainly be taken if the people would turn out, 
 and announced his determination to return immediately. Vo- 
 lunteers from all quarters flocked to his standard, and he 
 soon joined the army with a more numerous and formidable 
 command than before. He was zealous for attacking Bur- 
 goyne in his camp, and for that purpose had placed his little 
 army in the rear, so as to cut off all communication by way 
 of hike George ; but perhaps capitulation was a more pru- 
 dent and equally certain course. 
 
 The war being over in the northern department, he return- 
 ed home, exerting all his influence to induce the people to fur- 
 nish recruits and supplies for the next campaign. He bad 
 hardly reached bis house when congress ordered him to pre- 
 pare a winter expedition for Canada, and to repair to Albany 
 without delay to receive further instructions. He was there 
 at the appointed time, and then departed to Vermont, New 
 Hampshire and Massachusetts, to forward the preparations, 
 and return to the general rendezvous at Albany at a given 
 time. He performed his part, but congress gave up the pro- 
 ject. 
 
 Early in 1778, he was ordered to proceed to Albany and 
 assumethe command of the northern department. This was 
 the most unpleasant of his public services. He had very few- 
 troops, two extensive frontier rivers to guard, and to cap his 
 troubles, he was surrounded with a kind of licensed torus, 
 in the midst of spies, peculators and public defaulters. He 
 laboured to reform the abuses in the department and succeed- 
 ded like most reformers. Those, who were detected, cursed 
 him, and their friends complained, and he gladly received 
 an order in October from general Washington to join gene- 
 ral Gates at Rhode Island, who had previously requested his 
 assistance. General Hand succeeded him at Albany, but 
 left the command shortly after for the same reasons and with 
 the same pleasure. 
 
 On joining general Gates' head quarters at Providence, he 
 
STARK. 423 
 
 was ordered to take quarters at East Greenwich, principally 
 on account of his popularity with the militia, that he might 
 gain better information of the plans of the enemy on Rhode 
 Island, and guard against any invasion. Here he continued 
 until all opportunity for action was over for the season ; when 
 lie was ordered to proceed to New Hampshire by way of Bos- 
 ton to urge at both places the necessity of recruits and sup- 
 plies. 
 
 Early in the spring of 1779, he was ordered bark to Pro- 
 vidence and instructed by general Gates to examine with 
 close attention all the shores and avenues from Providence to 
 Point Judith, as well as all the coast on the east side of the 
 bay as far as Mount Hope. As there were but few troops on 
 the station, more than common vigilance was required to pre- 
 vent inroads or plunder and to establish a regular espionage ; 
 this being the only instance in which he ever descended to 
 that mode of warfare : by this means at the close of autumn 
 indications were early discovered of a descent or some other 
 movement. He removed his quarters to Point Judith but took 
 care not to rest more than one or two nights in a place. Some- 
 time in October, the views of the enemy were unmasked, and 
 for some days his command was on constant duty. About 
 the 8th or 10th of November, the enemy decamped, and ear- 
 ly next morning he entered the lower end of Newport and 
 took possession of the town. Guards were immediately placed 
 in the different streets to prevent plunder or confusion and 
 preserve order. At this time general Washington was fear- 
 ful that on the arrival of the reinforcement from Newport at 
 New York, some attempt might be made on his army, and 
 ordered the troops that had blockaded Newport (with the ex- 
 ception of a small garrison) immediately to join him in New- 
 Jersey. No attempt being made by the enemy, about mid win- 
 ter general Washington requested him to proceed to New- 
 England and back his requisitions for men and supplies. 
 
 This duty being discharged, he joined the army at Morris- 
 town in the early part of May, and was present on Short 
 Hills at the battle of Springfield, but not personally engag- 
 ed. Soon after this action general Washington required him 
 to proceed with all despatch to Massachusetts and New 
 Hampshire, to urge a supply of men, money and provision; 
 to muster as many militia as he could by drafts and volunta- 
 ry enlistments, and to accompany them to West Point. He 
 landed them on the Point, while general Washington and 
 suit had passed on to Hartford to confer with count Rochani- 
 beau and other French officers a few days previous to Ar- 
 nold's desertion, and the day following joined his division 
 at Liberty-Pole, New Jersey. In the latter end of September 
 
 54 
 
426 STARK. 
 
 lie was ordered to relieve the Pennsylvania troops under gene- 
 ral St. Clair, which, on Arnold's desertion had been ordered 
 there. St. Clair marched his division the next day to Liber- 
 ty-Pole. 
 
 About this time general Washington having formed a pro- 
 ject to surprise Staten Island, to mask his intentions, order- 
 ed general Stark with a detachment of twenty -five hundred 
 men, with a large train of waggons and teams to advance near 
 York Island and bring off ail the corn and forage to be found, 
 and to hover about New York until ordered back. Probably 
 the British suspected some masked plan: but, be that as it 
 may, they suffered this detachment to pillage the country to 
 the* very verge of Morrisania and Kingsbridge for several 
 days, and then quietly return to West Point and Peekskill 
 with their booty. Soon after this the army withdrew from 
 Liberty-Pole and went into winter quarters at West Point, 
 New Windsor and Fishkill. Here general Stark was visit- 
 ed with a severe fit of sickness, which left him very weak, 
 and about the middle of January, 1781, he obtained leave to 
 return to New Hampshire, with the standing order to press 
 for men and supplies. He journeyed by short stages and ar- 
 rived at his house still more weak and feeble. His health re- 
 turning with the approach of spring, he was ordered to Al- 
 bany to take command of the northern department and estab- 
 lish his head quarters at Saratoga. 
 
 Some feeble detachments of militia from New York, Mas- 
 sachusetts and New Hampshire, were collected to protect the 
 northern frontiers. It was soon discovered that the country 
 was inundated with spies and traitors; houses robbed (on po- 
 litical principles) and inhabitants, non-combatants, carried 
 prisoners to Canada. The house of general Schuyler, on* 
 mile from the capitol of Albany, was attacked, several arti- 
 cles stolen, and two or three of his servants and labourers 
 carried to Canada. He only saved himself by retreating to 
 a chamber, barricading the door that they could not force it. 
 and firing through it when it was attempted to be broken. 
 The firing raised the military from the city and the maraud- 
 ers fled with their prisoners and booty. 
 
 Bad as the country was in 1778, it was infinitely worse in 
 1781. Some few days after the military post was established 
 at Saratoga, one of these detachments was arrested within 
 the lines. A British lieutenant's commission was found on 
 the commander. He had been a refugee from that quarter 
 and was known. A board of officers, summoned to examine 
 the case, pronounced him a spy, and gave their opinion for 
 hanging. He was executed the next day. Complaints were 
 made by his friends and connexions in and about Albany of 
 
STEUBEN. 427 
 
 the danger of retaliation. General Washington demanded a 
 copy of the proceedings; it was sent and no further notice ta- 
 ken of it. The cure of the body politic was radical: none of 
 those parties ventured into the country again during the war. 
 
 Immediately after the reduction of Cornwallis, the danger 
 of inroads from Canada was dissipated. Stark dismissed 
 the militia with thanks for their good conduct; secured the 
 public stores, and was ordered to retire by way of Albany, 
 with instructions to continue Iris efforts to raise men, money 
 and supplies in New England for the next campaign. 
 
 In 1782. he was afflicted with rheumatisms, and various 
 chronical complaints, all the season, and did not join the ar- 
 my : his complaints, however, yielded to repose, of which he 
 immediately informed general Washington, and was ordered 
 to join the army early in April, 1783, at West Point. He 
 was on the spot on the day appointed, and received the hear- 
 ty thanks of general Washington for his punctuality. He 
 aided and encouraged the army to separate without confu- 
 sion, and not tarnish their laurels by any act of resistance or 
 usurpation. Soon after this he returned home, and devoted 
 the remainder of his patriarchal life to the various duties of 
 patriot, friend, neighbour, and father to an extensive family. 
 His long and useful life terminated on the eighth of May, 1822. 
 
 The neighbouring militia vied with each other for permis- 
 sion to render the last honorary duties to the departed pa- 
 triot. Captain Eaton's light infantry of Goffstown, was se- 
 lected from the numerous applicants, and performed the duty 
 with great respect and the most perfect order and discipline. 
 At his own request lie was interred on his farm, on the bor- 
 der of the Merrimack river. 
 
 STEUBEN, Frederick William, a major general in 
 the American army, was a Prussian officer, who served many 
 years in the armies of the great Frederick, was one of his 
 aids, and had held the rank of lieutenant general. He ar- 
 rived in New Hampshire from Marseilles in November 1777, 
 with strong recommendations to congress. He claimed no 
 rank, and only requested permission to render as a volunteer 
 what services he could to the American army. He was soon 
 appointed to the office of inspector general with the rank of 
 major general, and he established a uniform system of ma- 
 ncftuvres, and by his skill and persevering industry effected, 
 during the continuance of the troops at Valley Forge, a most 
 important improvement in all ranks of the army. He was 
 a volunteer in the action at Monmouth, and commanded in 
 the trenches of York town on the day which concluded the 
 struggle with Great Britain. 
 
 During his command, lord Cornwallis made his overture 
 
428 SULLIVAN. 
 
 for capitulation. The proposals were immediately despatch- 
 ed to the commander in chief, and the negociation progres- 
 sed. The Marquis de la Fayette, whose tour it was next to 
 mount guard in the trenches, marched to relieve the Baron, 
 who, to his astonishment, refused to he relieved. He inform- 
 ed general de la Fayette, that the custom of European war 
 w&s in his favor, and that it was a point of honor which he 
 could neither give up for himself, nor deprive his troops of; 
 that the offer to capitulate had heen made during his guard, 
 and that in the trenches he would remain until the capitula- 
 tion was signed or hostilities commenced. The Marquis im- 
 mediately galloped to head quarters : general Washington de- 
 cided in favor of the Baron to the joy of one, and to the mor- 
 tification of the other of those hrave and valuable men. The 
 Baron remained till the business was finished. After the 
 peace the Baron retired to a farm in the vicinity of New York. 
 The state of New Jersey had given him a small improved 
 farm, and the state of New York gave him a tract of sixteen 
 thousand acres of land in the county of Oneida. 
 
 The Baron died at Steubenville, New York, November 28, 
 1794, aged sixty one years. He was an accomplished gentle- 
 man and a virtuous citizen ; of extensive knowledge and sound 
 judgment. 
 
 SULLIVAN, John, a major general in the American army, 
 was the eldest son of Mr. Sullivan who came from Ireland, 
 and settled in Massachusetts. In 1775, congress appointed 
 him a brigadier general, and in the following year, it is be- 
 lieved, a major general. He superceded Arnold in the com- 
 mand of the army in Canada, June 4, 1776, but was soon 
 driven out of that province. Afterwards on the illness of 
 Greene he took the command of his division on Long Island. 
 In the battle of August the twenty seventh, he was taken pris- 
 oner. In a few months, however, he was exchanged : for when 
 Lee was carried off, he took the command of his division in 
 New Jersey. On the 22d of August 1777, he planned and 
 executed an expedition against Staten Island, for which on 
 enquiry into his conduct he received the approbation of the 
 court. In September he was engaged in the battle of Bran- 
 dy wine, and on the fourth of October in that of Germantown. 
 In the winter he was detached to command the troops in 
 Rhode Island. In August 1778, he laid siege to Newport, 
 then in the hands of the British, with the fullest confidence of 
 success ; but being abandoned by the French fleet under D'Es- 
 taing, who sailed to Boston, he was obliged to his unutterable 
 chagrin, to raise the siege. On the twenty ninth an action 
 took place with the pursuing enemy, who were repulsed. On 
 the thirtieth with great military skill, he passed over to the 
 
STEVENS. 429 
 
 continent, without the loss of a single article, and without 
 the slightest suspicion on the part of the British of his move- 
 ments. In the summer of 1779 he commanded an expedition 
 against the six nations of Indians. 
 
 " The bloody tragedy, acted at Wyoming, in 1778, had de- 
 termined the commander in chief, in 1779, to employ a large 
 detachment from the continental army to penetrate into the 
 heart of the Indian country, to chastise the. hostile tribes and 
 their white associates and adherents, for their cruel aggres- 
 sions on the defenceless inhabitants. The command of this 
 expedition was committed to major general Sullivan, with ex- 
 press orders to destroy their settlements, to ruin their crops, 
 and make such thorough devastations, as to render the coun- 
 try entirely uninhabitable for the present, and thus to com- 
 pel the savages to remove to a greater distance from our fron- 
 tiers. General Sullivan had under his command several bri- 
 gadiers and a well chosen army, to which were attached a 
 number of friendly Indian warriors. With this force he pene- 
 trated about ninety miles through a horrid swampy wilder- 
 ness and barren mountainous deserts, to Wyoming, on the 
 Susquehanna river, thence by water to Tioga, and possessed 
 himself of numerous towns and villages of the savages. Dur- 
 ing this hazardous expedition, General Sullivan and his 
 army encountered the most complicated obstacles, difficul- 
 ties, and hardships ; and requiring the greatest fortitude 
 and perseverance to surmount. He explored an extensive 
 tract of country, and strictly executed the severe, but neces- 
 sary orders lie had received. A considerable number of In- 
 dians were slain, some were captured, their habitations were 
 burnt, and their plantations of corn and vegetables laid waste 
 in the most effectual manner. Eighteen villages, a number 
 of detached buildings, one hundred and sixty thousand bush- 
 els of corn, and those fruits and vegetables, which conduce to 
 the comfort and subsistence of man, were utterly destroyed. 
 Five weeks were unremittingly employed in this work of de- 
 vastation." On his return from the expedition, he and his 
 army received the approbation of congress. 
 
 In about three months from his setting out, general Sullivan 
 reached Easton, in Pennsylvania, and soon after rejoined the 
 army. 
 
 In the years 1786, 1787, and 1789, general Sullivan was 
 president of New Hampshire, in which station by his vigo- 
 rous exertions he quelled the spirit of insurrection, winch ex- 
 hibited itself at the time of the troubles in Massachusetts. He 
 died January 23, 1795, aged fifty four years. 
 
 STEVENS, Edward, a distinguished officer in the revo- 
 lutionary war, was born in Culpepper county, Virginia. He 
 
430 STEVENS. 
 
 engaged early in the contest for our liberties, nor did he 
 sheathe his sword until the achievement of national indepen- 
 dence. His military career commenced at the battle of the 
 Great Bridge, near Norfolk, Virginia, where he commanded 
 a battalion of riflemen. Distinguished on that occasion by his 
 valour and good conduct, he immediately attracted public at- 
 tention, as an individual peculiarly fitted for utility in the 
 arduous struggles of the revolution. He was shortly after 
 appointed to command the tenth Virginia regiment, which, 
 being speedily raised, equipped, and organized, colonel Ste- 
 vens marched to the north, and came under the immediate 
 command of general Washington. The first occasion that 
 presented itself for the distinction of this regiment, occurred 
 at the battle of Brandy wine, on the 11th of September, 1777. 
 It was here that the gallant exertions of this intrepid oilicer 
 served, in a great measure, to protect the continental army 
 from annihilation. Colonel Stevens was not brought into ac- 
 tion until the retreat had begun ; he' was then charged to co- 
 ver the rear, and impede the pursuit of the enemy. With the 
 co-operation of a Pennsylvania regiment, Stevens seized an 
 advantageous piece of ground on the road, taken by the de- 
 feated army, protecting the second and eleventh regiments 
 from capture, checking the enemy, and securing the retreat. 
 His orders were here gallantly executed, making an impres- 
 sion on the hostile army, which induced the British general 
 to look to his own safety, and abandon the pursuit. Colonel 
 Stevens received, on the succeeding day, the public thanks 
 of the commander in chief. The battle of Germantown took 
 place in October following, where the tenth Virginia regi- 
 ment was alike distinguished by its intrepid courage, which 
 again produced for its gallant chief the public acknowledg- 
 ments of Washington. 
 
 Colonel Stevens now filled a large space in the hopes of 
 his native state ; he was called to the command of a brigade ; 
 and the next theatre presented to his valor was at the battle 
 of Camden. In the council of war, immediately preceding 
 this action, the memorable reply of brigadier Stevens, (to the 
 interrogatory put to the board,) " It is too late to retreat 
 now ; we must fight," was made. This answer was follow- 
 ed by the order of the American general, without further 
 counsel; "Then, gentlemen, repair to your several posts;" 
 a decisive evidence of the high confidence reposed by him in 
 the discretion and capacity of general Stevens. The issue of 
 this affair was unfavorable : and although the gallantry and 
 conduct of Stevens exempted him from all imputations, yet no 
 officer felt more deep and mortifying chagrin at the tarnish- 
 ed lustre of our arms. He felt so sorely the calamities of the 
 
STEVENS. 431 
 
 day, that he would have returned from the southern campaign, 
 but for the pressing solicitude of general Greene, who, soon 
 after assuming command of this department of the continen- 
 tal forces, was unwilling to lose the services of an officer so 
 distinguished for all those trials of military character which 
 produce practical utility. The battle of Guilford Court house 
 furnished brigadier Stevens an opportunity of reviving the des- 
 pondent hopes of the South, and warding off evils, with which 
 he had been unluckily beset at Camden. The North Carolina 
 militia formed the first line ; Steven's brigade of Virginia mi- 
 litia the second. So soon as the enemy approached the first 
 line, within one hundred and forty yards, a scattered fire com- 
 menced, when this line threw down their arms, and fled to the 
 second with precipitation. Stevens, possessing that happy 
 presence of mind so necessary in action to draw benefit even 
 from calamity, directed his troops to open their ranks, and 
 permit them to pass ; and, to prevent the panic's infecting his 
 command, he gave out that they had been ordered to retreat 
 upon the first fire. At this battle he took the precaution to 
 station a body of picked riflemen forty yards in the rear of 
 his brigade, with positive orders to shoot down the first man 
 who attempted to break the ranks or escape. He received here 
 a severe wound in the thigh, though he did not quit the field 
 until he had rendered great services, and brought off his troops 
 in good order : general Greene bestowed on him marked com- 
 mendation. The siege of York, and the capture of the Bri- 
 tish army under Lord Cornwallis, soon closed the important 
 scene of the revolution. It was here that General Stevens 
 preserved and increased his well-earned honors. The com- 
 mander in chief repeatedly assigned him important duties, 
 which called for the best efforts of valor and skill ; these were 
 faithfully executed ; and it is confidently asserted, that no of- 
 ficer possessed a larger share of his respect and confidence. 
 During all this period, he was a zealous patriot in the civil 
 department of the government. From the foundation of the 
 state constitution, until the year 1790, he was a member of 
 the Senate of Virginia ; always useful, esteemed and respec- 
 ted. He was at Charlottesville, in the Legislature, when 
 Tarleton invaded the commonwealth, and dispersed that bo- 
 dy ; his plan was, to arm the citizens, meet Tarleton at the 
 river below the village, and fight him. This counsel was not 
 executed, and he narrowly escaped capture, by the more ele- 
 gant equipment of a person flying a short distance before him. 
 The character of general Stevens may be given in a few 
 words : No man on earth possessed the cardinal virtues in a 
 higher degree ; firm, patient, and deliberative ; with a sound 
 judgment, singleness of heart, unblemished and uncorrupti- 
 
432 THOMAS. 
 
 ble integrity ; honest patriotism, which despised all state 
 tricks ; an unbounded and immoveable courage. For the 
 sphere of practical utility and public benefit he was well 
 fitted : born with little brilliant embellishment, he had all the 
 qualities for real and substantial service, without regarding 
 the influence of faction and party ; but loving the general 
 principles of civil liberty, his feelings were always on the 
 side of his country. His heart was the abode of that patriot- 
 ism, which, spurning parties, cleaved to the constitution of 
 the nation, as a holy ark, which contains at once the evidence 
 of our glory, and the charter of our liberties. 
 
 He died at his seat in Culpepper county, Virginia, on the 
 17th day of August, 1820. 
 
 THOMAS, John, was a native of Kingston. Massachu- 
 setts. He was in military service in former wars against the 
 French and Indians, where lie acquired a high degree of repu- 
 tation. He was among the first to espouse the rause of his 
 country in a military capacity, in 1775. and during the siege 
 of Boston, and on the heights of Dorchester, he was distin- 
 guished as an active, vigilant and brave officer. In March, 
 1776, he was promoted by Congress from a brigadier to the 
 rank of major general. When Boston was evacuated he was 
 sent to Canada to take command of the troops which Montgo- 
 mery and Arnold led into that province. On his arrival 
 there he found innumerable difficulties to encounter ; the small 
 pox frequently breaking out among the troops, and the sol- 
 diers being in the practice of inoculating themselves, to the 
 great injury of the public service. The general deemed it 
 necessary, for the safety of the army, to prohibit the prac- 
 tice of inoculating, and not excepting himself from the in- 
 junction, he unfortunately received the infection, which pro- 
 ved fatal to him, and deprived the public of a valuable gene- 
 ral officer. He was held in universal respect and confidence 
 as a military character, and his death deeply deplored 
 throughout the army. 
 
 A more brave, beloved, and distinguished character, did 
 not go into the field : nor was there a man that made a greater 
 sacrifice of his own ease, health, and social enjoyments. 
 
 THOMAS. Thomas, took an early and decided part with 
 his country in opposing the tyrannical acts of Great Britain. 
 He commanded a regiment in the year 1776, and was in the 
 battle of Harlsem Heights and at the White Plains. In the 
 autumn of that year, the enemy burnt his house, and took his 
 aged and patriotic father a prisoner to New York ; confined 
 him in the Provost, where he died, through their inhuman 
 treatment, a martyr to his country. General Thomas was 
 an active partisan officer, continually on the alert and harras- 
 
VARNUM. 433 
 
 sing the enemy on every occasion, until be was taken a pris- 
 oner, when his captors stripped off his regimentals, took his 
 hat from his head, and in that degraded manner, compelled 
 him to march through the streets of New- York. Notwithstand- 
 ing this, he found some friends who interceded with the com- 
 mander in chief, and he was put on his parole on Long Island. 
 Aftdr he was exchanged, he did not slacken his zeal in his 
 country's cause, hut continued harrassing the enemy, and de- 
 fending the peaceahle inhabitants of the country against the 
 depredations of the enemy, until peace was proclaimed. Af- 
 terwards he was repeatedly elected a member of the legisla- 
 ture, and always evinced himself an advocate for the people's 
 rights. 
 
 He died at his scat in the town of Harrison, West Chester, 
 county, New York, in July, 1824. aged 79. 
 
 VARNUM, Joseph B. was among the earliest patriots of 
 the revolution, and sustained important offices connected with 
 the army. At the termination of the war, he retired to his 
 paternal scat in Dracut, and immediately re-commenced his 
 political career ; and. during his long life, was continually 
 called by his fellow citizens to fill high civil and military of- 
 fices. At his decease he was senior memGer of the senate, 
 and the oldest major general in the commonwealth. In this 
 period, beside militia appointments, he sustained the office of 
 representative, senator, and councillor of Massachusetts, 
 and representative and senator in the congress of the United 
 States ; and for many years filled, with approbation, the ar- 
 duous station of speaker of the house of representatives, in 
 times of the utmost political excitement. He was a member 
 of the convention of Massachusetts which ratified the consti- 
 tution of the United States in 1787. and was in the foremost 
 ranks of those statesmen who advocated the adoption of that 
 instrument, and for their zeal to cement the federal union, 
 obtained the name of Federalists. He was also a leading 
 member of the late state convention. In all the offices he sus- 
 tained, general Varnum exhibited an assiduity which never 
 tired, and an integrity above all suspicion. Though of late 
 years he differed in some points of political economy from a 
 majority of his fellow citizens of the state, it may with truth 
 and justice be affirmed, that, at his death, Massachusetts did 
 not contain a more honest and independent man. He possess- 
 ed a strong mind in a sound body. His decease was sudden. 
 He rode out on the day preceding it, but being indisposed, 
 speedily returned, and found his dissolution rapidly approach- 
 ing He called his family and friends around him. acquain- 
 ted them with his situation, gave directions that his funeral 
 might not be attended with any military or civic parade, ap- 
 
434 WARD— WARREN. 
 
 pointed his pall-bearers, and closed his eyes in peace the same 
 evening. He died on the 11th of September, 1821, in the se- 
 venty second year of his age. 
 
