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diff --git a/old/54394-0.txt b/old/54394-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 240f647..0000000 --- a/old/54394-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,18721 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of A Biography of the Signers of the -Declaration of Independence, and , by L. Carroll Judson - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: A Biography of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence, and of Washington and Patrick Henry - With an appendix, containing the Constitution of the United - States and other documents - -Author: L. Carroll Judson - -Release Date: March 20, 2017 [EBook #54394] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SIGNERS--DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE *** - - - - -Produced by Richard Hulse, Charlie Howard, and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive) - - - - - - - - - -Transcriber’s Note: Italic text is indicated by _underscores_, boldface -text by =equals signs=. - - - - - A BIOGRAPHY - OF THE - SIGNERS - OF THE - DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE, - - AND OF - WASHINGTON AND PATRICK HENRY. - - WITH - AN APPENDIX, - CONTAINING THE - Constitution of the United States - AND OTHER DOCUMENTS. - - - _BY L. CARROLL JUDSON_, - A MEMBER OF THE PHILADELPHIA BAR. - - - “The proper study of mankind is man.” - - - PHILADELPHIA: - J. DOBSON, AND THOMAS, COWPERTHWAIT & CO. - 1839. - - - - -Entered according to the Act of Congress, A. D. 1839, by TIMOTHY -CALDWELL, in the Clerk’s Office of the District Court for the Eastern -District of Pennsylvania. - - - E. G. DORSEY, PRINTER, - LIBRARY STREET. - - - - -CONTENTS. - - - PAGE. - Declaration of Independence, 9 - Thomas Jefferson, 13 - John Hancock, 25 - Benjamin Franklin, 30 - Roger Sherman, 38 - Edward Rutledge, 45 - Thomas M’Kean, 49 - Philip Livingston, 55 - George Wythe, 58 - Abraham Clark, 61 - Francis Lewis, 64 - Richard Stockton, 66 - Samuel Adams, 70 - Dr. Benjamin Rush, 78 - Oliver Wolcott, 83 - George Read, 85 - Thomas Heyward, 88 - Robert Morris, 92 - John Witherspoon, 97 - Thomas Lynch, Jr. 102 - Matthew Thornton, 105 - William Floyd, 108 - William Whipple, 112 - Francis Hopkinson, Esq. 115 - Josiah Bartlett, 117 - Arthur Middleton, 122 - James Wilson, 126 - Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, 132 - William Williams, 136 - Samuel Huntington, 139 - George Walton, 142 - George Clymer, 146 - Carter Braxton, 152 - John Morton, 155 - Richard Henry Lee, 158 - Stephen Hopkins, 164 - Robert Treat Paine, 170 - George Taylor, 174 - Francis Lightfoot Lee, 177 - Thomas Stone, 181 - Lewis Morris, 184 - John Hart, 188 - Button Gwinnett, 191 - William Ellery, 195 - Lyman Hall, 200 - John Penn, 203 - Elbridge Gerry, 208 - William Paca, 215 - George Ross, 219 - Benjamin Harrison, 223 - Cæsar Rodney, 230 - Samuel Chase, 236 - William Hooper, 248 - Thomas Nelson, 253 - James Smith, 260 - Joseph Hewes, 267 - John Adams, 273 - George Washington, 292 - Patrick Henry, 303 - - APPENDIX: - - Washington’s Farewell Address to the People of the United States, 313 - - A Declaration by the Representatives of the United Colonies of - North America, setting forth the causes and necessity of - their taking up arms, 325 - - Articles of Confederation, 330 - - Constitution of the United States, 337 - - Amendments to the Constitution, 348 - - The Declaration of Independence as originally written by Thomas - Jefferson, 350 - - - - -ADVERTISEMENT. - - -The proprietor of this book, now verging on four score years, presents -it to the public with an anxious hope that it will be instrumental in -doing much good. To place within the reach of all classes of persons -who desire it, the history of the venerable sages who wisely conceived, -nobly planned and boldly achieved the independence of these United -States, is believed to be a matter of great importance, especially to -the rising generation. - -Of those who signed the Declaration penned by Jefferson—the Articles -of Confederation adopted by the Continental Congress, and the Federal -Constitution—not one survives to aid in directing the destinies of our -country. Like leaves in autumn they have descended to the earth—the -winter of death has shut them from this world for ever. But they have -left their bright examples, their shining lights, their luminous -beacons, to guide their successors in the path of duty and of safety. - -Having had the pleasure of seeing all the signers of the declaration -before they made their last bow and retired from the stage of action, -and having had the satisfaction of a personal acquaintance with many of -them, the proprietor has long felt a strong desire to have the history -of the prominent traits of their lives and characters reduced to a -single portable and cheap volume, that should not be an onerous tax -upon the purse or the memory. Such a volume is now presented to the -American public, carefully and impartially prepared—plain in style, -simple in arrangement and republican in its features. - -If all obey the precepts suggested, and imitate the examples delineated -upon the following pages, our republic will continue to rise sublimely, -until it reaches an eminence of power and grandeur before unknown among -the nations of the earth. - -That this may be the happy lot of our country, and that our free -government may be preserved in its native purity, is the sincere and -ardent wish of the proprietor. - - TIMOTHY CALDWELL. - -_Philadelphia, February 22, 1839._ - - - - -PREFACE. - - -The present is emphatically an era of books. The march of mind is -onward and upward, bold and expanding. The soaring intellect of man, -rising on the wings of investigation and experiment, is seizing upon -the elements in all their varied forms, threatening to unveil and -reduce to subjection the whole _arcana_ of nature. The flood gates of -science are opened, and its translucent stream, rushing through the -magic channel of the press, is illuminating the world with rays of -light, as multiform in their hues as a rainbow. Like that beautiful -phenomenon, some of them attract the delighted gaze of many for a brief -period, then vanish from view for want of reflectives, or dissolve in -thin air for want of stamina—an ominous hint to the present writer. - -He, however, has not aimed at brilliancy or high refinement in -composition, nor has he attempted to create a literary GEM to induce -admiration. He has aimed at brevity in the impartial statement of plain -matters of fact, avoiding verbiage and extracting the essence of the -history of the sages of ’76. His work is not designed for the diffusive -crucible of the critic, or the empirical hauteur of the cynic. To make -a _useful_ book has been the ultimatum of his efforts. It has been his -constant purpose to incite a love for moral rectitude, a veneration for -unsophisticated religion and pure patriotism, and a lively interest -in the perpetuity of our union as a free people, by reflecting the -precepts and examples of the revolutionary patriots upon the mind -of the reader, from the truth-telling mirror of their history. To -preserve, in its pristine purity, the liberty they purchased with years -of toil, streams of blood and millions of treasure, is a duty imposed -upon us by the law of nature, and by the great Jehovah. To imprint this -deeply and strongly upon the heart of every reader, the author has -interspersed many practical remarks, and, in some instances, compared -the past with the present time. - -If the amputating knife, the scalpel and the probe have occasionally -been used, a sincere desire to do good has prompted their application. -To remove the unsound parts of the body politic—should be a desideratum -with every freeman. By shrinking from this duty, we jeopardize our -elective franchise and court the domination of designing men, who smile -that they may betray, and flatter that they may destroy. - -The author has laboured to be concise without being obscure, to inform -the understanding without burdening the memory. He has introduced -many apothegms, intending to improve the mind and mend the heart. The -causes that led to the revolution, its interesting progress, its happy -termination and the formation of our federal government, are all amply -delineated. The character of each of the individuals who signed the -declaration, and of the illustrious Washington and the bold Patrick -Henry, is fully portrayed. The most prominent acts of their lives are -also clearly exhibited. But few of the biographettes are encumbered -with documentary extracts, although they will be found sufficiently -full for all ordinary purposes. - -To write the biography of fifty-eight individuals, all engaged in the -accomplishment of a single object, although that object may be shrouded -in refulgent glory—and preserve an interesting variety without being -prolix or verbose, is a task no one can realize without attempting it—a -task that the author does not claim the credit of having performed. -To compensate for any want of diversity, the reader will find all the -important facts contained in more expensive, ponderous and voluminous -works, placed in so small a compass, that they may be referred to with -greater facility than in them. - -In the order of the names, it seems most appropriate to place the -author of the Declaration of Independence first. In some instances, a -character of high classic attainments has been placed by the side of -one whose literary advantages were extremely limited, that the reader, -when admiring the dazzling splendour of the former, may contemplate the -equal patriotism and substantial usefulness of the latter. The names -of Messrs. Gwinnett and Ellery, are placed by the side of each other -because of the contrast in their demise. - -The Appendix is considered an important affixion, and renders the work -more full and complete. The Farewell Address of Washington is one of -the happiest productions ever penned by mortal man. It should be read -often, not only by the young, but by _all_—the rich and the poor—the -public officer and the private citizen. It should be rehearsed in every -school and declaimed in every lyceum. - -The Constitution of the United States should also be better known; it -should be familiar to every farmer and mechanic, that it may be better -understood and more faithfully adhered to. - -Finally, to carry the reader back to first principles, and point -plainly and clearly to the land marks of ’76, as fixed by the signers -of the declaration of our independence, and to rouse the patriot to -a just sense of our blood-bought privileges and the necessity of -preserving them pure and undefiled, has been the constant aim of the -author. - -If his humble, but honest and earnest efforts shall prove instrumental -in adding one inch of time—one happy hour to our political existence, -or in strengthening one single link of the golden chain of the glorious -UNION of these United States, he will deem the months of severe labour -devoted to the preparation of this work—AS TIME WELL SPENT. - - L. CARROLL JUDSON. - -_Philadelphia, February 22, 1839._ - - - - -Declaration of Independence, - -BY THE THIRTEEN UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, - -IN CONGRESS ASSEMBLED, - -JULY 4, MDCCLXXVI. - - -“When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one -people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with -another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and -equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature’s God entitle -them, a decent respect 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 inalienable -rights; that amongst 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 -institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles, -and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most -likely to effect their safety and happiness. Prudence, indeed, will -dictate that governments long established should not be changed for -light and transient causes; and accordingly, all experience hath shown, -that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, -than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are -accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, 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 patient sufferance of these colonies, and such is now -the necessity which constrains them to alter their former systems of -government. - -“The history of the present king of Great Britain is a history of -repeated injuries and usurpations, all having 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 -representation 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 depository of their public records, -for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his -measures. - -“He has dissolved representative houses repeatedly for opposing, 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 meantime, 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 naturalization of foreigners; refusing -to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the -conditions of new appropriations of lands. - -“He has obstructed the administration of justice, by refusing 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 harass our people, and eat out their substance. - -“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 neighbouring -province, establishing therein an arbitrary government, and enlarging -its boundaries, so as to render it at once an example and fit -instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these colonies: - -“For taking away our charters, abolishing our most valuable laws, and -altering fundamentally the forms of our governments: - -“For suspending our own legislatures, and declaring themselves 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 mercenaries -to complete the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun, -with circumstances of cruelty and perfidy scarcely paralleled in the -most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy 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 themselves 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 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 attempts by their legislature -to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them -of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have -appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured -them, 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 intentions, Do, in the name, and by -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 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; -and that, as free and independent States, they have full power to levy -war, conclude peace, contract 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 honour.” - - JOHN HANCOCK. - - - NEW HAMPSHIRE. - - _Josiah Bartlett_, - _William Whipple_, - _Matthew Thornton_. - - - MASSACHUSETTS. - - _Samuel Adams_, - _John Adams_, - _Robert Treat Paine_, - _Elbridge Gerry_. - - - RHODE ISLAND. - - _Stephen Hopkins_, - _William Ellery_. - - - CONNECTICUT. - - _Roger Sherman_, - _Samuel Huntingdon_, - _William Williams_, - _Oliver Wolcott_. - - - NEW YORK. - - _William Floyd_, - _Philip Livingston_, - _Francis Lewis_, - _Lewis Morris_. - - - NEW JERSEY. - - _Richard Stockton_, - _John Witherspoon_, - _Francis Hopkinson_, - _John Hart_, - _Abraham Clark_. - - - PENNSYLVANIA - - _Robert Morris_, - _Benjamin Rush_, - _Benjamin Franklin_, - _John Morton_, - _George Clymer_, - _James Smith_, - _George Taylor_, - _James Wilson_, - _George Ross_. - - - DELAWARE. - - _Cæsar Rodney_, - _George Read_, - _Thomas M’Kean_. - - - MARYLAND. - - _Samuel Chase_, - _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 Rutledge_, - _Thomas Heywood, Jr._ - _Thomas Lynch, Jr._ - _Arthur Middleton_. - - - GEORGIA. - - _Button Gwinnett_, - _Lyman Hall_, - _George Walton_. - - - - -BIOGRAPHY. - - - - -THOMAS JEFFERSON. - - -When the Great Ruler of the universe resolved to set his people free -from Egyptian bondage, he raised up able and mighty men, to effect his -glorious purposes. These he endowed with wisdom to plan, and energy -to execute his noble designs. There is a most striking similarity -between the history of the Israelites, bursting the chains of slavery -riveted upon them by Pharaoh; and that of the American colonies, in -disenthralling themselves, by the aid of Heaven, from the oppressions -of the British king. Like Moses, Washington led his countrymen through -the wilderness of the revolution, and planted them, when the journey -was terminated, upon the promised land of freedom and independence. -Like Moses, he placed his trust in the God of Hosts, and like him, he -was aided and sustained by a band of sages and heroes, unrivalled in -the history of the world. - -In the front of this band stood THOMAS JEFFERSON, who was born at -Shadwell, Albemarle county, Virginia, on the 24th of April, 1743. His -ancestors were highly respectable, and among the early emigrants to the -Old Dominion. They were true republicans, in affluent circumstances, -and exercised an influence that radiated to a considerable extent. -Thomas was the son of Peter Jefferson, a man much esteemed in public -and private life. The feelings imbibed from him by this son, were -conspicuous at an early age, and decidedly of a liberal character. From -his childhood, the mind of Thomas Jefferson assumed a high elevation, -and took a broad and expansive view of men and things. He was educated -at the college of William and Mary, at Williamsburg; and was always -found at the head of his class. For assiduity and untiring industry -in the exploration of the fields of science, he had no superior. He -analyzed every subject that came under his investigation, closely and -carefully; passing through the opening avenues of literature with an -astonishing celerity. His mind became enraptured with the history of -classic Greece and republican Rome, and, in early youth, his political -opinions appear to have been distinctly formed, and opposed to every -kind of government, tinctured with a shade of monarchy or aristocracy. - -After having completed his collegiate course, he commenced the study -of law under chancellor Wythe, whose liberal views were well calculated -to strengthen and mature those already preponderating in the mind of -Jefferson. With regard to the oppressions of the mother country, and -the justice and necessity of resistance by the colonies, their kindred -bosoms were in unison. By a thorough investigation of the science of -law and government, Jefferson soon became prepared to enter upon the -great theatre of public action, and into the service of his injured -country. Planting himself upon the broad basis of Magna Charta, -encircling himself within the pale of the British constitution, he -demonstrated most clearly, that the ministry of the crown had long been -advancing, with rapid strides, beyond the bounds of their legitimate -authority, by exercising a tyrannical power over the American colonies, -not delegated to them by the monarchy they corruptly represented. So -conclusive and luminous were his expositions of chartered rights on -the one hand, and of accumulating wrongs on the other, that he soon -became the nucleus of a band of patriots, resolved on deeds of noble -daring—_on liberty or death_. - -At the age of twenty-two, he was elected to the provincial legislature, -and commissioned a justice of the peace, which gave him an opportunity -of disseminating his liberal principles to a considerable extent. He -proclaimed himself the unyielding advocate of equal rights, and had -engraved upon his watch seal as his motto, “Resistance to tyrants is -obedience to God.” - -By his eloquence and unanswerable reasoning, he soon kindled the flame -of opposition in old Virginia, which increased as tyranny advanced; -and, in 1769, assumed the shape of a resolution, offered and advocated -by Mr. Jefferson in the legislature, _not to import a single article -from Great Britain_. The boldness and firmness with which he maintained -his position, astonished the adherents of the crown, and gave a fresh -impetus to the glorious cause then in embryo. With ample pecuniary -means, with talents unsurpassed, his soul illumined with the fire of -patriotism, his indignation roused against the hirelings of the king, -his sympathies excited by the sufferings of his country, Mr. Jefferson -was well calculated to become one of the master spirits of the -revolution; one of the giant champions of universal freedom; a pillar -of fire in the cause of liberty, flashing terror and dismay into the -ranks of his enemies. - -The plan of organizing committees of correspondence throughout the -colonies, was devised by him in the early part of 1773, and proved -eminently useful in producing unity of sentiment and concert of action -among the patriots. About that time, he wrote and published “A Summary -View of the Rights of British America,” which also set forth the wrongs -inflicted upon his countrymen, in bold and glowing colours. This he -addressed to the king in respectful, but plain and impressive language, -in the following eloquent strain. “Open your breast, Sire, to liberal -and expanded thought. It behooves you to think and act for your people. -The great principles of right and wrong are legible to every reader: to -peruse them, needs not the aid of many counsellors. The whole art of -government consists in the art of being honest,” etc. - -So exasperated was Lord Duninore on perusing this article, that he -threatened to arrest its author for high treason. Written and published -during the session of the legislature of which Mr. Jefferson was an -influential member, and finding that resolutions had been passed by -the representatives, quite as treasonable in their character as the -publication in question, his lordship immediately dissolved the farther -action of that body. - -The following year, the British ministry, in answer to petitions for -redress of grievances, sent to the assembly of the Old Dominion, a -series of propositions that _they_ termed conciliatory, but which, -in truth, added insult to injury. Their hypocrisy and fallacy were -unmasked and exposed by Mr. Jefferson, in a masterly strain of -eloquent and withering logic and sarcasm, that carried conviction to a -large majority of his colleagues. They were referred to a committee, -which reported an answer, drawn by the author of the declaration of -independence, similar, in its main features, to that much admired -document, which was immediately adopted. The ball of resistance was put -in motion, the electric fluid of patriotism commenced its insulating -powers in the north and in the south; and, extending from sire to son, -from heart to heart, the two streams met in the centre, and rising -in grandeur, formed the beautiful and luminous arch of FREEDOM, with -its chord extending from Maine to Georgia, its versed sine resting -upon the city of Penn. Under its zenith, at the city of Philadelphia, -the continental congress convened, in which Thomas Jefferson took his -seat on the 21st of June, 1775. Although one of the youngest members -of that venerated assemblage of sages and patriots, he was hailed as -one of its main pillars. Known as a man of superior intelligence, -of liberal sentiments, of strict integrity, of stern republicanism, -and of unbending patriotism, his influence was strongly felt and -judiciously exercised. From the beginning, he advocated a separation -from the mother country, and met, at the threshold, every argument -that was urged against it. He considered that allegiance to the crown -had been dissolved by oppression, and the original contract cancelled -by American blood. Submission was no longer a virtue; the measure -of wrongs was filled and overflowing; public sentiment demanded the -dissolution of the gordian knot; and a voice from heaven proclaimed, -“_let my people go_.” - -The following year, the declaration of independence was proposed, and -Mr. Jefferson appointed chairman of the committee to draft a form. He -was requested, by his colleagues, to prepare the important document. He -performed the task with a boldness of design, and beauty of execution, -before unknown and yet unrivalled. The result of his labour is before -the world. Admiring nations have united in applauding the declaration -of our rights, penned by Jefferson, and sanctioned by the continental -congress on the 4th of July, 1776. As a master piece of composition, -as a clear and lucid exposition of the rights of man, the principles -of free government, the sufferings of an oppressed people, the abuses -of a corrupt ministry, and the effects of monarchy upon the destinies -of man, it stands unequalled. Pure in its origin, graphic in its -delineations, noble in its features, glorious in its career, benign in -its influence, and salutary in its results, it has become the chart of -patriots throughout the civilized world. It is the _ne plus ultra_[A] -of a gigantic mind, elevated to a lofty eminence by the finest touches -of Creative Power; displaying its boldest efforts, its brightest -conceptions, its holiest zeal, its purest desires, and its happiest -conclusions. It combines the attributes of justice, the flowers of -eloquence, the force of logic, and the soul of wisdom. It is the grand -palladium of equal RIGHTS, the polar star of rational LIBERTY, the -Magna Charta of universal FREEDOM, and has crowned the name of its -author with laurels of immortal fame. - - [A] Nothing beyond—the utmost point. - -In the autumn of 1776, Mr. Jefferson, in conjunction with Dr. Franklin -and Dr. Deane, was appointed a commissioner to the court of France, for -the purpose of forming a treaty of alliance. Ill health of himself and -family, and an urgent necessity for his services in his native state, -induced him to decline the proffered honour, and also to resign his -seat in congress. - -He was immediately elected a member of the first legislature of -Virginia convened under its new constitution, and was looked upon as -one of the main bulwarks of her future safety. After taking his seat -in that body, his first business was, to demolish the superstructure -of the judicial code, that had been reared, either by, or under the -supervision of the British parliament. Although sustained and aided -by able and willing colleagues, the great work of revision fell most -heavily upon him. The first bill he introduced was aimed at the -slave trade, and prohibited the farther importation of negroes into -Virginia. This act alone is a triumphant confutation of the accusation -often reiterated against Mr. Jefferson, _that he was an advocate of -slavery_. To its _principles_ he was always opposed, and submitted -to it _practically_ only by entail. That he struck the first blow at -the unhallowed trade of importing human beings for the purpose of -consigning them to bondage, is a fact beyond dispute. That this was the -first grand step towards a correction of the most cruel features of -the _traffic_, will not be denied. To transfer those born in America, -from one state to another, bears no comparison to the heart-rending -barbarity of dragging the African from his native home. - -He next introduced and effected the passage of bills destroying -entails, the rights of primogeniture, the church as established by the -English law; and also various others, calculated to assimilate the -entire system of jurisprudence in the state, to its new and republican -form of government; amounting, in all, to one hundred and twenty-six, -most of which were passed, and form the present much admired statutory -code of Virginia. - -In 1779, he was called to the gubernatorial chair of the Old Dominion, -surrounded by dangers and perils on every side. The British troops, -headed by the proud Tarleton and the traitor Arnold, were spreading -death and destruction over the state, and contemplated the capture of -Jefferson, to cap the climax of their triumphant victories. Terror and -dismay were depicted on the faces of the more timid patriots, whilst -many of the bolder spirits were much alarmed at the