 He enjoyed in a high degree, and deservedly, the confi- 
 dence of his immediate constituents, as is evinced by their re- 
 peated elections of him to represent them in coi gress, and in 
 the general court of Massachusetts, up to the day of his de- 
 cease. 
 
 WARD, Artemas, the first major general in the Ameri- 
 can army, was graduated at Harvard college in 1743. and 
 was afterwards a representative in the legislature, a member 
 of the council, and a justice of the court of common pleas for 
 Worcester county. Massachusetts. When the war com- 
 menced with Great Britain he was appointed by congress 
 first major general, June 17, 1775. After the arrival of Wash- 
 ington, in July, when disposition was made of the troops for 
 the siege of Boston, the command of the right wing of the ar- 
 my at Roxbury was entrusted to general Ward. He resigned 
 his commission in April, 1776, though he continued some 
 time longer in command at the request of Washington. He 
 afterwards devoted himself to the duties of civil life. He was 
 a member of congress both before and after the adoption of 
 the present constitution. After a long decline, in which he 
 exhibited the most exemplary patience, he died at Shrewsbu- 
 ry, October 28, 1800, aged seventy three years. He was a man 
 of incorruptible integrity. So fixed and unyielding were the 
 principles which governed him, that his conscientiousness in 
 lesser concerns was by some ascribed to bigotry. 
 
 WARREN, Joseph, a major-general in the American ar- 
 my, during the revolutionary war, was born in Roxbury, 
 a town which bounds Boston, Massachusetts, in 1740, In 
 1755, he entered college, where he sustained the character of 
 a youth of talents, fine manners, and of a generous, independ- 
 ent deportment, united to great personal courage and perse- 
 verance. An anecdote will illustrate his fearlessness and de- 
 termination at that age, when character can hardly be said to 
 be formed. Several students of Warrens' class shut them- 
 selves in a room to arrange some college affairs, in a way 
 which they knew was contrary to his wishes, and barred the 
 door so effectually that he could not, without great violence, 
 force it ; but he did not give o\ er the attempt of getting among 
 them, for perceiving that the window of the room in which 
 they were assembled was open, and near a spout which ex- 
 tended from the roof of the building to the ground, he went to 
 the top of the house, slid down the eaves, seized the spout and 
 when lie had descended as far' as the window, threw himself 
 into the chamber among them. At that instant the spout. 
 
WARREJN. 435 
 
 which was decayed and very weak, gave way and foil to the 
 ground. He looked at it without emotion, said it had served 
 his purpose, and began to take part in the business. He was 
 educated at Sarvard college, and received his first degree 
 in 1759. Directing his attention to medical studies, he, in a 
 few years, became one of the most eminent physicians in Bos- 
 ton. ■ But he lived at a period when greater objects claimed 
 his attention, than those which related particularly to his 
 profession. His country needed his efforts, and his zeal and 
 courage would not permit him to shrink from any labours or 
 dangers. His eloquence and his talents as a writer, were 
 displayed on many occasions, from the year in which the 
 itamp act was passed, to the commencement of the war. He 
 was a hold politician. While many were wavering with re- 
 gard to the measures which should be adopted, he contended 
 that every kind of taxation, whether external or internal, was 
 tyranny, and ought immediately to be resisted, and be believed 
 that America was able to withstand any force that could be 
 sent against her. From the year 1768, he was a principal 
 member of the secret meeting or caucus in Boston, which had 
 great influence on the concerns of the country. With all his 
 boldness and decision, and zeal, he was circumspect and wise. 
 In this assembly the plans of defence were matured. After 
 the destruction of the tea, it was no longer kept a secret. He 
 was twice chosen the public orator of the town, on the anni- 
 versary of the massacre, and his orations breathed the ener- 
 gy of a great and daring mind. It was he, who, on the even- 
 ing before the battle of Lexington, obtained information of the 
 intended expedition against Concord, and atten o'clock atnight 
 despatched an express to Messrs. Hancock and Adams, who 
 were at Lexington, to warn them of their danger. He him- 
 self, on the next day, the memorable 19th of April, was very 
 active. It is said in general Heatii's memoirs, that a ball took 
 off part of his ear-lock. In the confused state of the army, 
 which soon assembled at Cambridge, he had vast influence in 
 preserving order among the troops. After the departure of 
 Hancock to congress, he was chosen president of the provin- 
 cial congress in his place. Four days previous t<jrthe battle 
 of Bunker's or Breed's hill, he received his commission of ma- 
 jor-general. When the intrenchments were made upon the 
 fatal spot, to encourage the men within the lines, he went down 
 from Cambridge and joined them as a volunteer, on the event- 
 ful day of the battle, June 17th. Just as the retreat commen- 
 ced, a ball struck him on the head, and he died in the trench- 
 es, aged thirty five years. He was the first victim of rank 
 that fell in the struggle with Great Britain. In the spring 
 of 1776. his hones were taken up and entombed in Boston, on 
 
436 WARREN. 
 
 Which occasion, as he had been grand master of the freema- 
 sons in America, a brother mason, and an eloquent orator, 
 pronounced a funeral eulogy. 
 
 In this action, the number of Americans engaged amoun- 
 ted only to fifteen hundred. The loss of the British, as ac- 
 knowledged by general Gage, amounted to one thousand and 
 fifty-four. Nineteen commissioned officers were killed, and 
 seventy more were wounded. The battle of Quebec, in 1758, 
 which gave Great Britain the province of Canada, was not 
 so destructive to British officers, as this affair of a slight in- 
 trenchment, the work only of a few hours. 
 
 The Americans lost five pieces of cannon. Their killed 
 amounted to one hundred and thirty nine. Their wounded 
 and missing to three hundred and fourteen. Thirty of the 
 former fell into the hands of the conquerors. They particu- 
 larly regretted the death of general Warren. To the purest 
 patriotism and most undaunted bravery, he added the virtues 
 of domestic life, the eloquence of an accomplished orator, and 
 the wisdom of an able statesman. 
 
 Thus was cut off in the flower of his age. this gallant hero, 
 loved, lamented, the theme of universal regret : a loss, any 
 time deeply, but then, most poignantly felt. Though he did 
 not outlive the glories of that great occasion, he had lived long 
 enough for fame. It needed no other herald of his actions 
 than the simple testimony of the historian, that Warren fell, 
 foremost, in the ranks of that war which he had justified by 
 his argument, supported by his energy, and signalized by his 
 prowess. The monument erected hy his fellow citizens, on 
 the spot where he poured out his latest breath, commemorates 
 at once his achievements and a people's gratitude. Though 
 untimely was his fall, and though a cloud of sorrow over- 
 spread every countenance at the recital of his fate, yet if the 
 love of fame be the noblest passion of the mind, and human 
 nature pant for distinction in the martial field, perhaps there 
 never was a moment of more unfading glory offered to the 
 Wishes of the brave, than that which marked the exit of this 
 heroic officer. Still, who will not lament that he incautiously 
 courted the post of danger, while more important occasions 
 required a regard to personal safety. 
 
 Perhaps his fall was useful to his" country, as it was glori- 
 ous to himself. His death served to adorn the cause for 
 which he contended, excited emulation, and gave a pledge of 
 perseverance and ultimate success. In the grand sacrifice, 
 which a new nation was that day to celebrate in the face 
 of the world, to prove their sincerity to Heaven, whose Pro- 
 vidence they had invoked, the noblest victim was the most 
 suitable sacrifice. 
 
WASHINGTON. 437 
 
 There are few names in the annals of American patriotism 
 more dearly cherished by the brave and good; few that will 
 shine with more increasing lustre, as the obscurity of time 
 grows darker, than that of general Warren. He will he the 
 personal representative of those brave citizens, who with arms 
 hastily collected, sprang from their peacable homes to resist 
 aggression, and on the plains of Lexington and the heights 
 of Charleston, cemented with their blood the foundation of 
 American liberty. 
 
 He was endowed with a clear and vigorous understanding, 
 a disposition humane and generous: qualities which, graced 
 by manners affable and engaging, rendered him the itiol of 
 the army and of his friends. His powers of speech and rea- 
 soning commanded respect. His professional as well as poli- 
 tical abilities were of the highest order. He had been an ac- 
 tive volunteer in several skirmishes which had occurred since 
 the commencement of hostilities, in all of which he gave strong- 
 presages of capacity and distinction in the profession of arms. 
 But the fond hopes of his country were to be closed in death: 
 not, however, until he had sealed with his blood the charter 
 of our liberties; nor until he had secured that permanence of 
 glory with which we encircle the memory, whilst we cherish 
 the name of W.vruex. 
 
 The battle of Bunker Hill was, in many respects, one of 
 the most remarkable conflicts that has moistened the earth 
 with human blood. No spirit of prophecy is required to fore- 
 tel, that from the consequences with which it is connected, 
 and which it may be said to have guarranteed, after ages v. ill 
 consider it one of the most interesting of all battles, and that 
 it will be hallowed by the gratitude of mankind, as among the 
 most precious and beneficent contests ever waged in behalf of 
 human rights and human happiness. 
 
 Dr. Warren published an oration in 1772, and another in 
 1775, commemorative of the 5th of March, 1770. 
 
 The sword of general Warren, which he held in his hand 
 when he fell at Bunker Hill, is now in the possession of the 
 honorable William Davis, of Plymouth, Massachusetts, and 
 is preserved as a precious relic. It was purchased by an A- 
 merican sailor, from the servant of the officer who took the 
 sword from the grasp of the deceased patriot, at Halifax, and 
 its identity has been sufficiently established. 
 
 WASHINGTON, George,* commander in chief of the A- 
 merican army, during the revolutionary war with Great Bri- 
 tain, and first president of the United States, was the third 
 son of Mr. Augustine Washington, and was born at Bridges 
 creek, in the county of Westmoreland, Virginia, February 
 12, 1782. His great grand father had emigrated to that place 
 
438 WASHINGTON. 
 
 from the north of England, about the year 1657". At the age 
 often years, he lost his father, and the patrimonial estate de- 
 scended to his elder brother, Mr. Lawrence Washington, who, 
 in the year 1740, had been engaged in the expedition against 
 Carthagena. In honour of the British admiral, who com- 
 manded the fleet employed in that enterprise, the estate was 
 called Mount Vernon. At the age of fifteen, agreeably to the 
 wishes of his brother, as well as to his own urgent request to 
 enter into the British navy, the place of a midshipman in a 
 vessel of war, then stationed on the coast of Virginia, was ob- 
 tained for him. Every thing was in readiness for bis depar- 
 ture, when the fears of a timid and affectionate mother pre- 
 vailed upon him to abandon his proposed career on the ocean, 
 and were the means of retaining him upon the land, to be the 
 future vindicator of his country's rights. All the advantages 
 of education which he enjoyed, were derived from a private 
 tutor, who instructed him in English literature and the gene- 
 ral principles of science, as well as in morality and religion. 
 After his disappointment, with regard to entering the navy, 
 he devoted much of his time to the study of mathematics ; and 
 in the practice of his profession as a surveyor, he had an op- 
 portunity of acquiring that information respecting the value 
 of vacant lands, which, afterwards, greatly contributed to 
 the increase of his private fortune. At the age of nineteen, 
 when the militia of Virginia were to be trained for actual 
 service, he was appointed an adjutant general, with the rank 
 of major. It was for a very short time that he discharged the 
 duties of that office. In the year 1753, the plan formed by 
 Fiance, for connecting Canada with Louisiana by a line of 
 posts, and thus of enclosing the British colonies, and of es- 
 tablishing her influence over the numerous tribes of Indians 
 on the frontiers, began to be developed. In the prosecution of 
 this design, possession had been taken of a tract of land, then 
 believed to be within the province of Virginia. Mr. Dinwid- 
 die, the lieutenant governor, being determined to remonstrate 
 against the proposed encroachment and violation of the trea- 
 ties between the two countries, despatched major Washing- 
 ton through the wilderness to the Ohio, to deliver a letter to 
 the commanding officer of the French, and also to explore 
 the country. This trust of danger and fatigue, he executed 
 with great ability. He left Williamsburg, October 31, 1753, 
 the very day on which be received his commission, and at the 
 frontier settlement of the English, engaged guides to conduct 
 him over the Alleghany mountains. 
 
 At a place upon the Alleghany called Murdering town, 
 they fell in with a hostile Indian who was one of the party 
 then lying in wait, and who fired upon them not ten steps 
 
WASHINGTON. 439 
 
 distant. They took him into custody and kept him until nine 
 o'clock, and then let him go. To avoid the pursuit which 
 (hey presumed would be commenced in the morning, they 
 travelled all night. Ou reaching the Monongahela. they had 
 a hard day's work to make a raft with a hatchet. In attempt- 
 ing to cross the river to reach a trailer's house, they were en- 
 closed by masses of ice. In order to stop the raft, major 
 Washington put down his setting pole, but the ice came with 
 sue!) force against it, as to jerk him into the w r ater. He saved 
 himself by seizing one of the raft logs. With difficulty they 
 landed on an island where they passed the night. The .old. 
 was so severe, that the pilot's hands and feet were frozen. 
 The next day they crossed the river upon the ice. Washing- 
 ton arrived at Williamsburg, January 16, 1754. His jour- 
 nal, which evinced the solidity of his judgment and his forti- 
 tude, was published. 
 
 As the French seemed disposed to remain on the Ohio, it 
 was determined to raise a regiment of aboutthree hundred men 
 to maintain the claims of the British crown. The command 
 was given to Mr. Fry ; and major Washington, who was ap- 
 pointed lieutenant colonel, marched with two companies ear- 
 ly in April, 1754, in advance of the other troops. A few 
 miles west of the Great Meadows, he surprised a French en- 
 campment in a dark rainy night, and only one man escaped. 
 Before the arrival of the two remaining companies, Mr. Fry 
 died, and the command devolved on colonel Washington. Be- 
 ing joined by two other companies of regular troops from 
 South Carolina and New York, after erecting a small stock- 
 ade at the Great Meadows, he proceeded towards fort Du 
 Quesne, which had been built but a short time, with the in- 
 tention of dislodging the French. He had marched only thir- 
 teen miles, to the westernmost foot of Laurel Hill, before he 
 received information of the approach of the enemy with su- 
 perior numbers, and was induced to return to his stockade. 
 He began a ditch around it, and called it fort Necessity ; but 
 the next day, July 3, he was attacked by fifteen hundred 
 men. His own troops were only four hundred in number. 
 The action commenced at ten in the morning, and lasted un- 
 til dark. A part of the Americans fought within the fort, and 
 a part in the ditch filled with mud and water. Colonel Wash- 
 ington was himself on the outside of the fort during the whole 
 day. The enemy fought under cover of the trees and high 
 grass. In the course of the night, articles of capitulation 
 were agreed upon. The garrison were allow ed to retain their 
 arms and baggage, and to march unmolested to the inhabited 
 parts of Virginia. The loss of the Americans in killed and 
 wounded was supposed to be about a hundred, and that of the 
 
440 WASHINGTON. 
 
 enemy about two hundred. In a few months afterwards or 
 ders were received for settling the rank of the Officers, and 
 those who were commissioned by the king being directed to 
 take rank of the provincial officers, Colonel Washington in- 
 dignantly resigned his commission. 
 
 He now retired to Mount Vernon, that estate by the death 
 of his brother, having devolved upon him. But in the spring 
 of 1755, he accepted an invitation from general Braddock to 
 enter his family as a volunteer aid-de-camp in his expedition 
 to the Ohio. He proceeded with him to Will's creek, after- 
 wards called fort Cumberland, in April. After the troops 
 had marched a few miles from this place, he was seized with 
 a raging fe\er; but refusing to remain behind, he was con- 
 veyed in a covered waggon. By his advice twelve hundred 
 men were detached in order to reach fort Du Quesne before an 
 expected reinforcement should be received at that place. — 
 These disincumbercd troops were commanded by Braddock 
 himself, and colonel Washington, though still extremely ill. 
 insisted upon proceeding with them. After they arrived upon 
 the Monongahela he advised the general to employ the rang- 
 ing companies of Virginia to scour the woods and prevent am- 
 buscades ; but his advice was not followed. On the ninth of 
 July, when the army was within seven miles of +he fort, Du 
 Quesne, the enemy commenced a sudden and furious attack, 
 being concealed by the woods and grass. Washington was 
 the only aid that was unwounded, and on him devohed the 
 whole duty of carrying the orders of the commander in chief. 
 He was cool and fearless. Though he had two horses shot 
 under him, and four balls through his coat, he escaped unhurt, 
 while every officer on horseback was either killed or wound- 
 ed. Doctor Craik, the physician who attended him in his 
 last sickness, was present in this battle, and says, ** I expect- 
 ed every moment to see him fall. Nothing but the superin- 
 tending care of Providence could have saved him from the 
 fate of all around him." After an action of three hours, the 
 troops gave way in all directions, and colonel Washington and 
 two others, brought off Braddock, who had been mortally 
 wounded. He attempted to rally the retreating troops : but, 
 as he says himself, it was like endeavouring " to stop the 
 wild bears of the mountains." The conduct of the regular 
 troops was most cowardly. The enemy were few in numbers 
 and had no expectation of victory. In a sermon occasioned 
 by this expedition, the reverend Dr. Davies of Hano\er 
 county, thus prophetically expressed himself: 4, as a re- 
 markable instance of patriotism I may point out to the public 
 that heroic youth, colonel Washington, whom I cannot but 
 hope Providence has hitherto preserved in so signal a manner. 
 
WASHINGTON. 441 
 
 for some important service to his country." "For this pur- 
 pose he was indeed preserved, and at the end of twenty years 
 he hegan to render to his country more important services, 
 than the minister of Jesus could have anticipated. From 
 1755, to 1759, he commanded a regiment, which was raised 
 for the protection of the frontiers. 
 
 In July, 1758, another expedition was undertaken against 
 fort Du Quesne, in which Washington commanded the Vir- 
 ginia troops. By slow marches they were enabled, on the 
 25th of November, to reach fort Du Qnesne, of which peace- 
 able possession was taken, as the enemy on the preceding 
 night setting it on fire, had abandoned it, and proceeded down 
 the Ohio. The works in this place were repaired, and its 
 name was changed to that of Fort Pitt. Colonel Washing- 
 ton now resigned his commission. 
 
 Soon after his resignation he was married to the widow of 
 Mr. Custis, a young lady, to whom he had been for some time 
 strongly attached, and who, to a large fortune and a fine per- 
 son, added those amiable accomplishments, which fill with si- 
 lent felicity the scenes of domestic life. His attention for sev- 
 eral years, was principally directed to the management of his 
 estate, which had now become considerable. He was, at this 
 period, a respectable member of the legislature of Virginia, 
 in which he took a decided part in opposition to the principle 
 of taxation, asserted by the British parliament. He also ac- 
 ted as a judge of a county court. In 1774, he was elected a 
 a member of the first congress, and was placed on all those 
 committees, whose duty it was to make arrangements for de- 
 fence. In the following year, after the battle of Lexington, 
 when it was determined by congress to resort to arms, colo- 
 nel Washington was unanimously elected commander in chief 
 of the army of the united colonies. All were satisfied as to 
 his qualifications, and the delegates from New England were 
 particularly pleased with his election, as it would tend to unite 
 the southern colonies cordially in the war. He accepted the 
 appointment with diffidence, and expressed his intention of 
 receiving no compensation for his services, and only a mere 
 discharge of his expenses. He immediately repaired to Cam- 
 bridge, in the neighbourhood of Boston, where he arrived on 
 the 2d of July. He formed the army into three divisions, in 
 order, the more effectually, to inclose the enemy, intrusting 
 the division at Roxbury to general Ward, the division on 
 Prospect and Winter hills to general Lee, and commanding 
 himself the centre at Cambridge. Here he had to struggle 
 with great difficulties, with the want of ammunition, clothing, 
 and magazines, defect of arms and discipline, and the evils of 
 short enlistments : but instead of vielding to despondence he 
 
 56 
 
442 WASHINGTON. 
 
 bent the whole force of his mind to overcome them. He soon 
 made the alarming discovery, that there was only sufficient 
 powder on hand to furnish the army with nine cartridges for 
 each man. With the greatest caution, to keep this fact a se- 
 cret, the utmost exertions were employed to procure a sup- 
 ply. A vessel which was despatched to Africa, obtained, in 
 exchange for New England rum, all the gunpowder in the 
 British factories : and in the beginning of winter, captain 
 Manly captured an ordnance brig, which furnished the Ameri- 
 can army with the precise articles, of which it was in the 
 greatest want- In September, general Washington despatch- 
 ed Arnold on an expedition against Quebec. In February, 
 1776, he proposed to a council of his officers to cross the ice 
 and attack the enemy in Boston, but they unanimously disap- 
 proved of the daring measure. It was, however, soon resolv- 
 ed to take possession of the heights of Dorchester. This was 
 done without discovery, on the night of the 4th of March, 
 and on the 17th the enemy found it necessary to evacuate the 
 town. The recovery of Boston induced congress to pass a 
 vote of thanks to general Washington and his brave army. 
 
 In the belief that the efforts of the British would be direct- 
 ed towards the Hudson, he hastened the army to New York, 
 where he himself arrived on the 14th of April. He made 
 every exertion to fortify the city, and attention was paid to 
 the forts in the highlands. While he met the most embar- 
 rassing difficulties, a plan was formed to assist the enemy in 
 seizing his person, and some of his own guards engaged in 
 the conspiracy ; but it was discovered, and some who were 
 concerned in it were executed. In the beginning of July, ge- 
 neral Howe landed his troops at Staten Island : his brother, 
 lord Howe, who commanded the fleet, soon arrived ; and as 
 both were commissioners for restoring peace to the colonies, 
 the latter addressed a letter upon the subject, to " George 
 Washington, Esquire ;" but the general refused to receive it, 
 as it did not acknowledge the public character with which he 
 was invested by congress, in which character only he could 
 have any intercourse with his lordship. Another letter was 
 sent to " George Washington. &c. he. &e." This, for the 
 same reason, was rejected. After the disastrous battle of 
 Brooklyn, on the 27th of August, in which Sterling and Sul- 
 livan were taken prisoners, and of which he was only a spec- 
 tator, he withdrew the troops from Long Island, and in a few 
 days he resolved to withdraw from New York. At Kipp's 
 bay, about three miles from the city, some works had been 
 thrown up to oppose the enemy ; but on their approach, the 
 American troops fled with precipitation. Washington rode 
 towards the lines, and made every exertion to prevent the 
 
WASHINGTON. 443 
 
 disgraceful flight. Such was the state of his mind at this mo- 
 ment, that he turned his horse towards the advancing enemy, 
 apparently with the intention of rushing upon death ; but his 
 aids seized the bridle of his horse, and rescued him from de- 
 struction. New York was, on the same day, September 15th, 
 evacuated. In October he retreated to the White Plains, 
 where, on the 28th, a considerable action took place, in which 
 the Americans were overpowered.. After the loss of forts Wash- 
 ington and Lee, he passed into New Jersey, in November, 
 and was pursued by a triumphant and numerous army. His 
 army did not amount to three thousand, and it was daily di- 
 minishing ; his men, as the winter commenced, were bare- 
 footed and almost naked, destitute of tents and of utensils, 
 with which to dress their scanty provisions ; and every cir- 
 cumstance tended te fill the mind with despondence. But ge- 
 neral Washington was undismayed and firm. He showed 
 himself to his enfeebled army with a serene and unembarras- 
 sed countenance, and they were inspired with the resolution 
 of their commander. On the 8th of December he was obli- 
 ged to cross the Delaware : but he had the precaution to se- 
 cure the boats for seventy miles upon the river. While the 
 British were waiting for the ice to afford them a passage, as 
 his own army had been reinforced by several thousand men, 
 he formed the resolution of carrying the cantonments of the 
 enemy by surprise. On the night of the 25th of December, he 
 crossed the river, nine miles above Trenton, in a storm of 
 snow mingled with hail and rain, witk about two thousand 
 four hundred men. Two other detachments were unable to 
 effect a passage. In the morning, precisely at eight o'clock, 
 he surprised Trenton, and took one thousand Hessians pri- 
 soners, one thousand stand of arms, and six field pieces. 
 Twenty of the enemy were killed, and of the Americans, two 
 were killed, and two frozen to death ; and one officer and four 
 privates wounded. On the same day he recrossed the Dela- 
 ware, with the fruits of his enterprise ; but in two or three 
 days passed again into New Jersey, and concentrated his 
 forces, amounting to five thousand, at Trenton. On the ap- 
 proach of a superior enemy under Cornwallis, January 2, 
 1777, he drew up his men behind Assumpinek creek. He ex- 
 pected an attack in the morning, which would probably re- 
 sult in a ruinous defeat. At this moment, when it was hazard- 
 ous, if not impracticable, to return into Pennsylvania, he 
 formed the resolution of getting into the rear of the enemy, 
 and thus stop them in their progress towards Philadelphia. 
 In the night, he silently decamped, taking a circuitous route 
 through Allentown to Princeton. A sudden change of the 
 weather to severe cold, rendered the roads favourable for his 
 
444 WASHINGTON. 
 
 march. About sunrise his van met a British detachment on 
 its way to join Cornwallis, and was defeated by it ; but as he 
 came up, he exposed himself to every danger, and gained a 
 victory. With 300 prisoners he then entered Princeton. Du- 
 ring this march many of his soldiers were without shoes, and 
 their feet left the marks of blood upon the frozen ground. 
 This hardship and their want of repose, induced him to lead 
 his army to a place of security on the road to Morristown. 
 Cornwallis in the morning broke up his camp, and alarmed 
 for his stores at Brunswick, urged the pursuit. Thus the mi- 
 litary genius of the American commander, under the blessing 
 of divine Providence, rescued Philadelphia from the threaten- 
 ed danger, obliged the enemy, who had overspread New Jer- 
 sey, to return to the neighbourhood of New York, and revi- 
 ved the desponding spirit of his country. Having accomplish- 
 ed these objects, he retired to Morristown, where he caused 
 his whole army to be inoculated with the small pox, and thus 
 was freed from the apprehension of a calamity which might 
 impede his operations during the next campaign. 
 
 On the last of May he removed his army to Middlebrook, 
 about ten miles from Brunswick, where he fortified himself 
 very strongly. An ineffectual attempt was made by sir Wil- 
 liam Howe to draw him from his position by inarching to- 
 wards Philadelphia; but after Howe's return to New York, 
 he moved towards the Hudson, in order to defend the passe* 
 in the mountains, in the expectation that a junction with Bur- 
 goync, who was then upon the lakes, would be attempted. Af- 
 ter the British general sailed from New York and entered 
 the Chesapeake in August, general Washington marched im- 
 mediately for the defence of Philadelphia. On the llth of 
 September he was defeated at Brandywine, with the loss of 
 nine hundred in killed and wounded. A few days afterwards, 
 as he was pursued, he turned upon the enemy, determined up- 
 on another engagement; but a heavy rain so damaged the. 
 arms and ammunition, that he was under the absolute neces- 
 sity of again retreating. Philadelphia was entered by Corn- 
 wallis on the 26th of September. On the 4th of October the 
 American commander made a well planned attack upon the 
 British camp at Germantown; but in consequence of the dark- 
 ness of the morning, and the imperfect discipline of the troops, 
 it terminated in the loss of twelve hundred men in killed, 
 wounded and prisoners. In December he went into winter 
 quarters at Valley Forge, on the west, side of the Schuylkill, 
 between twenty and thirty miles from Philadelphia. Here 
 his army was in the greatest distress for want of provisions, 
 and he was reduced to the necessity of sending out parties to 
 Seize what they could find. About the same time a combina 
 
WASHINGTON. 445 
 
 ?ion was formed to remove the commander in chief, and to 
 appoint in his place general Gates, whose successes of late 
 had given him a high reputation. But the name of Wash- 
 ington was too dear to the great hody of Americans to admit 
 of such a change. Notwithstanding the discordant materials, 
 of which his army was composed, there was something in his 
 character which enabled him to attach both his officers and 
 soldiers so strongly to him, that no distress could weaken 
 their affection, nor impair the veneration in which he was 
 generally held. Without this attachment to him the army 
 must have been dissolved. General Conway, who was con- 
 cerned in this faction, being wounded in a duel with general 
 Cadwalader, and thinking his wound mortal, wrote to gen- 
 eral Washington, "you are, in my eyes, the great and good 
 man." On the 1st of February, 1778. there were about four 
 thousand men in camp unfit for duty for want of clothes. Of 
 these scarcely a man had a pair of shoes. The hospitals also 
 were filled with the sick. At this time the enemy, if they 
 had marched out of their winter quarters, would easily have 
 dispersed the American army. The apprehension of the ap- 
 proach of a French fleet, inducing the British to concentrate 
 their forces, when they evacuated Philadelphia on the 17th 
 of June, and marched towards New-York, general Washing- 
 ton followed them. Contrary to the advice of a council, he 
 engaged in the battle of Monmouth, on the 28th, the result of 
 which made an impression favorable to the cause of America. 
 He slept in his cloak on the field of battle, intending to renew 
 the attack the next morning, but at midnight the British 
 marched off in such silence, as not to be discovered. Their 
 loss in killed was about three hundred, and that of the Ame- 
 ricans sixty-nine. 
 
 As the campaign now closed in the middle states, the Ame- 
 rican army went into winter quarters in the neighborhood of 
 the highlands upon the Hudson. Thus after the vicissitudes 
 of two years both armies were brought back to the point from 
 which they set out. During the year 1779, general Washing- 
 ton remained in the neighborhood of New York. In Janua- 
 ry, 1780, in a winter memorable for its severity, his utmost 
 exertions were necessary to save the army from dissolution. 
 The soldiers in general submitted with heroic patience to the 
 want of provisions and clothes. At one time they eat every 
 kind of horse food but hay. Their sufferings at length were 
 so great, that in March two of the Connecticut regiments 
 mutinied, but the mutiny was suppressed and the ringleaders 
 secured. In September the treachery of Arnold was detect- 
 ed. In the winter of 1781, such were again the privations of 
 the army, that a part of the Pennsylvania line revolted, and 
 
446 WASHINGTON. 
 
 marched home. Such, however, was still their patriotism, 
 that they delivered some British emissaries to general Wayne, 
 who hanged them as spies. Committing the defence of the 
 posts on the Hudson to general Heath, general Washington 
 in August marched with count Rochamheau for the Chesa- 
 peak, to co-operate with the French fleet there. The siege 
 of Yorktown commenced on the 28th of September, and on 
 the 10th of October he reduced Cornwallis to the necessity 
 of surrendering with upwards of seven thousand men, to the 
 combined armies of America and France. The day after the 
 capitulation, he ordered that those who were under arrest, 
 should be pardoned, and that divine service in acknowledg- 
 ment of the interposition of Providence should be performed 
 in all the brigades and divisions. This event filled America 
 with joy, and was the means of terminating the war. 
 
 Few events of importance took place in 1782. On the 25th 
 November, 1783, New York was evacuated by the British, 
 and he entered it accompanied by governor Clinton and ma- 
 ny respectable citizens. On the 19th of April a cessation of 
 hostilities was proclaimed. On the 4th of December, he took 
 his farewell of his brave comrades in arms. At noon the 
 principal officers of the army assembled at Frances' tavern, 
 and their beloved commander soon entered the room. His 
 emotions were too strong to be concealed. Filling a glass 
 with wine, he turned to them and said " witli a heart full of 
 love and gratitude, I now take leave of you ; I most devoutly 
 wish that your latter days may be as prosperous and happy 
 as your former ones have been glorious and honourable. " 
 Having drank, he added, "I cannot come to each of you to 
 take my leave, but shall be obliged to you if each of you will 
 oome and take me by the hand." General Knox, being near- 
 est, turned to him. Incapable of utterance, general Wash- 
 ington grasped his hand, and embraced him. In the most af- 
 fectionate manner he took his leave of each succeeding officer. 
 In every eye was the tear of dignified sensibility, and not a 
 word was articulated to interrupt the silence and tenderness of 
 the scene. Ye men who delight in blood, slaves of ambition ! 
 When your work of carnage was finished, could you thus part 
 with your companions in crime ? Leaving the room, general 
 Washington passed through the light infantry and walked to 
 Whitehall, where a barge waited to carry him to Powles' 
 Hook. The whole company followed in mute procession with 
 dejected countenances. When he entered the barge he turned 
 to them, and waving his hat bade them a silent adieu, receiv- 
 ing from them the same last affectionate compliment. On 
 the 23d of December he resigned his commission to congress, 
 then assembled at Annapolis. Here the expressions of th« 
 
WASHINGTON. 447 
 
 gratitude of bis countrymen in affectionate addresses, poured 
 in upon him, and lie received every testimony of respect and 
 veneration. 
 
 In 1787, he was persuaded to take a seat in the convention 
 which formed the present constitution of the United States. 
 In 1789, he was unanimously elected president of the United 
 States. In April he left Mount Vernon to proceed to New 
 York, and to enter on the duties of his office. He every where 
 received testimonies of respect and love. On the 13th of 
 April he arrived at New York, and he was inaugurated first 
 president of the United States. At the close of his first term 
 of four years, he prepared a valedictory address to the Ameri- 
 can people, anxious to return again to the scenes of domes- 
 tic life ; but the earnest entreaties of his friends, and the pe- 
 culiar situation of his country, induced him to be a candidate 
 for a second election. At the expiration of his second term, 
 he determined irrevocably to withdraw to the shades of pri- 
 vate life. He published in September, 1796, his farewell ad- 
 dress to the people of the United States, which ought to be 
 engraven upon the hearts of his countrymen. 
 
 He then retired to Mount Vernon, giving to the world an 
 example, most humiliating to its emperors and kings : the ex- 
 ample of a man, voluntarily disrobing himself of the highest 
 authority, and returning to private life, with a character, 
 having upon it no stain of ambition, of covetousness, of pro- 
 fusion, of luxury, of oppression, or of injustice. 
 
 In 1798, an army was raised, and he was appointed com 
 mander in chief. 
 
 On the 13th of December, 1799, while attending to some 
 improvements upon his estate, he was exposed to a light rain, 
 which wetted his neck and hair. Unapprehensive of danger, 
 he passed the afternoon in his usual manner, but at night he 
 was seized with an inflammatory affection of the windpipe. 
 The disease commenced with a violent ague, accompanied 
 with some pain, and a sense of stricture in the throat, a 
 cough, and a difficult deglutition, which was soon succeeded 
 by fever, and a quick and laborious respiration. About twelve 
 or fourteen ounces of blood were taken from him. In the morn 
 ing, his family physician, doctor Craik, was sent for ; but the 
 utmost exertions of medical skill were applied in vain. To 
 his friend and physician who sat on his bed, and took his 
 head in his lap, he said, with difficulty, " Doctor, I am dy- 
 ing, and have been dying for a long time ; but I am not afraid 
 to die." Respiration became more and more protracted and 
 imperfect, until half past eleven on Saturday night, when, 
 retaining the full possession of his intellect, he expired with- 
 out a struggle. Thus, on the 14th of December, 1799, in thr- 
 
448 WASHINGTON. 
 
 sixty eighth year of his age, died the father of his country, 
 " them an first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of 
 his fellow citizens." This event spread a gloom over the 
 country, and the tears of America proclaimed the services 
 and virtues of the hero and sage, and exhibited a people not 
 insensible to his worth. 
 
 General Washington was rather above the common stature ; 
 his frame was robust, and his constitution vigorous. His ex- 
 terior created in the beholder the idea of strength united with 
 manly gracefulness. His eyes were of a grey colour, and his 
 complexion light. His manners were rather reserved than 
 free. His person and whole deportment exhibited an unaf- 
 fected and indescribable dignity, unmingled with haughtiness, 
 of which all who approached him were sensible. The attach- 
 ment of those who possessed his friendship was ardent, but al- 
 ways respectful. His temper was humane, benevolent, and 
 conciliatory ; but there was a quickness in his sensibility to 
 any thing apparently offensive, which experience had taught 
 him to watch and correct. 
 
 He conducted the war with that consummate prudence and 
 wisdom, which the situation of his country and the state of his 
 army demanded. He also possessed a firmness of resolution, 
 which neither dangers nor difficulties could shake. 
 
 WASHINGTON, William, lieutenant colonel comman- 
 dant of a continental regiment of dragoons during the revo- 
 lutionary war, was the eldest son of Baily Washington, Esq. 
 of Stafford county, in the state of Virginia. 
 
 First among the youth of Virginia who hastened to the 
 standard of his country, on the rupture between Great Bri- 
 tain and her colonies, he was appointed to the command of a 
 company of infantry in the third regiment of the Virginia 
 line, commanded by colonel, afterwards brigadier general, 
 Mercer. In no corps in our service was the substantial 
 knowledge of the profession of arms more likely to be acquired. 
 
 Here Washington learnt the rudiments of war. He fought 
 with this gallant regiment at York Island, and on the retreat 
 through New Jersey, sharing with distinguished applause in 
 that disastrous period, its difficulties, its dangers and its glo- 
 ry. When afterwards the commander in chief struck at co- 
 lonel Ralle, stationed with a body of Hessians in Trenton, 
 captain Washington was attached to the van of one of the as- 
 sailing columns, and in that daring and well executed enter- 
 prise received a musket ball through his hand, bravely lead- 
 ing on his company against the arraying enemy. 
 
 The. commander in chief having experienced the extreme 
 difficulties to which lie had been exposed during the prece- 
 ding campaign, by his want of cavalry, was, shortly after this 
 
WASHINGTON. 449 
 
 period, in consequence of his suggestions to congress, author- 
 ised to raise three regiments of light dragoons. To the com- 
 mand of one of these he appointed lieutenant colonel Baylor 
 one of his aid-decamps. To this regiment captain Washing- 
 ton was transferred with the rank of major, and returned to 
 Virginia for the purpose of assisting in recruiting the regiment. 
 As soon as the corps was completed, Baylor joined the 
 main army ; his regiment was, in 1778, surprised by a detach- 
 ment of the British, led by major general Gray, and suffered 
 extremely. Washington fortunately escaped ; and in the 
 course of the succeeding year, or early in 1780, he was de- 
 tached with the remains of Bland's, Baylor's, and Moylan's 
 regiments of horse, to the army of major general Lincoln, in 
 South Carolina, where he was constantly employed with the 
 light troops, and experienced, with some flashes of fortune, 
 two severe blows ; first at Monk's Corner, where he comman- 
 ded our horse, and last at Leneau's ferry, when he was se- 
 cond to lieutenant colonel White, of Moylan's regiment. 
 These repeated disasters so reduced our calvary, that White 
 and Washington retired from the field and repaired to the 
 northern confines of North Carolina for the purpose of repair- 
 ing their heavy losses. It was here that they applied to ge- 
 neral Gates for the aid of his name and authority to expedite 
 the restoration and equipment of their regiments, that they 
 might be ready to take the field under his orders. This salu- 
 tary and proper request was injudiciously disregarded : from 
 which omission very injurious consequences seem to have re- 
 sulted in the sequel. 
 
 After the defeat of general Gates on the sixteenth of the fol- 
 lowing August, it will be recollected that the American ge- 
 neral retired to Hillsborough, from whence he returned to 
 Salisbury. 
 
 Lieutenant colonel Washington, with his cavalry, now ac- 
 companied him, and formed a part of the light corps placed 
 by Gates under the direction of brigadier Morgan. He re- 
 sumed his accustomed active and vigorous service, and was 
 in the execution of the trust confided to Morgan. 
 
 During this period he carried, by an extraordinary strata- 
 gem, the post at Rudglcy's which drew from lord Cornwallis 
 the following letter to lieuteuant colonel Tarleton. " Rudg- 
 ley will not be made a brigadier. He surrendered, without 
 firing a shot, himself and one hundred and three rank and file, 
 to the cavalry only. A deserter of Morgan's assures us that 
 the infantry never came within three miles of the house." 
 
 Greene now succeeded Gates, when brigadier Morgan, with 
 the light corps, was detached to hang upon the enemy's lef^ 
 flank, and to threaten Ninety-Six, 
 
450 WASHINGTON. 
 
 The battle of the Cowpens ensued, in which Washington, 
 at the head of our horse, acquired fresh laurels. He contin- 
 ued with the light corps, performing with courage and preci- 
 sion the duties assigned him until the junction of the two di- 
 visions of the American army at Guilford court-house. Soon 
 after this event a more powerful body of horse and foot was 
 selected by general Greene, and placed under colonel Wil- 
 liams of which Washington and his cavalry were a constitu- 
 ent part. 
 
 In the eventful and trying retreat which ensued, lieutenant 
 colonel Washington contributed his full share to the mainte- 
 nance of the measures of Williams, which terminated so pro- 
 pitiously to our arms, and so honourably to the light troops 
 and their commander. After our repassage of the Dan, 
 Washington and his horse were again placed in the van, and 
 with Howard and Lee, led by Williams, played that arduous 
 game of marches, countermarches, and manoeuvres, which 
 greatly contributed to baffle the skilful display of talents and 
 enterprise, exhibited by lord Cornwallis in his persevering 
 attempt to force Greene, at the head of an inferior army, to 
 battle, or to cut him off from his approaching reinforcements 
 and approaching supplies. 
 
 Colonel Washington acted a very distinguished part in the 
 battles of Guilford, Hobkick's Hill and Eutaws ; and through- 
 out the arduous campaign of 1781 ; always at his post, deci- 
 ded, firm and brave, courting danger, and contemning difficul- 
 ty. His eminent services were lost to the army from the battle 
 of the Eutaws, where, to its great regret, he was made prison- 
 er : nor did he afterwards take any part in the war, as from 
 the period of his exchange nothing material occurred, the re- 
 spective armies being confined to minor operations, produced 
 by the prospect of peace. While a prisoner in Charleston, 
 Washington became acquainted with Miss Elliott, a young 
 lady in whom concentred the united attractions of respecta- 
 ble descent, opulence, polish, and beauty. The gallant sol- 
 dier soon became enamored with his amiable acquaintance, 
 and afterwards married her. This happened in the spring of 
 17S2 ; and he established himself in South Carolina at Sandy 
 Hill, the ancestral seat of his wife. 
 
 Washington seems to have devoted his subsequent years to 
 domestic duties, rarely breaking in upon them by attention to 
 public affairs, and then only as a member of the state legis- 
 lature. He possessed a stout frame, being six feet in height, 
 broad, strong, and corpulent. His occupations and his amuse- 
 ments applied to the body, rather than to the mind, to the 
 cultivation of which he did not bestow much time or applica- 
 tion : nor was his education of the sort to excite such habits. 
 
WAYNE. 451 
 
 being only calculated to fit a man for the common business of 
 life. In temper he was good humoured, in disposition amia- 
 ble, in heart upright, generous, and friendly ; in manners 
 lively, innocent, and agreeable. 
 
 His military exploits announce his grade and character in 
 arms. Bold, collected, and persevering, he preferred the 
 heat of action to the collection and sifting of intelligence, to 
 the calculations and combinations of means and measures, 
 and was better fitted for the field of battle, than for the drudge- 
 ry of camp, and the watchfulness of preparation. Kind to his 
 soldiers, his system of discipline was rather lax. and some- 
 times subjected him to injurious consequences, when close to 
 a sagacious and vigilant adversary. 
 
 Lieutenant colonel Washington was selected by his illustri- 
 ous relation when he accepted the command of the army dur- 
 ing the presidency of Mr. Adams as one of his staff, with the 
 rank of brigadier general, a decided proof of the high value 
 attached by the best judge in America to his military talents. 
 Leading a life of honor, of benevolence and hospitality, in 
 the bosom of his family and friends, during which, until its 
 last two years, he enjoyed high health, this gallant soldier 
 died, after a tedious indisposition, leaving a widow, and a son 
 and a daughter, the only issue of his marriage. 
 
 WAYNE, Anthony, a major-general in the American ar- 
 my, occupies a conspicuous station among the heroes and pat- 
 riots of the American revolution. He was born in the year 
 1745, in Chester county, in the state, then colony of Penn- 
 sylvania. His father, who was a respectable farmer, was 
 many years a representative for the county of Chester, in the 
 general assembly, before the revolution. His grandfather, 
 who was distinguished for his attachment to the principles of 
 liberty, bore a captain's commission under king William, at 
 the battle of the Boyne. Anthony Wayne succeeded his fath- 
 er as a representative for the county of Chester, in the year 
 1773 ; and from his first appearance in public life, distinguish- 
 ed himself as a firm and decided patriot. He opposed, with 
 much ability, the unjust demands of the mother rountry, and 
 in connexion with some gentlemen of distinguished talents, 
 was of material service in preparing the way for the firm 
 and decisive part which Pennsylvania took in the general con- 
 test. 
 
 In 1775, he was appointed to the command of a regiment, 
 which his character enabled him to raise in a few weeks, in 
 his native county. In the same year, lie was d-'tached under 
 general Thompson into Canada. In the defeat which follow- 
 ed, in which general Thompson was made prisoner, colonel 
 W T ayne, though wounded, displayed great gallantry and good 
 
45-2 WAYNE. 
 
 conduct, in collecting and bringing off, the scattered and bro- 
 ken bodies of troops. 
 
 In the campaign of 1776, he served under general Gates, 
 at Ticonderoga, and was highly esteemed by that officer for 
 both his bravery and skill as an engineer. At the close of that 
 campaign he was created a brigadier-general. 
 
 At the battle of Brandy wine, he behaved with his usual bra- 
 very, and for a long time opposed the progress of the enemy 
 at Chad's ford. In this action, the inferiority of the Amer- 
 icans in numbers, discipline and arms, gave them little chance 
 of success; but the peculiar situation of the public mind was 
 supposed to require a battle to be risked ; the ground was 
 bravely disputed, and the action was not considered as deci- 
 sive. The spirits of the troops were preserved by a belief 
 that the loss of the enemy had equalled their own. As it was 
 the intention of the American commander in chief to hazard 
 another action on the first favorable opportunity that should 
 offer, general Wayne was detached with his division, to har- 
 rass the enemy by every means in his power. The British 
 troops were encamped at Tredyffrin, and general Wayne was 
 stationed about three miles in the rear of their left wing near 
 the Paoli tavern, and from the precautions he had taken, he 
 considered himself secure; but about eleven o'clock, on the 
 « night of the 20th September, major general Gray, having 
 driven in his pickets, suddenly attacked him with fixed bayo- 
 nets. Wayne, unable to withstand the superior number of 
 bis assailants, was obliged to retreat: but formed again at a 
 3mall distance, having lost about 150 killed and wounded. As 
 blame was attached, by some of the officers of the army, to 
 general Wayne, for allowing himself to be surprised in this 
 manner, he demanded a court martial, which after examining 
 the necessary evidence, declared that he had done every thing 
 to be expected from an active, brave, and vigilant officer ; and 
 acquitted him with honour. 
 
 A neat marble monument has been recently erected on the 
 battle ground, to the memory of the gallant men who fell on 
 the night of the 20th September, 1777. 
 
 Shortly after was fought the battle of Germantown, in which 
 he greatly signalized himself by his spirited manner of lead- 
 ing his men into action. In this action, he had one horse shot 
 under him, and another as he was mounting : and at the same 
 instant, received slight wounds in the left foot and left 
 hand. 
 
 In all councils of war, general Wayne was distinguished for 
 supporting the most energetic and decisive measures. In the 
 one previous to the battle of Monmouth, he and general Cad- 
 waladcr were the only officers decidedly in favour of attack- 
 
WAYNE. 455 
 
 ing the British army. The American officers are said to have 
 been influenced by the opinions of the Europeans. The baron 
 de Steuben, and generals Lee and Du Portail, whose milita- 
 ry skill was in high estimation, had warmly opposed an en- 
 gagement, as too hazardous : but general Washington, whose 
 opinion was in favour of an engagement, made such disposi- 
 tion as would be most likely to lead to it. In that action, so 
 honourable to the American arms, general Wayne was con- 
 spicuous in the ardour of his attack. General Washington, 
 in his letter to congress, observes, " Were I to conclude my 
 account of this day's transactions without expressing my ob- 
 ligations to the officers of the army in general, I should do 
 injustice to their merit, and violence to my own feelings. 
 They seemed to vie with each other in manifesting their zeal 
 and bravery. The catalogue of those who distinguished them- 
 selves, is too long to admit of particularizing individuals : 
 I cannot, however, forbear mentioning brigadier general 
 Wayne, whose good conduct and bravery throughout the 
 whole action, deserves particular commendation." 
 