approach of these -merciless foes. But the energy and vigilance of the governor were -found equal to every emergency. He rallied the bone and sinew of old -Virginia, who “with hearts of oak and nerves of steel,” checked the -enemy in their bold career of indiscriminate slaughter. He imparted -confidence and vigour to the desponding, and roused them to bold and -noble action. He dispersed the dark and gloomy clouds that hung over -his bleeding state, and inspired the friends of liberty with fresh -and cheering hopes of ultimate success. So highly were his services -appreciated during the eventful period of his administration, that the -members of the legislature entered upon their records an _unanimous_ -vote of thanks to him, for the able and efficient manner he had -performed his public duties, expressing their high opinion of his -superior talents, strict rectitude, and stern integrity. - -In 1783, Thomas Jefferson again took his seat in congress, and became -one of its brightest ornaments. The chaste and moving address from -that body to Washington, when he surrendered his commission, was from -the soul-stirring pen of Jefferson. He was chairman of the committee -appointed to form a plan of territorial government for the extensive -regions of the then “far west.” True to his favourite principle -of finally emancipating the sable African, he introduced a clause -prohibiting slavery after the year 1800, in any of the territories, or -states that should be formed from them. - -In May, 1784, Mr. Jefferson was appointed a minister plenipotentiary, -to aid Messrs. Adams and Franklin, in the important duties of -negotiating treaties of commerce with several European nations. He -embarked in July following for France, and arrived there on the 6th -of August. During his stay he visited several of the foreign courts, -but spent the largest portion of his time in Paris. He commanded the -highest respect and esteem wherever he went. He was made a welcome -guest in the halls of literature, legislation, and jurisprudence. -He was received with marked distinction by courtiers and kings, and -effected much towards the promotion of the commercial interests of the -infant Republic he so ably represented. - -He was at Paris when the French revolution commenced, and was -often consulted by the leading members of the national convention, -relative to the best course to be pursued, in order to establish -their government upon the firm basis of republicanism. So far as was -consistent with his situation, he gave his opinion freely in favour of -rational liberty. - -On the 23d of November, 1789, he returned to his native land, and was -received with great enthusiasm and affection by his fellow citizens. -Soon after his arrival, he was induced to resign his commission as -minister to France, and accept the responsible situation of Secretary -of State under President Washington. The appointment showed the -sagacity of the chief magistrate, and proved a lasting blessing to our -country. Familiar with every principle of government; comprehending, -at one bold view, the requisites necessary to perfect and perpetuate -the new confederation, he was enabled to propose amendments to the -constitution that were subsequently adopted, with some suggested by -others; and to do much to beautify and reduce to harmonious system, -the new order of things. Well versed in the usages of diplomacy, -international law, and the policy of European courts, he was prepared -to plant the permanent landmarks of foreign intercourse that have -guided our nation to the present time in safety, and raised her -to a degree of greatness before unknown, in so short a period. A -reciprocity of commerce and honourable peace with foreigners, and a -rigid neutrality with belligerents, carefully avoiding ambiguous or -entangling alliances, were some of his leading principles. To submit -to nothing that was clearly _wrong_, and to ask for nothing but what -was unquestionably _right_, was a doctrine of Jefferson, forcibly -inculcated in his able correspondence with the French ministers, during -the brief period of their republic. The motto is still nailed to the -flag staff of the star spangled banner, and is handed down from sire to -son in its native purity. - -To the domestic concerns of his country he devoted a laborious and -laudable attention. He insisted upon the adoption of a uniform system -of currency and of weights and measures, and suggested many other -improvements, predicated upon plain and enlightened premises, and -all designed to advance the best interests of the American system. -He pointed to the importance of securing and protecting fisheries, -and of encouraging enterprise in all the branches of industry. He -demonstrated the advantages of every species of commerce, and the -necessity of preventing others from monopolizing such sources as -legitimately belonged to the United States. He showed, in a masterly -exposition of existing facts, the increasing policy of European -courts, in restricting the intercourse of America, and their evident -designs of engrossing trade. He submitted to congress an able and -elaborate report, showing great foresight, close observation, and deep -investigation, relative to the privileges and restrictions of the -commercial intercourse of this with other countries. It received great -attention, was a subject of long and animated discussion in congress, -and became the foundation of a series of resolutions introduced by Mr. -Madison, embracing the doctrines it contained, and forming the great -line of demarcation between the _old_ school federal and republican -parties. - -Having served his country long and faithfully, and having contributed -largely in placing her on the high road of prosperity and freedom, Mr. -Jefferson retired from public life on the 31st of December, 1793, and, -for a season, enjoyed the more substantial comforts of the domestic -circle at Monticello. He took especial care to impart comfort to all -around him, and treated his slaves in the kindest manner, thus reducing -to practice the mode of treatment towards them he had so often alluded -to in theory. The education of his children, the cultivation and -improvement of his estate, and the resumption of scientific research, -gave to him an exhilarating consolation he had long desired, and which -is never found in the arena of public business and political bustle. - -His manner of life at the period alluded to, is happily described by -the Duke de Liancourt, a distinguished French gentleman who visited -him at Monticello, and who wrote a narrative of his tour in the United -States. - -“His conversation is of the most agreeable kind, and he possesses a -stock of information, not inferior to any other man. In Europe, he -would hold a distinguished rank among men of letters, and as such he -has already appeared there. At present he is employed with activity -and perseverance in the management of his farms and buildings, and he -orders, directs, and pursues, in the minutest detail, every branch of -business relating to them. I found him in the midst of harvest, from -which the scorching heat of the sun does not prevent his attendance. -His negroes are nourished, clothed, and treated as well as white -servants could be. Every article is made on his farm; his negroes being -cabinet makers, carpenters, and masons. The children he employs in a -nail manufactory, and the young and old negresses spin for the clothing -of the rest. He animates them all by rewards and distinctions. In fine, -his superior mind directs the management of his domestic concerns, with -the same ability, activity, and regularity, which he evinced in the -conduct of public affairs, and which he is calculated to display in -every situation of life.” - -During his recess from the toils of public life, Mr. Jefferson was -unanimously elected president of the American Philosophical Society, -a circumstance that was highly gratifying to him. It afforded him -much pleasure to occupy the chair that had been long and ably filled -by his revered friends, the illustrious Franklin and the philosophic -Rittenhouse. He proved himself, in every way, worthy of the honour -conferred. After a repose of three years, Mr. Jefferson was again -called upon by his fellow citizens to mount the theatre of public -action. President Washington had proclaimed his determination to retire -to the peaceful shades of Mount Vernon, and leave the presidential -chair to a new incumbent. The people had become divided politically, -and each party determined to nominate a candidate for the high -and responsible station about to become vacant. Mr. Jefferson was -selected by the democrats, and Mr. Adams by the federalists. The -election resulted in the choice of Mr. Adams for President, and of Mr. -Jefferson for Vice President. As the presiding officer of the Senate, -he discharged his duty with dignity and impartiality. Familiar with -parliamentary rules, he was uniformly prepared to decide such questions -as came before him, promptly, and generally to the satisfaction of the -members. - -At the next presidential election, he was again a candidate in -opposition to Mr. Adams. The mountain waves of party spirit rolled over -the United States like a mighty torrent. Each party presented a bold -front regardless of danger, pressed on by a rear rushing to conflict. -The political campaign terminated in favour of the democrats, who -returned an equal number of votes for Mr. Jefferson as President, and -Aaron Burr as Vice President. This singular circumstance imposed the -election of the chief magistrate upon the House of Representatives. -To defeat the election of the great leader of the popular party, some -of his opponents voted for Mr. Burr. A most spirited contest ensued, -and thirty-five ineffectual ballotings were made. The ambition of the -latter gentleman for promotion, at last so much subsided, as to induce -him to withdraw from a farther contest with the man of the people’s -choice; and, on the thirty-sixth ballot, Mr. Jefferson was duly elected -President, and Mr. Burr Vice President; the former by a majority of -eight votes. - -The following extract from his inaugural address will show with what -sentiments he entered upon the performance of his arduous duties. - -“Equal and exact justice to all men, of whatever state or persuasion, -religious or political; peace, commerce, and honest friendship with -all nations; entangling alliances with none; the support of the state -governments in all their rights, as the most competent administrations -for our domestic concerns, and the surest bulwarks against -anti-republican tendencies; the preservation of the general government -in its whole constitutional vigour, as the sheet anchor of our peace at -home and safety abroad; a zealous care of the right of election by the -people, a mild and safe corrective of abuses which are lopped by the -sword of revolution where peaceable remedies are unprovided; absolute -acquiescence in the decisions of the majority, the vital principles -of republics, from which there is no appeal but to force, the vital -principle and immediate parent of despotism; a well disciplined militia -our best reliance in peace, and for the first moments of war till -regulars may relieve them; the supremacy of the civil over the military -authority; economy in the public expense, that labour may be lightly -burthened; the honest payment of our debts and sacred preservation of -the public faith; encouragement of agriculture and of commerce as its -handmaid; the diffusion of information and arraignment of all abuses -at the bar of public reason; freedom of religion, freedom of the -press, and freedom of the person under the protection of the habeas -corpus; and trial by juries impartially selected. These principles -form the bright constellation which has gone before us, and guided our -steps through an age of revolution and reformation. The wisdom of our -sages and blood of our heroes have been devoted to their attainment. -They should be the creed of our political faith, the text of civic -instruction, the touchstone by which to try the service of those we -trust, and should we wander from them in moments of error or of alarm, -let us hasten to retrace our steps and to regain the road which alone -leads to peace, liberty, and safety.” - -Here is a statesman’s chart, drawn by one of the ablest navigators that -ever stood at the helm of government. His soundings were frequent; -his observations were made with mathematical exactness; he combined -experience with science, and traced his lines with boldness and -precision. To follow its directions is to ensure safety. - -Based upon these principles, practically carried out, the -administration of Jefferson became popular, peaceful, and prosperous. -He knew the reasonable desires of the people, and exerted his -noblest energies to provide for them. He knew that the art of -governing harmoniously, consisted in an enlightened honesty, and -acted accordingly. He anticipated the future wants of the rising and -expanding republic over which he presided, and proposed, in his annual -and special messages to congress, wise and politic measures to meet -them. So satisfactory was his course to his fellow citizens, that -he was re-elected to a second term, by a majority of one hundred and -forty-eight. - -His inaugural address, on that occasion, enforced the same principles -contained in his first, and manifested a deep and growing interest in -the welfare and prosperity of his country. As his belief in a Supreme -Power has been questioned by some, the following extract, containing -the same sentiment found in all his writings where this subject is -alluded to, may correct those who are labouring under an error on this -important point. Hear him, after invoking the aid of congress in the -affairs of the nation: “I shall need, too, the favour of that Being in -whose hands we are, who led our forefathers, as Israel of old, from -their native land, and planted them in a country flowing with all the -necessaries of life; who has covered our infancy with his providence, -and our riper years with his wisdom and power.” - -If all who profess the religion of the cross, discarded sectarianism -and honoured unsophisticated _practical_ piety as much as did Thomas -Jefferson, the prospect of christianizing the world would soon burst -upon us with refulgent brightness. The partition walls of various -creeds, drawn from the same pure fountain, and coloured by fancy -and construction, would be dissolved by heaven-born charity, and -the superstructure of the Redeemer’s kingdom would rise from their -mouldering ruins in majesty sublime. - -Soon after Mr. Jefferson entered upon the duties of his second term, -a portentous storm darkened the horizon of his country, charged with -the forked lightning of discord. In consequence of being disappointed -in obtaining the presidential chair amidst the confusion he created -when Mr. Jefferson was first elected, and superseded by Mr. Clinton -as vice president at the expiration of four years, Aaron Burr mounted -upon the whirlwind of his wild ambition, and attempted the formation -of a new republic in the Spanish provinces on the Mississippi; -apparently aiming at an ultimate division, if not dissolution of the -United States. Although he was acquitted, after being tried for high -treason, owing to his deep cunning in not committing the _overt_ acts -necessary to convict, yet the dark stigma of a traitor is marked upon -the splendour of his brilliant talents, in traces so deep, that time, -nor angels’ tears, can never remove it. Like a comet, propelled by its -own centrifugal force from its constitutional orbit, he fell to rise no -more, and our country was preserved from his Catiline grasp. - -About the same time, France and Great Britain were at war, both of -which, and more especially the latter, had repeatedly insulted the -American flag under various but unwarranted pretences. Redress was -promptly demanded, and measures pursued to obtain it. Anxious to -preserve the peace of his country, but determined to vindicate her -rights and maintain her dignity, Mr. Jefferson, whilst he prosecuted -a vigorous negociation for the arrangement of a friendly intercourse -and the adjustment of existing differences, prepared for the final -alternative of war. He knew well the importance to England of the -importing and exporting trade, and as a means of bringing her to -honourable terms, recommended to congress the embargo law, which was -passed on the 22nd of December, 1807. This measure was violently -assailed by the opponents of the administration. It, however, -had a salutary effect upon the British government, and caused a -relinquishment of the most odious features of the assumptions of power -that had been set up, followed by more conciliatory propositions on -the part of England, for a final settlement of all difficulties and -wrongs. Thus situated were the foreign relations of the United States -when the second term of Mr. Jefferson expired, at which time he bid a -final farewell to public life, and left the destinies of his beloved -country in other hands. He had been an efficient and faithful labourer -in the vineyard of American liberty for nearly forty years; he left it -richly covered with foliage and fruit; in the full bloom of its vigour -and health; enclosed by the palisades of honesty and truth; and adorned -with the crowning glory of patriotism and philanthropy. - -On the 3d of March, 1809, Thomas Jefferson surrendered the -responsibilities of chief magistrate, ceased to be the active -statesman, withdrew from the political arena, and again became a -private citizen, surrounded by the halo of his country’s gratitude, -consoled by the approbation of a pure conscience, and cheered by the -plaudits of admiring millions. - -From that time forward, he declined all public honours, and remained -in peaceful retirement till the day of his death, seldom leaving his -favourite Monticello. But he did not enter upon a life of inglorious -ease. The same innate activity that had marked his brilliant career -from his youth, the same nobleness of mind and energy of character -that had raised him to the loftiest pinnacle fame could rear, still -prompted him to action. He immediately reduced his time to a harmonious -arrangement, and his whole business to the most perfect system. He -uniformly rose before the sun, and held a supervision over all the -concerns of his plantation. The various publications from his pen, -during the period of his retirement, show that he laboured arduously in -the fields of science and philosophy. For the promotion of literature -and general intelligence he opened an extensive correspondence with men -of letters, in this country and in Europe. He considered the diffusion -of knowledge, among the great mass of the human family, the greatest -safeguard against tyranny and oppression, the purest source of earthly -bliss, and the surest passport to freedom and happiness. - -Acting from this impulse, he submitted the plan of a University to -the legislature of Virginia, to be erected at Charlottesville, a town -situated at the foot of the mountain that reared its romantic scenery -in front of his mansion. It was to be built with funds raised by -donations from individuals and from the state, himself to be a liberal -contributor. The plan of the buildings, the course of instruction, the -mode of discipline, the duties and accountabilities of the officers -and instructors, were all devised and drawn by Mr. Jefferson, and were -so much admired and approved by the members of that legislative body, -that they passed an act authorizing its adoption, and appointed its -author Rector, to carry the design into effect. Upon the completion -of that object he then devoted all necessary time, and _more_ money -than strict prudence called for. It became the doating object of his -old age, and his strongest efforts were exerted in its accomplishment. -These were crowned with success, and he had the happiness to live and -see the University completed and filled with students. The course -of instruction was designed to prepare the scholars for the general -routine of business, both public and private, without being strictly -classical. The library was selected by him with great judgment and -care, and was confined to what may be termed _useful_ books, treating -upon subjects necessary to be understood by every citizen, to -prepare him to discharge properly the duties he owes to himself, his -family, his country, and his God. A catalogue, written by the hand -of Jefferson, is still there, and carefully preserved. He exercised -a parental care over this institution as long as his physical powers -would permit; and was often seen viewing it with an exquisite pleasure -and an honest pride. Much of his time was devoted to visiters, to whom -his hospitality was liberally and kindly extended. Thousands of his -own countrymen paid their grateful respects to him, and Europeans of -distinction thought their tour in the United States incomplete, until -they took by the hand the PATRIOT, the SAGE, the PHILOSOPHER, and the -PHILANTHROPIST of Monticello. To delight, to instruct, and to please, -he was peculiarly calculated. He was familiar with every subject; -his mind united the vigour of youth with the experience of age; the -strength of a giant with the innocence of a babe. The broad expanse of -the universe, the stupendous works of nature, the Pierian fields of -science, the deep recesses of philosophy, and the labyrinthian avenues -of the intellect of man, seemed spread before him like a map of the -world. He was an encyclopedia of the age he adorned, a lexicon of the -times he enlightened, and one of the brightest diadems in the crown of -his country’s glory. - -With calm dignity and peaceful quietude, Mr. Jefferson glided down -the stream of time towards the ocean of eternity, until he reached -the eighty-fourth year of his age. Forty-four years had rolled over -his head, since his amiable companion, the daughter of Mr. Wayles, an -eminent lawyer of Virginia, had slumbered beneath the clods of the -valley. One of two interesting daughters, the only children he ever -had, was also resting in the silent grave. The charms of earth began -to fade before him, and he felt sensibly that he was fast approaching -the confines of another and a better world. The physical powers and -mechanical structure of his frame were fast decaying; the canker worm -of disease was doing its final work; and the angel of death stood over -him with a keen blade, awaiting Jehovah’s signal to cut the thread -of life, and set the prisoner free. Early in the spring of 1826, his -bodily infirmities increased, and from the 26th of June to the time -of his decease, he was confined to his bed. He then remarked to his -physician, “my machine is worn out and can go no longer.” His friends -who attended him, flattered themselves that he would again recover, but -_he_ was convinced that his voyage of life was about to close, and that -he would soon cast his anchor in the haven of rest. To those around -him he said, “do not imagine that I feel the smallest solicitude as -to the result. I do not indeed _wish_ to die, but I do not _fear_ to -die.” To his last moments, he manifested a peculiar anxiety for the -future prosperity of the university which he had founded, regarding it -as the youngest child of his old age. Assured that it would receive -the fostering care of the state, he could say, now Lord, dismiss -me. On the 2nd day of July, his body became extremely weak, but his -mental powers remained as clear as a crystal fountain. He called his -family and friends around him, and, with a cheerful countenance and -calm dignity gave directions for his funeral obsequies. He requested -that he might be interred at Monticello, without pomp or show, and -that the inscription upon his tomb should only refer to him as “The -author of the Declaration of Independence, of the Statutes of Virginia -securing religious freedom, and as the father of the University.” He -then conversed separately with each of his family: to his surviving -daughter, Mrs. Randolph, he presented a small morocco case, which he -requested her not to open until after his death, and when opened, was -found to contain a beautiful and affectionate poetic tribute to her -virtues. - -The next day, being told it was the 3d of July, he expressed a desire -that he might be permitted to inhale the atmosphere of the 50th -anniversary of our national freedom. His prayer was granted, the -glorious 4th of July, 1826, dawned upon him, he took an affectionate -leave of those around him, and then raising his eyes upward, -articulated distinctly, “I resign myself to God, and my child to my -country,” and expired as calmly as an infant sleeps in its mother’s -arms, without a murmur or a sigh. Thus lived and thus died THOMAS -JEFFERSON, universally esteemed in life, and deeply mourned in death by -a nation of freemen; deeply lamented by every patriot in the civilized -world. - -In person, he was slender and erect, six feet two inches in height; -light and intelligent eyes; noble and open countenance; fair -complexion; yellowish-red hair, and commanding in his whole appearance. -In all the relations of public and private life, he was a model of -human talent and rigid integrity, rarely equalled and never surpassed. -His whole career was calm and dignified. Under all circumstances his -coolness, deliberation, and equanimity of mind, placed him on a lofty -eminence, and enabled him to preserve a perfect equilibrium, amidst all -the changing vicissitudes and multiform ills that flesh is heir to. He -kept his passions under complete control, and cultivated richly the -refined qualities of his nature. His philanthropy was as broad as the -human family; his sympathies were co-extensive with the afflictions of -Adam’s race. He was born to be useful; he nobly fulfilled the design of -his creation. - - - - -JOHN HANCOCK. - - -Biography is a subject of such thrilling interest, that the memory -of most men, in every age and nation, who have rendered themselves -eminent, either in the cause of virtue or vice, glory or infamy, -has been handed down on the pages of history. Among the unlettered -nations of the earth, we find the exploits of their heroes and sages -recorded with hieroglyphics, in wild simplicity; or find their names -interwoven in the wild and more romantic tales of mysterious tradition. -When graced with truth and impartiality, the subject is not only -interesting, but calculated to enrich our minds, by producing a desire -to emulate the examples of the great and good, and by pointing out to -us the paths of error, that lead us to disgrace and ruin. The interest -felt in the history of an individual, depends much upon the manner -the biographer performs his important and responsible duty, but more -upon the sphere of action and the magnitude of the cause in which the -individual has been engaged. The _cause_ in which JOHN HANCOCK, the -subject of this brief sketch, was engaged, is one deeply interesting to -every philanthropist, and more especially to every American. It was the -cause of humanity and equal rights, opposed to cruelty and oppression; -the cause of American Independence, opposed to British tyranny. The -_part_ he acted, was alike creditable to his head and heart; his fame -is enrolled on the bright list of the illustrious patriots of the -revolution. - -He was a native of Massachusetts, born near Quincy, in 1737. His -father, of the same name, was a clergyman, eminent for his piety, -and highly esteemed by the parishioners under his charge. He died -during the infancy of his son, and left him under the guardianship -of his paternal uncle, who treated him with all the tenderness of a -father, and continued him at school until he graduated at Harvard -College in 1754. His uncle was a merchant of immense wealth, and, on -the completion of his studies, placed him in his counting-house, that -he might add to his science a knowledge of business, of men, and of -things. In 1760, he visited England, saw the mortal remains of George -II. laid in the silent tomb, and the crown placed upon the head of his -successor. He continued in the business of his uncle until the age of -twenty-seven, when his patron and benefactor died, leaving him his vast -estate, supposed to be the largest of any one in the province. - -He was, for many years, one of the select men of Boston; and, in 1766, -was elected a member of the General Assembly of Massachusetts. He there -exhibited talents of a superior order, which attracted the attention, -excited the admiration, and gained the esteem of his colleagues. They -also excited the jealousy and irony of his enemies, who soon put him in -the crucible of slander and persecution; but, after a long trial, he -came out like gold seven times tried; he was weighed in the scale of -justice, and not found wanting. - -As a proof of the high estimation in which he was held when in the -assembly, he was placed on the most important committees of that body, -and was uniformly chairman. He was also elected speaker, but the -governor, who was jealous of his liberal principles, put a veto upon -his appointment. - -His intelligence had led him to investigate the laws of nature, of God, -and of man; he arrived at the conclusion, that men are endowed by their -Creator with certain inherent privileges, that they are born equal, and -they of right are and should be free. He drank deep from the fountain -of liberal principles, and was among the first to repel the blind and -cruel policy of the mother country, and rouse his fellow men to a sense -of impending danger. - -Although deeply interested in commercial business, and more exposed -to the wrath of kingly power than any individual in the province, he -boldly placed himself at the head of associations for prohibiting the -importation of goods from Great Britain. The other provinces caught the -fire from these examples; and, to these associations may be traced the -preliminaries of the tragic scene, that resulted in the emancipation of -the enslaved colonies of the pilgrim fathers. - -As an evidence that John Hancock was a leading patriot at that time, -the first seizure that was made by the revenue officers, under pretence -of some trivial violation of the laws, was that of one of his vessels. -The excitement produced by this transaction was so great, that a large -number collected to rescue the property. It was moved under the guns -of an armed ship, ready charged, to repel any attack. But the popular -fury rose like a thunder gust from the western horizon; they rushed to -the onset; brought away the vessel, razed to the ground some of the -houses occupied by the custom-house officers, and burnt, in triumph, -the boat of the collector. This fire was, for a time, smothered by the -mantle of authority, but it was never extinguished; it was the fire of -Liberty. It only required to be fanned by the impolitic oppression that -eventually blew it into curling flames. - -To prevent the recurrence of a similar scene, several regiments of -British troops, with all their loathsome vices fresh upon them, were -quartered amongst the inhabitants. This was like pouring pitch on a -fire to extinguish it. The stubborn and independent spirits of Boston -were not to be _awed_ into subjection. The consequences were tragical. -On the evening of the 5th of March, 1770, a party of these soldiers -fired upon, and killed a number of the citizens, who had collected -to manifest their indignation against those they _hated_ more than -they _feared_. Had an earthquake shook the town to its very centre, -the agitation could not have been greater. Had it been melting before -devouring flames, the commotion could not have increased. - -The tolling of bells; the groans of the wounded and dying; the shrieks -of widows, mothers, and orphans; the flight of soldiers; the rush of -the inhabitants; the cry of vengeance, urged on by popular fury; all -combined to render it a scene of confusion and horror, upon which -imagination dwells and sickens; beneath which, description quails and -trembles; at the sight of which, humanity bleeds at every pore. It is -a commentary, strong and eloquent, upon the impropriety of quartering -soldiers amongst citizens, of maintaining civil law by military force, -and of intruding upon the _sanctum sanctorum_[B] of private and -domestic peace. - - [B] Holy or sacred place. - -On the following day, a meeting of the inhabitants was held; a -committee was appointed, at the head of which were Hancock and Samuel -Adams, instructed to request the governor to remove the troops from the -town. He at first refused, but finding, under existing circumstances, -that discretion was the better part of valour, he ordered their -removal. This, with promises that the offenders should be brought to -condign punishment, prevented further hostilities at that time. - -The awful and imposing solemnities of interring those who were killed, -was then attended to. Their bodies were deposited in the same tomb; -tears of sorrow, sympathy, and a just indignation, were mingled with -the clods as they descended upon the butchered victims; and the event -was, for many years, annually commemorated with deep and mournful -solemnity. A _te deum_ and _requiem_ were chanted to their memory, and -the torch of liberty was replenished at their tomb. - -At one of these celebrations, in the midst of the revolution, John -Hancock delivered the address. A few brief extracts will give the -reader some idea of the feelings and sentiments that pervaded his -bosom, and of his powers as an orator and a statesman. - -“Security to the persons and property of the governed, is so evidently -the design and end of civil government, that to attempt a logical -demonstration of it, would be like burning a taper at noon day, to -assist the sun in enlightening the world. It cannot be either virtuous -or honourable to attempt to support institutions of which this is not -the great and principal basis.” - -“Some boast of being friends to government: I also am a friend to -government, to a righteous government, founded upon the principles -of reason and justice; but I glory in avowing my eternal enmity to -tyranny.” - -He then proceeded to portray, in vivid colours, the wrongs inflicted by -the mother country, and urged his fellow citizens to vindicate their -injured rights. - -In speaking of the Boston massacre, his language shows the emotions of -his heaving bosom, the feelings of his indignant soul. - -“I 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, suffered hell to take the reins; when -Satan, with his chosen band, opened the sluices of New England’s blood, -and sacrilegiously polluted her land with the bodies of her guiltless -sons. - -“Let this sad tale never be told without a tear; let not the heaving -bosom cease to burn with a manly indignation at the relation of it -through the long tracts of future time; let every parent tell the story -to his listening children, till the tears of pity glisten in their -eyes, or boiling passion shakes their tender frames. - -“Dark and designing knaves, murderous parricides! how dare you tread -upon the earth which has drunk the blood of slaughtered innocence shed -by your 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 -ambition? But if the labouring earth doth not expand her jaws; if the -air you breathe is not commissioned to be the minister of death; yet, -hear it and tremble! the eye of heaven penetrates the darkest chambers -of the soul, and you, though screened from human observation, must be -arraigned, must lift your hands, red with the blood of those whose -death you have procured, at the tremendous bar of God.” - -His boldness greatly exasperated the adherents of the crown, and every -artifice was put in requisition to injure his growing popularity. -Amongst them, was his nomination by the governor, who had uniformly -been his enemy, to the council, hoping, by this stratagem, that -he would, by his acceptance, turn the populace against him. By a -prompt refusal he defeated the intrigues of his enemies, and riveted -himself more strongly on the affections of those who favoured liberal -principles, rendering himself more obnoxious to the king’s officers. He -was at this time captain of the governor’s guard, and was immediately -removed. As a testimony of respect to him, his company; composed of the -first citizens of Boston, dissolved themselves at once. - -The tocsin of the revolution was now sounded from the heights of -Lexington; American blood had again been shed by British soldiers; -the people heard the dread clarion of revolution; thousands rushed to -the rescue; the hireling troops fled; in their flight, they found the -messengers of death stationed on their whole route; retribution met -them at every corner; the trees and fences were illumined by streams -of fire from the rusty muskets of the native yeomanry; and many of -Briton’s proud sons slumbered in the arms of death on that memorable, -that eventful day. - -The governor, on the reception of this news, issued his proclamation -in the name of his most Christian Majesty, George the III., declaring -the province in a state of rebellion, but graciously offering pardon to -all returning penitents, excepting John Hancock and Samuel Adams, who -had also rendered himself obnoxious by his patriotic and independent -course. A secret attempt was made to arrest them, but was foiled. -These two philanthropists were preserved to aid in the glorious cause -they had boldly and nobly espoused, and to become shining lights in -the blue arch of liberty, and bright examples of patriotism to future -generations. Their proscription by the governor only served to endear -them still more to their friends and their bleeding country. In 1774, -John Hancock was unanimously elected President of the Provincial -Congress of Massachusetts; and, in 1775, he was called to preside over -the Continental Congress. He accepted this appointment with diffidence, -there being many of its number much his senior, and of eminent talents. -He, however, succeeded in discharging the arduous duties assigned -him, with fidelity and great ability, and to the satisfaction of his -colleagues and his country. - -His was the only name affixed to the Declaration of Independence when -it was first published and presented to the fearless patriots for -their approval; and it stands first in bold relievo, on a thousand -facsimiles, scattered through the world. It stands at the head of a -list of sages, whose names are enrolled in unfading glory, and will be -handed down to the remotest ages of time, unsullied and untarnished. - -Impaired in his health and worn down by fatigue, Mr. Hancock resigned -his station in Congress in October, 1777, having presided over that -august body for two years and a half, with a credit to himself, -gratifying to his friends, and advantageous to the cause of human -rights. - -Soon after he returned home, he was elected to a convention of his -native state to form a constitution for its government. His experience -and talents were of great service in producing a truly republican -instrument. In 1780, he was elected the first governor under the new -constitution, and continued to fill the gubernatorial chair for five -years, when he resigned. After two years he was again elected, and -continued to fill this station, with dignity and usefulness, during the -remainder of his life. During his administration over the destinies of -his dear native state, there were many difficulties to overcome, many -evils to suppress. The devastations of the war had paralyzed every kind -of business; reduced thousands from affluence to poverty; polluted -the morals of society; and left a heavy debt to be liquidated. Many -conflicting interests were to be reconciled; many restless spirits -were to be subdued; and many visionary theories were to be exploded. -Insubordination, arrayed in a faction of 12,000 men, threatening to -annihilate the government, was the most prominent evil to be removed. -Abuses and riots were of frequent occurrence; the civil authorities -were disregarded; and it was found necessary to call out the militia to -preserve order. By the prudent management of Governor Hancock, these -difficulties were adjusted, the clamour of the people hushed, their -complaints silenced, order restored, and but few lives sacrificed at -the shrine of treason. - -For a time, the governor, by his firm and determined course, incurred -the displeasure and enmity of many prominent men; but when reason -resumed her station, and prosperity began to alleviate the burdens that -had been so strongly felt, their ire was appeased, the sour feelings -of party spirit lost their rancour, and admiration and esteem for his -sterling virtues and talents, and the long and arduous services he -had rendered his country and his state, disarmed his enemies of their -resentment, and produced uniform love and esteem. - -He used his best exertions in favour of the adoption of the federal -constitution, and, to cap the climax of his well earned fame, he left a -sick bed on the last week of the session of the Assembly of his state, -and, by his vote and influence, induced them to accept and sanction -that important instrument of confederation, that has thus far held us -in the bonds of union, strength, and power. - -Governor Hancock now had the satisfaction of seeing prosperity -spread its benign influence over the whole infant republic, and her -institutions, laws, trade, manufactures, commerce, and agriculture, -based on the firm pillars of freedom and eternal justice. His long -nursed vision was reduced to a happy reality; he felt that he could -die in peace; and, on the 8th of October, 1793, his soul took its -flight suddenly and unexpectedly, to join the kindred spirits that had -gone before, to enter upon the untried scenes of the eternal world. -He continued to serve his country to the last, and, if a particle -of malice against him lingered in the dark bosom of any man, it was -buried with him in the tomb. Governor Hancock was amiable in his -private character; highly honourable in his feelings; gentlemanly in -his deportment; fashionable in his style of living; fond of innocent -amusements, but free from corrupting vices; liberal and charitable; -a friend to the poor, the oppressed, and the distressed; diligent in -business; open and frank in his disposition; a faithful companion; a -public spirited citizen, and a consistent man. - - - - -BENJAMIN FRANKLIN. - - -The name of BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, conspicuous upon the pages of European -and American biography, ever commands peculiar respect and veneration. -It is surrounded with a rich variety, as rare as it is instructive and -interesting. - -Franklin was born at Boston, on the 17th of January, 1706, exactly -ninety years before my humble self. His father was among the puritans -who fled before persecution, and sought repose in the wilds of -Massachusetts. His parents were poor, but honest and esteemed. Poverty -is ever inconvenient, but has not always been a disgrace. Honesty and -industry were formerly the brightest stars on the escutcheon of fame. - -Franklin manifested a taste for improvement at an early age, and -exhibited talents of a superior order. His pious parents encouraged -his education as far as their limited means would permit, and were -anxious to see him prepared for the pulpit; but necessity compelled his -father to take him from school at the age of ten years, and place him -in his shop, to aid him in the prosecution of the chandler business. -But this did not paralyze his native genius. Original in every trait -of his character, eccentric in his manner, and the child of nature and -experiment, he commenced the study of practical philosophy, amidst -candle wicks, tallow, and soap. He went through the experiments of -ascertaining the precise quantity of sleep and food requisite to supply -the wants of nature, and the kind most conducive to health. At this -early age, he adopted rules of temperance, frugality, and economy, -worthy of imitation, and adorned with all the system of mature age. -He also accustomed himself to meet and bear disappointments with -philosophic fortitude. He continued to improve his mind by reading, for -which he had an insatiable thirst. Nothing passed by him unnoticed, -and his expanding genius drew philosophy from nature, from things, -and from men. He reasoned, analyzed, moralized, and improved, from -every thing he saw. Hence the vast expansion of his gigantic genius, -comprehending at one bold view, through after life, the philosophy of -mind, of nature, of science, of art, of government, of society, and all -the relations of creation, from the dust under his feet, through the -myriads of animalculæ in a drop of water, up to the bright seraphs of -the skies. A mind like his could not long be confined in a chandler’s -shop. Open and honest in his disposition, he communicated his wish of -moving in some other sphere, to his father. After an examination of the -various trades, and working a short time with a cutler, he was bound -to his brother, to learn the art of a printer. He soon became master -of his profession, and left a shining example for all apprentices, by -adding to his industry in business the improvement of his mind during -every leisure hour—a happy prelude to his glorious and useful career -through future life. - -So intensely bent on the acquisition of knowledge was Franklin, that -he often preferred his book to his meal, and studied whole nights, in -defiance of the commands and entreaties of Morpheus. As he was paid a -weekly sum for his board, he adopted a course of simple vegetable diet, -by which he saved money to purchase books. He manifested a correct -taste and a sound judgment in the selection of authors and subjects. -Among them, he studied with admiration and attention the Memorabilia -of Xenophon, and became one of the closest imitators of Socrates, in -his mode of reasoning and habits of life, to be found on record. Before -he became versed in the rules of propriety, he often gave offence by -the bold and obstinate manner in which he advanced and maintained his -opinions. - -He now commenced his literary career; and, as is most usually the case -with young authors, he offered his first sacrifice to Calliope, in a -strain of rhyming ideas. His poetry was applauded, but his father, who -was a man of sound judgment, cured him of his poetic mania, by turning -his verses into ridicule; at the same time encouraging him to improve -his talents by writing prose. Suspicious of his own ability, fearing -the shafts of criticism, he managed to have several of his productions -published in the paper edited by his brother, in so clandestine a -manner, that no one could know the author. When he found they met with -general admiration, his vanity, as he says, did not let the world long -remain ignorant of the writer. - -Being flattered by praise and attention from others, he began to feel -his importance, which resulted in an open rupture between him and -his brother, to whom he was an apprentice. For some time, he endured -a course of harsh treatment, but at length resolved to free himself -from the chains of bondage. He soon found an opportunity of embarking -for New York, where he arrived in safety. Not being able to obtain -business there, he bent his course towards the city of Philadelphia, on -foot, and alone. On his arrival there, he had but one solitary dollar -left; was a stranger, and only seventeen years of age; and, without -business, must soon be dependent on the cold charities of the world for -his bed and board. On entering Market street, his eccentric appearance -excited the gaze of the multitude, as much as his towering talents -subsequently did the gaze of the world. He had a roll of bread under -each arm, and, approaching the Delaware, he sat down and feasted upon -his bread and the pure water from the river. His pockets were projected -to an enormous size with the various articles of his wardrobe, and, on -the whole, his corpulent appearance was not in bad keeping with old -Boniface. - -Although there were but two printing offices in Philadelphia, he -succeeded in obtaining employment in one, as compositor. He now reduced -all his theories of economy to successful practice, maintaining himself -at a trifling expense, pursuing a correct and industrious career, which -gained for him the esteem of all his acquaintances. Among others, his -talents attracted the attention of Sir William Keith, then Governor of -the province, who invited him to his house and treated him with great -kindness. - -The governor was a man whose liberality in _promises_, often went -beyond the means of his _purse_. Anxious to see his young friend placed -in more auspicious circumstances by his benefaction, he proposed to -set him up in business, and sent him to London, with letters of high -commendation, to obtain the necessary materials for his new enterprise. -On his arrival there, he was much chagrined to find that no pecuniary -arrangements were made by his new benefactor, and he found himself in a -strange land without money to enable him to return. But this was only -another lesson of experience, in whose school he delighted to study; -and, instead of sitting down under the weight of disappointment and -dejection, he soon obtained employment, and, by his skill and industry, -gained the confidence and esteem of all his new acquaintances. After -residing there for eighteen months he took passage for Philadelphia on -the 22nd of July, 1726. On his way home he concocted a set of rules to -govern his actions through future life, of the following substance: - -I resolve to be frugal; to speak truth at all times; never to raise -expectations not to be realized; to be sincere; to be industrious; to -be stable; to speak ill of no man; to cover, rather than expose the -faults of others; and to do all the good I can to my fellow men. - -Upon this foundation of native granite he built a superstructure, as -beautiful and enduring as the proudest memorials of Greece and Rome. - -He arrived at Philadelphia on the 11th of October, and engaged with -the merchant, who owned the goods brought in by the ship in which he -came, as a clerk. The same industry and success attended him in the -counting-house that cheered him at the press, showing clearly that his -talents were of a rare and rich variety. His future prospects in this -new department brightened before him, but were suddenly prostrated -by the death of his employer, which threw him back into his former -trade. For a few months he worked for his old master, but finding a -partner who had more money than skill, they commenced business on -their own account. His industry and exertions were now put in full -requisition: he manned his own wheelbarrow in collecting materials for -business, and put nature on short allowance, until he should acquire -enough to be free from debt. His industry, punctuality, and correct -deportment, gained him many valuable and influential friends, through -whose patronage he was enabled to extend his business, and shake off -his partner, who had become worse than worthless, by embarrassing -and retarding the business of the firm. Up to this era in his life, -Franklin had been emphatically fortune’s foot-ball. His life had been -a complete checker-board of changing vicissitudes, blasted hopes, -and keen disappointments. But, amidst all the stormy trials that had -tossed his youthful bark to and fro, surrounded by the foaming torrents -of vice, he never became tarnished by corruption, or degraded by the -commission of a base or mean action. The moral principles deeply -planted in his bosom by parental instruction during his childhood, were -as lasting as his life; a happy illustration of the good effects of -faithfulness in parents towards their children. - -Having now become liberated from his partner in business, he began -to feel the necessity and propriety of choosing another, to fill up -the vacuum in his side, and share with him the joys and sorrows that -awaited him on this mundane sphere of action. Accordingly, in 1730, he -entered into a partnership for life with a widow lady, whose maiden -name was Read, and for whom he had contracted an attachment previous -to her first marriage. In him she found a kind husband, and in her he -found a much more agreeable partner than his former one. - -Philanthropy predominated in the heart of Franklin; to better -the condition of his fellow men, was pleasure to his soul. The -rules governing the “Junto,” formed by him, and now merged in the -Philosophical Society, show a superior knowledge of human nature, and -of the duty men owe to the creature and the Creator. They breathe -universal charity, kindness, benevolence, and good will to all mankind. -Among them is one for the suppression of intemperance, a prophetic -prelude to the exertions of the present day in this cause. - -Franklin had profited by the experience of the past, and was now -enabled to steer clear of the numerous rocks and quicksands of error, -on which so many are ruined and lost. Although he rode in many a storm, -prosperity beamed upon him from this time onward, through a long life -of usefulness. His new partner smiled upon him, his friends esteemed -him, and in the pleasures of the present, past pains were forgotten. - -In 1732, he commenced the publication of “Poor Richard’s Almanac,” -which he continued until 1737, circulating 10,000 copies annually. -Although under an humble title, it was a work of great merit, being -replete with maxims and rules calculated for every day use in the -various relations of life. It gained great celebrity in Europe, and was -translated into various languages. - -About this time he commenced the publication of a newspaper, which -was conducted with great ability, free from all scurrility, and a -messenger of truth. Would to God the same could be said of _all_ the -public prints of the present day. - -He continued to pursue his studies, until he added to general science -a knowledge of the French, Italian, Spanish, and Latin languages. By -the “Junto” a small library was commenced, which formed the first -stepping stone to the present city collection. He wrote and published -a highly interesting pamphlet on the necessity of a paper currency, -and added much to his literary fame by the production of various -essays, written in his truly original style. He filled, successively -and successfully, the situation of state printer, clerk of the General -Assembly, and post-master of Philadelphia. He used unwearied exertions -to increase municipal improvement in the city, by the organization -of fire companies, lighting and improving the streets, regulating -the watch, and reducing every thing to that system, order, and -harmony, so congenial to his mind. He was the patron and father of the -Philosophical Society, the Pennsylvania University and Hospital; and -contributed, in every way he could, to advance the glory and prosperity -of his adopted home, and the happiness and peace of his fellow -citizens. All the important enterprises, both in the city and province, -during these days of his towering fame, were either originated by him, -or were more rapidly advanced by his wisdom and counsel; and scarcely -any project was undertaken without his approving sanction. - -In 1741, he commenced the publication of a “General Magazine,” which -contained much useful matter, but was less acceptable than his previous -writings, being in part devoted to the litigated points of divinity. - -The mechanic arts were also much improved by him. He brought to their -aid philosophy and chemistry, and combined them with science, economy, -and nature. He improved the chimneys, constructed a stove, and proposed -many useful and economical corrections in domestic concerns, from the -garret to the cellar, from the plough to the mill. Science acknowledged -his master spirit, the arts hailed him as their patron, the lightning -bowed in subjection to his magic rod, and nature claimed him as her -favourite son. - -In 