 In July, 1779, the American commander in chief having 
 conceived a design of attacking the strong post of Stony 
 Point, committed the charge of this enterprise to genera! 
 Wayne. The garrison was composed of six hundred men, 
 principally Highlanders, commanded by lieutenant colonel 
 Johnson. Stony Point is a considerable height, the base of 
 which, on the one side, is washed by the Hudson river, and 
 on the other is covered by a morass, over which there is but 
 one crossing place. On the top of this hill was the fort : for- 
 midable batteries of heavy artillery were planted on it, in 
 front of which, breast-works were advanced, and half way 
 down was a double row of abattis. The batteries commanded 
 the beach and the crossing place of the morass. Several ves- 
 sels of war were also in the river, whose guns commanded 
 the foot of the hill. At noon, on the 15th of July, general 
 Wayne marched from Sandy Beach, and arrived at eight 
 o'clock in the evening, within a mile and a Half of the fort, 
 where he made the necessary disposition for the assault. Af- 
 ter reconnoitering the situation of the enemy, at half past ele- 
 ven, he led his troops with unloaded muskets and fixed bayo- 
 nets, and without firing a single gun, completely carried the 
 fort, and made the garrison, amounting to five hundred and 
 forty three, (the rest being killed,) prisoners. In the attack, 
 while at the head of Febiger's regiment, general Wayne re- 
 ceived a wound in the head with a musket-ball, which in the 
 heat of the conflict, supposing mortal, and anxious to expire 
 in the lap of glory, he called to his aids to carry him forward 
 and let him die in the fort. The resistance, on the part of 
 
454 WAYNE. 
 
 the garrison was very spirited. Out of the forlorn hope of 
 twenty men, commanded by lieutenant Gibbon, whose busi- 
 ness it was to remove the abattis, seventeen were killed or 
 wounded. For the brave, prudent, and soldier-like conduct 
 displayed in this achievement, the congress presented general 
 Wayne a gold medal emblematic of the action. 
 
 The following; letters and documents will set forth more 
 distinctly the nature of this enterprise. 
 
 General Orders for the Jittack. 
 
 The troops will march at o'clock, and move by the 
 
 right, making a short halt at the creek, or run on this side, 
 next Clement's : every officer and non-commissioned officer 
 will remain with, and be answerable for every man in his 
 platoon ; no soldier to be permitted to quit his ranks on any 
 pretext whatever, until a general halt is made, and then to 
 be attended by one of the officers of the platoon. 
 
 When the head of the troops arrive in the rear of the hill, 
 colonel Febiger will form his regiment into a solid column of 
 a half platoon in front, as fast as they come up. Colonel 
 Meigs will form next in colonel Febiger's rear, and major 
 Hull in the rear of Meigs, which will form the right column. 
 
 Colonel Butler will form a column on the left of Febiger, 
 and major Murphy in his rear. Every officer and soldier will 
 then fix a piece of white paper in the most conspicuous part 
 of his hat or cap, as a mark to distinguish them from the ene- 
 my. At the word march, colonel Fleury will take charge of 
 one hundred and fifty determined and picked men, properly 
 officered, with arms unloaded, placing their whole depen- 
 dence on fixed bayonets, who will move about twenty paces 
 in front of the right column, and enter the sally-port ; he is 
 to detach an officer and twenty men a little in front, whose 
 business will be to secure the sentries, and remove the abattis 
 and obstructions for the column to pass through. The column 
 will follow close in the rear with shouldered muskets, led by 
 colonel Febiger and general Wayne in person. When the 
 works are forced, and not before, the victorious troops as they 
 
 enter, will give the watchword with repeated and 
 
 loud voices, and drive the enemy from their works and guns, 
 which will favour the pass of the whole troops : should the 
 enemy refuse to surrender, or attempt to make their escape 
 by water or otherwise, effectual means must be used to effect 
 the former and prevent the latter. 
 
 Colonel Butler will move by the route (2,) preceded by one 
 hundred chosen men with fixed bayonets, properly officered, 
 at the distance of twenty yards in front of the column, which 
 will follow under colonel Butler with shouldered muskets. 
 
WAYNE. 455 
 
 These hundred will also detach a proper officer and twenty 
 men a little in front to remove the obstructions ; as soon as 
 they gain the works they will also give and continue the 
 watchword, which will prevent confusion and mistake. 
 
 If any soldier presume to take his musket from his shoul- 
 der, or to fire, or begin the battle until ordered by his pro- 
 per officer, he shall be instantly put to death by the officer 
 next him ; for the misconduct of one man is not to put the 
 whole troops in danger or disorder, and he be suffered to pass 
 with life. After the troops begin to advance to the works, 
 the strictest silence must be observed, and the closest atten- 
 tion paid to the commands of the officers. 
 
 The general has the fullest confidence in the bravery and 
 fortitude of the corps that he has the happiness to command. 
 The distinguished honour conferred on every officer and sol- 
 dier who has been drafted into this corps by his excellency 
 general Washington, the credit of the states they respectively 
 belong to, and their own reputations, will be such powerful 
 motives for each man to distinguish himself, that the general 
 cannot have the least doubt of a glorious victory ; and he 
 hereby most solemnly engages to reward the first man that 
 enters the works with five hundred dollars and immediate 
 promotion ; to the second four hundred dollars, to the third 
 three hundred dollars, to the fourth two hundred dollars, and 
 to the fifth one hundred dollars ; and will represent the con- 
 duct of every officer and soldier who distinguishes himself in 
 this action, in the most favourable point of view to his excel- 
 lency, whose greatest pleasure is in rewarding merit. But 
 should there be any soldier so lost to every feeling of honour, 
 as to attempt to retreat one single foot, or skulk in the face of 
 danger, the officer next to him is immediately to put him to 
 death, that he may no longer disgrace the name of a soldier, 
 or the corps or state he belongs to. 
 
 As general W r ayne is determined to share the danger of the 
 night, so he wishes to participate in the glory of the day in 
 common with his fellow soldiers. 
 
 Immediately after the surrender of Stony Point, general 
 Wayne transmitted to the commander in chief the following 
 laconic letter : 
 
 " Stony Point, July 16, 1779.— 2 o'clock, A. M. 
 " Dear General, — The fort and garrison, with colonel 
 Johnson, are our's : our officers and men behaved like men 
 determined to be free. 
 
 Your's most sincerelv, 
 
 .,« w " ANTHONY WAYNE. 
 
 " Gen. Washington. 
 
456 WAYNE. 
 
 Letter from General Wayne to General Washington. 
 
 Stony Point, July 17th, 1779. 
 
 Sir, — I have now the honour of giving your excellency a 
 full and particular account of the reduction of this post by the 
 light troops under my command. 
 
 On the 15th instant, at twelve o'clock, we took up our line 
 of march from Sandy Beach, distant about fourteen miles 
 from this place ; the roads being exceedingly bad and nar- 
 row, and having to pass over high mountains, and through 
 such deep morasses and difficult defiles, that we were obliged 
 the greatest part of the way to move in single files. At eight 
 o'clock in the evening the van arrived at a Mr. Springsteel's, 
 within one mile and an half of the enemy's lines, and formed 
 into columns as fast as they came up, agreeable to the order 
 of battle herewith transmitted. {Vide order.) Colonel Febi- 
 ger's and colonel Meig's regiments with major Hull's detach- 
 ment, formed the right column. Colonel Butler's regiment 
 and major Murphy's two companies, the left. The troops re- 
 mained in this position until several of the principal officers 
 with myself had returned from reconnoitering the works. At 
 half after eleven, (being the hour fixed on,) the whole moved 
 forward : the van of the right was composed of one hundred 
 and fifty volunteers, properly officered, with fixed bayonets 
 and unloaded muskets, under the command of lieutenant colo- 
 nel Fleury, preceded by twenty picked men, headed by a vi- 
 gilant officer to remove the abattis and other obstructions. 
 The van of the left consisted of one hundred volunteers, also 
 with fixed bayonets and unloaded muskets, under the com- 
 mand of major Steward : these were likewise preceded by 
 twenty men, under a brave and determined officer. 
 
 At twelve o'clock the assault was to begin on the right and 
 left flanks of the enemy's works, and major Murphy to amuse 
 them in front ; but from the obstructions thrown in our way, 
 and a deep morass surrounding their whole front and over- 
 flowed by the tide, rendering the approaches more difficult 
 than at first apprehended, it was about twenty minutes after 
 twelve before the assault began ; previous to which, I placed 
 myself at the head of Folger's regiment, or right column, and 
 gave the troops the most pointed orders not to attempt to fire, 
 but put their whole dependence on the bayonet, which was 
 most faithfully and literally obeyed. Neither the deep mo- 
 rass, the formidable and double rows of abattis, or the right 
 and strong works in front and flank, could damp the ardor of 
 the troops, who, in the face of a most tremendous and incessant 
 fire of musketry, and from artillery loaded with shells and 
 grape-shot, forced their way at the point of the bayonet 
 through every obstacle, both columns meeting in the centre of 
 
WAYNE. 457 
 
 the enemy's works nearly at the same instant. Too much 
 praise cannot be given to lieutenant colonel Fleury, (who 
 struck the enemy's standard with his own hand.) and to ma- 
 jor Steward, who commanded the advanced parties, for their 
 brave and prudent conduct. Colonels Butler, Meigs, and. 
 Febiger, conducted themselves with that coolness, bravery, 
 and perseverance that ever will ensure success. Lieutenant 
 colonel Hay was wounded in the thigh, bravely fighting at 
 the head of his battalion. 
 
 I should take up too much of your excellency's time, was I 
 to particularize every individual who deserves it, for their 
 bravery on this occasion : however, I must acknowledge my- 
 self indebted to major Lee for the frequent and useful intelli- 
 gence he gave me, and which contributed much to the success 
 of the enterprise : and it is with the greatest pleasure I ac- 
 knowledge to you that I was supported in the attack by all 
 the officers and soldiers, to the utmost of my wishes ; and re- 
 turn my thanks to the officers and privates of artillery for 
 their alertness in turning the cannon against the enemy's 
 works at Verplank's Point, and their shipping, which slip- 
 ped their cables, and immediately dropped down the river. 
 I should be wanting in gratitude, was I to omit mentioning 
 captain Fishbourn and Mr. Archer, my two aids-de-camp, 
 who on every occasion showed the greatest intrepidity, and 
 supported me into the works after I had received my wound 
 in passing the last abattis. 
 
 Enclosed are returns of the killed and wounded, belonging 
 to the light corps, as also that of the enemy, together with 
 the number of prisoners taken : likewise of the ordnance and 
 stores found in the garrison. I had forgot to inform your ex- 
 cellency, that previous to the attack I had drawn general 
 Muhlenburg into my rear, who, with three hundred men of 
 his brigade took post on the opposite side of the marsh, and 
 was to be in readiness either to support us, or to cover a re- 
 treat in case of accident ; and have not the least doubt of his 
 faithfully and effectually executing either, had there been an 
 occasion for it. The humanity of our brave soldiers who 
 scorned to take the lives of vanquished foes calling for mercy, 
 reflects the highest honour on them, and accounts for so few 
 of the enemy being killed on the occasion. I am not fully sa- 
 tisfied with the manner in which I have mentioned lieutenant 
 Gibbons of the sixth, and lieutenant Knox of the ninth, Penn- 
 sylvania regiments ; the two gentlemen who led the advanced 
 parties of each column. The first had seventeen men killed 
 and wounded, out of twenty : the latter, though not quite so 
 unfortunate in that respect, was, nevertheless, equally expo- 
 
 58 
 
458 WAYNE. 
 
 sed : they both behaved with an intrepidity and address that 
 would have given credit to the oldest soldier. 
 
 I have the honour to be, with singular respect, Your ex- 
 cellency's most obedient, and verv humble servant, 
 
 ANTHONY WAYNE. 
 His Excellency Gen. Washington. 
 
 Resolutions of Congress. 
 
 In Congress, 26th July, 1779. 
 
 Resolved unanimously, That the thanks of congress be gi- 
 ven to his excellency general Washington, for the vigilance, 
 wisdom, and magnanimity with which he has conducted the 
 military operations of these states ; and which are, among 
 many other signal instances, manifested in his orders for the 
 late glorious enterprise and successful attack on the enemy's 
 fortress on the banks of the Hudson river. 
 
 Resolved unanimously, That the thanks of congress be 
 presented to brigadier general Wayne, for his brave, prudent, 
 and soldierly conduct, in the spirited and well conducted at- 
 tack of Stony Point. 
 
 Resolved unanimously, That congress entertain a proper 
 sense of the good conduct of the officers and soldiers, under 
 the command of brigadier general Wayne, in the assault of 
 the enemy's works at Stony Point, and highly commend the 
 coolness, discipline, and firm intrepidity, exhibited on the 
 occasion. 
 
 Resolved unanimously, That lieutenant colonel Fleury and 
 major Steward, who by their situation in leading the two at- 
 tacks, had a more immediate opportunity of distinguishing 
 themselves, have by their personal achievements exhibited a 
 bright example to their brother soldiers, and merit in a par- 
 ticular manner, the approbation and acknowledgments of the 
 United States. 
 
 Resolved unanimously, That congress warmly approve 
 and applaud the cool determined spirit with which lieutenants 
 Gibbons and Knox led on the forlorn hope, braving danger 
 and death in the cause of their country. 
 
 Resolved unanimously, That a medal emblematical of this 
 action be struck. That one of gold be presented to brigadier 
 general Wayne, and a silver one to lieutenant colonel Fleury 
 and major Steward respectively. 
 
 Resolved unanimously, That brevets of captain be given 
 to lieutenant Gibbons and lieutenant Knox. 
 
 Resolved unanimously, That the brevet of captain be given 
 to Mr. Archer, the bearer of the general's letter, and volun- 
 teer aid to brigadier general Wayne. 
 
 Resolved unanimously, That congress approve the prorai 
 
WAYNE. 459 
 
 ses of reward made by brigadier general Wayne, with the 
 concurrence of the commander in chief, to the troops under 
 his command. 
 
 Resolved unanimously, That the value of the military 
 stores taken at Stony Point he ascertained, and divided among 
 the gallant troops by whom it was reduced, in such manner 
 and proportion as the commander in chief shall prescribe. 
 Extract from the minutes, 
 
 Chas. Thompson, Secretary. 
 
 Letter from Mr. Jay to General Wayne. 
 
 Philadelphia, July Q7th, 1779. 
 Sir, — Your late glorious achievements have merited, and 
 now receive the approbation and thanks of your country. 
 They are contained in the enclosed act of congress, which I 
 have the honour to transmit. 
 
 This brilliant action adds fresh lustre to our arms, and will 
 teach the enemy to respect our power, if not to imitate our 
 humanity. You have nobly reaped laurels in the cause of 
 your country, and in fields of danger and death. May these 
 prove the earnest of more, and may victory ever bear your 
 standard, and Providence be your shield, 
 I have the honour to he, &c, 
 
 John Jay, President. 
 Brigadier General Wayne. 
 
 Letter from General Wayne, to Mr. Jay. 
 
 West Point, 10th August, 1779. 
 
 Sir, — Your very polite favour of the 27th ultimo, with the 
 extract of an act of congress, I have just now received. 
 
 The honourable manner in which that respectable body 
 have been pleased to express their approbation of my con- 
 duct, in the enterprise on Stony Point, must be very flatter- 
 ing to a young soldier; but whilst I experience every sensa- 
 tion arising from a consciousness of having used my best en- 
 deavours to carry the orders of my general into execution, I 
 feel much hurt that I did not in my letter to him of the 17th 
 of July, mention, among other brave and worthy officers, the 
 names of lieutenant colonel Sherman, majors Hull, Murphey, 
 and Posey, whose good conduct and intrepidity justly enti- 
 tled them to that attention. 
 
 Permit me, therefore, through your excellency, to do them 
 that justice now, which the state of my wound diverted me 
 from in the first instance. And whilst I pay this tribute to 
 real merit, I must not omit major Noirmont de Luneville, a 
 French gentleman, who (in the character of a volunteer) stept 
 among the first for glory. I will only beg leave to add, that 
 every officer and soldier belonging to the light corps, disco- 
 
460 WAYNE. 
 
 vered a zeal and intrepidity that did, and ever will, secure 
 success. — I am, with every sentiment of esteem &c. 
 
 ANTHONY WAYNE. 
 His excellency John Jay, Esq. President of Congress. 
 
 In the campaign of 1781, when Cornwallis and his army 
 were obliged to surrender prisoners of war, general Wayne 
 bore a conspicuous part. His presence of mind never failed 
 him in the most critical situations : of this he gave an emi- 
 nent example on the James river. Having been deceived by 
 some false information into a belief that the British army 
 had passed the river, leaving but the rear guard behind, he 
 hastened to attack the latter before it should also have effec- 
 ted its passage : but on pushing through a morass and wood, 
 instead of the rear guard, he found the whole British army 
 drawn up close to him. His situation did not admit of a mo- 
 ment's deliberation. Conceiving the boldest to be the safest 
 measure, he immediately led his small detachment, not ex- 
 ceeding eight hundred men, to the charge, and after a short, 
 but very smart firing, in which he lost one hundred and eigh- 
 teen of his men, he succeeded in bringing off the rest under 
 cover of the wood. Lord Cornwallis, suspecting the attack 
 to be a feint, in order to draw him into an ambuscade, would 
 not permit his troops to pursue. 
 
 The enemy having made a considerable head in Georgia, 
 Wayne was dispatched by general Washington to take com- 
 mand of the forces in that state, and, after some sanguinary 
 engagements, succeeded in establishing security and order. 
 For his services in that state, the legislature presented him 
 with a valuable farm. 
 
 On the peace, which followed shortly after, he retired to 
 private life ; but in 1789, we find him a member of the Penn- 
 sylvania convention, and one of those in favour of the pre- 
 sent federal constitution of the United States. 
 
 In the year 1792, he was appointed to succeed general St. 
 Clair, who had resigned the command of the army engaged 
 against the Indians on our western frontier. Wayne formed 
 an encampment at Pittsburg, and such exemplary discipline 
 was introduced among the new troops, that, on their advance 
 into the Indian country, they appeared like veterans. 
 
 The Indians had collected in great numbers, and it was ne- 
 cessary not only to rout them, but to occupy their country by 
 a chain of posts, that should, for the future, check their pre- 
 datory incursions. Pursuing this regular and systematic 
 mode of advance, the autumn of 1793, found general Wayne 
 with his army, at a post in the wilderness, called Greens- 
 ville, about six miles in advance of fort Jefferson, where he 
 determined to encamp for the winter, in order to make the 
 
WA1NE. 461 
 
 necessary arrangements for opening the campaign with effect 
 early in the following spring. After fortifying his camp, he 
 took possession of the ground on which the Americans had 
 heen defeated in 1791, which he fortified also, and called the 
 work fort Recovery. Here he piously collected and. with 
 the honours of war, interred the bones of the unfortunate, al- 
 though gallant victims of the 4th of November, 1791. This 
 situation of the army, menacing th^ Indian villages, effectual- 
 ly prevented any attack on the white settlements. The im- 
 possibility of procuring the necessary supplies prevented the 
 march of the troops till the summer. On the 8th of August 
 the army arrived at the junction of the rivers An Glaiz and 
 Miami of the Lakes, where they erected works for the pro- 
 tection of the stores, About thirty miles from this place, the 
 British had formed a post, in the vicinity of which the In- 
 dians had assembled their whole force. On the 15th, the ar- 
 my again advanced down the Miami, and on the 18th arrived 
 at the rapids. On the following day they erected some works 
 for the protection of the baggage. The situation of the enemy 
 was reconnoitered, and they were found posted in a thick 
 wood, in the rear of the British fort. On the £0th the army 
 advanced to the attack. The Miami co\ered the right flank, 
 and on the left were the mounted volunteers, commanded by 
 general Todd. After marching about five miles, major Price, 
 who led the advance, received so heavy a fire from the Indians, 
 who were stationed behind trees, that he was compelled to 
 fall back. The enemy had occupied a wood in front of the 
 British fort, which, from the quantity of fallen timber, could 
 not be entered by the horse. The legion was immediately or- 
 dered to advance with trailed arms, and rouse them from their 
 covert; the cavalry under captain Campbell, were directed 
 to pass between the Indians and the river, while the volun- 
 teers, led by general Scott, made a circuit to turn their flank. 
 So rapid, how ever, was the charge of the legion, that before 
 the rest of the army could get into action, the enemy were 
 completely routed, and driven through the woods for more 
 than two miles, and the troops halted within gun-shot of the 
 British fort. All the Indians' houses and cornfields were de- 
 stroyed. In this decisive action, the whole loss of general 
 Wayne's army in killed and wounded, amounted only to one 
 hundred and seven men. As hostilities continued on the part 
 of the Indians, their whole country was laid waste, and forts 
 established, which effectually prevented their return. 
 
 The success of this engagement destroyed the enemy's 
 power : and, in the following year, general Wayne concluded 
 a definitive treaty of peace with them. 
 
 A life of peril and glory was terminated in December, 1796, 
 
462 WAYNE. 
 
 He had shielded his country from the murderous tomahawk 
 of the savage. He had established her boundaries. He had 
 forced her enemies to sue for her protection. He beheld her 
 triumphant, rich in arts, and potent in arms. What more 
 could his patriot spirit wish to see ? He died in a hut at Pres- 
 que Isle, aged about fifty-one years, and was buried on the 
 shore of Lake Erie. 
 
 A few years since his bones were taken up by his son, Isaac 
 Wayne, Esq. and entombed in his native county ; and by di- 
 rection of the Pennsylvania State Society of the Cincinnati, 
 an elegant monument was erected. It is to be seen within the 
 cemetry of St. David's church, situated in Chester county. 
 It is constructed of white marble, of the most correct sym- 
 metry and beauty. The south front exhibits the following 
 inscription : 
 
 In honour of the distinguished 
 
 Military services of 
 
 Major General 
 
 ANTHONY WAYNE, 
 
 And as an affectionate tribute 
 
 of respect to his memory, 
 
 This stone was erected by his 
 
 companions in arms, 
 
 THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE SOCIETY OF 
 THE CINCINNATI, 
 
 July 4th, A. D. 1809, 
 
 Thirty fourth anniversary of 
 
 The Independence of 
 
 THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ', 
 
 An event which constitutes 
 
 the most 
 
 Appropriate eulogium of an American 
 
 SOLDIER AND PATRIOT. 
 
 The north front exhibits the following inscription : 
 
 Major General 
 
 ANTHONY WAYNE, 
 
 Was born at Waynesborough, 
 
 in Chester county, 
 
 State of Pennsylvania, 
 
 A. D. 1745. 
 
 After a life of honour and usefulness, 
 
 He died in December, 1796, 
 
 at a military post 
 
 On the shore of Lake Erie, 
 
 Commander in chief of the army of 
 
 THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 His military achievements 
 
WILLIAMS. 463 
 
 are consecrated 
 In the history of his country, 
 
 and in 
 The hearts of his countrymen. 
 
 His remains \ 
 
 Are here deposited. \ 
 
 WILLIAMS, Otho Holland, a hrigadier general in the \ 
 American army, was horn in the county of Prince George, 
 in Maryland, in the year 1748. He was bred up in the clerk's 
 office of the county, a profession which presented better pros- 
 pects to a young man, than any other office then procurable 
 under the colonial government of Maryland. He was remo- 
 ved, just before the war broke out, to the clerk's office in the 
 county of Baltimore, of which he had the principal direction ; 
 and the husiness of which he conducted with exemplary pro- 
 priety. Anxious to draw his sword in defence of his oppres- 
 sed country, as soon as the last resort became inevitable, 
 Williams was appointed lieutenant in the company of rifle- 
 men raised in the county of Frederick, commanded by cap- 
 tain Price, and marched in 1775, to the American camp be- 
 fore Boston. In 1776, a rifle regiment was formed, of which 
 Stephenson was appointed colonel, Rawlings lieutenant colo- 
 nel, and Williams major. 
 
 Stephenson soon dying, the command of the regiment de- 
 volved upon Rawlings. who, with his regiment, formed part 
 of the garrison of fort Washington, in the state of New York, 
 when assailed by sir William Howe, pushing Washington 
 over the North river. In this attack, the rifle regiment op- 
 posed the Hessian column, and behaved to admiration, hold- 
 ing for a long time, victory in suspense, and severely crip- 
 pling its adversary. The fort was nevertheless carried by 
 capitulation, and its garrison became prisoners of war. After 
 the surrender of Burgoyne's army, colonel Wilkinson, ad- 
 jutant general to general Gates, who was personally attached 
 to major Williams, procured his exchange for major Ach- 
 land, wounded in the first action between the northern ar- 
 mies, and left on the ground, with many others, to the mercy 
 of the American general. While in captivity, Williams be- 
 came entitled to the command of a regiment ; and as soon as 
 he was exchanged, he was placed at the head of the sixth 
 Maryland. The Maryland and Delaware lines having been 
 detached to South Carolina, soon after the reduction of 
 Charleston, colonel Williams accompanied the Baron de 
 Kalb, and after general Gates took command of the army, 
 he was called to the important station of adjutant general to 
 the same. He bore a distinguished part in the battle of the 
 sixteenth of August, and shared with the general in the bitter 
 adversity of that disastrous period. 
 
464 WOOSTER. 
 
 "When Greene took command of the southern army, colonel 
 Williams was retained in the station he then 0(cupied, which 
 he held to the em\ of the war, enjoying the uninterrupted confi- 
 dence of his commander, and the esteem of his fellow soldiers. 
 
 Throughout the important campaign which followed, he 
 acted a conspicuous part, and greatly contributed, by the ho- 
 nourable and intelligent discharge of the duties of the station 
 which he held, to the successful issue of Greene's operations. 
 At the head of the light troops, during our difficult retreat, 
 he was signally efficient in holding the army safe until it ef- 
 fected its passage across the river Dan ; and after Greene's 
 return into North Carolina, when, to save that state, the 
 American general was constrained to put to hazard his infe- 
 rior force, he was no less useful in thwarting the various at- 
 tempts of lord Cornwallis to strike his antagonist. He se- 
 conded his general in the fields of Guilford, of Hobrick, and 
 of Eutaws, invariably exciting, by his impressive example, 
 officer and soldier to an animated display of skill and courage. 
 
 After the war he was appointed collector of the port of Bal- 
 timore. He died in July, 1794, of a pulmonary complaint. 
 
 Brigadier general Williams was about five feet ten inches 
 high, erect and elegant in form, made for activity rather than 
 strength. His countenance was expressive, and the faithful 
 index of his warm and honest heart. Pleasing in his address, 
 he never failed to render himself acceptable, in whatever cir- 
 cle he moved, notwithstanding a sternness of character which 
 was sometimes manifested with too much asperity. He was 
 beneficent to his friends, but very cold to all whose correct- 
 ness in moral principle became questionable in his mind. As 
 a soldier, he may be called a rigid, not cruel disciplinarian ; 
 obeying with exactitude his superior, he exacted the like 
 obedience from his inferior. 
 
 In the field of battle he was self-possessed, intelligent, and 
 ardent ; in camp, circumspect, attentive and systematic ; in 
 council, sincere, deep and perspicacious. During the cam- 
 paigns of general Greene, he was uniformly one of his few 
 advisers, and held his unchanged confidence : nor was he less 
 esteemed by his brother officers, or less respected by his sol- 
 diery. 
 
 Previous to the disbandonment of the army, congress mani- 
 fested their sense of Williams's merit and services, by pro- 
 moting him to the rank of brigadier general. 
 
 WOOSTER, David, major general in the revolutionary 
 war, was born at Stratford, in 1711, and was graduated at 
 Yale college in 1738. At the commencement of the war with 
 Great Britain, he was appointed to the chief command of the 
 troops in the service of Connecticut, and made a brigadier 
 
WYTHE. 465 
 
 general in the continental service ; but this commission he 
 afterwards resigned. In 1776, he was appointed the first ma- 
 jor general of the militia of his native state. While opposing 
 a detachment of British troops, whose object was to destroy 
 the public stores at Banbury, he was mortally wounded at 
 Ridgefield, April 27, 1777, and died on the second of May. 
 Though seventy years old, general Woostcr behaved with the 
 vigor and spirit of youth. Congress resolved that a monu- 
 ment should be erected to his memory, as an acknowledg- 
 ment of his merit and services. 
 
 WYTHE, George, Chancellor of Virginia, and a distin- 
 guished friend of his country, was born in the county of Eli- 
 zabeth city, in 1726. At school he learned only to read and 
 write, and to apply the five first rules in arithmetic. With- 
 out the assistance of any instructor he acquired an accurate 
 knowledge of the Greek, and he read the best authors in that 
 as well as in the Latin language. He made himself also a 
 profound lawyer. 
 
 Having obtained a license to practice law, he took his sta- 
 tion at the bar of the old general court, with many other great 
 men, whose merit has been the boast of Virginia. Among 
 them he was conspicuous, not for his eloquence or ingenuity 
 in maintaining a bad cause, but for his sound sense and learn- 
 ing, and rigid attachment to justice. He never undertook the 
 support of a cause which he knew to be bad, or which did not 
 appear to be just or honourable. He was even known, when 
 he doubted the statement of his client, to insist upon his mak- 
 ing an affidavit to its truth, and in every instance, where it 
 was in his power, he examined the witnesses as to the facts 
 intended to be proved before he brought the suit, or agreed to 
 defend it. 
 
 When the time arrived, which Heaven had destined for the 
 separation of the wide, confederated republic of America, 
 from the dominion of Great Britain, Mr. Wythe was one of 
 the instruments in the hand of Providence for accomplishing 
 that great work. He took a decided part in the very first 
 movements of opposition. Not content merely to fall in with 
 the wishes of his fellow citizens, he assisted in persuading 
 them not to submit to British tyranny. With a prophetic 
 mind he looked forward to the event of an approaching war, 
 and resolutely prepared to encounter all its evils rather than 
 resign his attachment to liberty. With his pupil and friend, 
 Thomas Jefferson, he roused the people to resistance. As the 
 controversy grew warm, his zeal became proportionably fer- 
 vent. He joined a corps of volunteers, accustomed himself 
 to military discipline, and was ready to march at the call of 
 his country. But that country, to whose interests he was so 
 
 59 
 
466 WYTHE. 
 
 sincerely attached, had other duties of more importance for 
 him to perform. It was his destiny to ohtain distinction as a 
 statesman, legislator and judge, and not as a warrior. Be- 
 fore the war commenced, he was elected a member of the Vir- 
 ginia assembly. After having been for some time speaker of 
 the house of burgesses, he was sent by the members of that 
 body as one of their delegates to the congress, which assem- 
 bled May 10, 1775, and did not separate until it had declared 
 the independence of America. In that most enlightened and 
 patriotic assembly, he possessed no small share of influence. 
 He was one of those who signed the memorable declaration, 
 by which the heroic legislators of this country pledged "their 
 lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honour," to maintain 
 and defend its violated rights. But the voice of his native 
 state soon called him from the busy scenes, where his talents 
 had been so ably exerted. In November, 1776, he was appoint- 
 ed one of a committee to revise the laws of Virginia. This 
 was a work of very great labour and difficulty. After finish- 
 ing the task of new modelling the laws, he was employed to 
 carry them into effect, by being placed in the difficult office 
 of judge of a court of equity. He was one of the three judges 
 of the high court of chancery, and afterwards sole chancellor 
 of Virginia, in which station he continued until the day of his 
 death, during a period of more than twenty years. 
 
 He was a member of the Virginia convention, which in 
 June 1788, considered the proposed constitution of the Uni- 
 ted States. He was ever attached to the constitution on ac- 
 count of the principles of freedom and justice which it con- 
 tained ; and in every change of affairs he was steady in sup- 
 porting the rights of man. His political opinions were always 
 firmly republican. He presided twice successively in the col- 
 lege of electors in Virginia, and twice voted for a president 
 whose political opinions coincided with his own. 
 
 He died in June, 1806, in the eighty first year of his age. 
 It was supposed that he was poisoned ; hut the person suspec- 
 ted was acquitted by a jury of his countrymen. By his last 
 will he bequeathed his valuable library and philosophical ap- 
 paratus to his friend Mr. Jefferson, and distributed the re- 
 mainder of his little property among the grand children of 
 his sister, and the slaves, whom he had set free. 
 
 Chancellor Wythe possessed a soul replete with benevo- 
 lence. He was of a social and affectionate disposition. His 
 integrity was never even suspected. While he practised at 
 the bar, when offers of an extraordinary but well merited 
 compensation were made to him by clients whose causes he 
 had gained, he would say, that the laborer was indeed wor- 
 thy of his hire, but the lawful fee was all he had a right tc 
 
YATES. 467 
 
 ii Mii and ; and as to presents, he did not want and would not 
 accept them from any man. This grandeur of mind he uni- 
 formly preserved to the end of his life. 
 
 YATES, Robert, was born on the 27th day of January, 
 
 1738, in the city of Schenectady, in the state of New York. 
 At the age of sixteen he was sent by his parents to the city of 
 New York, where he received a classical education, and af- 
 terwards studied the law with William Livingston, Esq. a 
 celebrated barrister in that metropolis. On the completion of 
 his studies, he was admitted to the bar, and soon after fixed 
 his residence in the city of Albany, where in due time he re- 
 ceived the degrees of solicitor and counsellor in the court of 
 chancery. He soon became eminent in his profession, and on 
 account of his incorruptible integrity, was known by the ap- 
 pellation of the Honest Lawyer. At the age of twenty-seven, 
 lie married Miss Jane Van Ness. On the prospect of a rup- 
 ture between this country and Great Britain, his open and 
 avowed principles as a Whig, brought him into political no- 
 tice ; and several well written essays, which were the pro- 
 ductions of his pen, contributed in no small degree, to esta- 
 blish his reputation as a writer in defence of the rights and 
 liberties of his country. He had already held a seat as a 
 member of the corporation of the city of Albany, and as at- 
 torney and counsel to that board ; and he was soon after ap- 
 pointed a member of the * Committee of Public Safety,' a bo- 
 dy of men who were invested with almost inquisitorial powers, 
 and who had justly become the dread and scourge of that class 
 of men called Tories. By the exertions of Mr. Yates, the pro- 
 ceedings of that tribunal were tempered with moderation, and 
 the patriotic zeal of the community confined within its proper 
 and legitimate sphere of action. We find him not long after- 
 wards, holding a seat in the provincial congress of his own 
 state, and during the recess of that body, performing the com- 
 plicated and arduous duties of a chairman of a committee for 
 the organization and direction of military operations against 
 the common enemy. In the year 1777, the constitution of 
 New York was adopted, and Mr. Yates was an active and 
 distinguished member of the convention that framed that in- 
 strument. During the same year he received, without solici- 
 tation, the appointment of a judge of the supreme court, at a 
 time when an extensive and lucrative practice as a lawyer, 
 held out to him strong inducements to decline its acceptance. 
 Regardless, however, of private interest, he entered upon the 
 duties of that office, rendered at the same time peculiarly de- 
 licate and dangerous. He sat upon the bench, as a writer has 
 expressed it, " with a halter about his neck," exposed to pun- 
 ishment as a rebel, had our efforts for emancipation proved 
 
468 YATES. 
 
 abortive ; nor were these the least of his dangers : for in 
 counties ravaged or possessed by the enemy, or by secret do- 
 mestic foes watching every opportunity to ruin or betray their 
 country, he was sometimes obliged to hold his courts. But 
 no dangers could appal, nor fears deter, him from a faithful 
 and honest performance of the functions of his office. He was 
 particularly distinguished for his impartiality in the trials of 
 state criminals ; and he was not unfrequently obliged to abate 
 the intemperate zeal, or ill-judged patriotism of the juries 
 who were to decide upon the fate of unfortunate prisoners. 
 On one occasion he sent a jury from the bar four times suc- 
 cessively, to reconsider a verdict of conviction which they 
 had pronounced most unwarrantably against the accused, 
 merely because they suspected he was a tory, though without 
 any proof that could authorise the verdict. As the accused 
 had become very obnoxious to the great body of the whigs, 
 the legislature were inflamed, and seriously contemplated 
 calling Judge Yates before them to answer for his conduct : 
 hut he was alike indifferent to censure or applause in the 
 faithful and independent exercise of his judicial duties; and 
 the legislature, at length, prudently dropped the affair. His 
 salary during the war was very small, and hardly sufficient 
 for the support of himself and family : indeed before the scale 
 of depreciation of continental money had been settled, he re- 
 cei\ed one years' salary in that money, at its nominal value, 
 the whole of which was just sufficient (as he humourously ob- 
 served) ' to purchase a pound of green tea for his wife." He 
 was often urged to unite with some of his friends in specula- 
 ting on forfeited estates during the war, by which he might 
 easily have enriched himself and his connexions, without cen- 
 sure or suspicion ; and although such speculations were com- 
 mon, yet he would not consent to become wealthy upon the 
 ruin of others. "'No," said he, " I will sooner die a beggar 
 than own a foot of land acquired by such means." In Sep- 
 tember, 177 '6, George Clinton, afterwards vice president of 
 the U' :ted States, anxious to receive the co-operation of judge 
 Yates in certain measures then deemed important and neces- 
 sary, addressed him a letter, of which the following is an ex- 
 tract : 4< we have, at last, arrived at a most important crisis, 
 which will either secure the independence of our country, or 
 determine that she shall still remain in a state of vassalage 
 to Great Britain. I know your sentiments on this subject, 
 and 1 am extremely happy to find that they agree so exactly 
 with mine : but as we are called upon to act as well as to 
 think* your talents and exertions in the common cause can- 
 jiot be spared." 
 
 After the conclusion of the revolutionary war, he was cho- 
 
YATES. 469 
 
 sen, together with general Hamilton and chancellor Lansing, 
 to represent his native state in the convention that formed the 
 constitution of the United States ; and to his labours in that 
 convention we are indebted for the preservation of some of 
 the most important debates that ever distinguished any age 
 or country. He was also a member of the convention subse- 
 quently held in his native state, to whom that constitution 
 was submitted for adoption and ratification. His political 
 opinions were open and unreserved. He was opposed to a 
 consolidated national government, and friendly to a confede- 
 ration of the states, preserving their integrity and equality 
 as such. Although the form of government eventually adopt- 
 ed, was not, in all its parts, agreeable to his views and wishes, 
 still, in all his discussions, and especially in his judicial ca- 
 pacity, he deemed it a sacred duty to inculcate entire submis- 
 sion to, and reverence for, that constitution. In the first 
 charge which he delivered to a grand jury immediately after 
 its adoption, he used the following language : " the proposed 
 form of government for the union, has at length received the 
 sanction of so many of the states, as to make it the supreme 
 law of the land ; and it is not, therefore, any longer a ques- 
 tion whether or not its provisions are such as they ought to 
 be, in all their different branches. We, as good citizens, are 
 bound implicitly to obey them ; for the united wisdom of 
 America has sanctioned and confirmed the act, and it would 
 be little short of treason against the republic to hesitate in 
 our obedience and respect to the constitution of the United 
 States of America. Let me, therefore, exhort you, gentlemen, 
 not only in your capacity as grand jurors, but in your more 
 durable, and equally respectable character as citizens, to pre- 
 serve inviolate this charter of our national rights and safety: 
 a charter second only in dignity and importance to the Decla- 
 ration of our Independence. We have escaped, it is true, by 
 the blessing of divine Providence, from the tyranny of a fo- 
 reign foe ; but let us now be equally watchful in guarding 
 against worse and far more dangerous enemies — domestic 
 broils, and intestine divisions." Soon after this period he fil- 
 led the important trust of commissioner, to treat with the 
 states of Massachusetts and Connecticut, on the subject of 
 territory, and to settle certain claims of his native state, 
 against the state of Vermont. In 1790, he received the ap- 
 pointment of chief justice of the state of New T York, and was 
 twice supported for the office of governor, to which latter of- 
 fice he was, on one occasion, elected by a majority of votes ; 
 but, on account of some real or supposed inaccuracy in some 
 of the returns, he did not receive the certificate of his election. 
 In January, 1798, having completed his sixtieth year, and 
 
4;o YATES. 
 
 with it, the constitutional term of his office, he retired from 
 the bench, of which, for twenty-one years, he had been the 
 ornament and pride, and resumed the practice of the law. So 
 highly did the legislature estimate his former services and 
 usefulness, that it was proposed in that body to fix an annual 
 allowance or stipend on him for life; and the proposition ac- 
 tually passed the senate, but was laid aside in the assembly, 
 as being supposed to savour too much of the monarchical re- 
 gulation called pensions. Determined, however, to provide 
 for an old and faithful public servant, who had worn out his 
 better days for the good of his country, the legislature ap- 
 pointed him a commissioner to settle disputed titles to lands 
 in the military tract ; and this appointment he held till near- 
 ly the close of his life, when the law creating it, ceased by its 
 own limitation. On the ninth day of September, 1801, he 
 finished his mortal career, " full of honours and full of years," 
 placing a firm reliance on the merits of an atoning Saviour, 
 and the goodness of a merciful God. He left a widow and 
 four children, two of whom only are now living, a son and 
 daughter; the former John V. N. Yates, Esquire, present se- 
 cretary of state, of the state of New York. 
 
 Chief Justice Yates died poor. He had always been indif- 
 ferent to his own private interest ; for his benevolent and pa- 
 triotic feelings, could not be regulated nor restrained by the 
 cold calculations of avarice or gain. No man was more es- 
 teemed than himself. He never had, it is believed, in the 
 whole course of his life, a personal enemy ; and the tears of 
 the widow, the orphan, the destitute and oppressed, followed 
 him to his grave. He was, emphatically, the honest man and 
 the upright judge. His talents were of the higher order, and 
 his manners were plain, attractive, and unassuming. His 
 opinions at nisi prins, were seldom found to be incorrect ; and 
 on the bench of the supreme court he was distinguished for a 
 clear, discriminating mind, that readily arrived at the true 
 merits of the case before him. It may be safely affirmed, that 
 no single individual ever filled so many high and responsible 
 stations with greater credit to himself, and honour to the 
 state. His memory will be cherished as long as virtue is es- 
 teemed, and talents respected ; and his epitaph is written in 
 the hearts of his fellow citizens, and in the history of his 
 country. 
 
LQ 
 
 IN CONGRESS, Philadelphia, Jult 5, 1775. 
 A DECLARATION 
 
 BY THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED COLONIES OF 
 NORTH AMERICA, SETTING FORTH THE CAUSES AND NE- 
 CESSITY OF THEIR TAKING UP ARMS. 
 
 Directed to be published by General Washington, upon his arri- 
 val before Boston. 
 
 If it was possible for men, who exercise their reason, to 
 believe that the Divine Author of our existence intended a 
 part of the human race to hold an absolute property in, and 
 an unbounded power over others, marked out by his infinite 
 goodness and wisdom, as the objects of a legal domination 
 never rightfully resistible, however severe and oppressive, 
 the inhabitants of these Colonies might at least require from 
 the parliament of Great Britain, some evidence, that this 
 dreadful authority over them has been granted to that body. 
 But a reverence for our great Creator, principles of humani- 
 ty, and the dictates of common sense, must convince all those 
 who reflect upon the subject, that government was instituted 
 to promote the welfare of mankind, and ought to be adminis- 
 tered for the attainment of that end. The legislature of 
 Great Britain, however, stimulated by an inordinate passion 
 for a power not only unjustifiable, but which they know to be 
 peculiarly reprobated by the very constitution of that king- 
 dom, and desperate of success in any mode of contest, where 
 regard should be had to truth, law or right, have at length, 
 deserting those, attempted to effect their cruel and impolitic 
 purpose of enslaving these Colonies by violence, and have 
 thereby rendered it necessary for us to close with their last 
 appeal from reason to arms. Yet, however blinded that as- 
 sembly may be, by their intemperate rage for unlimited dom- 
 ination, so to slight justice and the opinion of mankind, we 
 esteem ourselves bound by obligations of respect to the rest 
 of the world, to make known the justice of our cause. 
 
472 APPENDIX. 
 
 Our forefathers, inhabitants of the island of Great Britain, 
 left their native land, to seek on these shores a residence for 
 civil and religious freedom. At the expense of their blood, 
 at the hazard of their fortunes, without the least charge to 
 the country from which they removed, by unceasing labour 
 and an unconquerable spirit, they effected settlements in the 
 distant and inhospitable wilds of America, then filled with 
 numerous and warlike nations of barbarians. Societies or 
 governments, vested with perfect legislatures, were formed 
 under charters from the crown, and an harmonious inter- 
 course was established between the Colonies and the kingdom 
 from which they derived their origin. The mutual benefits 
 of this union became in a short time so extraordinary, as to 
 excite astonishment. It is universally confessed, that the 
 amazing increase of the wealth, strength, and navigation of 
 the realm, arose from this source ; and the minister, who so 
 wisely and successfully directed the measures of Great Britain 
 in the late war, publicly declared that these Colonies enabled 
 them to triumph over her enemies. Towards the conclusion 
 of that war, it pleased our sovereign to make a change in his 
 counsels. From that fatal moment, the affairs of the British 
 empire began to fall into confusion, and gradually sliding 
 from the summit of glorious prosperity, to which they had 
 been advanced by the virtues and abilities of one man, are at 
 length distracted by the convulsions, that now shake it to its 
 deepest foundations. The new ministry finding the brave 
 foes of Britain, though frequently defeated, yet still contend- 
 ing, took up the unfortunate idea of granting them a hasty 
 peace, and of then subduing her faithful friends. 
 
 These devoted colonies were judged to be in such a state as 
 to present victories without bloodshed, and all the easy emo- 
 luments of statuteable plunder. The uninterrupted tenor of 
 their peaceable and respectful behaviour from the beginning 
 of colonization, their dutiful, zealous, and useful services dur- 
 ing the war, though so recently and amply acknowledged in 
 the most honourable manner by his majesty, by the late king, 
 and by parliament, could not save them from the meditated 
 innovations. Parliament was influenced to adopt the perni- 
 cious project, and assuming a new power over them, have, 
 in the course of eleven years, given such decisive specimens 
 of the spirit and consequences attending this power, as to 
 leave no doubt concerning the effects of acquiescence under 
 it. They have undertaken to give and grant our money with- 
 out our consent, though we have ever exercised an exclusive 
 right to dispose of our own property ; statutes have been pas- 
 sed for extending the jurisdiction of courts of admiralty and 
 vice-admiralty beyond their ancient limits ; for depriving us 
 
APPENDIX. 473 
 
 of the accustomed and inestimable privilege of trial by jury, 
 in cases affecting both life and property ; for suspending the 
 legislature of one of the colonies ; for interdicting all com- 
 merce to the capital of another ; and for altering fundamen- 
 tally the form of government established by charter, and se- 
 cured by acts of its own legislature solemnly confirmed by 
 the crown ; for exempting the ** murderers" of colonists from 
 legal trial, and, in effect, from punishment ; for erecting in a 
 neighbouring province, acquired by the joint arms of Great 
 Britain and America, a despotism dangerous to our very ex- 
 istence ; and for quartering soldiers upon the colonists in 
 time of profound peace. It has also been resolved in parlia- 
 ment, that Colonists charged with committing certain offen- 
 ces, shall be transported to England to be tried. 
 
 But why should we enumerate our injuries in detail ? By 
 one statute it is declared, that parliament can " of right make 
 laws to bind us in all cases whatsoever." What is to defend 
 us against so enormous, so unlimited a power ? Not a single 
 man of those who assume it, is chosen by us ; or is subject to 
 our controul or influence ; but, on the contrary, they are all 
 of them exempt from the operation of such laws, and an Ame- 
 rican revenue, if not diverted from the ostensible purposes for 
 which it is raised, would actually lighten their own burthens 
 in proportion as they increase ours. We saw the misery to 
 which such despotism would reduce us. We for ten years in- 
 cessantly and ineffectually besieged the throne as supplicants; 
 we reasoned, we remonstrated with parliament in the most 
 mild and decent language. 
 
 Administration, sensible that we should regard these op- 
 pressive measures as freemen ought to do, sent over fleets and 
 armies to enforce them. The indignation of the Americans 
 was roused, it is true ; but it was the indignation of a virtu- 
 ous, loyal, and affectionate people. A congress of delegates 
 from the United Colonies was assembled at Philadelphia, oh 
 the fifth day of last September. We resolved again to offer 
 an humble and dutiful petition to the king, and also addressed 
 our fellow subjects of Great Britain. We have pursued every 
 temperate, every respectful measure ; we have even proceed- 
 ed to break off our commercial intercourse with our fellow 
 subjects, as the last peaceable admonition, that our attach- 
 ment to no nation upon earth should supplant our attachment 
 to liberty. This we flattered ourselves was the ultimate step 
 of the controversy : but subsequent events have shewn, how 
 vain was this hope of finding moderation in our enemies. 
 