1744, he was elected a member of the provincial assembly, where he -was continued for ten successive years. Although not a popular speaker, -his clear head and sound judgment, as a legislator and a statesman, -gave him an influence over that body before unknown. - -During the years he was serving his country in the assembly, he also -served in the fields of experimental philosophy, and explained many -of the mysterious phenomena of nature, that spread his fame to the -remotest bounds of the civilized world. His discoveries in electricity -alone, were sufficient to have immortalized his name. He was the first -man on record who imparted magnetism to steel—melted metals, killed -animals, and fired gunpowder by means of electricity; and the first who -conceived and reduced to practice, the method of conducting lightning -from the clouds to the points of steel rods, and, by them, harmless -to the ground. All the elements and fluids, the air, sea, and land, -underwent the close investigation of his vast, his philosophic mind. - -In 1758, he was sent to Carlisle to conclude a treaty with the -Indians; and in the following year, to Albany, to meet a congress of -commissioners, to arrange means of defence against the threatened -hostilities of the French and savages. He there submitted a plan that -met with the unanimous approbation of the commissioners, but was so -republican in its features, as to be rejected by those who had at heart -the interests of their king more than the happiness of the colonists. - -On the decease of the deputy post-master general of America, Franklin -succeeded him, and raised the department from a state of embarrassment -and expense, to a fruitful source of revenue to the crown. - -About this time difficulties arose between the proprietors and -government in the province of Pennsylvania, which were finally -referred to the mother country for adjustment, and Franklin was sent -to England in June, 1757, as advocate for the province. With his -usual industry and address, he performed the duties of his mission, -the difficulties were adjusted, and in 1762, he returned, received a -vote of thanks from the assembly, and a compensation of five hundred -pounds. He was now variously employed in regulating the post-office -department, making treaties with the Indians, and devising means of -defence on the frontiers: every department of government feeling his -beneficial influence. New difficulties arose between the assembly and -the proprietors, and, in 1764, Franklin again sailed for England, -with instructions to obtain the entire abolishment of proprietary -authority. On his arrival there, he was called upon to perform more -important and perilous duties. The plan for taxing the colonies had -been long agitated, and was now matured by the British ministry. -This project Franklin had opposed from the beginning, and he was now -arraigned to answer numerous accusations brought against him by the -enemies of liberty. On the 3d of February, 1766, he appeared before -the House of Commons to undergo a public examination. He was found -equal to the task; his enemies were astounded at his logic, boldness, -dignity, and skill; and his friends were filled with admiration at the -able manner he confuted every accusation, and defended the rights and -interests of his native country. Amidst the attacks of artifice and -insolence of power, he stood unmoved, and firm as a marble statue. He -remained in England eleven years as the agent of the colonies, opposing -the encroachments of the crown upon the rights of Americans; and, -during the whole time, all the combined efforts of malice, flattery, -and intrigue, were unable to ensnare or intimidate him. He became -acquainted with the etiquette, corruptions, and devices of diplomacy; -but never bent his knee to Baal, or kissed the hand of a crowned head. - -Matters had now arrived at a crisis that induced his departure for -his long neglected home. His personal safety in England, and the need -of his public services in his own country, admonished him to return. -He accordingly embarked, and arrived at Philadelphia in the beginning -of May, 1775. He was received with marked attention and esteem, and -immediately elected to the continental congress, adding new lustre and -dignity to that august body, and enrolling his name among the signers -of the Declaration of Independence. Notwithstanding he had used every -exertion to reconcile difficulties with Great Britain, and believed -his country was yet too weak to achieve its independence, his course -was now onward, resolved, with his patriotic colleagues, on liberty or -death. - -The talents of Franklin were now had in constant requisition, both by -his own state and in the general congress. He was always selected to -meet the agents of the crown, who were at various times commissioned -to offer terms of inglorious peace. They always found in him the firm -uncompromising advocate of liberty; the shrewd and wary politician; the -bold and zealous defender of the rights of his bleeding country. The -disasters of the American army during the campaign of 1778, induced -congress to apply to France for assistance. All eyes were turned -on Franklin to perform this important mission. In October, 1776, -he embarked upon this delicate embassy, and, after a most vigilant -intercession, succeeded in concluding a treaty of alliance with that -nation, on the 6th of February, 1778, to the great joy of himself -and his suffering countrymen. When the news of this alliance reached -England, the ministry were much alarmed, and despatched messengers -to Paris to endeavour to induce Franklin to enter into a compromise. -All was in vain. To Mr. Hutton and others, who came to him with the -olive branch of peace, he replied: “I never think of your ministry -and their abettors, but with the image strongly painted in my view of -their hands red and dropping with the blood of my countrymen, friends -and relations. No peace can be signed by those hands, unless you drop -all pretensions to govern us, meet us on equal terms, and avoid all -occasions of future discord.” - -He met all their intrigues at the threshold, and they became convinced -that the hardy yeomanry of America were not to be dragooned, flattered, -or driven from the bold position they had assumed. During the numerous -interviews he had with these emissaries, (I can call them by no milder -term,) Franklin was cautioned by Mr. Heartley to beware of his personal -safety, which had been repeatedly threatened. He thanked his friend -and assured him he felt no alarm, that he had nearly finished a long -life, and that the short remainder was of no great value. He ironically -remarked: “Perhaps the best use such an old fellow can be put to, is to -make a martyr of him.” - -If it required much skill and perseverance to _negociate_ an alliance -with France, it required more to _preserve_ it. A republican form -of government is ever repugnant to kingly power. That the French in -America would imbibe liberal principles, was a matter of course. -That the thrones of Europe would be endangered on their return, was -truly predicted. By this course of ingenious reasoning, the British -ministers exerted a powerful influence against the continuation of -the alliance. But the eagle eye of Franklin penetrated, anticipated, -and frustrated all their dark schemes of intrigue; and, in the event, -they were compelled to comply with his terms of peace, acknowledge the -independence of the colonies, and retire, defeated, disgraced, and -humbled. In the arduous duties of settling definitive preliminaries of -peace, Franklin was aided by Messrs. Adams, Jay, and Laurens. These -duties were closed, and a definitive treaty concluded with Great -Britain and the United States at Paris on the 3d of September, 1783. - -Although anxious to be discharged from further public service, it was -not until 1785, that Franklin was permitted to return to his beloved -country, where he could breathe the pure air of republican freedom, -no longer polluted by kingly power. During this time he had concluded -treaties between the United States and the kings of Sweden and Prussia. -On his departure from Europe every mark of respect was paid to him by -kings, by courts, by the literati, and by all classes of society that -the most towering ambition could desire. He was clothed with the mantle -of love and unfading glory. His reputation was perched sublimely on the -loftiest pinnacle fame could rear. He had been a pillow of fire to the -American cause, and a pillar of smoke to the enemies of human rights. - -At the age of eighty years, borne down by fatigue and disease, he -returned to Philadelphia. He was hailed with enthusiastic joy, esteem, -and respect by all the friends of liberty, from the humblest citizen up -to the illustrious Washington. - -Notwithstanding his advanced age, and his great anxiety to retire from -the public gaze, he was soon appointed Governor of Pennsylvania—and -subsequently, in 1787, elected a delegate to the convention that -framed the federal constitution. Many of the bright traits of that -matchless instrument received their finishing stroke from his master -hand. Early in 1790, his infirmities of body confined him to his room, -but his immortal mind remained unimpaired. When approaching rapidly -the confines of eternity, he still looked with anxious solicitude upon -the interests of the young republic. He still continued to benefit -mankind by his writings and counsels. Some of the strongest and most -vivid productions from his pen were written during his confinement. His -diseases continued to increase, and on the 17th of April, 1790, calm -and resigned, cool and collected, peaceful and happy, he resigned his -spirit into the hands of his Creator—quitted this vale of tears, and -slumbered, quietly and sweetly, in the arms of death—in the full faith -of rising to a glorious immortality in realms of bliss beyond the skies. - -By his will he prohibited all pomp and parade at his funeral. He was -anxious that the plain republican manner of his long and useful life, -should be strictly observed in the mournful obsequies of his interment. -He was buried on the 21st of April, in the north-west corner of Christ -Church yard, where a plain marble slab, even with the surface of the -earth, points to where he lies. With his, moulders the dust of his -wife, with whom he had lived in harmony and peace. No other inscription -is upon the tomb except his and her name. - -His death was deeply lamented throughout the civilized world. Congress -ordered mourning to be observed throughout the United States one month. -The event was solemnized, and many eulogies pronounced in France. The -National Assembly decreed that each of its members should wear a badge -of mourning on the occasion for three days. The sensations produced -there by his death, were as imposing and interesting, and celebrated -with as much devotion as those recently witnessed in our own country on -the death of La Fayette. - -In reviewing the life of this great benefactor of mankind, we find -a richer variety to admire than in that of any individual upon the -historic page. In whatever station he moved he was a luminary of the -first magnitude. He entered upon the stage of action at a time when the -world needed just such a man; and continued upon it just long enough -to finish all he had begun. He was found just equal to every work he -undertook, and always stopped at the golden point of the finishing -stroke—a modest hint for me to close. You who profess to admire his -virtues, talents, and usefulness, prove your sincerity by imitating his -examples. - - - - -ROGER SHERMAN. - - -The man who has been rocked in the cradle of letters from his -childhood; who has become familiar with general science, the classics, -and philosophy; who has had a father to aid, and friends to caress him; -whose path has been smoothed by uninterrupted prosperity—and does not -ascend the ladder of fame, is either untrue to himself, or destitute of -native talent. With all the advantages of an education lavished upon -him, he sinks into obscurity, and the fond anticipations and future -hopes of a doting parent, set in gloom. - -When, on the other hand, we see a man, whose opportunities for -acquiring an education during childhood and youth carried him not far -beyond the confines of the spelling book; a man, who had no father or -guardian to warn him against the quicksands of error or point him to -the temple of science; his intellect enveloped in the rude attire of -nature’s quarry at the age of twenty; when we see such a man bursting -the chains that bind his mental powers—divesting himself of the dark -mantle of ignorance—unveiling his native talents, and shining in all -the beauty of intelligence and greatness—we are filled with admiration -and delight. - -Such a man was ROGER SHERMAN, the great-grandson of Captain John -Sherman, who came from England to Watertown, Massachusetts, in 1635. -Roger was born in Newton, Massachusetts, on the 19th of April, 1721. -His father, William Sherman, was a respectable farmer, with means -too limited to educate his son, and, at an early age, bound him to a -shoemaker. Like Franklin, at the age of nineteen, he wandered from his -master to seek his fortune, and like him, he had a genius that no shop -could confine, no obstacle intimidate, or difficulty paralyze. The -course of his mind was onward, upward; like a new and blazing star, -illuminating the horizon as it rose. Nature designed him to be great -and good; he obeyed her dictates. - -He went to New Milford, in Connecticut, where he followed shoe-making -three years, living within the strictest rules of economy, contributing -from his earnings to the support of a widowed mother, with a family -of small children. The education of his young brothers and sisters, -also received his attention. Every leisure moment he devoted to books, -often having one open before him when using his lap stone. With each -succeeding day, his mind expanded, unfolding beauties rich and rare. -Every obstacle to the pursuit of knowledge, melted before his untiring -industry; he ascended the hill of science with a firm and steady pace. - -In June, 1743, he removed his mother and her family to New Milford, -and entered into the mercantile business with an elder brother—still -pursuing his studies as opportunities permitted. He soon stored his -capacious memory with a fund of rich and useful information, that -ultimately placed him on the pinnacle of public esteem and usefulness. -About that time, he made a public profession of religion, which he -adorned through subsequent life. In 1745, he was appointed surveyor -of Litchfield county, having made himself familiar with mathematics. -Like his contemporary and friend, Benjamin Franklin, he made the -calculations of an almanac several years, for a publisher in New York. - -At the age of twenty-eight, he married Miss Elizabeth Hartwell, of -Staughton, Massachusetts, who died in 1780, leaving seven children. He -subsequently married Miss Rebecca Prescott, who lived to have eight -children, all of whom, with those by his first wife, he carefully -trained in the ways of wisdom and virtue. He also supported his mother, -and a maiden sister whose health was poor, until death relieved them, -at an advanced age, from the toils of life. - -In the prosecution of his literary pursuits, he turned his attention to -the study of law, in which he made astonishing proficiency. In 1754, he -was admitted to the bar, better prepared to act well his part and do -justice to his clients, than many who are ushered into notice under the -high floating banners of a collegiate diploma. - -The following year he was appointed a justice of the peace and elected -a member of the colonial assembly; an honour that was conferred upon -him during the remainder of his residence at that place. He was highly -esteemed by his fellow citizens. His reputation as a lawyer and -statesman stood high, and his private worth enabled him to exercise a -salutary influence upon those around him. For industry, sound logic, -prudence, and discretion, he stood unrivalled in the colony. Strong -common sense, the true helm of human action, marked his whole career; -rendering him substantially and extensively useful to his fellow men -and his country. He was a philanthropist of the highest order, a -patriot of the purest water. - -In 1759, he was appointed a judge of the county court of Litchfield, -and discharged his official duties with great faithfulness and -impartiality, correcting vice and promoting virtue. - -Two years after, he removed to New Haven, where he was appointed -justice of the peace, elected to the assembly, and, in 1765, was placed -upon the judicial bench of the county court. He received the degree of -master of arts from Yale College, of which he was treasurer for many -years, fulfilling the trust with scrupulous honesty and fidelity. - -In 1766, he was elected a member of the executive council, which was -hailed as an auspicious event by the friends of liberal principles. The -mother country had manifested a disposition to impose unjust taxation -upon the Americans. It required discernment, experience, nerve and -decision, to comprehend and oppose the corrupt plans of an avaricious -ministry. The colonies had borne the main burden of the French war, -in which they had sacrificed large sums of money and fountains of -their richest blood. After years of incessant toil, the foe had been -conquered, an honourable peace for England obtained, the frontier -settlements in a measure relieved from danger, and the soldier again -became the citizen. - -Whilst their rejoicings on that occasion were yet on the wings of echo, -oppression from the crown threatened to blast their fond anticipations -of happiness and repose, and bind them in chains, more to be dreaded -than the tomahawk and scalping knife. - -This colony had furnished more money and men, and lost more of her -bravest sons in the French war than any other with the same population. -Mr. Sherman had been an active member of the assembly during the period -of its prosecution, and remembered well the sacrifices that had been -made to gratify the king. He understood perfectly the rights of his own -country and those of the crown. He was eminently prepared to discover -approaching danger and sound the alarm. He was well calculated to probe -the intrigues and venality of designing men, although the Atlantic -rolled between him and them. - -Mr. Grenville, who was at the head of the British ministry, determined -to reduce his long-nursed theory of taxing the American colonies, -to immediate practice. The alarm was immediately spread. Appeals -for redress, petitions, and remonstrances, numerously signed, were -forwarded to parliament; but all in vain. Reason and justice were -dethroned and mercy banished from her seat. The car of oppression moved -onward; the stamp act was passed; the indignation of the colonists was -roused. After much exertion and excitement, _this_ law was repealed, -to the great joy of the Americans; but they soon found that the storm -was only lulled to gather new strength, and pour down its wrath upon -their devoted heads with tenfold fury. The year following a duty was -laid upon tea, glass, paper, and paints. High toned chords were then -touched, and their reverberation reached the heart of every freeman. -The tea was hurled into the ocean and the law set at open defiance. -This spirited opposition induced a repeal of these duties, except on -the first named article. This exception was death to the colonial -power of England; to America, freedom. Popular fury increased; -kindred spirits united to repel the injury, determined to defend -their liberty, regardless of consequences. Amidst these commotions, -Mr. Sherman remained undaunted at his post, watching, with a calm and -prophetic mind, the moving elements. Although elevated to the bench -of the superior court, he remained in the executive council, a firm -and consistent advocate of his country’s rights; a lucid delineator -of Britain’s wrongs. He viewed the gathering clouds as they rolled in -fury; he saw the lightning of revenge streaming fearfully, without -the tremor of a muscle, coolly awaiting the event, relying on Heaven, -trusting in God. - -High handed and tyrannical measures were now adopted by Parliament. -Laws were passed, violating the chartered rights of the colonists, -subversive of reason, humanity, and justice. A volcanic storm gathered; -the British lion prowled in anger: the Albion Goliah buckled on his -armour; the shining steel dazzled in the sun; the sword of vengeance -was drawn; colonial blood was spilt; popular fury was roused; -allegiance was dissolved; America was free. - -At this momentous, this thrilling crisis, a band of sages and -patriots assembled at Philadelphia, to devise means for the safety -of their bleeding country. In the front rank stood Roger Sherman, -in all the dignity of his native greatness. He was a member of the -first continental Congress, and remained firm and unwavering at his -post, during the trying scenes of the revolution, the formation of -the new government, and the adoption of the federal constitution. -With a gigantic mind, improved and enlarged by a rich fund of useful -knowledge, inured to all the toils and intricacies of legislation, -the history of his country and of nations spread upon his memory, the -ingratitude and insults of a foreign monarch preying upon his soul, he -was prepared to render his country services, equalled by few, exceeded -by none. - -His capacity was equal to every emergency: he shrunk from no duty; -discharged every responsibility assumed; moving, with the mathematical -precision of a planet, within the orbit of sound discretion. He -was familiar with men and things, acquainted with the _minutiæ_ -of human nature, traced causes and results to their true source, -and viewed, with a philosophic eye, the secret springs of human -action; the _arcana_ of economies was open before him; he solved -problems, demonstrated principles, placing them in the full blaze of -illustration, as irresistible as the pages of Euclid. Such was the -self-taught Roger Sherman. - -The session of 1775 was one of great labour, anxiety, and -embarrassment. None but “hearts of oak, and nerves of steel,” could -have sustained the tremendous shock, the fearful onset. An army was -to be raised and organized, military stores provided, fortifications -erected, rules of government adopted, plans of operation matured, -internal enemies encountered, and legions of Britain’s bravest veterans -to be repelled. To meet these emergencies, the members of Congress -had hearts full of courage, but a treasury empty and bare. A forlorn -hope was before them—a revenging foe on their shores. But they had -resolved on liberty or death. Nor did they “split on the rock of -resolves, where thousands live and die the same.” They met the fury of -the king, encountering his vials of wrath with a firmness, wisdom, and -patriotism, before unknown; placing them above all Greek, all Roman -fame. Their course was onward towards the goal of FREEDOM. No threats -of vengeance dismayed them—the shafts of terror fell harmless at their -feet. - -In 1776, with the colonies bleeding at every pore; a picture of sad -reverses before them; a conquering enemy sweeping over their land like -a destructive torrent; the streams purpled with the blood of their -brethren; the cries of widows and orphans ringing in their ears; the -sky illuminated by the streaming blaze of their towns; this band of -patriots conceived the bold and towering plan of independence—a plan -that stamped their heads, their hearts, their names, with immortal fame. - -Early in the summer, Messrs. Sherman, Adams, Franklin, Livingston -and Jefferson, were appointed a committee to draft a declaration of -rights. After much deliberation, it was prepared, reported, and, on -the memorable 4th of July, 1776, received the hearty sanction of the -Continental Congress, amidst the transporting joys of freemen, who -hailed it as the bright, the morning star; to them, a prelude of future -bliss; to tyrants, a burning meteor, threatening to devour them. - -Illustrious in all their actions, the signers of the declaration were -eminently so, when, assuming their native dignity, they rose, in all -the majesty of greatness, bursting their servile chains; cutting -asunder the cords of oppressive allegiance; sublimely passing the -grand Rubicon; and, in view of an approving Heaven and an admiring -world, declared their country free and independent. The era was one -of resplendent glory, sacred to the cause of human rights, enduring -as the tablet of time, brilliant as the meridian sun. The sages whose -signatures grace the chart of our liberty placed themselves on the -loftiest spire fame could rear. By their own consciences, by their -countrymen, by Heaven, and in view of gazing millions, they stood -approved, applauded, and admired. - -No member of the Continental Congress had studied more closely and -comprehended more clearly finance and political economy than Judge -Sherman. His mind was moulded in system, his plans were judicious, -and his habits frugal. He was a practical man and conversant with -every department of government. He was an efficient member of the -board of war, ordnance, and the treasury. In short, he was placed on -the most important committees during the long and bloody struggle of -the revolution. His plans for replenishing the treasury, regulating -expenditures, and disbursing moneys, were based on rules of economy and -frugality, corresponding with the emergency of the times. Fraudulent -contractors shrunk before his penetrating scrutiny; speculations upon -government were often paralyzed by his torpedo touch; and he guarded, -with an eagle eye and a father’s care, the interests of the young -republic. - -In the estimation of Washington, the members of Congress, and of -the nation, the talents of Roger Sherman, for sterling integrity -and substantial usefulness, were second to none among the bright -constellations that illuminated the memorable era of ’76. In those -days the ladder of fame was firmly based on honest merit and modest -worth. It required no stump speeches or bar-room harangues to gain -popular favour. The tree was judged by its fruit; _principles_ and not -_men_, were the political land marks. It was also a time of labour. -Inglorious ease was not known in the legislative halls; long written -speeches were not read to the speaker and walls of the house: the -business of the nation was the order of the day; that business was done -faithfully, promptly, and effectually. Posts of honour were then posts -of duty; profit was out of the question. The motives and actions of the -revolutionary sages and heroes were not based on the seven principles -of five loaves and two fishes, but on love of country, social order, -and human rights. - -By the citizens of his own state the virtues and talents of Mr. Sherman -were held in high estimation. In addition to his congressional honours, -they continued him a member of council during the war. In 1784, when -New Haven received a city charter, he was elected mayor, filling the -office with dignity and usefulness to the close of his life, when not -absent on more important public duties. - -At the termination of the war, he, in conjunction with Judge Law, was -appointed to revise the judicial code of Connecticut, which duty was -performed with great ability, and to the satisfaction of all concerned. -He was a member of the general convention that framed the federal -constitution. From a manuscript found amongst his papers, it appears -that this instrument of union received many of its original features -from Mr. Sherman. To his conceptive mind and practical wisdom, we are -much indebted for the towering greatness and unparalleled prosperity we -so eminently enjoy, and which will endure so long as we are faithful -to ourselves. With all the local and conflicting interests of the -colonies spread open to his view, he was enabled to