 Several threatening expressions against the Colonies were 
 inserted in his majesty's speech ; our petition, though we were 
 told it w r asa decent one. and that his majesty had been pleas- 
 
 60 
 
474 APPENDIX. 
 
 ed to receive it graciously, and to promise laying it before 
 his parliament, was huddled into both houses among a bun- 
 dle of American papers, and there neglected. The lords and 
 commons in their address, in the month of February, said, 
 that a rebellion at that time actually existed within the pro- 
 vince of Massachusetts Bay ; and that those concerned in it, 
 had been countenanced and encouraged by unlawful combina- 
 tions and engagements, entered into by his majesty's subjects 
 in several of the other Colonies ; and therefore they besought 
 his majesty, that he would take the most effectual measures 
 to enforce i\ue obedience to the laws ami authority of the su- 
 preme legislature. Soon after, the commercial intercourse 
 of whole colonies with foreign countries, and with each other, 
 was cut off by an act of parliament : by another, several of 
 them were entirely prohibited from the fisheries in the seas 
 near their coast, on which they always depended for their 
 sustenance ; and large reinforcements of ships and troops 
 were immediately sent over to general Gage. 
 
 Fruitless were all the intreaties, arguments, and eloquence 
 of an illustrious band of the most distinguished peers and 
 commoners, who nobly and strenuously asserted the justice of 
 our cause, to stay, or even to mitigate the heedless fury with 
 which these accumulated and unexampled outrages were hur- 
 ried on. Equally fruitless was the interference of the city of 
 London, of Bristol, and many other respectable towns in our 
 favour. Parliament adopted an insidious manoeuvre calcula- 
 ted to divide us, to establish a perpetual auction of taxations, 
 where Colony should bid against Colony, all of them unin- 
 formed what ransom would redeem their lives ; and thus to 
 extort from us. at the point of the bayonet, the unknown sums 
 tli at would be sufficient to gratify, if possible to gratify, min- 
 isterial rapacity, with the miserable indulgence left to us of 
 raising, in our own mode, the prescribed tribute. AVnat 
 terms more rigid and humiliating could have been dictated by 
 remorseless victors to conquered enemies ? In our circumstan- 
 ces to accept them, would be to deserve them. 
 
 Soon after the intelligence of these proceedings arrived on 
 this continent, general Gage, who in the course of the last 
 year had taken possession of the town of Boston, in the pro- 
 vince of Massachusetts Bay. and still occupied it as a garri- 
 son, on the 19th day of April, sent out from that place a large 
 detachment of his army, who made an unprovoked assault on 
 the inhabitants of the said province, at the town of Lexington, 
 as appears by the affidavits of a great number of persons, 
 some of whom were officers and soldiers of that detachment, 
 murdered eight of the inhabitants, and wounded many others. 
 From thence the troops proceeded in warlike array to the 
 town of Concord, where they set upon another party of the 
 
APPENDIX. 475 
 
 inhabitants of the same province, killing several and wound- 
 ing more, until compelled to retreat by the; country people 
 suddenly assembled to repel this cruel aggression. Hostili- 
 ties, thus commenced by the British troops, have been since 
 prosecuted by them without regard to faith or reputation. 
 The inhabitants of Boston being confined within that town by - 
 the general, their governor, and having, in order to procure 
 their dismission, entered into a treaty with him, it was stip- 
 ulated that the said inhabitants, having deposited their arms 
 with their own magistrates, should have liberty to depart, 
 taking with them their other effects. They accordingly de- 
 livered up their arms ; but, in open violation of honor, in de- 
 fiance of the obligation of treaties, which even savage na- 
 tions esteem sacred, the governor ordered the arms deposited 
 as aforesaid, that they might be preserved for their owners, 
 to be seized by a body of soldiers ; detained the greatest part 
 of the inhabitants in the town, and compelled the few who 
 were permitted to retire, to leave their most valuable effects 
 behind. 
 
 By this perfidy, wives are separated from their husbands, 
 children from their parents, the aged and the sick from their 
 relations and friends, who wish to attend and comfort them ; 
 and those who have been used to live in plenty and even ele- 
 gance, are reduced to deplorable distress. 
 
 The general, further emulating his ministerial masters, by 
 a proclamation bearing date on the 12th day of June, after 
 venting the grossest lasehoods and calumnies against the 
 good people of these colonies, proceeds to "declare them all, 
 either by name or description, to be rebels and traitors, to 
 supersede the course of the common law, and instead thereof 
 to publish asul order the use and exercise of the law martial." 
 His troops have butchered our countrymen, have wantonly 
 burnt Charlestown, besides a considerable number of houses 
 in other places ; our ships and vessels are seized ; the neces- 
 sary supplies of provisions are intercepted, and he is exerting 
 his utmost power to spread destruction and devastation a- 
 round him. 
 
 We have received certain intelligence, that general Carle- 
 ton, the governor of Canada, is instigating the people of that 
 province, and the Indians, to fall upon us ; and we have but 
 too much reason to apprehend, that schemes have been form- 
 ed to excite domestic enemies against us. In brief, a part of 
 these Colonies now feel, and all of them are sure of feeling, 
 as far as the vengeance of administration can inflict them, 
 the complicated calamities of fire, sword and famine. We are 
 reduced to the alternative of choosing an unconditional sub- 
 mission to the tyranny of irritated ministers, or resistance 
 by force. The latter is ouf^hoice t We have counted the cost of 
 
476 APPENDIX. 
 
 this contest, and find nothing so dreadful as voluntary slavery. 
 Honor, justice, and humanity, forbid us tamely to surrender 
 that freedom which we received from our gallant ancestors, 
 and which our innocent posterity have a right to receive from 
 us. We cannot endure the infamy and guilt of resigning 
 succeeding generations to that wretchedness which inevitably 
 awaits them, if we basely entail hereditary bondage upon 
 them. 
 
 Our cause is just. Our union is perfect. Our internal 
 resources are great, and, if necessary, foreign assistance is 
 undoubtedly attainable. We gratefully acknowledge, as a sig- 
 nal instance of tbe Divine favor towards us, that his provi- 
 dence would not permit us to be called into this severe con- 
 troversy, until we were grown up to our present strength, 
 had been previously exercised in warlike operations, and 
 possessed the means of defending ourselves. With hearts 
 fortified with these animating reflections, we most solemnly, 
 before God, and the world declare, that, exerting the ut- 
 most energy of those powers, which our beneficent Creator 
 hath graciously bestowed upon us, the arms we have been 
 compelled by our enemies to assume, we will, in defiance of 
 every hazard, with unabating firmness and perseverance, 
 employ for the preservation of our liberties ; being with one 
 mind resolved to die freemen rather than to live slaves. 
 
 Lest this declaration should disquiet the minds of our 
 friends and fellow-subjects in any part of the empire, we as- 
 sure them that we mean not to dissolve that union which has 
 so long and so happily subsisted between us, and which we 
 sincerely wish to see restored. Necessity has not yet driven 
 us into that desperate measure, or induced us to excite any 
 other nation to war against them. We have not raised armies 
 with ambitious designs of separating from Great Britain, and 
 establishing independent states. We fight not for glory or 
 for conquest. We exhibit to mankind the remarkable spec- 
 tacle of a people attacked by unprovoked enemies, without any 
 imputation of or even suspicion of offence. They boast of 
 their privileges and civilization, and yet proffer no milder 
 conditions than servitude or death. 
 
 In our own native land, in defence of the freedom that is 
 our birth-right, and which we ever enjoyed till the late viola- 
 tion of it ; for the protection of our property, acquired solely 
 by the honest industry of our forefathers and ourselves, 
 against violence actually offered, we have taken up arms. We 
 shall lay them down when hostilities shall cease on the part 
 of the aggressors, and all danger of their being renewed shall 
 be removed, and not before. 
 
 With an humble confidence in the mercies of the supreme 
 and impartial Judge and Ruler of the universe, we most de- 
 
APPENDIX. 477 
 
 voutly implore his Divine goodness to protect us happily 
 through this great conflict, to dispose our adversaries to re- 
 conciliation on reasonable terms, and thereby to relieve the 
 empire from the calamities of civil war. 
 
 IN CONGRESS, July 8, 1775. 
 
 TO THE 
 
 KING'S MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY. 
 
 Most Gracious Sovereign, 
 
 We, your majesty's faithful subjects of the colonies of New 
 Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island and Provi- 
 dence Plantations, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, 
 Pennsylvania, the counties of Newcastle, Kent, and Sussex 
 on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and 
 South Carolina, in behalf of ourselves and the inhabitants of 
 these colonies, who have deputed us to represent them in ge- 
 neral congress, intreat your majesty's gracious attention to 
 this our humble petition. 
 
 The union between our mother country and these colonies, 
 and the energy of mild and just government, produced bene- 
 fits so remarkably important, and afforded such an assurance 
 of their permanency and increase, that the wonder and envy 
 of other nations were excited, while they beheld Great Bri- 
 tain rising to a power the most extraordinary the world had 
 ever known. 
 
 Her rivals, observing that there was no probability of this 
 happy connection being broken by civil dissentions, and ap- 
 prehending its future effects, if left any longer undisturbed, 
 resolved to prevent her receiving such continual and formida- 
 ble accessions of wealth and strength, by checking the growth 
 of those settlements from which they were to be derived. 
 
 In the prosecution of this attempt, events so unfavourable 
 to the design took place, that every friend to the interest of 
 Great Britain and these colonies, entertained pleasing and 
 reasonable expectations of seeing an additional force and ex- 
 ertion immediately given to the operations of the union, hither- 
 to experienced, by an enlargement of the dominions of the 
 crown, and the removal of ancient and warlike enemies to a 
 greater distance. 
 
 At the conclusion, therefore, of the late war, the most glo- 
 rious and advantageous that ever had been carried on by 
 British arms, your loyal Colonists having contributed to its 
 success, by such repeated and strenuous exertions, as fre- 
 quently procured them the distinguished approbation of your 
 majesty, of the late king, and of parliament, doubted not but 
 
478 AFPENDIX. 
 
 that they should be permitted, with the rest of t\\e empire, to 
 share in the blessings of peace, and the emoluments of victo- 
 ry and conquest. 
 
 While these recent and honourable acknowledgments of 
 their merits remained on record in the journals and acts of 
 that august legislature, the parliament, undefaced by the im- 
 putation or even the suspicion of any offence, they were alarm- 
 ed by a new system of statutes and regulations adopted for 
 the administration of the colonies, that filled their minds with 
 the most painful fears and jealousies ; and to their inexpres- 
 sible astonishment, perceived the danger of a foreign quarrel 
 quickly succeeded by domestic danger, in their judgment of 
 a more dreadful kind. 
 
 Nor were these anxieties alleviated by any tendency in this 
 system to promote the welfare of their mother country. For 
 though its effects were more immediately felt by them, yet its 
 influence appeared to be injurious to the commerce and pros- 
 perity of Great Britain. 
 
 We shall decline the ungrateful task of describing the irk- 
 some variety of artifices, practised by many of your majes- 
 ty's ministers, the delusive pretences, fruitless terrors, and 
 unavailing severities that have from time to time been dealt 
 out by them, in their attempts to execute this impolitic plan, 
 or of tracing through a series of years past, the progress of 
 the unhappy differences between Great Britain and these co- 
 lonies, that have flowed from this fatal source. 
 
 Your majesty's ministers, persevering in their measures, 
 and proceeding to open hostilities for enforcing them, have 
 compelled us to arm in our own defence, and have engaged 
 us in a controversy so peculiarly abhorrent to the affections 
 of your still faithful Colonists, that when we consider whom 
 we must oppose in this contest, and if it continues, what may 
 be the consequences, our own particular misfortunes are ac- 
 counted by us only as parts of our distress. 
 
 Knowing to what violent resentments, and incurable ani- 
 mosities, civil discords are apt to exasperate and inflame the 
 contending parties, we think ourselves required, by indispen- 
 sible obligations to Almighty God, to your majesty, to our 
 fellow subjects, and to ourselves, immediately to use all the 
 means in our power, not incompatible with our safety, for 
 stopping the further effusion of blood, and for averting the 
 impending calamities that threaten the British empire. 
 
 Thus called upon to address your majesty on affairs of such 
 moment to America, and probably to all your dominions, we 
 are earnestly desirous of performing this office, with the ut- 
 most deference for your majesty ; and we therefore pray, that 
 your majesty's royal magnanimity and benevolence may 
 make the most favourable constructions of our expressions on 
 
APPENDIX. 479 
 
 so uncommon an occasion. Could we represent in their full 
 force, the sentiments that agitate the minds of us, your duti- 
 ful subjects, we are persuaded your majesty would ascribe 
 any seeming deviation from reverence in our language, ami 
 even in our conduct, not to any reprehensible intention, but 
 to the impossibility of reconciling the usual appearances of 
 respect, with a just attention to our own preservation against 
 those artful and cruel enemies, who abuse your royal confidence 
 and authority, for the purpose of effecting our destruction. 
 
 Attached to your majesty's person, family, and govern- 
 ment, with all devotion that principle and affection can in- 
 spire, connected with Great Britain by the strongest ties that 
 can unite societies, and deploring every event that tends in 
 any degree to weaken them, we solemnly assure your majes- 
 ty, that we not only most ardently desire the former harmony 
 between her and these Colonies may be restored, but that a 
 concord may be established between them upon so firm a basis 
 as to perpetuate its blessings, uninterrupted by any future 
 dissentions, to succeeding generations in both countries, and 
 to transmit your majesty's name to posterity, adorned with 
 that signal and lasting glory, that has attended the memory 
 of those illustrious personages, whose virtues and abilities 
 have extricated states from dangerous convulsions, and, by 
 securing happiness to others, have erected the most noble and 
 durable monuments to their own fame. 
 
 We beg leave further to assure your majesty, that, notwith- 
 standing the sufferings of your loyal Colonists, during the 
 course of this present controversy, our breasts retain too ten- 
 der a regard for the kingdom from which we derive our origin, 
 to request such a reconciliation as might, in any manner, be in- 
 consistent with her dignity or her welfare. These, related as 
 we are to her, honor and duty as well as inclination, induce us 
 to support and advance ; and the apprehensions that now op- 
 press our hearts with unspeakable grief, being once removed, 
 your majesty will find yourfaithful subjects, on this continent, 
 ready and willing at all times, as they have ever been, with 
 their lives and fortunes, to assert and maintain the rights and 
 interests of your majesty and of our mother country. 
 
 We therefore beseech your majesty, that your royal author- 
 ity and influence may be graciously interposed to procure us 
 relief from our afflicting fears and jealousies, occasioned by 
 the system before mentioned, and to settle peace through eve- 
 ry part of your dominions, with all humility submitting to 
 your majecty's wise consideration, whether it may not be ex- 
 pedient for facilitating those important purposes, that your 
 majesty be pleased to direct some mode, by which the united 
 applications of your faithful colonists to the throne, in pursu- 
 ance of their common councils, may be improved into a hap-- 
 
480 APPENDIX. 
 
 py and permanent reconciliation ; and that, in the mean time, 
 measures may be taken for preventing the further destruction 
 of the lives of your majesty's subjects ; and that such statutes 
 as more immediately distress any of your majesty's colonies, 
 may be repealed. 
 
 For, by such arrangements as your majesty's wisdom can 
 form for collecting the united sense of your American people, 
 we are convinced your majesty would receive such satisfacto- 
 ry proofs of the disposition of the colonists towards their 
 sovereign and parent state, that the wished for opportunity 
 would soon he restored to them, of evincing the sincerity of 
 their professions, by every testimony of devotion becoming 
 the most dutiful subjects and the most affectionate colonists. 
 
 That your majesty may enjoy a long and prosperous reign, 
 and that your descendants may govern your dominions with 
 honour to themselves, and happiness to their subjects, is our 
 sincere prayer. 
 
 IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776. 
 DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. 
 
 THE UNANIMOUS DECLARATION OF THE THIRTEEN UNITED 
 STATES OF AMERICA. 
 
 When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessa- 
 ry for one people to dissolve the political bands which have 
 connected them with another, and to assume among the pow- 
 ers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the 
 laws of nature and of nature's God entitle them, a decent re- 
 spect to the opinions of mankind, requires that they should 
 declare the causes which impel them to the separation. 
 
 We hold these truths to be self-evident : That all men are 
 created equal : that they are endowed by their Creator with 
 certain unalienable rights : that among these are life, liberty, 
 and the pursuit of happiness : that, to secure these rights, 
 governments are instituted among men, deriving their just 
 powers from the consent of the governed : that whenever any 
 form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is 
 the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to insti 
 tute new government, laying its foundation on such princi- 
 ples, and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall 
 seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness. Pru- 
 dence, indeed, will dictate, that governments, long establish- 
 ed, should not be changed for light and transient causes ; and 
 accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are 
 more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to 
 right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they arc 
 accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpa- 
 
APPENDIX. 481 
 
 tions, pursuing invariably the same object, evinces a design 
 to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it 
 is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide 
 new guards for their future security. Such has been the pa- 
 tient sufferance of these colonies ; and such is now the neces- 
 sity which constrains them to alter their former systems of 
 government. The history of the present king of Great Bri- 
 tain, is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all hav- 
 ing in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny 
 over these states. To prove this, let facts be submitted to 
 a candid world. 
 
 He has refused his assent to laws the most wholesome and 
 necessary for the public good. 
 
 He has forbidden his governors to pass laws of immediate 
 and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation, 
 till his assent should be obtained ; and when so suspended, he 
 has utterly neglected to attend to them. He has refused to 
 pass other laws for the accommodation of large districts of 
 people, unless those people would relinquish the right of re- 
 presentation in the legislature ; a right inestimable to them*, 
 and formidable to tyrants only. 
 
 He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, 
 uncomfortable, and distant from the repository of their public 
 records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance 
 with his measures. 
 
 He has dissolved representative houses repeatedly, for op- 
 posing, with manly firmness, his invasions on the rights of 
 the people. 
 
 He has refused for a long time after such dissolutions, to 
 cause others to be elected ; whereby the legislative powers, 
 incapable of annihilation, have returned to the people at 
 large, for their exercise ; the state remaining, in the mean 
 time, exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, 
 and convulsions within. 
 
 He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these 
 states ; for that purpose obstructing the laws for naturaliza- 
 tion of foreigners ; refusing to pass others to encourage their 
 migration hither, and raising the conditions of new appropri- 
 ations of lands. 
 
 He has obstructed the administration of justice, by refu- 
 sing his assent to laws for establishing judiciary powers. 
 
 He has made judges dependent on his will alone, for the 
 tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their 
 salaries. 
 
 He has erected a multitude of new offices, and sent hither 
 swarms of officers, to harrass our people, and eat out their 
 .substance. 
 
 fil 
 
482 APPENDIX. 
 
 He has kept among us, in times of peace, standing armies> 
 without the consent of our legislatures. 
 
 He has affected to render the military independent, of, and 
 superior to, the civil power. 
 
 He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction 
 foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our 
 laws ; giving his assent to their acts of pretended legislation : 
 
 For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us : 
 
 For protecting them by a mock trial, from punishment for 
 any murders which they should commit on the inhabitants of 
 these states : 
 
 For cutting off our trade with all parts of the world : 
 
 For imposing taxes on us without our consent : 
 
 For depriving us, in many cases, of the benefits of trial by 
 jury : 
 
 For transporting us beyond seas to be tried for pretended 
 offences : 
 
 For abolishing the free system of English laws in a neigh- 
 bouring province, establishing therein an arbitrary govern- 
 ment, and enlarging its boundaries, so as to render it at once 
 an example and fit instrument for introducing the same abso- 
 lute rule in these colonies : 
 
 For taking away our charters, abolishing our most valua- 
 ble laws, and altering, fundamentally, the forms of our go- 
 vernments : 
 
 For suspending our own legislatures, and declaring them- 
 selves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases 
 whatsoever. 
 
 He has abdicated government here, by declaring us out of 
 his protection, and waging war against us. 
 
 He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our 
 towns, and destroyed the lives of our people. 
 
 He is at this time transporting large armies of foreign mer- 
 cenaries to complete the works of death, desolation, and ty- 
 ranny, already begun with circumstances of cruelty and per- 
 fidy, scarcely parallelled in the most barbarous ages, and to- 
 tally uuworthy the head of a civilized nation. 
 
 He has constrained our fellow citizens, taken captive on 
 the high seas, to bear arms against their country, to become 
 the executioners of their friends and brethren, or to fall them- 
 selves by their hands. 
 
 He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has 
 endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the 
 merciless Indian savages, whose known rule of warfare is an 
 undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes, and conditions. 
 
 In every stage of these oppressions we have petitioned for 
 redress in the most humble terms : our repeated petitions 
 have been answered only by repeated injury. A prince, whose 
 
APPENDIX. 483 
 
 character is thus marked by every act which may define a 
 tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people. 
 
 Nor have we been wanting in attentions to our British 
 brethren. We have warned them, from time to time, of at- 
 tempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable juris- 
 diction over os. We have reminded them of the circumstan- 
 ces of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed 
 to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured 
 tlijem by the ties of our common kindred, to disavow these 
 usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connexions 
 and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of 
 justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce 
 in the necessity which denounces our separation, and hold 
 them, as we hold the rest of mankind, enemies in war, in 
 peace friends. 
 
 We, therefore, the representatives of the United States of 
 America, in general congress assembled, appealing to the 
 Supreme Judge of the world, for the rectitude of our inten- 
 tions, do, in the name and by the authority of the good people 
 of these colonies, solemnly publish and declare, that these 
 United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and in- 
 dependent states ; that they are absolved from all alle- 
 giance to the British crown, and that all political connexion 
 between them and the state of Great Britain, is, and ought 
 to be, totally dissolved ; and that, as free and independent 
 states, they have full power to levy war, conclude peace, con- 
 tract alliances, establish commerce, and to do all other acts 
 and things which independent states may of right do. And 
 for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on 
 the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to 
 each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor. 
 
 The foregoing declaration was, by order of congress, en- 
 grossed, and signed by the following members : 
 
 JOHN HANCOCK. 
 New Hampshire. Samuel Huntingdon, 
 
 Josiah Bartlett, William Williams, 
 
 William Whipple, Oliver Wolcott. 
 
 Matthew Thornton. New York. 
 
 Massachusetts Bay. William Floyd, 
 
 Samuel Adams, Philip Livingston, 
 
 John Adams, Francis Lewis, 
 
 Robert Treat Paine, Lewis Morris. 
 
 Elbridge Gerry. New Jersey. 
 
 Rhode Island, Sfc. Richard Stockton, 
 
 Stephen Hopkins, John Witherspoon, 
 
 William Ellery. Francis Hopkinson, 
 
 Connecticut. John Hart, 
 
 Roger Sherman^ Abraham Clark. 
 
484 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Pennsylvania. 
 Robert Morris, 
 Benjamin Rush, , 
 Benjamin Franklin, 
 John Morton, 
 George Clymer, 
 James Smith, 
 George Taylor, 
 James Wilson, 
 George Ross. 
 
 Delaware. 
 Cesar Rodney, 
 George Read, 
 Thomas M'Kean. 
 
 Maryland. 
 Samuel Chase, 
 William Paca, 
 Thomas Stone, 
 Charles Carroll, of 
 Carrollton. 
 
 Virginia. 
 George Wythe, 
 Richard Henry Lee, 
 Thomas Jefferson, 
 Benjamin Harrison, 
 Thomas Nelson, Jr. 
 Francis Lightfoot Lee. 
 Carter Braxton. 
 
 North Carolina. 
 William Hooper, 
 Joseph Hewes, 
 John Penn. 
 
 South Carolina. 
 Edward Rutledgc, 
 Thomas Heyward, Jr. 
 Thomas Lynch, Jr. 
 Arthur Middleton. 
 
 Georgia. 
 Button Gwinnett, 
 Lyman Hall, 
 George Walton. 
 
 IN CONGRESS, May 8, 1778. 
 AN ADDRESS 
 
 OF THE CONGRESS, TO THE INHABITANTS OP THE UNITED 
 STATES OP AMERICA. 
 
 Friends and Countrymen, 
 
 Three years have now passed away, sinee the commence- 
 ment of the present war. A war without parallel in the an- 
 nals of mankind. It hath displayed a spectacle, the most 
 solemn that can possibly be exhibited. On one side, we be- 
 hold fraud and violence labouring in the service of despotism ; 
 on the other, virtue and fortitude supporting and establishing 
 the rights of human nature. 
 
 You cannot but remember how reluctantly we were drag- 
 ged into this arduous contest ; and how repeatedly, with the 
 earnestness of humble intreaty, we supplicated a redress of 
 our grievances from him who ought to have been the father of 
 his people. In vain did we implore his protection : in vain 
 appeal to the justice, the generosity, of Englishmen ; of men, 
 who had been the guardians, the assertors, and vindicators of 
 liberty through a succession of ages : Men, who, with their 
 swords, had established the firm barrier of freedom, and ce- 
 
APPENDIX. 485 
 
 merited it with the blood of heroes. Every effort was vain: 
 for, even whilst we were prostrated at the foot of the throne, 
 that fatal blow was struck, which hath separated us forever. 
 Thus spurned, contemned and insulted ; thus driven by our 
 enemies into measures, which our souls abhorred, we made 
 a solemn appeal to the tribunal of unerring wisdom and jus- 
 tice. To tbat Almighty Ruler of Princes, whose kingdom is 
 over all. 
 
 We were then quite defenceless. Without arms, without 
 ammunition, without clothing, without ships, without money, 
 without officers skilled in war ; with no other reliance but the 
 bravery of our people and the justice of our cause. We had 
 to contend with a nation great in arts and in arms, whose, 
 fleets covered the ocean, whose banners had waved in triumph 
 through every quarter of the globe. However unequal this 
 contest, our weakness was still farther increased by the ene- 
 mies which America had nourished in her bosom. Thus ex- 
 posed, on the one hand, to external force and internal divi- 
 sions ; on the other to be compelled to drink of the bitter cup 
 of slavery, and to go sorrowing all our lives long; in this 
 sad alternative, we chose the former. To this alternative 
 we were reduced by men, who, had they been animated by 
 one spark of generosity, would have disdained to take such 
 mean advantage of our situation ; or, had they paid the least 
 regard to the rules of justice, would have considered with 
 abhorrence a proposition to injure those who had faithfully 
 fought their battles, and industriously contributed to rear the 
 edifice of their glory. 
 
 But, however great the injustice of our foes in commencing 
 this war, it is by no means equal to that cruelty with which 
 they have conducted it. The course of their armies is marked 
 by rapine and devastation. Thousands, without distinction 
 of age or sex, have been driven from their peaceful abodes, 
 to encounter the rigours of inclement seasons ; and the face of 
 heaven hath been insulted by the wanton conflagration of de- 
 fenceless towns. Their victories have been followed by the 
 cool murder of men, no longer able to resist ; and those who 
 escaped from the first act of carnage have been exposed, by 
 cold, hunger and nakedness, to wear out a miserable exis- 
 tence in the tedious hours of confinement, or to become the 
 destroyers of their countrymen, of their friends, perhaps, 
 dreadful idea! of their parents or children. Nor was this the 
 outrageous barbarity of an individual, but a system of deliber- 
 ate malice, stamped with the concurrence of the British legis- 
 lature, and sanctioned with all the formalities of law. Nay, 
 determined to dissolve the closest bonds of society, they have 
 stimulated servants to slay their masters in the peaceful hour 
 of domestic security. And, as if all this were insufficient to 
 
486 APPENDIX. 
 
 slake their thirst of blood, the blood of brothers, of unoffend- 
 ing brothers, they have excited the Indians against us ; and 
 a general, who calls himself a christian, a follower of the 
 merciful Jesus, hath dared to proclaim to all the world, his 
 intention of letting loose against us whole hosts of savages, 
 whose rule of warfare is promiscuous carnage ; who rejoice 
 to murder the infant smiling in its mother's arms ; to inflict 
 on their prisoners the most excruciating torments, and ex- 
 hibit scenes of horror from which nature recoils. 
 
 Were it possible, they would have added to this terrible 
 system: for they have offered the inhabitants of these states 
 to be exported by their merchants to the sickly, baneful climes 
 of India, there to perish : an offer not accepted of, merely 
 from the impracticability of carrying it into execution. 
 
 Notwithstanding these great provocations, we have treated 
 such of them as fell into our hands, with tenderness, and stu- 
 diously endeavoured to alleviate the afflictions of their captiv- 
 ity. This conduct we have pursued so far, as to be by them 
 stigmatized with cowardice, and by our friends with folly. 
 But our (lepenilance was not upon man. It was upon Him, 
 who hath commanded us to love our enemies and to render 
 good for evil. And what can be more wonderful than the 
 manner of our deliverance ? How often have we been redu- 
 ced to distress, and yet been raised up ? When the means to 
 prosecute the war have been wanting to us, have not our foes 
 themselves been rendered instrumental in providing them ? 
 This hath been done in such a variety of instances, so peculi- 
 arly marked almost by the direct interposition of Providence, 
 that not to feel and acknowledge his protection, would be the 
 height of impious ingratitude. 
 
 At length that God of battles, in whom was our trust, hath 
 c-ondurted us through the paths of danger and distress, to 
 the thresholds of security. It hath now become morally cer- 
 tain, that, if we have courage to persevere, we shall establish 
 our liberties and independence. The haughty prince who 
 spurned us from his feet with contumely and disdain ; and 
 the parliament which proscribed us, now descend to offer 
 terms of accommodation. Whilst in the full career of victo- 
 ry, tiiey pulled off the mask, and avowed their intended des- 
 potism. But having lavished in vain the blood and treasure 
 of their subjects, in pursuit of this execrable purpose, they 
 now endeavour to ensnare us with the insidious offers of peace. 
 They would seduce you into a dependance which, necessarily, 
 inevitably leads to the most humiliating slavery. And do they 
 Relieve that you will accept these fatal terms ? Because you 
 have suffered the distresses of war, do they suppose that you 
 will basely lick the dust before the feet of your destroyers ? 
 Can there be an American so lost to the feelings which adorn 
 
APPENDIX. 43T 
 
 human nature; to the generous pride, the elevation, the 
 dignity of freedom ? Is there a man who would not abhor a 
 depcndance upon those, who have deluged his country in the 
 blood of its inhabitants ? we cannot suppose this, neither is it 
 possible that they themselves can expect to make many con- 
 verts. What then is their intention ? Is it not to lull you with 
 the fallacious hopes of peace, until they can assemble new 
 armies to prosecute their nefarious designs ? If this is not the 
 case, why do they strain every nerve to levy men throughout 
 their islands ? Why do they meanly court every little tyrant 
 of Europe to sell them his unhappy slaves ? Why do the} 
 continue to embitter the minds of the savages against you ? 
 Surely this is not the way to conciliate the affections of Ameri- 
 ca. Be not therefore, deceived. You have still to expect one- 
 severe conflict. Your foreign alliances, though they secure 
 your independence, cannot secure your country from desola- 
 tion, your habitations from plunder, your wives from insult 
 or violation, nor your children from butchery. Foiled in 
 their principal design, you must expect to feel the rage of 
 disappointed ambition. Arise then! to your tents! and gird 
 you for battle. It is time to turn the headlong current of 
 vengeance upon the head of the destroyer. They have filled 
 up the measure of their abominations, and like ripe fruit must 
 soon drop from the. tree. Although much is done, yet much 
 remains to do. Expect not peace, whilst any corner of 
 America is in possession of your foes. You must drive them 
 away from the land of promise, a land flowing indeed with 
 milk and honey. Your brethren at the extremities of the 
 continent, already implore your friendship and protection. 
 It is your duty to grant their request. They hunger and 
 thirst after liberty. Be it yours to dispense the heavenly 
 gift. And what is there now to prevent it ? 
 
 After the unremitted efforts of our enemies, we are stronger 
 than before. Nor can the wicked emissaries, who so assidu- 
 ously labour to promote their cause, point out any one rea- 
 son to suppose that we shall not receive daily accessions of 
 strength. They tell you, it is true, that your money is of no 
 value ; and your debts so enormous that they can never be 
 paid. But we tell you, that if Britain prosecutes the war 
 another campaign, that single campaign will cost her more 
 than we have hitherto expended : and yet these men would 
 prevail upon you to take up that immense load, and for it to 
 sacrifice your dearest rights ; for, surely, there is no man so 
 absurd as to suppose that the least shadow of liberty can be 
 preserved in a dependant connexion with Great Britain. 
 From the nature of the thing it is evident, that the only se- 
 curity you could obtain, would be, the justice and moderation 
 of a parliament who have sold the rights of their own consti- 
 
488 APPENDIX. 
 
 tuents. Ami this slender security is still farther weakened 
 by the consideration that it was pledged to rebels, (as they 
 unjustly call the good people of these states) with whom they 
 think they are not bound to keep faith by any law whatsoever. 
 Thus would you be cast bound among men, whose minds, by 
 your virtuous resistance, have been sharpened to the keenest 
 edge of revenge. Thus would your children and your chil- 
 dren's children, be by you forced to a participation of all 
 their debts, their wars, their luxuries, and their crimes : and 
 this mad, this impious system, they would lead you to adopt, 
 because of the derangement of your finances. 
 
 It becomes you deeply to reflect on this subject. Is there a 
 country upon earth, which hath such resources for the pay- 
 ment of her debts, as America ? Such an extensive territory ; 
 so fertile, so blessed in its climate and productions. Surely 
 there is none. Neither is there any, to which the wise Euro- 
 peans will sooner confide their property. What then are the 
 reasons that your money hath depreciated ? Because no taxes 
 have been imposed to carry on the war. Because your com- 
 merce hath been interrupted by your enemies fleets. Because 
 their armies have ravaged and desolated apart of your coun- 
 try. Because their agents have villainously counterfeited 
 your bills. Because extortioners among you, inflamed with 
 the lust of gain, have added to the price of every article of 
 life. And because weak men have been artfully led to believe 
 that it is of no value. How is this dangerous disease to be 
 remedied ? Let those among you, who have leisure and op- 
 portunity, collect the monies which individuals in their neigh- 
 bourhood are desirous of placing in the public funds. Let 
 the several legislatures sink their respective emissions, that 
 so, there being but one kind of bills, there may be less dan- 
 ger of counterfeits. Refrain a little from purchasing those 
 things which are not absolutely necessary, that so those who 
 have engrossed commodities may suffer (as they deservedly 
 will) the loss of their ill gotten hoards, by reason of the com- 
 merce with foreign nations, which the fleets will protect. 
 Above all, bring forward your armies into the field. Trust 
 not to appearances of peace or safety. Be assured, that un- 
 less you persevere, you will be exposed to every species of 
 barbarity. But, if you exert the means of defence which God 
 and nature have given you, the time will soon arrive, when 
 every man shall sit under his own vine and fig tree, and there, 
 shall be none to make him afraid. 
 
 The sweets of a free commerce with every part of the eartU 
 will soon reimburse you for all the losses you have sustained. 
 The full tide of wealth will flow in upon your shores, free 
 from the arbitrary impositions of those, whose interest and 
 whose declared policy it was to check your growth. Your 
 
APPENDIX. 489 
 
 interests will be fostered and nourished by governments, that 
 derive their power from your grant, and will be obliged, by 
 the influence of cogent necessity, to exert it in your fa- 
 vour. 
 
 It is to obtain these things that we call for your strenuous, 
 unremitted exertions. Yet do not believe that you have b n 
 or can be saved merely by your own strength. No ! it is by 
 the assistance of Heaven ; and this you must assiduously cul- 
 tivate, by acts which Heaven approves. Thus shall the pow- 
 er and the happiness of these Sovereign, Free, and Inde- 
 pendent States, founded on the virtue of their citizens, in- 
 crease, extend and endure, until the Almighty shall blot out 
 all the empires of the earth. 
 
 WASHINGTON'S FAREWELL ADDRESS. 
 
 TO THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 Friends and Fellow Citizens, 
 
 The period for a new election of a citizen, to administer 
 the executive government of the United States, being not far 
 distant, and the time actually arrived when your thoughts 
 must be employed in designating the person who is to be 
 clothed with that important trust ; it appears to me proper, 
 especially as it may conduce to a more distinct expression of 
 the public voice, that I should now apprise you of the resolu- 
 tion I have formed, to decline being considered among the 
 number of those out of whom a choice is to be made. 
 
 I beg you, at the same time, to do me the justice to be as- 
 sured, that this resolution has not been taken without a strict 
 regard to all the considerations appertaining to the relation 
 which binds a dutiful citizen to his country, and that, in 
 withdrawing the tender of service, which silence in my situa- 
 tion might imply, I am influenced by no diminution of zeal 
 for your future interest, no deficiency of grateful respect for 
 your past kindness ; but am supported by a full conviction, 
 that the step is compatible with both. 
 
 The acceptance of, and continuance hitherto in, the office 
 to which your suffrages have twice called me, have been a uni- 
 form sacrifice of inclination to the opinion of duty, and to a 
 deference for what appeared to be your desire. I constantly 
 hoped, that it would have been much earlier in my power, 
 consistently with motives which I was not at liberty to disre- 
 gard, to return to that retirement from which I had been re- 
 luctantly drawn. The strength of my inclination to do this. 
 
490 APPENDIX. 
 
 previous to the last election, had even led to the preparation 
 of an address to declare it to you. But mature reflection on 
 the then perplexed and critical posture of our affairs with 
 foreign nations, and the unanimous advice of persons entitled 
 to my confidence, impelled me to ahandon the idea. 
 
 I rejoice that the state of your concerns, external as well as 
 internal, no longer renders the pursuit of inclination incom- 
 patible with the sentiment of duty or propriety ; and am per- 
 suaded, whatever partiality may be retained for my services, 
 that, in the present circumstances of our country, you will not 
 disapprove my determination to retire. 
 
 The impressions with which I first undertook the arduous 
 trust, were explained on the proper occasion. In the dis- 
 charge of this trust, I will only say, that I have with good 
 intentions contributed towards the organization and adminis- 
 tration of the government, the best exertions of which a very 
 fallible judgment was capable. Not unconscious, in the 
 outset, of the inferiority of my qualifications, experience in my 
 own eyes, perhaps still more in the eyes of others, has 
 strengthened the motives to diffidence of myself : and every 
 day the increasing weight of years admonishes me more and 
 more that the shade of retirement is as necessary to me as it 
 will be welcome. Satisfied that if any circumstances have 
 given peculiar value to my services, they were temporary, I 
 have the consolation to believe, that while choice and pru- 
 dence invite ine to quit the political scene, patriotism docs 
 not forbid it. 
 
 In looking forward to the moment which is intended to 
 terminate the career of my public life, my feelings do not per- 
 mit me to suspend the deep acknowledgment of that debt of 
 gratitude which I owe to my beloved country, for the many 
 honors it has conferred upon me ; still more for the stedfast 
 confidence with which it has supported me ; and for the op- 
 portunities I have thence enjoyed of manifesting my inviolable 
 attachment, by services faithful and persevering, though in 
 usefulness unequal to my zeal. If benefits have resulted 
 to our country from these services, let it always be remem- 
 bered to your praise, and as an instructive example in our 
 annals, that, under circumstances in which the passions, 
 agitated in every direction, were liable to mislead ; amidst 
 appearances sometimes dubious ; vicissitudes of fortune often 
 discouraging ; in situations in which not unfrequently want 
 of success has countenanced the spirit of criticism, the con- 
 stancy of your support was the essential prop of the efforts, 
 and a guarantee of the plans by which they were effected. 
 Profoundly penetrated with this idea, I shall carry it with me 
 to my grave, as a strong incitement to unceasing vows that 
 Heaven may continue to you the choicest tokens of its benefi- 
 
APPENDIX. 491 
 
 cence ; that your union and brotherly affection may be perpet- 
 ual ! that a free constitution, which is the work of your hands 
 may be sacredly maintained, that its administration, in every 
 department, may be stamped with wisdom and virtue, that, in 
 fine, the happiness of the people of these states, under the 
 auspices of Heaven, may be made complete, by so careful a 
 preservation and so prudent a use of liberty, as will acquire 
 to them the glory of recommending it to the applause, the af- 
 fection, and the adoption of every nation which is yet a stran- 
 ger to it. 
 
 Here, perhaps, I ought to stop. But a solicitude for your 
 welfare, which cannot end but with my life, and the appre- 
 hension of danger, natural to that solicitude, urge me, on an 
 occasion like the present, to offer to your solemn contempla- 
 tion, and to recommend to your frequent review, some senti- 
 ments, which are the result of much reflection, of no inconsid- 
 erable observation, and which appear to me all-important to 
 the permanency of your felicity as a People. These will be 
 offered to you with the more freedom, as you can only see in 
 them the disinterested warnings of a parting friend, who can 
 possibly have no personal motive to bias his counsel. Nor 
 can I forget, as an encouragement to it, your indulgent re- 
 ception of my sentiments on a former, and not dissimilar oc- 
 casion. 
 
 Interwoven as is the love of liberty with every ligament 
 of your hearts, no recommendation of mine is necessary to 
 fortify or confirm the attachment. 
 
 The unity of Government which constitutes you one people, 
 is also now dear to you. It is justly so ; for it is a main pil- 
 lar in the edifice of your real independence, the support of 
 your tranquillity at home, your peace abroad ; of your safety ; 
 of your prosperity ; of that very liberty which you so highly 
 prize. But as it is easy to foresee, that from different causes 
 and from different quarters, much pains will be taken, many 
 artifices employed, to weaken in your minds the conviction of 
 this truth ; as this is the point in your political fortress against 
 which the batteries of internal and external enemies will be 
 most constantly and actively (though often covertly and in- 
 sidiously) directed, it is of infinite moment, that you should 
 properly estimate the immense value of your national Union, 
 to your collective and individual happiness ; that you should 
 cherish a cordial, habitual, and immoveable attachment to it; 
 accustoming yourselves to think and speak of it as of the Pal- 
 ladium of your political safety and prosperity ; watching for 
 its preservation with jealous anxiety ; discountenancing what- 
 ever may suggest even a suspicion that it can in any event be 
 abandoned ; and indignantly frowning upon the first dawning 
 of every attempt to alienate any portion of our country from 
 
49£ APPENDIX. 
 
 the rest, or to enfeeble the sacred ties which now link togeth- 
 er the various parts. 
 
 For this you have every inducement of sympathy and in- 
 terest. Citizens, by birth or choice, of a common country, 
 that country has a right to concentrate your affections. The 
 name of American, which belongs to you in your national 
 capacity, must always exalt the just pride of patriotism, more 
 than any appellation derived from local discriminations. — 
 With slight shades of difference, you have the same religion, 
 manners, habits and political principles. You have, in a com- 
 mon cause, fought and triumphed together. The independence 
 and liberty you possess are the work of joint councils, and 
 joint efforts ; of common dangers, sufferings, and successes. 
 
 But these considerations, however powerfully they address 
 themselves to your sensibility, are greatly outweighed by 
 those which apply more immediately to your interest. Here 
 every portion of our country finds the most commanding mo- 
 tives for carefully guarding and preserving the union of the 
 whole. 
 
 The north, in an unrestrained intercourse with the south, 
 protected by the equal laws of a common government, finds 
 in the productions of the latter, great additional resources of 
 maritime and commercial enterprise, and precious materials 
 of manufacturing industry. The south, in the same inter- 
 course benefiting by the agency of the north, sees its agri- 
 culture grow, and its commerce expand. Turning partly in- 
 to its own channels the seamen of the North, it finds its par- 
 ticular navigation invigorated ; and while it contributes, in 
 different ways, to nourish and increase the general mass of 
 the national navigation, it looks forward to the protection of 
 a maritime strength, to which itself is unequally adapted. 
 The east, in a like intercourse with the west, already finds, 
 and in the progressive improvement of interior communica- 
 tions, by land and water, will more and more find a valuable 
 vent for the commodities which it brings from abroad, or ma- 
 nufactures at home. The west derives from the east sup- 
 plies requisite to its growth and comfort ; and what is, per- 
 haps, of still greater consequence, it must of necessity owe the 
 secure enjoyment of indispensable outlets for its own produc- 
 tion, to the weight, influence, and the future maritime strength 
 of the Atlantic side of the union, directed by an indissoluble 
 community of interest, as one nation. Any other tenure, by 
 which the west can hold this essential advantage, whether 
 derived from its own separate strength, or from an apostate 
 or unnatural connexion with any foreign power, must be in- 
 trinsically precarious. 
 
 While then every part of our country thus feels an immedi- 
 ate and particular interest in union, all the parties combined 
 
APPEJffilX. 493 
 
 cannot tail to find, in the united mass oi' means and efforts, 
 greater strength, greater resource, proportionally greater se- 
 curity from external danger, a less frequent interruption of 
 their peace by foreign nations. And, what is of inestimable 
 value, they must derive from union an exemption from those 
 broils and wars between themselves, which so frequently af- 
 flict neighbouring countries, not tied together by the same 
 government ; which their own rivalships alone w ould be suf- 
 ficient to produce, hut which opposite foreign alliances, attach- 
 ments, and intrigues, would stimulate and embitter. Hence, 
 likewise, they will avoid the necessity of those overgrown mi- 
 litary establishments, which under any form of government 
 are inauspicious to liberty ; and which are to be regarded as 
 particularly hostile to republican liberty. In this sense it is, 
 that your union ought to be considered as a main prop of your 
 liberty, and that love of the one ought to endear to you the 
 preservation of the other. 
 
 These considerations speak a persuasive language to every 
 reflecting and virtuous mind, and exhibit the continuance of 
 the union as a primary object of patriotic desire. Is there a 
 doubt, whether a common government can embrace so large 
 a sphere ? Let experience solve it. To listen to mere specu- 
 lation, in such a case, were criminal. We are authorized to 
 hope that a proper organization of the whole, with the auxili- 
 ary agency of governments for the respective subdivisions, 
 will afford a happy issue to the experiment. It is well worth 
 a fair and full experiment. With such powerful and obvious 
 motives to Union, affecting all parts of our country, while 
 experience shall not have demonstrated its impracticability, 
 there will always be reason to distrust the patriotism of those, 
 who, in any quarter may endeavour to weaken its bands. 
 
 In contemplating the causes which may disturb our union, 
 it occurs, as a matter of serious concern, that any ground 
 should have been furnished for characterizing parties by geo- 
 graphical discriminations ; northern and southern ; At- 
 lantic and western ; whence designing men may endea- 
 vour to excite a belief that there is a real difference of local 
 interests and views. One of the expedients of party to acquire 
 influence within particular districts, is to misrepresent the 
 opinions and aims of other districts. You cannot shield your- 
 selves too much against the jealousies and heart burnings 
 which spring from these misrepresentations ; they tend to 
 lender alien to each other those who ought to be bound to- 
 gether by fraternal affection. The inhabitants of our western 
 country have lately had a useful lesson on this head ; they 
 have seen, in the negociation by the Executive, and in the 
 unanimous ratification by the Senate of the treaty with Spain, 
 ?nd in the universal satisfaction at that event throughout the 
 
494 APPENDIX. 
 
 United States, a decisive proof how unfounded were the sus- 
 picions propagated among them, of a policy in the general 
 government, and in the Atlantic states, unfriendly to their 
 interest in regard to the Mississippi. They have been wit- 
 nesses to the formation of two treaties: that with Great Bri- 
 tain, and that with Spain ; which secure to them every thing 
 they could desire, in respect to our foreign relations, towards 
 confirming their prosperity. Will it not he their wisdom to 
 rely for the preservation of these advantages on the union by 
 which they were procured ? Will they not henceforth be deaf 
 to those advisers, if such there are, who would sever them 
 from their brethren, and connect them with aliens ? 
 