exercise a salutary -influence in reconciling difficulties between the members, that, for a -time, threatened to hurl back the elements of government into original -chaos, and prostrate the fair fabric of liberty. - -By examining the profound discussions, the variety of opinions, the -multifarious interests, the intense anxiety, the agony of soul, and -sacrifices of private views that characterized the formation of the -federal constitution, we discover wisdom, discretion and patriotism of -the purest, loftiest kind, shining in all the grandeur of bold relievo. - -Based upon the declaration of rights, it forms a superstructure -towering in sublimity above all others, radiating its heart-cheering -influence over sixteen millions of freemen, revered at home, respected -abroad, and without a rival in the annals of legislation. - -Judge Sherman did much to remove the objections made against this -important document by the people of his own and adjoining states. He -showed them clearly, and convinced them fully, that to effect and -perpetuate the union, private feeling and interest must yield to public -policy and public good; and that each state should strive to produce an -equilibrium in the government of the whole. The wisdom of the sages who -framed, and by their continued exertion and salutary influence effected -the adoption of the Constitution of the United States, deserves our -admiration quite as much as when they guided our nation through the -storms of the revolution. It is often easier to acquire a particular -object than to properly enjoy and preserve it. - -Judge Sherman was elected a member of the first congress under the -new government, and resigned his judicial station that he might take -a seat in that body. His influence had great weight in the national -legislature. His exertions to promote the interests of his country were -unremitting. Traces of his magnanimity and prophetic policy are upon -the journals, and in many of the early laws of our country. - -Upon many subjects members differed, and, in some instances, much -warmth and acrimony were exhibited. On such occasions, Mr. Sherman was -peculiarly happy in his exertions to produce reconciliation. He was -emphatically a peace maker. - -At the expiration of his representative term, he was elected to the -United States Senate, of which he was a member when he closed his -useful career, and bade a long adieu, a final farewell, to earth and -its toils. He died on the 23d of July, 1793, in the full enjoyment -of that religion he had honoured and practised in all the changing -scenes of his eventful pilgrimage. He had lived the life of a good man, -his closing scene was calm, happy, and serene. He could triumph over -death and the grave, reaching forward to receive the enduring prize -of immortal glory. He could approach the dread tribunal of the great -Jehovah, smiling and smiled upon; and enter into pure and unalloyed -bliss, lasting as the rolling ages of eternity. - -Thus closed the valuable and useful life of Roger Sherman. He had been -a faithful public servant nearly forty years. He had participated -in all the trying scenes of the revolution; he had seen his country -burst into being, a nation of freemen. He had aided in effecting -a consolidation of the government; he had seen the dawnings of -prosperity. In all the important measures of the state of his adoption, -and of the American nation, he had taken an active and important part, -from the commencement of the French war to the time of his death. - -As a Christian, he was esteemed by all denominations, for his -consistent piety and liberal charity. With him, sectarianism was not -religion; for him it had no charms. His philanthropy was as broad as -creation; it reached from earth to Heaven. He made himself acquainted -with the abstrusest branches of theology, and was an esteemed -correspondent of several celebrated divines. - -In the history of Roger Sherman, we behold one of nature’s fairest -sheets of purest white, covered with all the sublime delineations -that dignify a man, and assimilate him to his Creator. His life was -crowned with unfading laurels, plucked from the rich soil of genuine -worth and substantial merit. No ephemeral flowers decked his venerable -brow. A chaplet of amaranthine roses surmounts his well-earned fame. -The mementos of his examples are a rich boon to posterity, and, whilst -religion and social order survive, the virtues of this great and good -man will shine in all the majesty of light. His private character was -as pure as his public career was illustrious. He buried none of his -talents; he fulfilled the design of his creation. - -By his example it is plainly demonstrated, that man is the architect -of his own fortune. By industry and perseverance, with the aid of -books, now accessible to all, young apprentices and mechanics may -surmount the Alpine summit of science, and take their stations, with -superior advantages, by the side of those who have become enervated -within the walls of a college. No one in our land of intelligence is -excusable for growing up under the dark shades of ignorance. The sun -of science has risen, and all who will, may bask in its genial rays. -The field of knowledge and path to glory are open to all. The means -of acquiring information are far superior to those enjoyed by Sherman -and Franklin. Let their bright and shining examples be imitated by -Columbia’s sons, and our happy republic will live for centuries. Let -ignorance, corruption, and fanaticism predominate, and the fair fabric -of our freedom, reared by the valour, and cemented by the blood of the -revolutionary patriots, will tremble, totter, and fall. Chaos will -mount the car of discord, sound the dread clarion of death, and LIBERTY -will expire amidst the smoking ruins of her own citadel. Remember that -“knowledge is power,” wealth “the sinews of power,” and that honesty, -virtue, and integrity are the regulators of them both. Remember that -intrigue, fanaticism, and faction may prostrate, at one bold stroke, -the fairest, noblest work of years. - - - - -EDWARD RUTLEDGE. - - -The thrilling subject of American Independence is ever welcome to -the patriot and philanthropist. The annual celebration of the event -is calculated to perpetuate a kindred feeling and a kindred love of -liberty. The time _may_ arrive when the _day_ may not be celebrated, -but to the end of time the _event_, and the names of those who achieved -it, will be handed down on the historic page with pride and veneration. -The names of the Signers of the Declaration, like those of the twelve -Apostles, are surrounded by a wreath of glory unfading and untarnished. -Among them we find that of EDWARD RUTLEDGE, who was born in Charleston, -S. C., in November, 1749. His father, Dr. John Rutledge, was a native -of Ireland, who married Sarah Hert, a lady of high accomplishments, -piety and good sense. Edward lost his father at an early age, and, -like those of many great and good men, his mind was moulded by his -mother. After passing through the usual routine of an education, he -commenced the study of law with an elder brother, who stood high at -the Charleston bar. Whilst he stored his mind with Coke and Bacon, he -paid great attention to elocution. In 1769 he went to England, became -a student at the temple, made himself familiar with the practice of -courts, with the rules of parliament, with the policy, designs and -feelings of the British ministry, and cultivated an acquaintance with -the celebrated orators and statesmen Chatham, Mansfield and others. In -1773, he returned, richly laden with stock for future use. He commenced -a successful practice, uniting an expressive countenance, a good voice, -a rich imagination, elegance of action, an honourable mind, and a good -heart, with strong native talent, improved by superior advantages and -untiring industry. - -He soon acquired a merited eminence as a bold, discreet and able -advocate. He was peculiarly happy in his exertions excited by the spur -of the moment, a talent always useful to a lawyer, and eminently useful -to a statesman during a revolutionary struggle. His lamp was always -trimmed and burning, and with true Irish zeal and eloquence, he was -always ready to enter the arena where duty called him. He had a warm -heart for the weak and oppressed. - -It was self-evident that talents like his were well calculated to -promote the cause of emancipation, and Mr. Rutledge was among the first -selected members to the continental congress in 1774. This alone was -sufficient to place him on the list of imperishable fame; for none but -men of superior merit, known fortitude, and of pure patriotism, were -selected to represent their country’s rights and repel a monarch’s -wrongs. Such a man was Edward Rutledge. With the ardour of an Emmet, -he united great prudence and discretion. By his open frankness of -expression he incurred the displeasure of the crown adherents, but -imparted the holy flame of patriotism to the friends of liberty in a -pre-eminent degree. - -With all his ardour and zeal he was a friend to order and opposed to -mobocracy. He acted from enlightened and liberal principles, aiming to -build every superstructure on the firm basis of reason and justice. -To this nobleness of design, conceived and adhered to by all of the -signers of the declaration, may be attributed the lofty dignity that -pervaded that august body. Revolution is a tornado where prudence -seldom enters to neutralize its baneful effects; but when such men -as those who constituted the first American congress in Philadelphia -combine, men who could command the whirlwind of passion, and conduct -the lightning of revenge by the silken cords of reason, and the steel -rods of unbending patriotism to a desired and useful destination, -revolution is stripped of its bane and is crowned with unfading -glory. Such were the signers of the declaration—such was the American -revolution. We find Mr. Rutledge associated with several important -committees of the continental congress, and among them he was appointed -with John Adams and Benjamin Franklin to meet Lord Howe, when he -came clothed with authority to offer humiliating terms of peace. No -three men could have been selected whose combined talents were better -calculated to inspire awe and respect. They were received and treated -with marked attention by his lordship, who became convinced, that under -the direction of such spirits as these, the rebels would conquer or -die. They detested his offers of pardon, for who had they injured? They -disclaimed all right of the crown to their allegiance; it had been -sacrificed at the shrine of an ambitious ministry. Freedom was their -motto—Liberty their watchword, and their terms _Independence or death_. -They had resolved “to do or die.” - -As a sound, judicious and able statesman, Mr. Rutledge stood high; his -brow was also decked by laurels in the field. He had long commanded -a company in the ancient battalion of artillery. When the British -landed at Port Royal in 1779, he led his company to the attack with -the skill and courage of a veteran. At no battle during the revolution -was more personal bravery displayed than at this, nor was the enemy, -at any time, more chagrined at a total defeat by raw militia. It was -a mystery to them to find in the same man, the statesman, the soldier -and the hero. He was at a subsequent period elected colonel. During -the investment of Charleston by the enemy in 1780, he was again in the -field, but was unfortunately taken prisoner, sent to St. Augustine, -and not exchanged for nearly a year. Before his return the dark clouds -began to recede, and the horizon of liberty was slowly illuminated by -the rays of hope. - -He returned to his native state and aided in restoring the civil -government that had been paralyzed by the cruel conquering arm -of the crown. He was a member of the enraged assembly who met at -Jacksonborough in 1782, and with his recent injuries and those of his -friends bleeding fresh before him, he sanctioned the bill of pains and -penalties, that, under other circumstances, would not have received -his approval, and which, during the time it remained in force, he used -every exertion to meliorate. - -Among those who had been tortured by persecution was his venerable -mother, who had been taken from her peaceful home in the country and -confined in Charleston, then occupied by the British; a high compliment -to her talents and patriotism, placing her on the list of fame with the -matrons of Greece and Rome. - -During the whole of the doubtful and protracted struggle of the -revolution, Mr. Rutledge remained its steady and zealous advocate, and -gave his best exertions in its behalf. After its termination, he again -returned to the bosom of his friends and the labours of his profession. -His private worth took deep root in the affections of the community, -and he had the confidence and esteem of a large circle of acquaintances. - -In organizing the new government of his native state, he acted a useful -and consistent part. Many difficulties were to be overcome, many -clashing local interests to be reconciled, and many measures and laws -adopted, to restore an equilibrium in private and public concerns. A -great commotion existed between debtors and creditors; specie was out -of the question; the paper currency was nearly annihilated, and many -who felt that they had shaken off the British yoke, were about to fall -into the hands of relentless creditors, who, when prompted by avarice, -are as destitute of mercy as the pirate is of compassion. Instances are -on record in our own country, (I blush as I write,) where some of those -very veterans who bled for our boasted freedom, have been incarcerated -in a prison by the cold inquisitorial creditor, for sums so trifling -that shame would hide its face to name them. - -In this dilemma, Mr. Rutledge was among those who proposed and passed -a law, making property a lawful tender for debts; a law purely -republican, but so obnoxious to avarice, that most men, who are -aristocrats just in proportion to the amount of wealth they acquire -above the wants of life, oppose it. - -He also favoured the instalment law, and used his best exertions -to meliorate the condition of the poor as well as the rich, by the -enactment of laws based upon humanity and justice. He took an active -part in most of the legislation of the state, and when the federal -constitution was presented for consideration, he was, taking it as a -whole, its warm and zealous advocate. Purely republican in principle, -he was always opposed to slavery, deeming it a national curse. He was -untiring in his labour—emphatically a working man. Dr. Ramsay remarks -of him, “For the good obtained and the evil prevented, his memory will -be long respected by his countrymen.” - -As I have before remarked, he was a friend to order and law, and when -any measure was consummated by legislative action, or by any public -functionary duly authorized to act, he delighted in seeing it fulfilled -to the letter. Although he was in feeling with the French when -difficulties arose between them and England, he reprobated strongly the -conduct of M. Genet and the French Directory. He was not a party man, -but was always actuated by a sense of duty, and a pure desire for the -prosperity of his country. His was the stern, unflinching moderation, -calculated to awe a mob, paralyze a faction, and preserve, pure and -undefiled, that lofty patriotism which commands esteem and respect. - -In 1798 he was elected governor of his native state. Soon after, -disease fastened its relentless hands upon him, and handed him over -to the king of terrors in the mid career of his term. During the -legislative session of 1800, his illness increased so rapidly that he -felt an assurance that his dissolution was rapidly approaching, and was -desirous of returning to Charleston, that he might yield up his breath -where he first inhaled the atmosphere. The constitution required the -presence of the governor during the sitting of the legislature, and so -scrupulous was he to fulfil its letter, that he determined to remain -unless both branches passed a resolution sanctioning his absence. The -subject was submitted, but on some debate arising from the partisan -feeling then prevalent, the application was immediately withdrawn, and -he remained until the legislature adjourned. He was barely able to -reach his home, when he laid down upon the bed of death and yielded to -the only tyrant that could conquer his patriotic spirit, on the 23d -of January, 1800. The same fortitude that had characterized his whole -life, was strongly exhibited during his last illness, and did not -forsake him in his dying hours. His loss was severely felt and deeply -lamented by his mourning fellow-citizens. In the death of this good -man, his native state lost one of its brightest ornaments, one of its -noblest sons. - -Governor Rutledge stood high as an orator. He appears to have -understood well the machinery of human nature, and knew well when to -address the _judgment_ and when the _passions_ of his audience. In -exciting the sympathy of a jury, he had no equal at the Charleston -bar. He also knew how, where, and when to be logical; and, what is -all-important in every man, either in the public or private walks -of life, he knew _how_, _when_, and _where_ to speak, and _what_ to -say. His private worth and public services were highly honourable to -himself, consoling to his friends and beneficial to his country. His -usefulness only ended with his life; his fame is untarnished with -error; his examples are worthy of imitation, and his life without a -blank. - -By his first wife, Harriet, daughter of Henry Middleton, one of his -colleagues in congress, he had a son and daughter, the latter of whom -remained in Charleston, the former, Major Henry M. Rutledge, became -one of the pioneers of Tennessee. God grant that he may imitate the -virtues of his venerable father, and fill the blank our country -experienced in the death of the wise, the judicious, the benevolent, -the philanthropic, the patriotic, and the high minded EDWARD RUTLEDGE. - - - - -THOMAS M’KEAN. - - -But few men have contributed more to fill the measure of the glory and -prosperity of their country, than the subject of this brief sketch. -He was a native of Chester county, Pennsylvania, and born on the 19th -day of March, 1734. He was the son of William M’Kean, who immigrated -from Ireland when quite young. He placed Thomas, at an early age, -under the tuition of the Rev. Francis Allison, then principal of one -of the most celebrated Seminaries of the Province, and a gentleman -of profound science and erudition. The talents of Thomas soon budded -and blossomed like the early rose of spring. His mind was moulded for -close application to study; his proficiency was truly gratifying to his -teachers and friends, and gave high promise of unusual attainments. -He became a thorough linguist, a practical mathematician, and a moral -philosopher. He was a faithful student, and left the seminary, a -finished scholar and an accomplished gentleman, esteemed and respected -by his numerous acquaintances. - -He then commenced the study of law under David Kinney, Esquire, at -New Castle, Delaware. He explored the vast field of this science with -astonishing and unusual success, and was admitted to the bar under the -most favourable auspices. He commenced practice at the same place, and -soon acquired a lucrative business and a proud reputation. He extended -his operations into the province of his nativity, and was admitted -in the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, in 1757. His strict attention -to business and his superior legal acquirements, obtained for him an -extensive and just celebrity. Although he had become the eloquent -advocate and able lawyer, he was still a close and industrious student. -He continued to add to his large stock of knowledge, with the same -avidity and to greater advantage, than when he commenced his scientific -career. He did not fall into the error that has prevented some lawyers -of strong native talent from rising above mediocrity: _that when their -practice begins their studies end_. This is a rock on which many have -been shipwrecked in all the learned professions. The laws of nature -demand a constant supply of food in the intellectual as well as in -the physical world. The corroding rust of forgetfulness will mar the -most brilliant acquirements, of literature, unless kept bright by use; -and much study is requisite to keep pace with the march of mind and -the ever varying changes in the field of science, constantly under the -cultivation of the soaring intellect of man. It maybe said, that the -grand basis of the law is as unchanging as the rock of adamant. To this -I answer: its superstructure is an increasing labyrinth, and, unless -the progress of the work is kept constantly in view, those who enter, -strangers to its meanderings, will find themselves in a perplexing -situation. - -In 1762, Mr. M’Kean was elected a member of the Delaware assembly -from New Castle county, and was continued in that station for eleven -successive years, when he removed to the city of Philadelphia. So much -attached to him were the people of that county, that they continued -to elect him for six succeeding years after his removal, although he -necessarily declined the honour of serving. He was claimed by Delaware -and Pennsylvania as a favourite son of each, under the old regimen, and -did, in fact, serve both after changing his residence, by being elected -to the continental congress from the state of Delaware, being then -Chief Justice of Pennsylvania, the former state claiming him, probably, -because he still retained his mansion, furnished by himself, in New -Castle, where his business frequently called him. - -In 1779, he attempted to take final leave of his constituents in -Delaware, and on that occasion, as a large meeting was convened for -the purpose, made a most animating, patriotic and thrilling speech; -portraying, in glowing colours, the bright prospects that were dawning -upon the infant republic, and the certainty of being able to maintain -the independence of the United States. After he retired, a committee -waited upon him, with the novel request, that he would name seven -gentlemen, suitable to be elected to the assembly. He desired them to -report his thanks for the confidence they expressed in his judgment, -and assured them there were not only _seven_ but _seventy_ then in the -meeting, fully qualified to represent the people, and begged to be -excused from _naming_ any gentlemen, lest he should give offence. A -second time the committee called and insisted on the selection by him, -with the full assurance that he would give no offence. He then named -seven candidates, and had the gratification to learn that they were all -elected. An unlimited confidence in his abilities and integrity, was -strongly felt by his constituents, he continued to represent them in -congress during the eventful period of the war. - -In 1765, he was a member of the Congress of New York, sent from -Delaware. He was one of the committee that drafted the memorable -address to the House of Commons of Great Britain. His patriotism, love -of liberty, and unbending firmness of purpose; were fully demonstrated -in that instrument, as well as in the acts of his subsequent life. He -was a republican to the core, and despised the chains of political -slavery, the baubles of monarchy, and the trappings of a crown. He was -for LIBERTY or death, and scorned to be a slave. - -On his return, the same year, he was appointed judge of the court -of common pleas, quarter sessions, and orphans’ court, of New Castle -county. The stamp act was then in full _life_, but not in full _force_: -Judge M’Kean directed the officers of the courts over which he presided -not to use stamped paper, as had been ordered by the hirelings of the -British ministers. He set their authority at utter defiance, and was -the first Judge, in any of the colonies, who took this bold stand. That -circumstance alone, trifling as it may now seem to some readers, was -big with events, and was an important entering wedge to the revolution, -and stamped his name, in bold relievo, on the tablet of enduring fame. -He had talent to design and energy to execute. From that time forward, -in all the leading measures of the struggle for liberty, he was among -the leading patriots. - -He was a prominent member of the congress of 1774, that convened at -Philadelphia. From that time to the peace of 1783, he was a member of -the continental congress, and the only one who served during the whole -time. He was a strong advocate for the declaration of independence, -and most willingly affixed his signature to that sacred instrument. -When it came up for final action, so anxious was he that it should -pass _unanimously_, that he sent an express after Cæsar Rodney, one of -his colleagues, the other, Mr. Read, having manifested a disposition -to vote against it. Mr. Rodney arrived on the 4th of July, just in -time to give his vote in favour of the important measure, and thus -secured its unanimous adoption. Notwithstanding the arduous duties -that devolved on Mr. M’Kean, as member of congress, member of several -committees, and chief justice of Pennsylvania, all of which he -discharged satisfactorily—so ardent was his patriotism, so devoted -was he to promote the cause he had nobly espoused, that he accepted a -colonel’s commission, and was appointed to the command of a regiment -of associators, raised in the city of Philadelphia, and marched to the -support of Gen. Washington, with whom he remained until a supply of -new recruits was raised. During his absence, his Delaware constituents -had elected him a member of the convention to form a constitution. -On his return he proceeded to New Castle, and, in a tavern, without -premeditation or consulting men or books, he hastily penned the -constitution that was adopted by the delegates. Understanding the wants -and feelings of the people, well versed in law and the principles of -republicanism, and a ready writer, he was enabled to perform, in a -few hours, a work that, in modern times, requires the labours of an -expensive assembly for nearly a year. How changed are men and things -since the glorious era of ’76! How different the motives that now impel -to action, and how different the amount of labour performed in the -same time and for the same money. Then all were anxious to listen! now -nearly all are anxious to speak. Then, legislators loved their country -_more_, and the loaves and fishes _less_, than at the present day. - -On the 10th of July, 1781, Judge M’Kean was elected president of -congress, which honour he was compelled to decline, because his duties -as chief justice of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania would necessarily -require his absence some part of the time during the session. He was -then urged to occupy the chair until the first Monday of November, -when the court was to commence. To this he assented, and presided until -that time, with great credit to himself and to the satisfaction of -the members of that august body. On his retiring from the chair, the -following resolution was unanimously passed on the 7th of November, -1781: - -“Resolved, That the thanks of congress be given to the Honourable -Thomas M’Kean, late president of congress, in testimony of their -approbation of his conduct in the chair, and in the execution of public -business.” - -His duties upon the bench of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, which -commenced in 1777, were often of the most responsible and arduous -character. He did not recognise the power of the crown, and held -himself amenable, in the discharge of his official functions, only to -his country and his God. An able jurist and an unyielding patriot, -he punished, at the hazard of his own life, all who were brought -before him and convicted of violating the laws of the _new_ dynasty. -No threats could intimidate or