 To the efficacy and permanency of your Union, a Govern- 
 ment for the whole is indispensable. No alliances, however 
 strict, between the parts, can be an adequate substitute ; they 
 must inevitably experience the infractions and interruptions 
 which all alliances in all times have experienced. Sensible 
 of this momentous truth, you have improved upon your first 
 essay, by the adoption of a Constitution of Government better 
 calculated than your former for an intimate Union, and for 
 the efficacious management of your common concerns. This 
 government, the offspring of our own choice, uninfluenced and 
 unawed, adopted upon full investigation and mature delibera- 
 tion, completely free in its principles, in the distribution of 
 its powers, uniting security with energy, and containing with- 
 in itself a provision for its own amendment, has a just claim 
 to your confidence and your support. Respect for its author- 
 ity, compliance with its laws, acquiescence in its measures, 
 are duties enjoined by the fundamental maxims of true liber- 
 ty. The basis of our political systems, is the right of the 
 people to make and alter their constitutions of government. 
 But, the constitution which at any time exists, till changed by 
 an explicit and authentic act of the whole people, is sacred- 
 ly obligatory upon all. The very idea of the power and the 
 right of the people to establish government, presupposes the 
 duty of every individual to obey the established govern- 
 ment. 
 
 All obstructions to the execution of the laws, all combina- 
 tions and associations, under whatever plausible character, 
 with a real design to direct, control, counteract, or awe the 
 regular deliberation and action of the constituted authorities, 
 are destructive of this fundamental principle, and of fatal ten- 
 dency. They serve to organize faction ; to give it an artifi- 
 cial and extraordinary force ; to put in the place of the delega- 
 ted will of the nation, the will of a party, often a small, but 
 artful and enterprising minority of the community ; and, ac- 
 cording to the alternate triumphs of different parties, to make 
 the public administration the mirror of the ill-concerted and 
 
APPENDIX. 495 
 
 incongruous projects of faction, rather than the organ of con- 
 sistent and wholesome plans, digested hy common counsels, 
 and modified by mutual interests. 
 
 However combinations or associations of the above descrip- 
 tion may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely, 
 in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by 
 which cunning, ambitious and unprincipled men, will be en- 
 abled to subvert the power of the people, and to usurp for 
 themselves the reins of government ; destroying afterwards 
 the very engines which have lifted them to unjustdominion. 
 
 Towards the preservation of your government, and the per- 
 manency of your present happy state, it is requisite, not only 
 that you steadily discountenance irregular oppositions to its 
 acknowledged authority, but also that you resist with care the 
 spirit of innovation upon its principles however specious 
 the pretexts. One method of assault may be to effect in the 
 forms of the constitution, alterations which will impair the 
 energy of the system, and thus to undermine what cannot be 
 directly overthrown. In all the changes to which you may 
 be invited, remember that time and habit are at least as ne- 
 cessary to fix the true character of governments, as of other 
 human institutions, that experience is the surest standard by 
 which to test the real tendency of the existing constitution of 
 a country ; that facility in change upon the credit of mere 
 hypothesis and opinion, exposes to perpetual change from the 
 endless variety of hypothesis and opinion ; and remember, es~ 
 pecially that for the efficient management of your common 
 interests, in a country so extensive as ours, a government of 
 as much vigour as is consistent with the perfect security of 
 liberty, is indispensable. Liberty itself will find in such a go- 
 vernment, with powers properly distributed and adjusted, its 
 surest guardian. It is, indeed, little else than a name, where 
 the government is too feeble to withstand the enterprises of 
 faction, to confine each member of the society within the li- 
 mits prescribed by the laws, and to maintain all in the secure 
 and tranquil enjoyment of the rights of person and property. 
 
 I have already intimated to you the danger of parties in 
 the state, with particular reference to the founding of them 
 on geographical discriminations. Let me now take a more 
 comprehensive view, and warn you in the most solemn man- 
 ner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party generally. 
 This spirit, unfortunately, is inseparable from our nature, 
 having its root in the strongest passions of the human mind. 
 It exists under different shapes in all governments, more or 
 less stifled, controlled, or repressed. But in those of the po- 
 pular form, it is seen in its greatest rankness ; and is truly 
 their worst enemy. 
 The alternate dominion of one faction over another, shar- 
 
496 APPENDIX, 
 
 pened by the spirit of revenge natural to party dissension, 
 which, in different ages and countries, has perpetrated the 
 most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this 
 leads at length to a formal and permanent despotism. The 
 disorders and miseries which resOlt, gradually incline the 
 minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute- 
 power of an individual : and, sooner or later, the chief of 
 some prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than 
 his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his 
 own elevation, on the ruins of public liberty. 
 
 Without looking forward to an extremity of this kind, 
 (which, nevertheless, ought not to be entirely out of sight,) 
 the common and continual mischiefs of the spirit of party are 
 sufficient to make it the interest and duty of a wise people to 
 discourage and restrain it. 
 
 It serves always to distract the public councils, and enfee- 
 ble the public administration. It agitates the community 
 with ill founded jealousies and false alarms ; kindles the ani- 
 mosity of one part against another; foments occasionally 
 riot and insurrection ; and opens the door to foreign influence 
 and corruption, which find a facilitated access to the govern- 
 ment itself through the channels of party passions. Thus the 
 policy and will of one country are subjected to the policy and 
 will of another. 
 
 There is an opinion that parties in free countries are useful 
 checks upon the administration of the government, and serve 
 to keep alive the spirit of liberty. This, within certain limits, 
 is probably true : and in governments of a monarchial cast, 
 patriotism may look with indulgence, if not with favour, 
 upon the spirit of party. But in those of the popular char- 
 acter, in governments purely elective, it is a spirit not to be 
 encouraged. From their natural tendency, it is certain there 
 will always be enough of this spirit for every salutary pur- 
 pose. And there being constant danger of excess, the effort 
 ought to be, by force of public opinion, to mitigate and assu- 
 age it. A fire not to be quenched, it demands a uniform vigil- 
 ance to prevent its bursting into a flame, lest, instead of 
 warming, it should consume. 
 
 It is important, likewise, that the habits of thinking, in a 
 free country, should inspire caution in those intrusted with 
 its administration, to confine themselves within their respec- 
 tive constitutional spheres, avoiding in the exercise of the 
 powers of one department to encroach upon another. The 
 spirit of encroachment tends to consolidate the powers of all 
 the departments in one, and thus to create, whatever the 
 form of government, a real despotism. A just estimate of 
 that love of power, and proneness to abuse it, which predom- 
 inates in the human heart, is sufficient to satisfv us of the 
 
APPENDIX. 49." 
 
 truth of this position. The necessity of reciprocal checks, in 
 the exercise of political power, by dividing and distributing 
 it into different depositories, and constituting each the guar- 
 dian of public weal against invasions by the others, has been 
 evinced by experiments ancient and modern ; some of them 
 in our country, and under our own eyes. To preserve them 
 must be as necessary as to institute them. If, in the opinion of 
 the people, the distribution or modification of the constitu- 
 tional powers be in any particular wrong, let it be corrected 
 by an amendment in the way which the constitution desig- 
 nates. But let there be no change by usurpation ; for though 
 this, in one instance, may be the instrument of good, it is the 
 customary weapon by which free governments are destroyed. 
 The precedent must always greatly overbalance, in perma- 
 nent evil, any partial or transient benefit which the use can 
 at any time yield. 
 
 Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political 
 prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. 
 In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who 
 should labour to subvert these great pillars of human happi- 
 ness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. 
 The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to 
 respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all 
 their connexions with private and public feli< ity. Let it be 
 simply asked, where is the security for property, for reputa- 
 tion, for life, if the sense of religious obligations desert the 
 oaths, which are the instruments of investigation in courts 
 of justice ? And let us with caution indulge the supposition, 
 that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever 
 may be conceded to the influence of refined education on 
 minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both for- 
 bid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclu- 
 sion of religious principle. It is substantially true, that vir- 
 tue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government. 
 The rule indeed extends with more or less force to every spe- 
 cies of free government. Who that is a sincere friend to it 
 can look with indifference upon attempts to shake the founda- 
 tion of the fabric ? 
 
 Promote, then, as an object of primary importance, insti- 
 tutions for the general diffusion of knowledge. In proportion 
 as the structure of a government gives force to public opinion, 
 it is essential that public opinion should be enlightened. 
 
 As a very important source of strength and security, cher- 
 ish public credit. One method of preserving it, is to use it 
 as sparingly as possible ; avoiding occasions of expense by 
 cultivating peace ; but remembering also that timely disburse- 
 ments to prepare for danger frequently prevent much greater 
 
498 APPENDIX. 
 
 disbursements to repel it ; avoiding likewise the accumula- 
 tion of debt, not only by shunning occasions of expense, but 
 by vigorous exertions, in time of peace, to discharge the debts 
 which unavoidable wars may have occasioned ; not ungener- 
 ously throwing upon posterity the burden which we ourselves 
 ought to bear. The execution of these maxims belongs to 
 your representatives ; but it is necessary that public opinion 
 should co-operate. To facilitate to them the performance of 
 their duty, it is essential that you should practically bear in 
 mind, that towards the payment of debts there must be reve- 
 nue ; that to have revenue there must be taxes ; that no taxes 
 can be devised which are not more or less inconvenient and 
 unpleasant, that the intrinsic embarrassment inseparable 
 from the selection of the proper object (which is always a 
 choice of difficulties) ought to be a decisive motive for a can- 
 did construction of the conduct of the government in making 
 it, and for a spirit of acquiescence in the measures for obtain- 
 ing revenue, which the public exigencies may at any time 
 dictate. 
 
 Observe good faith and justice towards all nations ; culti- 
 vate peace and harmony with all. Religion and morality en- 
 join this conduct : and can it be that good policy does not 
 equally enjoin it ? It will be worthy of a free, enlightened, 
 and at no distant period, a great nation, to give to mankind 
 the magnanimous and too novel example of a people always 
 guided by an exalted justice and benevolence. Who can doubt 
 that in the course of time and things, the fruits of such a plan 
 would richly repay any temporary advantages which might 
 be lost by a steady adherence to it ? Can it be that Provi- 
 dence has not connected the permanent felicity of a nation 
 with its virtue ? The experiment at least, is recommended 
 by every sentiment which ennobles human nature. Alas ! is 
 it rendered impossible by its vices ! 
 
 In the execution of such a plan, nothing is more essential 
 than that permanent inveterate antipathies against particu- 
 lar nations, and passionate attachment for others, should be 
 excluded ; and that in place of them, just and amicable feel- 
 ings towards all should be cultivated. The nation, which in- 
 dulges towards another an habitual hatred, or an habitual 
 fondness, is in some degree a slave. It is a slave to its ani- 
 mosity or to its affections, either of which is sufficient to lead 
 it astray from its duty and its interest. Antipathy in one na- 
 tion against another, disposes each more readily to offer in- 
 sult and injury, to lay hold of slight causes of umbrage, 
 and to be haughty and intractable, when accidental or trifling 
 occasions of dispute occur. Hence frequent collisions, obsti- 
 nate, envenomed and bloody contests. The nation, prompted 
 
APPENDIX. 499 
 
 by ill-will and resentment, sometimes impels to war the gov- 
 ernment, contrary to the best calculations of policy. The 
 government sometimes participates in the national propensity, 
 and adopts through passion, what reason would reject ; at 
 other times, it makes the animosity of the nation subservient 
 to projects of hostility instigated by pride, ambition, and 
 other sinister and pernicious motives. The peace, often, 
 sometimes perhaps the liberty, of nations has been the victim. 
 So likewise, a passionate attachment of one nation for ano- 
 ther produces a variety of evils. Sympathy for the favourite 
 nation, facilitating the illusion of an imaginary common in- 
 terest, in cases where no real common interest exists, and 
 infusing into one the enmities of the other, betrays the former 
 into a participation in the quarrels and wars of the latter, 
 without adequate inducement or justification. It leads also 
 to concessions to the favorite nation, of privileges denied to 
 others, which is apt doubly to injure the nation making the 
 concessions, by unnecessarily parting with what ought to 
 have been retained ; and by exciting jealousy, ill-will, and a 
 disposition to retaliate, in the parties from whom equal pri- 
 vileges are withheld : and it gives to ambitious, corrupted, or 
 deluded citizens (who devote themselves to the favourite na- 
 tion) facility to betray or sacrifice the interests of their own 
 country, without odium, sometimes even with popularity ; 
 gilding with the appearances of a virtuous sense of obliga- 
 tions, commendable deference for public opinion, or a lauda- 
 ble zeal for public good, the base or foolish compliances of 
 ambition, corruption or infatuation. 
 
 As avenues to foreign influence in innumerable ways, such 
 attachments are particularly alarming to the truly enlighten- 
 ed and independent patriot. How many opportunities do 
 they afford to tamper with domestic factions, to practise the 
 arts of seduction, to mislead public opinion, to influence or 
 awe the public councils! Such an attachment of a small or 
 weak, towards a great and powerful nation, dooms the for- 
 mer to be the satellite of the latter. 
 
 Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence (I conjure 
 you to believe me, fellow citizens) the jealousy of a free peo- 
 ple ought to be constantly awake ; since history and ex- 
 perience prove that foreign influence is one of the most bane- 
 ful foes of republican government. But that jealousy, to be 
 useful, must be impartial ; else it becomes the instrument of 
 the very influence to be avoided, instead of a defence against 
 it. Excessive partiality for one foreign nation, and exces- 
 sive dislike of another, cause those whom they actuate to see 
 danger only on one side, and serve to veil and even second 
 the arts of influence on the other. Real patriots, who may 
 
500 APPENDIX. 
 
 resist the intrigues of the favourite, are liable to become sus- 
 pected and odious ; while its tools and dupes usurp the ap- 
 plause and confidence of the people, to surrender their in- 
 terests. 
 
 The great rule of conduct for us, in regard to foreign na- 
 tions, is, in extending our commercial relations, to have with 
 them as little political connexion as possible. So far as we 
 have already formed engagements, let them be fulfilled with 
 perfect good faith. Here let us stop. 
 
 Europe has a set of primary interests, which to us have 
 none, or a very remote relation. Hence she must be engaged 
 in frequent controversies, the causes of which are essentially 
 foreign to our concerns. Hence, therefore, it must be unwise 
 in us to implicate ourselves, by artificial ties, in the ordinary 
 Vicissitudes of her politics, or the ordinary combinations and 
 collisions of her friendships or enmities. Our detached and 
 distant situation invites and enables us to pursue a different 
 course. If we remain one people, under an efficient govern- 
 ment, the period is not far off, when we may defy material 
 injury from external annoyance ; when we may take such an 
 attitude as will cause the neutrality we may at any time re- 
 solve upon, to be scrupulously respected ; when belligerent 
 nations, under the impossibility of making acquisitions upon 
 us, will not lightly hazard the giving us provocation ; when 
 we may choose peace or war, as our interest, guided by jus- 
 tice, shall counsel. 
 
 Why forego the advantages of so peculiar a situation ? 
 "Why quit our own to stand upon foreign ground ? Why, by 
 interweaving our destiny with that of any part of Europe, 
 entangle our peace and prosperity in the toils of European 
 ambition, rivalship, interest, humour, or caprice. 
 
 It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances, 
 with any portion of the foreign world ; so far, I mean, as we 
 are now at liberty to do it ; for let me not be understood as 
 capable of patronizing infidelity to existing engagements. I 
 hold the maxim no less applirable to public than to private 
 affairs, that honesty is always the best policy. I repeat it, 
 therefore, let those engagements be observed in their genuine 
 sense. But in my opinion it is unnecessary, and would be 
 unwise to extend them. 
 
 Taking care always to keep ourselves, by suituable esta- 
 blishments, in a respectable defensive posture, we may safely 
 trust to temporary alliances for extraordinary emergencies. 
 
 Harmony and a liberal intercourse with all nations, are 
 recommended by policy, humanity, and interest. But even 
 our commercial policy should hold an equal and impartial 
 hand ; neither seeking nor granting exclusive favours or pre- 
 
APPENDIX. 501 
 
 Terences ; consulting the natural course of things ; diffusing 
 and diversifying by gentle means the streams of commerce, 
 hut forcing nothing : establishing, with powers so disposed, 
 in order to give trade a stable course, to define the rights of 
 our merchants, and to enable the government to support 
 them, conventional rules of intercourse, the best that pre- 
 sent circumstances and mutual opinion will permit, but tem- 
 porary, and liable to be from time to time abandoned or varied, 
 as experience and circumstances shall dictate ; constantly 
 keeping in view, that it is folly in one nation to look for dis- 
 interested favours from another ; that it must pay with a por- 
 tion of its independence for whatever it may accept under that 
 character ; that by such acceptance, it may place itself in the 
 condition of having given equivalents for nominal favours, 
 and yet of being reproached with ingratitude for not giving 
 more. There can be no greater error than to expect, or cal- 
 culate upon real favours from nation to nation. It is an illu- 
 sion which experience must cure, which a just pride ought to 
 discard. 
 
 In offering to you, my countrymen, these counsels of an 
 old and affectionate friend, I dare not hope they will make 
 the strong and lasting impression I could wish ; that they 
 will control the usual current of the passions, or prevent our 
 nation from running the course which has hitherto marked 
 the destiny of nations ! but, if I may even flatter myself, that 
 they may be productive of some partial benefit, some occasion- 
 al good ; that they may now and then recur to moderate the 
 fury of party spirit; to warn against the mischiefs of foreign 
 intrigue ; to guard against the impostures of pretended pat- 
 riotism ; this hope will be a full recompense for the solici- 
 tude for your welfare, by which they have been dictated. 
 
 How far, in the discharge of my official duties, I have been 
 guided by the principles which have been delineated, the pub- 
 lic records, and other evidences of my conduct must witness 
 to you and to the world. To myself, the assurance of my own 
 conscience is, that I have at least believed myself to be guid- 
 ed by them. ""*'- 
 
 In relation to the still subsisting war in Europe, my p o- 
 clamation of the 22nd of April, 1793, is the index to my plan. 
 Sanctioned by your approving voice, and by that of your re- 
 presentatives in both houses of congress, the spirit of toat 
 measure has continually governed me, uninfluenced by a.ny 
 attempts to deter, or divert me from it. 
 
 After a deliberate examination, with the aid of the b est 
 lights I could obtain, I was well satisfied that our country, 
 under all the circumstances of the case, had a right to ta.ke, 
 and was bound in duty and interest, to take a neutral positid n. 
 
 
502 APPENDIX. 
 
 Having taken it, I determined, as far as should depend upon 
 me, to maintain it with moderation, perseverance and firm- 
 ness. The considerations which respect the right to hold 
 this conduct, it is not necessary on this occasion to detail. I 
 will only observe, that according to my understanding of the 
 matter, that right, so far from being denied by any of the 
 belligerent powers, has been virtually admitted by all. 
 
 The duty of holding a neutral conduct may be inferred 
 without any thing more, from the obligation which justice 
 and humanity impose on every nation, in cases in which it is 
 free to act, to maintain inviolate the relations of peace and 
 amity towards other nations. 
 
 The inducements of interest for observing that conduct will 
 be best referred to your own reflections and experience. With 
 me a predominant motive has been, to endeavour to gain time 
 to our country to settle and mature its yet recent institutions, 
 and to progress, without interruption, to that degree of strength 
 and consistency, which is necessary to give it, humanly speak- 
 ing, the command of its own fortunes. 
 
 Though, in reviewing the incidents of my administration, 
 I am unconscious of intentional error, I am nevertheless too 
 sensible of my defects, not to think it probable that I may have 
 committed many errors. Whatever they may be, I fervently 
 beseech the Almighty to avert or mitigate the evils to which 
 they may tend. I shall also carry with me the hope that my 
 country will never cease to view them with indulgence ; and 
 that, after forty-five years of my life dedicated to its service, 
 with an upright zeal, the faults of incompetent abilities will 
 be consigned to oblivion, as myself must soon be to the man- 
 sions of rest. 
 
 Relying on its kindness in this as in other things, and ac- 
 tuated by that fervent love towards it, which is so natural to 
 a man, who views in it the native soil of himself and his pro- 
 genitors for several generations, I anticipate with pleasing 
 expectation that retreat, in which I promise myself to realize, 
 without alloy, the sweet enjoyment of partaking in the midst 
 of my fellow-citizens, the benign influence of good laws under 
 a free government ; the ever favorite object of my heart, and 
 the happy reward, as I trust, of our mutual cares, labours, 
 and dangers. 
 
 G. WASHINGTON. 
 
 United States, 17th September, 1796. 
 
 ] 
 
 
^(©SftpHMPi 
 
 Preface, 
 Introduction, 
 Adams, Samuel, 
 Allen, Ethan, 
 Allen, Ebenezer, 
 Allen, Moses, 
 Alexander, William, 
 Arnold, Benedict, 
 Barney, Joshua, 
 Barry, John, 
 Bartlett, Josiah, 
 Beatty, William, 
 •Biddle, Nicholas, 
 Bland, Theodoric, 
 Blount, Thomas, 
 
 • Boudinot, Elias, 
 Bowdoin, James, 
 
 • Bradford, William, 
 Broad, Hezekiah, 
 Brooks, Eleazar, 
 Brown, Moses, 
 Brown, Robert, 
 Bryan, George, 
 Burd, Benjamin, 
 Butler, Richard, 
 Butler, Thomas, 
 Butler, Zebulon, 
 
 • Cadwalader, X homo flg^y-, 
 Caswell, Richard, ^ 
 Champe, John, 
 Christie, James, 
 Clarke, George Rogers, 
 Clinton, James, 
 Clinton, George, 
 Clinton, Charles, 
 Comstock, Adam, 
 Croghan, William, 
 Cropper, John, 
 Gushing, Thomas, 
 
 * Darke, William, 
 Davie, Richardson Wm. 
 Davidson, William, 
 Dickinson, John, 
 Dickinson, Philemon, 
 Drayton, William Henry, 
 
 Page. 
 
 
 Page. 
 
 3 
 
 Dyer, Eliphalet, 
 
 127 
 
 5 
 
 Ellsworth, Oliver, 
 
 128 
 
 9 
 
 Floyd, William, 
 
 130 
 
 21 . 
 
 > Franklin, Benjamin, 
 
 132 
 
 25 
 
 Forrest, Uriah, 
 
 143 
 
 25 
 
 Gadsden, Christopher, 
 
 144 
 
 26 
 
 Gansevoort, Peter, 
 
 147 
 
 29 
 
 Gates, Horatio, 
 
 153 
 
 38 
 
 Gibson, John, 
 
 163 
 
 48 
 
 Gibson, George, 
 
 166 
 
 50 
 
 Greene, Nathaniel, 
 
 171 
 
 52 
 
 Greene, Christopher, 
 
 185 
 
 55 
 
 Graeff, George, 
 
 191 
 
 62 
 
 rGurney, Francis, 
 
 191 
 
 63 
 
 Gwinn, William, 
 
 196 
 
 63 
 
 Hale, Nathan, 
 
 196 
 
 65 
 
 Hamilton, Alexander, 
 
 199 
 
 67 
 
 Hancock, John, 
 
 205 
 
 70 
 
 Hathaway, Benoni, 
 
 215 
 
 70 
 
 Hawkins, Nathan, 
 
 215 
 
 71 
 
 Hawley, Joseph, 
 
 216 
 
 71 
 
 Hayne, Isaac, 
 
 220 
 
 72 
 
 Heath, William, 
 
 225 
 
 73 
 
 Henry, Patrick, 
 
 227 
 
 74, 
 
 » Heston, Edward, 
 
 242 
 
 75 
 
 Holden, Levi, 
 
 244 
 
 76 
 
 . Hopkinson, Francis, 
 
 244 
 
 *, 83 
 
 Hopkins, Stephen, 
 
 246 
 
 ' 87 
 
 Humphrey, David, 
 
 247 
 
 87 
 
 Huntington, Samuel, 
 
 248 
 
 91 
 
 Huntington, Jedediah, 
 
 252 
 
 92 
 
 Irvine, William, 
 
 252 
 
 95 
 
 Irwin, Jared, 
 
 259 
 
 100 
 
 Jackson, James, 
 
 259 
 
 103 
 
 James, John, 
 
 269 
 
 106 
 
 Jasper, , 
 
 272 
 
 107 
 
 • Johnson, Francis, 
 
 274 
 
 108 
 
 Jones, Paul, 
 
 274 
 
 109 
 
 Kalb, Baron de, 
 
 279 
 
 111 
 
 Kennard, Nathaniel, 
 
 282 
 
 111 
 
 Kirkwood, Robert, 
 
 282 
 
 116 
 
 Knowlton, Thomas, 
 
 286 
 
 118 
 
 Knox, Henry, 
 
 287 
 
 122 
 
 Kosciusco, Thaddeus, 
 
 290 
 
 125 
 
 Lacev, John. 
 
 292 
 
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