influence reach him, when designed to -divert him from the independent discharge of his duty. His profound -legal acquirements, his ardent zeal, his equal justice, his vigorous -energy and his noble patriotism, enabled him to outride every storm, -and calm the raging billows that often surrounded him. He marched on -triumphantly to the goal of LIBERTY, and hailed with joy the star -spangled banner, as it waved in grandeur from the lofty spires of the -temple of FREEDOM. He beheld, with the eye of a sage, a philosopher, -and a philanthropist, the rising glory of Columbia’s new world. He -viewed, with emotions of pleasing confidence, the American eagle -descend from etherial regions, beyond the altitude of a tyrant’s -breath, and pounce upon the British lion. With increasing vigour and -redoubled fury, the mighty bird continued the awful conflict, until the -king of beasts retreated to his lair, and proclaimed to a gazing and -admiring world, AMERICA IS FREE!! Angels rejoiced, monarchs trembled, -and patriots shouted aloud—AMEN!! The grand Rubicon was passed, the -torch of England’s power over the colonies had expired in its socket, -and the birth of a new nation was celebrated by happy millions, -basking beneath the luminous rays and refulgent glories of LIBERTY -and FREEDOM! The harvest was past, the summer ended, and our country -saved. The mighty work of political regeneration was accomplished, the -independence of the United States acknowledged, and an honourable peace -consummated. - -Judge M’Kean, in common with his fellow patriots, heroes and sages, -then sat down under his own fig tree, to enjoy the full fruition -of his long and faithful labours in the cause of equal rights. He -continued to discharge the important duties of chief justice until -1799, illuminating his judicial path with profound learning, impartial -decision, and sound discretion. His legal opinions, based as they -generally are, upon the firm pillars of equal justice, strict equity, -and correct law; given, as they were, when our form of government was -changing, the laws unsettled, our state constitution but just formed, -and the federal constitution bursting from embryo—are monuments of -fame, enduring as social order, revered, respected, and canonized. - -He was a member of the convention that formed the constitution of -Pennsylvania adopted in 1790, and exercised an influence in that body -that was of the most salutary kind. In 1799 he was elected governor of -the key-stone state, and contributed largely in adding new strength and -beauty to the grand arch of our union. For nine successive years he -wielded the destinies of the land of Penn, commencing at a period when -the mountain waves of party spirit were rolling over the United States -with a fury before unknown. But amidst the foaming and conflicting -elements, Governor M’Kean stood at the helm of state, calm as a summer -morning, firm as a mountain of granite, and guided his noble ship -through the raging storm, unscathed and unharmed. His annual messages -to the legislature for elegance and force of language, correct and -liberal views of policy, and a luminous exposition of law and rules -of government, stand unrivalled and unsurpassed. The clamours of his -political enemies he passed by as the idle wind; the suggestions of -his friends he scanned with the most rigid scrutiny. Neither flattery -or censure could drive him from the strong citadel of his own matured -judgment. The good of his country and the glory of the American -character, formed the grand basis of his actions. - -The fawning sycophant and the brawling demagogue, he spurned with -contempt. By honest means alone he desired the advancement of the party -that had elevated him. Open and avowed principles, fully proclaimed -and strictly carried out, were by him submitted to the people, frankly -and cordially, without prevarication or disguise. He was a politician -of the old school, when each party had plain and visible landmarks, -distinctive names, and fixed principles. Political chemists had not -then introduced the modern process of amalgamation, producing a -heterogenous mass, that defies the power of analyzation, scientific -arrangement, or classical separation. - -Governor M’Kean respected those of his political opponents who opposed -him from an honest difference of opinion, and numbered among them many -personal friends. He was free from that narrow-minded policy, based -upon self, that actuates too many of those of the present day, who -assume the high responsibility of becoming the arbiters of the minds -of their fellow men. His views were expansive and liberal, broad and -charitable. He aimed at distributing equal justice to all, the rich and -poor, the public officer and private citizen. He was free from that -contracted selfishness that prefers present aggrandizement to future -good. To lay deep the foundations of lasting and increasing prosperity -for his own state and for our nation, was the object of this pure -patriot, enlightened statesman, and able jurist. Her vast resources, -her wide spread territory, her majestic rivers, her silvery lakes, her -mineral mountains, her rich valleys, her rolling uplands, her beautiful -prairies, her extensive seaboard, her enterprising sons and virtuous -daughters, were arrayed before his gigantic mind, and passed him in -grand review. He was firmly convinced that she had only to be wise and -good to be great and happy. To this end he embraced every opportunity, -both in public and private life, to inculcate, by precept and example, -those great principles of moral rectitude, inflexible virtue, purity of -motive, and nobleness of action, that alone can permanently preserve -a nation. He cast a withering frown upon vice in all its borrowed and -alluring forms, and exerted his strongest powers to arrest the bold -career of crime and corruption. He was a terror to evil doers, and -inspired confidence in those who did well. His administration was -prosperous and enlightened, and when he closed his public duties, the -bitterness of his political opponents was lost in the admiration of his -patriotism, virtue, impartiality, consistency, and candour. - -In 1808 he retired from the ponderous weight of public business, -that he had so long and honourably borne. He had devoted a long -life to the faithful service of his country, and was covered with -laurels of imperishable fame. He stood approved at the bar of his own -conscience, his country, and his God. He had acted well his part, and -had contributed largely in raising the American character to a proud -elevation among the nations of the earth. Thus highly stood Governor -M’KEAN, when he bid a final adieu, a last farewell to the public arena, -and retired to the peaceful city of Penn, to breathe his life out -sweetly there. He outlived all the animosities that a faithful minister -of the laws unavoidably creates for a time, and on the 24th of June, -1817, at his residence in Philadelphia, resigned his spirit to Him who -gave it, and entered upon the untried scenes of a boundless eternity, -to reap the rich reward of a life well spent. - -His private character was beyond reproach, unsullied as the virgin -sheet. His person was tall and erect, his countenance bold, -intelligent, and commanding; his manners urbane, gentlemanly, and -affable; his feelings noble, generous, and humane; and his conduct -open, frank, and republican. He never shrunk from what he deemed -duty, and was always actuated by a desire to promote the interest of -the human family and the general good of mankind. He was a refined -philanthropist, an acute philosopher, an enlightened statesman, an -impartial judge, an able magistrate, and a truly great and good man. - - - - -PHILIP LIVINGSTON. - - -Men often engage in transactions and designs, that produce results in -direct opposition to those anticipated. Thus, religious persecution -scattered the primitive Christians into various parts of the earth, -and, instead of annihilating the doctrines of the Cross, they were -more widely spread and diffused through the world. For the enjoyment -of the liberty of conscience, the emigrants to New England left their -native homes; for the same reason, the Huguenots of France fled before -the withering blasts of the revolution of the edict of Nantes in 1685, -many of them settling in the city of New York. To the persecuted and -oppressed, America was represented as a land of rest, and emigrants -poured in upon our shores from France, Holland, Germany, England, -Ireland, and Scotland; among whom were many eminent for piety, -intelligence, and liberal principles. To the latter place, we trace the -ancestor of the subject of this brief sketch. The great grandfather of -Philip Livingston was an eminent divine in the church of Scotland, and, -in 1663, emigrated to Rotterdam, a city of the Netherlands, in South -Holland, where he died nine years after. His son Robert emigrated to -America, and obtained a grant for the manor along the Hudson river, -which is remarkable for the beauty of its location and the richness of -its soil. - -He had three sons, Philip, the father of the present subject, Robert, -grandfather of Chancellor Livingston, and Gilbert, the grandfather -of the Rev. Dr. John H. Livingston, who stood high as a scholar and -divine. The subject of this memoir was his fourth son, born at Albany, -15th of January, 1716. - -Mr. Livingston was among the few, who, in those days, received a -college education. After his preparatory studies, he entered Yale -College, and graduated in 1737. In common with most of the descendants -of that celebrated family, he was blessed with strong native talent, -which he improved by an excellent education. With principles firmly -based on religion and moral rectitude, he was eminently prepared -to commence a career of usefulness. In those days of republican -simplicity, graduates from college, instead of riding rough shod over -those whose literary advantages were less, believing themselves forever -exonerated from the field, the shop, and the counting-house, thought -it no disparagement to apply themselves to agricultural, mechanical, -and commercial pursuits. Among them, we find Mr. Livingston extensively -and successfully engaged in mercantile business, in the city of New -York. Reposing full confidence in his integrity, which was then a -necessary passport to public favour, his fellow citizens elected him -to the office of Alderman in 1754, in which he continued during nine -successive years, contributing largely to the peace and prosperity of -the city. In 1759, he was a member of the colonial assembly, which had -important duties to perform; Great Britain being at war with France, -which brought the colonists in contact with the Canadian French and -Indians. Twenty-thousand men were to be raised by the colonists to -guard the frontier settlements, and, if practicable, to carry the war -into the territory of the enemy. - -The province of New York furnished 2680 men, and 250,000 pounds, to aid -in the proposed object. - -Mr. Livingston took an active and judicious part in these -deliberations, and also introduced laws for the advancement of -commerce, agriculture, and various improvements; manifesting a sound -judgment and liberal views. He was an active member of the committee -on foreign relations, who wisely selected the celebrated Edmund Burke, -to represent their interests in the British parliament. From the -lucid communications of Mr. Livingston, that celebrated statesman and -friend to America, was made thoroughly acquainted with the situation, -feelings, and interests of the colonists. - -After the dissolution of the general assembly by the decease of George -II., Mr. Livingston was again elected in 1761, a member of the one -under the new dynasty. In 1764, he wrote an answer to the message of -lieutenant-governor Colden, pointing out, in respectful, but bold and -convincing language, the oppressions and infringements of the British -ministry upon the rights of the Americans. - -He soon became a nucleus, around which a band of patriots gathered, -and eventually formed a nut too hard to be cracked by all the hammers -of the crown. The consequence of the bold stand taken by many of the -members, in defence of their dear bought privileges, was the sudden -dissolution of the assembly by the governor, whenever he discovered a -majority in favour of liberal principles. - -In 1768, the assembly consisted of the brightest luminaries of talent -then in the colony, who elevated Mr. Livingston to the honourable and -distinguished station of Speaker. Discovering that a majority of the -new assembly were unwilling to be slaves and tools, the governor, Sir -Henry Moore, dissolved them, and ordered a new election. He succeeded -in obtaining a majority of creatures like himself, but a sufficient -number of whigs were elected to watch the interests of the people, -and hold the minions of the crown in check and awe. Although Mr. -Livingston, from disgust at the procedure of the governor and his -adherents, had declined being a candidate in the city of New York, he -was returned from the manor, and, on mature deliberation, took his seat -as a member, although opposed, at first unsuccessfully, because he was -not a resident of the district that elected him, in which predicament -a large majority of the members were found involved: they therefore -concluded not to run the risk of having their own glass houses broken, -for the sake of demolishing that of Mr. Livingston. During this -session, he offered a resolution setting forth the grievances of his -countrymen, which gave great umbrage to the adherents of the crown. -This determined them to expel him on the ground at first assumed, -which was effected by a vote of 17 to 6; twenty-one of the twenty-four -members being similarly situated, not residents of the districts they -represented. - -A wider field was now opened before him. He was elected to the -first Congress at Philadelphia, and became a brilliant star in that -enlightened and patriotic body. He was one of the committee that -prepared the spirited address to the British nation, that roused -from their lethargy those whose attention had not been called to the -all-important subjects then in agitation, involving a nation’s rights -and a nation’s wrongs. - -He was continued a member of Congress, and, when the grand birthday of -our independence arrived, Mr. Livingston aided in the thrilling duties -of the occasion, invoked the smiles of Heaven upon the new born infant, -and gave the sanction of his name to the magna charta that secured to -it a towering majesty and grandeur before unknown. - -He was also a member of the association that recommended and -adopted a non-intercourse with the mother country; president of the -provincial Congress assembled at New York, to devise measures for -their protection, and was one of those who framed the Constitution -of his native State, which was adopted in 1777. Under that he was -chosen a Senator, and attended the first session of the legislature of -the empire State. The same year he was elected to Congress, then in -session at York, Pennsylvania, having retired before their conquering -foe. Deeply afflicted with a hydro-thorax, (dropsy of the chest,) he -felt that his mortal career was fast drawing to a close. It was in the -Spring of 1778, when the dark mantle of gloom and misfortune hung over -the bleeding colonies. - -Under these circumstances, he was willing to devote his last expiring -breath, as he had much of his estate, to the service of his beloved -country. He addressed a valedictory letter to his friends at Albany, -bade them a last farewell, urged them to remain firm in the cause of -liberty, and trust in God for deliverance; clasped his lovely wife and -children to his bosom, commended them to Heaven for protection, and -looked upon them with a heart full of tenderness for the last time on -this side of eternity. They were then at Kingston, where they had fled -for safety and protection from a brutal soldiery. - -On the 5th of May he took his seat in Congress, and, on the 12th of -June, he yielded to the only monarch that could subdue his patriotic -heart—relentless death. He was buried the same day under all the -mournful honours due to his great worth and merit, deeply lamented by -every friend to the American cause. Although he was deprived of the -kind offices of his own family in his last moments, he had a friend -who had been his stay and support in every hour of trial, and now -smoothed the pillow of death. Religion had been his companion through -life; in the hour of dissolution, it was his support; angels waited -for the transit of his immortal soul; Heaven opened wide its gates -to let the patriot in; the king of glory decked him with laurels of -bliss; enrolled his name on the book of life; and crowned him with that -peaceful rest which is the reward of a pure heart and a virtuous life. - -His private character was a continued eulogy upon virtue, philanthropy, -benevolence, urbanity, integrity, nobleness, honesty, patriotism, -consistency, and all the leading qualities that render man dignified on -earth, and fit for Heaven. - - - - -GEORGE WYTHE. - - -The name of every patriot who aided in gaining the liberty we now so -permanently enjoy, is remembered and repeated with veneration and -respect. A particular regard is felt for those whose names are enrolled -on that bold and noble production, the Declaration of Independence. -Their names, with many others who espoused the cause of freedom, will -glide down the stream of time on the gentle waves of admiration and -gratitude, until merged in the ocean of eternity. This single act has -placed them on the list of immortal fame. - -Among them was GEORGE WYTHE, a native of Elizabeth city in Virginia, -born in 1728, of respectable parents. His father was a thriving farmer, -and his mother a woman of unusual worth, talents and learning. His -school education was limited, and, like Washington, Lafayette, and a -large proportion of great men, he was indebted to his mother for the -most of his learning and the early impressions of noble and correct -principles. - -From her he acquired the Latin and Greek languages; by her he was led -to the pure fountains of science, and to her he was indebted for the -formation of his youthful mind. - -Unfortunately for him death snatched away, nearly at the same time, -both his parents, leaving him still in his minority without a hand to -guide or a voice to warn him against the allurements of pleasure and -the seductions of vice. - -His father left him a fortune, which, by prudence and frugality, was -sufficient to render his circumstances easy and comfortable. But like -too many _only_ sons, his father had not inured him to business habits; -he was soon led astray—he was captivated by amusements—and from that -time until the age of thirty, his time was spent in pursuit of the -phantoms of pleasurable diversions, and in idle company, neglecting -both study and business. - -Like the prodigal, he then came to himself—returned to the paths of -virtue, studied the profession of the law, was admitted to the bar, and -soon became one of its brightest luminaries—one of its most eminent -members. During the remainder of his life, he pursued the paths of -wisdom most scrupulously, and showed to his friends and the world -that a young man, although led astray by the prowling wolves of vice, -_can_ burst the chains that bind him—redeem his character—correct his -habits—and become a useful and virtuous member of society. So did -George Wythe; go thou and do likewise. He felt most keenly, regretted -most sincerely, but redeemed most nobly the misspent time of his -younger days. If this should chance to meet the eyes of any man under -similar circumstances, let me say to him—imitate the striking example -of George Wythe. Perhaps no man ever maintained the professional -dignity of the bar better than him, or was more highly esteemed by -his most intimate acquaintances. He was scrupulously honest, and would -never proceed in a case until convinced justice required his services. -If, by any deception, a client induced him to embark in a suit that he -subsequently discovered was unjust, he refunded his fee, and abandoned -his cause. - -His virtuous habits, extreme fidelity, judicial acquirements, and -extensive knowledge, gained for him public confidence and esteem. He -was for a long time a member of the House of Burgesses, and under the -new government he received the appointment of Chancellor of Virginia, -which office he filled with honour to himself and usefulness to his -native state until the day of his death. As a legislator he was highly -esteemed for talent, integrity and independence. He was not the tool -of party, he stood upon his own bottom, and depended upon his own -judgment. In 1764, on the 14th of November, he was appointed a member -of the committee to prepare a petition to the King, a memorial to the -House of Lords, and a remonstrance to the House of Commons on the -impropriety and injustice of the proposed stamp act. - -The remonstrance was from the able pen of Mr. Wythe, and was drawn in -language so bold and strong, that it alarmed many of his colleagues, -and underwent considerable modification to divest it of what they -deemed a tincture of treason. He understood and properly appreciated -the true dignity of man, and was not born to succumb or quail beneath -the tyranny of a haughty monarch or an aspiring ministry. He was a -prominent and active member of the House of Burgesses in 1768, when -Virginia blood and Virginia patriotism were roused, and passed the -memorable resolutions asserting their exclusive right to levy their -own taxes; accused ministers and parliament of violating the British -constitution; and denied the right of the crown to transport and try -persons in England for crimes committed in the colonies. - -In passing these resolutions parliamentary rules were dispensed -with—they went through with the onward course of an avalanche, the -members anticipating the proroguing power of the governor, who, on -hearing of their tenor, immediately dissolved the house. But he was -half an hour too late, they had passed their final reading and were -entered upon the records, and beyond his power to veto or expunge. - -This step of the governor was unfavourable to the interests of -the crown, and the people proudly and boldly returned all the old -_patriotic_ members to the next session, with several new ones of -the same stamp. During the recess, the love of liberty and liberal -principles had increased in their bosoms, and they had imparted the -same sentiments to their constituents. - -Among the new members was Thomas Jefferson, who had been the pupil of -Mr. Wythe—had imbibed his principles, and now stood forth a bold and -prominent champion of liberty and equal rights. - -From this time onward Mr. Wythe continued to oppose parliamentary -oppression and vindicate the rights of his country. At the commencement -of the revolutionary movements he joined a volunteer corps, shouldered -his musket, determined to vindicate in the field the principles he had -inculcated in the legislative hall. But his talents as a statesman did -not permit him to move long in this sphere of action, and in August, -1775, he was called to take a seat in that congress which, in less than -a year from that time, proclaimed to the astonished Britons and to the -world, the freedom and emancipation of the colonies, affixed their -names to the Declaration of Independence, resolved that it should prove -either the chart of liberty or the warrant of death—appealing to heaven -for the justice of their cause. - -In 1776, in November, Messrs. Wythe, Pendleton, and Jefferson were -appointed to revise the laws of Virginia, and although much other -business devolved upon them, they prepared and reported to the -general assembly one hundred and twenty-six bills by the 18th of -June, 1779. The new code commenced the revision at the time of the -revolution in England, and brought it down to the establishment of -the new government. It underwent the revision of Mr. Wythe, was truly -republican, and does great honour to the heads, hearts and learning of -the committee. - -In 1777 he was chosen speaker of the House of Delegates; the same year -a judge of the High Court of Chancery, and subsequently, under a new -organization of the judiciary, sole chancellor. A more impartial judge -never graced the bench than George Wythe. Nothing could induce him to -swerve from the strictest rules of justice, and as a profound jurist -and expounder of the law, he stood pre-eminent. He was elected to the -professorship of the law in the college of William and Mary, where he -continued with success until his increasing duties compelled him to -resign. He was one of the members of the Virginia legislature at the -adoption of the Federal Constitution. - -He put in full practice his principles of liberty by emancipating his -slaves, and providing them with the means of support. One of them, who -died prematurely, he had not only given a common education, but had -taught him Latin and Greek, determined upon a developement of African -talent. - -In his private character Mr. Wythe was amiable, modest, charitable and -humane. He sought to improve the society in which he moved, and used -great exertions to guard young men against the purlieus of vice. He was -industrious, temperate, practically a christian, and above reproach. -He died suddenly from the effects of poison on the 8th of June, 1806, -universally esteemed, beloved and regretted. It is believed the poison -was administered by _George Wythe Sweny_, a grandson of his sister, who -expected to arrive sooner by his death at the enjoyment of a part of -his estate, but which fortunately was prevented by a codicil made just -before his decease. Although the ungrateful wretch could not be reached -by the laws of his country, the circumstances were so strong against -him that he was stamped by the public mind with the black, the awful, -the enduring stigma of a _murderer_. - -Jefferson in delineating the character of the instructor of his youth, -remarks: “No man ever left behind him a character more venerated -than George Wythe. His virtue was of the purest kind; his integrity -inflexible, and his justice exact; of warm patriotism, and devoted as -he was to liberty and the natural and equal rights of men, he might be -truly called the Cato of his country, without the avarice of a Roman; -for a more disinterested person never lived. Such was GEORGE WYTHE, the -honour of his own and a model of future times.” - - - - -ABRAHAM CLARK. - - -Many of the most useful men who have at various periods of time figured -upon the great theatre of human affairs, have ascended the ladder of -fame without the aid of a collegiate education. A clear head, a strong -mind, a matured judgment, and a good heart are the grand requisites to -prepare a man for substantial usefulness. Without these, you pour upon -him the classic stream in vain; it is like water poured upon the sand, -it moistens and invigorates for the moment, then sinks and leaves the -surface dry and unproductive. The advantages of a liberal education I -most cheerfully acknowledge; that a man may become eminently useful -without it, is a fact beyond dispute. To the long list of names -conspicuous upon the pages of history for patriotism, philanthropy and -eminent usefulness, and not recorded on the books of any of the high -places of learning, that of ABRAHAM CLARK may be justly added. - -He was born at Elizabethtown, Essex county, N.J., on the 15th of -February, 1726, of respectable parents. He was the only son of -Thomas Clark, who held the office of Alderman, at that time usually -bestowed upon men of merit and distinction. He was a farmer, a man -of good sense, and instilled into the mind of his son the enduring -principles of moral rectitude that governed his actions and framed -his character in after life. Abraham received what is termed a good -English education, and was designed by his father for the pursuit of -agriculture. Of a slender frame and of a delicate constitution, he was -never able to endure hard labour, but continued to superintend the -business on the farm which his father left him, when not absent on -public duty. He made himself familiar with mathematics, and attended -to the business of surveying and conveyancing. He also made himself -acquainted with the elementary principles of law, and became a safe -counsellor, imparting his legal advice gratuitously, often saving his -friends from entering into the vexatious labyrinth of litigation, -acting the part of a peace maker between the contending parties. He -was called “the poor man’s counsellor,” and did much to allay disputes -and produce harmony in his neighbourhood. He was often selected as -arbitrator in different counties to settle disputed titles of land. -His decisions were uniformly based on correct legal principles and -impartial justice. His knowledge and judgment became so much respected -that he was appointed by the General Assembly to settle the claims to -undivided commons. He filled the office of sheriff and was appointed -clerk of the assembly, acquitting himself with ability and credit in -both stations. As he became known to the public his talents were highly -appreciated, not because they kindled to a blaze calculated to excite -the huzzas of the multitude, but because they were surrounded by the -halo of pure patriotism, strict justice, moral worth, and undeviating -rectitude. - -When the storm of oppression was poured upon his native land by the -mother country, Mr. Clark was among the first who openly contended for -equal rights and liberal principles. Cool, reflecting, and deliberate, -he had the confidence of his fellow citizens, and exercised over them a -wise and salutary influence. His actions flowed from the pure fountain -of a good heart, guided by a clear head and a matured judgment. The -subject of British injustice towards the American colonies he weighed -impartially, and felt most keenly. He was an active and bold leader in -the primary meetings of his native colony, opposing coolly but firmly, -the audacious and unreasonable claims of the crown. He was a prominent -member of the Committee of Safety, and contributed largely, by precept -and example, to the consolidation of that phalanx of sages and veterans -who resolved on liberty or death. He had a peculiar tact in rousing his -fellow citizens to proper action, always moving within the orbit of -reason and sound discretion. - -He richly merited and freely received the confidence of the friends -of equal rights. In June, 1776, he was appointed a member of the -Continental Congress, where he nobly sustained the high reputation he -had already acquired for good sense and unalloyed patriotism. To such -men as Mr. Clark the cause of American independence owed its ultimate -success. Revolution is too often the offspring of faction, and although -successful in annihilating the powers assailed, leaves its ambitious -actors to sink in a tenfold corruption. Demagogues may kindle to a -flame the angry passions of the multitude, but it requires such men -as Franklin, Clark, Sherman, Washington, &c., to guide these streams -of mental fire, and conduct them harmless in their course. Although -the American revolution did not originate in faction, the zeal of many -of its able advocates naturally carried them beyond the safe line -prescribed by prudence and wisdom. Upon such men the salutary influence -of Mr. Clark was happily exercised, and in a manner which gained for -him their esteem and conferred lasting benefits on our common country. -To those who have discernment and skill to guide the ship of state -clear from the rocks and shoals of error, and avoid the breakers of -rashness, intrigue and corruption, although they cannot make a flowery -speech that will cost our nation thousands of dollars,—to such men, I -say, we owe our political safety and existence. These are they who will -preserve, to the utmost of their powers, the silken cords of our union. -They are the neutralizers of the inflammatory gases that proceed from -the fiery craniums of many of our legislators, who are more classical -than discreet, more in the forum than in the committee rooms, more -anxious to promote _their party_ than the _glory of our country_. - -On the memorable Fourth of July, 1776, Mr. Clark fearlessly enrolled -his name with that patriotic band of sages who pledged “their lives, -their fortunes, and their sacred honours,” to support the bleeding -cause of liberty, and defend their country from tyranny and oppression. -For this strong and important measure he had long been prepared, from -a firm conviction that no reasonable or honourable terms would be -sanctioned by the ambitious and haughty ministry of Great Britain. He -was fully convinced, that chains and fetters awaited his native land, -unless the cords of allegiance were severed at one bold stroke. He -therefore sanctioned the Declaration of Independence by his vote and -signature, and was rewarded by an approving conscience and the plaudits -of his fellow citizens, who elected him to the national legislature -during seven successive years, except 1779, when he was in the state -legislature. Having a retentive memory, and being a practical man, of -untiring industry, he was acknowledged by all to be one of the most -useful members of the Continental Congress. From 1783 to 1788, he was -a member of the legislature of his own state, and so great was his -influence that every act which excited public attention was attributed -to him. An act to regulate the practice of lawyers, curtailing their -fees in some measure, was emphatically called “_Clark’s Law_.” As a -matter of course those opposed to particular measures emanating from -him became his political enemies. - -Mr. Clark was a warm advocate for the Convention that framed our -National Constitution, and was appointed one of its members, but was -prevented from attending by sickness. In 1788, he was again elected to -Congress, but the following year his political enemies succeeded, for -the first time, in defeating him. He was then called to the important -station of commissioner to settle the accounts of his native state with -the general government. At the ensuing election he was again elected -to Congress, of which he remained a member until his death, which -was caused by a _coup de soleil_, (stroke of the sun,) in the autumn -of 1794, closing his career in two hours after the commencement of -the attack, in the 69th year of his age. MR. CLARK was a consistent -christian, a pure patriot, and an honest man. He was a faithful public -sentinel, a kind and charitable friend, an honourable and generous -enemy, and died esteemed and regretted by all who knew him. His -character is worthy of the highest encomiums, his examples of the -closest imitation. - - - - -FRANCIS LEWIS. - - -The patriots, sages and heroes of the American revolution, were -composed of men from different countries and of various pursuits. One -feeling seems to have pervaded the bosom and influenced the actions -of all—the love of LIBERTY. This mainspring to action was confined to -no business or profession; all classes who loved their country and -hated chains, flew to the rescue. Self-interest, to a greater extent -than is usual, lost its potent charms, and thousands upon thousands -pledged their lives and fortunes to defend their bleeding country -against the merciless attacks and exorbitant demands of an unyielding -and uncompromising foe. No class of men better understood the injustice -of the mother country towards her infant colonies than those engaged -in commerce. Many bold, daring and intelligent spirits left the -counting-house for the field or the legislative hall. Among them was -FRANCIS LEWIS, who was born at Landaff, in the shire of Glamorgan, in -South Wales, in March, 1713. His father was an Episcopal clergyman; -his mother was the daughter of the Rev. Dr. Pettingal, of the same -religion, who officiated at Caernarvonshire, in North Wales. - -Francis was an only child, and left an orphan at the age of five years. -A maternal aunt named Llawelling, who resided at Caernarven, became -his guardian. She had him early instructed in her native language, the -Cymraeg, which he retained through life. He was then sent to Scotland -to reside with a relative, where he obtained the ancient and pure -Celtic. From there he was transferred to the Westminster school in -London, where he made great proficiency and became a good classical -scholar. He then entered the counting-house and became familiar with -the whole routine of commercial transactions, which prepared him to -pursue his business successfully through a long, active, and useful -life. When he arrived at the age of twenty-one he inherited a small -fortune, which he laid out in merchandise, and in the spring of 1735 -arrived with it at New York. He found his stock too large for that -city, entered into partnership with Edward Annesley, leaving with him a -part of the goods, proceeding himself with the residue to Philadelphia. -At the end of two years he settled permanently in New York, and married -Elizabeth Annesley, the sister of his partner. To these ancestors, we -trace the numerous and respectable families now residing in the state -of New York of the same name. - -The commercial transactions of Mr. Lewis frequently called him to -Europe, the principal ports of which he visited. He also visited the -Shetland and Orkney Islands, and was twice shipwrecked on the coast of -Ireland. - -At the commencement of the French war he was the agent for supplying -the British army with clothing. At the sanguinary attack and reduction -of Oswego by the French troops under General Dieskau, Mr. Lewis was -standing by the side of Colonel Mersey, who had command of the fort, -when he was killed. He became a prisoner and was held a long time by -the Indians, enduring every hardship they could impose short of death. -As a small compensation for his sufferings and losses the British -government, on his return, granted him five thousand acres of land. - -He was among the early and determined opposers to the pretensions of -the crown in their mad career of taxation and oppression. He was a -distinguished and active member of the colonial congress that assembled -at New York in the autumn of 1765, to devise and mature measures to -effectuate a redress of injuries and grievances. They prepared a -petition to the King and House of Commons, and a memorial to the House -of Lords. Their language was respectful, but every line breathed a firm -determination no longer to yield to injury and insult. The chrysalis of -the revolution was formed at that time. The eruptions of the volcano -occasionally subsided, but as the crater again sent forth the lava of -insubordination, its volume increased until the whole country became -inundated by the terrific flood of war, tinged by the purple current -from the veins of thousands. - -In 1771, Mr. Lewis visited England and made himself familiar with the -feelings and designs of the British ministry. From that time forward -he was fully convinced that the infant colonies in America could never -enjoy their inalienable rights until they severed the parental ties -that bound them to the mother country. On all proper occasions he -communicated his views to the friends of liberty, and did much on his -return to rouse his fellow citizens to a just sense of impending danger. - -When it was determined to convene the Continental Congress at -Philadelphia, the minds of his friends were fixed upon Mr. Lewis as a -man eminently qualified to represent their interests in that august -body. On the 22nd of April, 1775, he was unanimously elected a member -by the delegates convened for the purpose, and immediately repaired -to the key stone city and entered upon the important duties assigned -him. The following year he was continued in that proud station, and -affixed his name to the chart of American Independence. His long -experience in commercial and other business, united with a clear head, -a patriotic heart, a matured and reflecting mind, richly stored with -general intelligence, rendered him an influential and useful member of -the Continental Congress. As an active and judicious man on business -committees, he stood pre-eminent. As a warm and zealous advocate of his -country’s rights, he stood unrivalled. He was continued a member of the -national legislature until he obtained leave of absence in April, 1779, -except a short interval in 1777. - -He suffered much in loss of property, which was wantonly destroyed by -the conquering foe. Not satisfied with this, the British seized the -unprotected wife of Mr. Lewis and placed her in close confinement, -without even a bed on which to repose her delicate frame—without a -change of clothes, almost without food, and exposed to the unmanly -and disgraceful insults of more than barbarian wretches. In this -painful situation she remained for several months, when she was -finally exchanged through the exertions of General Washington, under -the direction of Congress, for a Mrs. Barrow, the wife of a British -pay-master. The consequence of this base imprisonment, was the -premature death of Mrs. Lewis. - -At the close of the war, Mr. Lewis was reduced from affluence to -poverty. He had devoted his talents and property in the cause of -liberty, and what was more, the partner of his youth, the mother -of his children, had been sacrificed at the shrine of oppression. -Notwithstanding these misfortunes, the evening of his life was made -comfortable by his enterprising children, and on the 30th day of -December, 1803, calm and resigned, he closed his eventful and useful -life in the 90th year of his age. He left a well earned fame that will -survive, unimpaired, the revolutions of time. His private character was -a fair unsullied sheet, as pure and amiable as his public career was -useful and illustrious. As a man of business he stood in the foremost -rank, and was the first merchant who made a shipment of wheat to -Europe, he was indeed a pioneer in the transporting trade. His examples -in private and public life are worthy of imitation, and justly deserve -our high admiration. - - - - -RICHARD STOCKTON. - - -Among the great variety of characters who signed that master piece of -composition, the Declaration of Independence, were men of the highest -literary attainments, ornamented by the most refined manners, the -strictest virtue, and the noblest patriotism. Amidst these stars, the -man of whom I now write, shone with peculiar lustre and brightness. He -was the son of John Stockton, born in October, 1730, near Princeton, -in New Jersey. His great grandfather, of the same name, came from -England in 1670, purchased near 7000 acres of land within two miles of -Princeton, and, in 1682, effected the first European settlement made in -that part of the State. On this estate, the Stockton family continued -to reside and prosper, until driven off by the British army under Lord -Howe, forming the nucleus to a large circle of the most worthy and -valuable citizens. - -Under the instruction of the celebrated principal of the West -Nottingham Academy in Maryland, Rev. Doctor Samuel Finley, the talents -of young Richard budded, blossomed, and unfolded their beauty; to the -great satisfaction of his teacher, and admiration of his parents and -friends. From early youth, he manifested a comprehensive and powerful -mind. From this Seminary, he was transferred to the College at Newark, -where he completed his education, and received the merited honours -of the first annual commencement at Nassau Hall, in 1748, under its -highly talented and pious President, the Rev. Mr. Burr. At the early -age of eighteen, he commenced the study of law under David Ogden, who -then stood at the head of his profession in the province. He applied -himself closely to his studies for six years, when he was admitted as -an Attorney, and two years after, advanced to the grade of Counsellor -at Law. He then established himself at his paternal seat, and soon rose -to the highest rank, and stood unrivalled at the New Jersey bar. His -fame as an advocate and counsellor rose, expanded, and spread; and he -was frequently called from his native state, to manage suits of high -importance. In 1763, he was honoured with the degree of sergeant at -law. In 1766, he closed his professional business, crowned with the -fair laurels of his brilliant career, and richly rewarded for his toil -and labours. He committed it to his brother-in-law, Alias Boudinot, -Esq., who was then on the flood tide of a successful practice. - -In June of that year, anxious to further enrich his mind, he embarked -for London, and was safely wafted across the Atlantic, to the great -European metropolis. His fame had been previously spread through that -country, his visit had been anticipated, and he was received by the -high dignitaries of Great Britain with the most flattering and marked -attention. He was presented at the Court of St. James by one of the -cabinet members, and delivered to the King an address from the trustees -of the College of New Jersey, expressive of their joy at the repeal of -the stamp act. - -During his stay, he rendered material services to this college, among -which, was his influence inducing Doctor Witherspoon to accept of its -presidential chair, to which he had been elected, and which he had -declined; thus adding another to the list of high minded and talented -patriots, who nobly conceived, boldly prosecuted, and gloriously -consummated the emancipation of the colonies. - -During his visit, he communicated freely with the statesmen of England -who were friendly to their brethren in America, and confirmed them -more strongly in their opinions of the impolitic course pursued by the -ministry towards the colonies. - -In February following he visited Edinburgh, where he received the -most flattering attentions from those in power, being complimented -by a public dinner and the freedom of the city. On this occasion, he -delivered an eloquent and appropriate speech, fully sustaining his -reported fame, fully answering their fondest and highest anticipations. -His company was courted by the most scientific gentlemen of that seat -of learning, and he was made a welcome and honoured guest at the tables -of every nobleman upon whom he could call. - -During his stay in the United Kingdom, he visited Dublin, where he -received the hearty Irish welcome so characteristic of that warm -hearted nation, and every attention that could render his reception -flattering and agreeable. The oppressed situation of that unfortunate -nation, convinced him more strongly of the tyranny of the British -ministry, and the fate that awaited his native country, by yielding to -their imperious and humiliating demands. This visit prepared him for -future action. - -Mr. Stockton was astonished to find so few in England who understood -the situation or character of the colonists in America; and the -English were equally astonished to find so great a man from the -western wilderness. Misapprehension often produces the most fatal -consequences, both to individuals and nations. The comprehensive -mind of this discerning philanthropist readily predicted the result -of this ignorance, and he accordingly embraced every opportunity for -dispelling this dark mist that hung over the land of his ancestors. -With many, he succeeded in opening their eyes to the true and relative -situation of the two countries; but when the powers that stand at the -helm of a nation are wading in corruption, breathing the atmosphere of -tyranny, charged with sordid avarice, thirsting for an extension of -power, delighting in slavery and oppression, they dethrone reason, bid -defiance to justice, trample law under their feet, and, if possible, -would dethrone the great Jehovah to accomplish their designs. Thus -infatuated were the British ministry when they turned a deaf ear to the -petitions and remonstrances of the American colonists, and the wise -counsels of the ablest statesmen that then illuminated their parliament. - -Having been more than a year absent from “sweet home,” Mr. Stockton -began to make arrangements for his return. His mind had become greatly -enriched and embellished by the numerous advantages of his varied -intercourse with men of science and eminence. He had listened to the -forensic eloquence and powerful arguments of Blackstone, and the other -celebrated pleaders at Westminster Hall. He had treasured in his -capacious mind, the clear and erudite decisions of the learned and -profound judges, who then graced the judicial bench. He had witnessed -the enrapturing powers of Chatham, and the logical genius of Burke. He -had become familiar with the highly polished and fascinating manners -of Chesterfield, and had seen Garrick in the zenith of his glory. -Thus richly laden, he spread his sails to the gentle breeze, and, in -twenty-six days, he was wafted to the shores of his native land, where -he arrived in September, 1767. He was received with demonstrations of -the liveliest joy by his fellow citizens, and of the kindest affection -by his immediate friends and connections. - -Two years after he was elevated to a seat in the supreme judiciary and -executive council, in consequence of the high opinion entertained of -his talents by the King. - -In 1774 he was appointed a judge of the supreme court, being associated -with his old friend and preceptor, David Ogden. During this time he -greatly improved and embellished his plantation, and was surrounded by -all the comforts and enjoyments this world can give. But how uncertain -are the joys of this mundane sphere. The revolutionary storm was -gathering. The dark clouds were rolling on the winds of fury. An awful -crisis had arrived. He was a favourite of the crown. The flames of -revenge were concentrating like the raging fire on a prairie, and it -became necessary for him to choose whom he would serve. The influence -he wielded made the decision one of high importance to his king and -his country. In view of the prospect as presented to human eyes, all -that is based on self, urged him to maintain allegiance to the mother -country. But he knew that country well. He knew and loved his own -better. The pomp of courts had no charms for him; he was a republican, -a patriot, a friend to liberty; in her cause he enlisted; under her -banners he took his stand, willing to sacrifice his property, kingly -favour, and his life, in defending the sacred rights of his bleeding, -his injured fellow citizens. - -He carried with him his friend, the Rev. Dr. Witherspoon, both of -whom were elected, in June, 1776, to the Continental Congress at -Philadelphia, vested with full power to unite in such measures as -that body might deem necessary and expedient to adopt under existing -circumstances. Mr. Stockton, after listening to the arguments several -days, stood forth, an eloquent and bold advocate, for the declaration -of independence, brandishing the amputating knife fearlessly in public -and in private. - -Nor did he stand alone. The members of that august body soon acquired -the art of cutting _five_ and _six_. They forged and finished a blade, -pure as damask steel, and placed it in the hands of their venerable -President, John Hancock. _Liberty_ dipped her golden pen in the font -of FREEDOM, and recorded the names of the memorable fifty-six upon -the shining tablet of enduring fame. At one bold stroke the cords of -parental authority were cut asunder. America was redeemed, regenerated, -and free. Heaven smiled its approbation, angels shouted their joy, -nations gazed with admiring wonder, and every patriot responded a -loud—AMEN. - -The extensive information, matured experience, soaring talent, and -powerful eloquence of Mr. Stockton, rendered him one of the most -useful and efficient members of that Congress. His knowledge of law -and political economy, of human nature, human rights, and of men and -things, enabled him to command the respect and admiration of all his -colleagues. He performed every duty assigned him with zeal, industry, -and dignity. In the autumn of 1776, Mr. Stockton and George Clymer, of -Pennsylvania, were sent to inspect the northern army, with full power -to provide for its wants and correct any abuses that might exist. This -duty they discharged in the most satisfactory manner, both to the -officers of the army and to Congress. - -Soon after his return he was under the necessity of removing his family -to save them from the brutality of the approaching enemy. Whilst -performing this important duty he was taken prisoner by the British, -dragged from his bed, and, in the most brutal manner, conveyed to New -York, consigned to the common prison, deprived of every comfort, left -twenty-four hours without any provisions, and then received but a very -small and coarse supply; in direct violation of the laws of nations -and humanity, and of all the rules of civilized warfare. This base -treatment impaired his health, and laid the foundation of disease that -terminated in death. His capture was effected by the information of a -tory, who was subsequently indicted and punished for the act. - -This abuse of one of their members, roused the indignation of Congress. -General Washington was directed to send a flag of truce to General -Howe, and ultimately obtained the release of Mr. Stockton. Simultaneous -with this event, his property was devastated by a merciless soldiery, -his papers and extensive library burnt, and his plantation left a -desolate waste. - -Thus oppressed by want and disease, he was unable to again take his -seat in Congress, but was ever ready to give counsel and advice, and -was often consulted. His opinions had great weight, and in this way his -country continued to be benefitted long after disease had fastened its -iron hand upon him. Among his complicated afflictions he had a cancer -upon the neck, which rendered his situation painful in the extreme. -He endured his sufferings with christian fortitude until the 28th of -February, 1781, when death relieved him from his burden of afflictions, -and assigned him a place amongst the peaceful dead. He died at his -native residence, near Princeton, in the 51st year of his age, mourned, -_deeply_ mourned, by all his numerous acquaintances and by his country. - -Thus prematurely ended the brilliant career of one of Columbia’s -noblest sons. He was a man of general science and universal knowledge. -He was the first chief justice of his native state under the new -constitution. As a lawyer he stood pre-eminent; as a judge he was -impartial, sound, and lucid; as a statesman, able, discreet, and -wise; as a patriot, firm, fearless, and devoted; as a gentleman, -polished, urbane, and graceful; as a citizen, liberal, peaceful, and -generous; as a friend, true, sympathetic, and charitable; as a husband, -kind, affectionate, and provident; as a father, faithful, tender, -and instructive; as a christian, open, frank, and consistent; as a -man, honest, noble, and brave; and as a whole, he was an ornament in -society, an honour to his country, and a blessing to mankind. - - - - -SAMUEL ADAMS. - - -It is a fact worthy of remark, that many of the most eminent sages -of the American revolution were devoted and consistent professors of -christianity, and some of them ministers of the cross. They all seem -to have been actuated by motives pure as Heaven, and influenced alone -by the demands of imperious duty, based upon the inalienable rights of -man. They were not prompted to action from a love of conquest or of -military glory. Their pilgrim fathers fled from the clanking chains of -servile oppression, and planted the standard of civilization in the new -world, that they might enjoy FREEDOM in its native purity, and transmit -the rich behest to their offspring. The principles of rational liberty -were enforced upon the minds of each rising generation, and when -tyranny reared its hydra head, they readily recognised the monster, and -resolved, nobly resolved, to drive from their shores the invading foe. - -Among the revolutionary sages who boldly espoused the cause of equal -rights, was SAMUEL ADAMS, who was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on -the 22nd of September, 1722. He was a man of middle size, well formed, -with a countenance beaming with intelligence, indicating firmness of -purpose and energy of action. His parents were highly respectable, and -descended from ancestors who had always moved in the first rank of -society, and were among the early emigrants to this western world. His -father was for many years a member of the Assembly of Massachusetts, -and by him, this, his eldest son, was early taught those liberal -principles that he so fearlessly and triumphantly vindicated during his -subsequent career. - -When but a child, Samuel Adams exhibited the index of a strong and -enquiring mind, and talents of a high order. Under the guidance and -instruction of Mr. Lovell, an eminent teacher of that day, he was -prepared to enter upon his collegiate studies. He was remarkable for -his close application, and rapid progress in the exploration of the -field of science. He soared above the allurements that too often lead -the juvenile mind astray, and made his books his highest pleasure. His -powers of intellect unfolded their variegated hues like a blooming -amaranth, and shed a pleasing lustre around him, gratifying to his -friends and creditable to himself. - -Being of a serious turn, his father placed him in Harvard College, -believing him destined for the gospel ministry. He ascended the hill -of science with a steady and rapid pace, and gained the esteem and -admiration of all around him. During his whole course, he subjected -himself to reproof but once, and that for remaining too late in -the arms of Morpheus, by reason of which he did not arrive in time -to attend morning prayers. At the age of eighteen, he received the -degree of bachelor of arts; and, three years after, that of master of -arts, although much of his time had been devoted to the investigation -of theology, which apparently had been the absorbing topic of his -thoughts during the last years he was in college: the subject of his -discourse, when he took his final degree, showed that other ideas had -also received his attention. It was this: “_Is it lawful to resist -the supreme magistrate, if the commonwealth cannot otherwise be -preserved._” In a masterly manner he maintained the affirmative of this -proposition, and with enrapturing eloquence and unanswerable logic, -unfolded the beauties of that liberty for which he subsequently pledged -his life, his fortune and his sacred honour. From that time he seems -to have abandoned the idea of clerical orders, and to have turned all -the powers of his gigantic mind to the disenthralment of his country. -From that time forward he became a bold and constant advocate of equal -rights, and a valiant opposer of British wrongs. By rigid economy he -had saved a sum of money from the stipend allowed him by his father -when in college; this he devoted to the publication of a pamphlet from -his own pen, entitled “The Englishman’s Rights.” This was one of the -entering wedges of the revolution, and awakened a spirit of enquiry -that eventually kindled the flame of opposition to the increasing -oppressions of the crown that consumed the power of monarchy over -Columbia’s soil. - -Anxious that his son should embark in some permanent business, -the father of Samuel Adams obtained for him a situation in the -counting-house of Thomas Cushing, an eminent merchant of that period, -preparatory to his engaging in commercial affairs; but for that sphere -of action nature had not designed him; his mind became absorbed in the -pursuit of political knowledge, international law, and the rights of -man. - -About the time he entered the counting-house, he formed a club of -kindred spirits, for the purpose of political discussion and enquiry. -Mr. Adams and some of the other members furnished political essays for -a newspaper called the Independent Advertiser, which were so severe -in their strictures upon the conduct of the creatures of the crown, -that the association obtained the name of the “Whipping Post Club.” -The hirelings of the king treated these essays with derision, and -passed them by as idle wind; upon the great mass of the people they -had a different influence. Stamped upon their face with plain truth, -sound reasoning and uncontroverted facts, they operated upon British -power like the sea-worm upon a vessel, silently and slowly, but with -sure destruction. They contributed largely in perforating each plank -of the proud ship of monarchy, then riding over the American colonies, -until she sank to rise no more. They served as the kindling material of -that blazing fire that ultimately illumined the horizon of liberty and -lighted the pilgrim patriots to the goal of freedom. “Behold how great -a matter a little fire kindleth.” - -During the administration of Shirley, Mr. Adams wrote several spirited -essays against his course and policy, and portrayed, in glowing -colours, the dangers of concentrating civil and military power in the -same individual. - -After remaining for a time with Mr. Cushing, his father furnished -him with a liberal capital, and he commenced business for himself. -By losses, arising from the pernicious credit system, he was soon -stripped of all his stock in trade. By the death of his father he -was left, at the age of twenty-five, to take charge of the paternal -estate and family. In the discharge of that duty, he proved that he -was _competent_ to manage pecuniary matters, by bringing his mind to -bear upon the subject. The estate was considerably involved and under -an attachment when he undertook his trust, from which he entirely -relieved it. This accomplished he again bestowed his attention almost -entirely upon politics. He became celebrated as a keen, sarcastic, -and ready writer, and laid deep the foundations of his fame as a -statesman. He analyzed every point at issue between his own and the -mother country, and exposed the corruptions of the British ministry to -public gaze in all their pristine deformity. He soon became one of the -most popular whigs in his native state, and was hailed as one of their -boldest leaders. From his boyhood he had advocated their cause, and -despised the chains of slavery. So strongly did the whig party become -attached to him, that many of its members who were not personally -acquainted with him contributed liberally to relieve him from pecuniary -embarrassments, which arose from devoting his time exclusively to -political matters. No man had examined more closely, or understood -better, the relative situation of Great Britain and her American -colonies. He measured every circumstance upon the scale of reason, and -based his every action upon the sure foundation of immutable justice. -He was not rash and inflammatory—always appealing to the judgment and -understanding—endeavouring to allay rather than excite the passions -of men. He was a friend to order, opposed to sudden bursts of popular -fury, and to every thing calculated to produce riotous and tumultuous -proceedings. He took a philosophic view of the chartered rights -guarantied to his country, and of the infringements upon them. - -Organized and systematic opposition against the unwarranted -encroachments of the crown, emanating from the great majority of the -sovereign people, was the plan he proposed; to be manifested first -by petition and remonstrance, and, in the last resort, by an appeal -to arms. Upon the expansive basis of republican principles he took -his stand; calm and undismayed he maintained his position. When the -offensive stamp act was promulged, he exposed its odious features; -and when the climax of oppression was capped by the imposition of -taxes upon various articles of daily consumption, for the support of -a corrupt and corrupting foreign ministry, which denied the right -of representation to the colonies, Samuel Adams proclaimed to his -countrymen, that the time had arrived when forbearance was no longer -a virtue, and that forcible resistance had become their imperious -duty. He showed conclusively that the parliament of Great Britain had -violated the constitution that should have guided their deliberations. -Americans had in vain claimed protection under its banner, its sacred -covering was snatched from over their heads, they were left exposed to -the insults of foreign officers who were throwing the coils of tyranny -around them. To be slaves or freemen was the important question. Being -a member of the general assembly and clerk of the house, he was enabled -to exercise a salutary and extensive influence. With great ardour -and zeal, he united prudence and discretion. From the time he was -elected in 1765, he remained in the assembly of his native state until -he was chosen a member of the Continental Congress. He exerted the -noblest powers of his mind to prepare the people for the approaching -crisis, and kindled a flame of patriotic fire that increased in -volume as time rolled on. He was the first man who proposed to the -people of Massachusetts the non-importation act, the committees of -correspondence, and the congress that assembled at Philadelphia in -1774. Nor did he confine his exertions or limit his influence to -New England alone; he corresponded with the eminent patriots of the -middle and southern states, and contributed largely in producing unity -of sentiment and concert of action in the glorious cause of liberty -throughout the colonies. Over his own constituents he held a magic -influence. At the sound of his voice the fury of a Boston mob would -instantly cease; he could lead the lion of faction with a single hair. -The people knew well he would maintain what was clearly right, and -submit to nothing, willingly, that was clearly wrong. - -When the affray of the first of March, 1770, between the British -soldiers and some of the citizens of Boston occurred, the influence -of Mr. Adams prevented the further effusion of blood, _after_ the -populace had been roused to vengeance by the death of several of their -companions. He addressed the assembled multitude, and proposed the -appointment of a committee to wait upon Lieutenant Governor Hutchinson, -and request the immediate removal of the soldiers, then quartered upon -the town. The plan was approved, and Mr. Adams was made the chairman of -the committee. His excellency at first refused the request, but found -that fatal results would follow if he persisted. The chairman met all -his objections fearlessly, and confuted them triumphantly, and told him -plainly, that an immediate compliance with the request of the people -would alone prevent the most disastrous consequences, and that the -Lieutenant Governor would be held responsible for the further waste of -human life. The troops were removed to the castle, and peace restored. - -Every exertion was used by the adherents of the crown to induce Mr. -Adams to relinquish his whig principles, and accept of golden honours -under the King. Governor Gage sent a special messenger, Colonel Fenton, -to him, to induce him to bow his knee to the throne. After finding -that England was not rich enough to buy him, he threatened to have him -arrested and sent beyond the seas to be tried for high treason. He -listened with more apparent attention to this last suggestion, and, -after a pause, asked Colonel Fenton if he would truly deliver his reply -to Governor Gage. On receiving an affirmative assurance, he rose from -his chair, and assuming an air of withering contempt, he said “I trust -I have long since made my peace with the KING 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 Adams to him, -_no longer to exasperate the feelings of an insulted people_.” - -This reply roused the ire of the royal governor, and when he -subsequently issued his proclamation, offering a free pardon to such of -the rebels as would return to what _he_ termed their duty, he excepted -Samuel Adams and John Hancock. The two patriots received this mark -of distinction as a high commission from the throne, directing their -future course. They received it as a _carte blanche_, that left them as -free as mountain air in all their actions. No bribe could seduce, or -threat divert Mr. Adams from the patriotic path he had marked out. He -placed his trust in the Rock of Ages, and enjoyed the rich consolations -of an approving conscience, and the unlimited confidence and cheering -approbation of the friends of equal rights. These were more dearly -prized by him than all the royal honours within the gift of kings. - -Mr. Adams was from that time forward marked out as an object of -vengeance by the British authorities. He was one of the causes that -hastened on the final commencement of open hostilities. The object -of the king’s troops in proceeding to Lexington on the memorable -19th of April, 1775, was to arrest Samuel Adams and John Hancock, -and obtain their papers. Apprised of their business, General Joseph -Warren despatched an express late in the evening to the two patriots, -warning them of the approaching danger. In a few moments after they -received the information, the British troops entered the house in which -they were, from whom they narrowly escaped. In a few short hours the -dark curtain rose, and the revolutionary tragedy commenced. The last -maternal cord was severed, the great seal of the original compact was -dissolved in blood, and the covenants of the two parties were fully -cancelled. - -Mr. Adams remained in the neighbourhood; and the next morning, as -the day dawned, and the sun rose without a cloud to dim its rays, he -remarked to a friend, “this is a glorious day for America.” He viewed -the sacrifice as an earnest of future blessings and ultimate happiness. - -To rouse the people to action, now became the sole business of this -devoted friend of his bleeding country. Having been a member of the -Congress that met at Philadelphia the previous year, he was well -convinced, from the feelings then expressed by the members from all -the colonies, that the simultaneous efforts of those opposed to the -usurpations of the crown, would be exerted in the common cause against -the common enemy. They only waited for the grand signal to action; this -had now been given; the tocsin of war had been sounded; the requium of -battle had been sung; its heart piercing notes were wafted far and wide -on the wings of echo, and were responded to by millions of patriotic -souls, resolved on liberty or death, victory or the grave. Mr. Adams -mourned deeply the death of his friends who were the martyrs of that -tragical, yet glorious day; but rejoiced that their funeral knell -would shake to its very centre the temple of British power in America, -and that their blood would cry to Heaven for vengeance, and incite to -vigorous and triumphant action, the hardy sons of the new world. The -event gave to his own mind new powers of propulsion, and nerved him -with fresh vigour to meet the fiery trials that were in reserve for -him. As dangers increased he became more bold in his propositions to -the people to maintain their rights; as the wrath of his enemies grew -hotter against him, he became more highly appreciated by the populace, -and was uniformly styled, _Samuel Adams the Patriot_. His fame and his -influence expanded with each revolving day; his friends were animated -by his counsels and eloquence; his foes were astounded and chagrined -at the boldness of his career. In the assembly of his own state, he -effected the passage of a series of resolutions deemed treasonable by -the royal governor, by locking the door and keeping the key himself to -prevent the proceedings of the house from being known in time for the -adherents of the crown to defeat them. In the Congress of 1776, he was -among the first to propose and strongly advocate the declaration of -independence; and always contended it should have followed immediately -after the battle of Lexington. He demonstrated all his propositions in -a clear, calm, dignified and logical manner; and always planted himself -upon the firm basis of reason and justice. He was extremely zealous, -but not rash; he was ardent and decisive, but wise and judicious. When -the Declaration of Rights was adopted by the Continental Congress, -on the 4th of July, 1776, he most cheerfully affixed his name to -that sacred instrument without the least hesitation. He had been an -able and eloquent advocate of the measure; he had long cherished and -fondly nursed the project of an unequivocal separation from the mother -country, and rejoiced at the final consummation of his ardent desires. - -During the darkest periods of the revolution, he was calm and cheerful, -and did much to banish despair from the minds of the desponding. In -1777, when Congress was obliged to fly to Lancaster, and a dismal gloom -was spread over the cause of the patriots like the mantle of night, -several of the leading members were convened, in company with Mr. -Adams, and were conversing upon the disasters of the American arms, -and concluded the chance for ultimate success 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 righteous, and we shall -never be abandoned by Heaven, while we show ourselves worthy of its aid -and protection.” At that time there were but twenty-eight members in -Congress, and Mr. Adams remarked, “it was the _smallest_, but _truest_ -Congress they ever had.” - -Shortly after that trying period, the rays of hope dawned upon them, -the news of the surrender of Burgoyne removed the long faces, and put -a new aspect upon the American cause. The friends of liberty were -reanimated; their hearts were enlivened by fresh courage; the anchor -of hope held them more firmly to their moorings. The arrival of Lord -Howe, the Earl of Carlisle, and Mr. Eden, with what _they_ termed the -olive branch of peace from Lord North, also created a new excitement. -Mr. Adams was on the committee appointed to treat with these messengers -of the king. On examining the terms proposed, the committee found -that the pretended olive branch had been plucked from the Bohon -Upas of an overbearing and corrupt ministry, and promptly replied, -through Mr. Adams, “Congress will attend to no terms of peace that are -inconsistent with the honour of an independent nation.” This answer was -as unexpected to the royal trio, as it was laconic and patriotic. The -grand Rubicon had been passed, the city of chains had been abandoned, -and nothing could induce the sages of ’76 to look back, or tarry on the -plain of monarchy. - -In 1779, Samuel Adams and John Adams were appointed by the committee -of which they were members, to draft a constitution for the state of -Massachusetts, under the new form of government. They ably performed -the duty assigned them—the convention sanctioned the document they -submitted with but few amendments, and adopted it for the future -government of the state. The same gentlemen also prepared for the -convention an address to the people on that occasion, which also met -the approval of that body, and was responded to, with high approbation, -by the hardy yeomanry of that state. - -Mr. Adams was also a member of the convention of his native state, -convened in 1787, to act upon the Constitution of the United States, -then submitted for consideration. Some of its features appeared -objectionable to him, but he cautiously avoided any opposition, lest -he should endanger its final adoption, which he considered the best -policy, securing for it future amendments. He was most particularly -opposed to the article that rendered the states amenable to the -national courts. After listening to the arguments for and against it, -he submitted certain amendments, which were approved by the convention, -and when it was finally sanctioned by a majority of the members, these -amendments were submitted with it, and recommended for the future -consideration of Congress, and some of them have since been adopted. - -From 1789 to 1794 Mr. Adams was lieutenant-governor of Massachusetts, -and from that time to 1797 was governor of that state. He performed -the executive duties with great ability, and contributed largely in -raising his native domain to a flourishing condition and dignified -standing. He watched over all her interests with a parental care, and -viewed her rising greatness with an honest pride. He had seen her sons -writhing under the lash of oppression, and the bones of her daughters -bleaching in the wind. He now beheld the people independent and happy, -prosperous and virtuous. He could now depart in peace. His infirmities -and age admonished him to retire from the great theatre of public -action, on which he had so long been a prominent actor, and having -filled the gubernatorial chair for three years, he bid a final farewell -to political life, approved by his country, his conscience and his -God. His health continued to decrease gradually with each returning -autumn, and on the 3d of October, 1803, his immortal spirit left its -tenement of clay, and soared aloft, on wings of faith, to mansions of -bliss beyond the skies, where flow rivers of joy for evermore. He died, -rejoicing in the merits of his glorified Redeemer, who had triumphed -over death and the grave. He had fought the good fight of faith, as -well as that of LIBERTY; and felt a full assurance of receiving a crown -of glory at the hands of King Immanuel. - -Amidst all the turmoils of political and revolutionary strife, Mr. -Adams never neglected religious duties. When at home, he was faithful -to the family altar, and uniformly attended public worship when -practicable. He was a consistent every-day Christian, free from bigotry -and fanaticism, not subject to sudden contractions and expansions of -mind, rather puritanical in his views, yet charitable in his feelings, -and not disposed to persecute any one for the sake of opinion. He -adorned his profession of Christianity by pure moral conduct, and -the most scrupulous honesty, during his whole life. As a public man -and a private citizen, he was highly esteemed, and richly earned a -place in the front rank of the fathers of the American revolution. -He placed a low value upon riches, and died poor, but not the less -esteemed because of his poverty. He placed a high value upon common -school education, and a _proper_ estimate upon the higher branches of -science. He was strongly in favour of teaching the great mass of the -people the rudiments of an English education, even should it be at the -expense of the classics. General intelligence, widely and thoroughly -disseminated, he considered one of the strongest bulwarks to preserve -the independence of a nation against the innovations of intriguing and -designing men, who regard _self_ more than the glory of their country. -He took a liberal, expansive, and philosophic view of every subject he -investigated, and formed his conclusions only from a close conviction -that they were based upon correct premises and sound common sense. In -the cause of freedom he laboured incessantly, from his youth through -a long life, and was ever ready to throw himself in every breach made -by the creatures of the crown upon the rights of his country. At town -meetings, in the formation of independent societies, in the columns -of a newspaper, in the assembly of his own state, and in the national -legislature, he always filled a broad space and moved in a large -circumference. He was pure in his motives, bold in his plans, open -and frank in his sentiments, firm in his purposes, energetic in his -actions, and honourable in his course. He wielded an able pen, varying -his style to suit every occasion. But few of his productions have been -preserved. His answer to Thomas Paine’s writings against Christianity, -is perhaps superior to any thing that has been written on the subject. -His four letters on government, published in 1800, show a clear head, -a good heart, and a gigantic mind. His political essays, penned before -and during the revolution, were soul-stirring appeals, and contributed -largely in rousing the people to a defence of their inalienable rights. - -As an orator, he was eloquent, chaste, and logical, always rising with -the magnitude of his subject. It was only on great occasions that his -powers were _fully_ developed; but on _all_ occasions he was listened -to with profound attention. He always spoke sensibly and to the point, -addressing the understanding rather than the passions. - -His manners were urbane, plain, and unaffected; his mode of living -frugal and temperate; his attachments strong, sincere, and uniform; his -whole life was one continued chain of usefulness, devoted to the good -of his fellow men, the liberty and prosperity of his country, and the -happiness of the human family. Let his example be imitated, and our -Union may long be preserved from the iron grasp of ambitious partisans -and the fatal snares of designing demagogues: let them be discarded, -and it will prove a rope of sand, the temple of our LIBERTY will -crumble and moulder with the dust of SAMUEL ADAMS. - - - - -DR. BENJAMIN RUSH. - - -A sacred halo surrounds this name, as imperishable as the pages of -history. In the service of his country, and in the pursuit of his -profession, BENJAMIN RUSH filled the measure of his glory. His revered -memory is cherished by many surviving friends; his fame will be -chaunted by millions yet unborn. - -He was a native of Bristol, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, born on the -24th of December, 1745. His ancestors immigrated to this country under -the auspices of William Penn, as early as 1683. His father was a -highly respectable agriculturalist, and died when this son was but a -child. At the age of nine years, Benjamin was placed under the tuition -of his maternal uncle, the Rev. Dr. Samuel Finley, whose literary -attainments were of a high order, and who was subsequently elected -president of the college at Princeton, New Jersey. Young Rush continued -under the instruction of this accomplished teacher until he was -fourteen, when he entered Princeton college, then under the direction -of President Davis. Like an expanding flower courting the genial -warmth of spring, the talents of this young freshman rapidly unfolded -their rich lustre beneath the shining rays of the sun of science. So -astonishing was his proficiency, that in one year after he commenced -his collegiate course, he received the degree of bachelor of arts; a -high compliment to his former instructor, a merited tribute to his own -industry, acquirements and genius. During his brief stay at Princeton, -he gained the friendship of all around him, and was esteemed one of the -most eloquent public speakers among the students. With the best wishes -of the professors and his classmates, he left them the following year, -and commenced the study of medicine with Dr. John Redman, then one of -the most eminent practitioners in the city of Penn. The same industry -that had marked his previous course, made him a favourite son of -Æsculapius. The same urbanity and modesty that had made him a welcome -guest in every circle in which he had previously moved, constantly -gained for him new and influential friends. After pursuing his study -with great assiduity for six years under the instruction of Dr. Redman, -he entered the medical university of Edinburgh, in Scotland, where he -reaped the full benefit of the lectures of the celebrated professors -Munro, Cullen, Black and Gregory; and received the degree of doctor -of medicine in 1768. Although then laden with an unusual store of -knowledge in the healing art, his investigating mind led him to explore -still farther the important field of science before him, and reduce to -practice, under the superintendence of able practitioners, his vast -stock of theory. He accordingly went to London, where he was admitted -to practice in the hospitals of that city. He soon became eminent as a -bold and successful operator, a skilful and judicious physician. After -remaining there nearly a year, he visited Paris, and, in the spring of -1769, returned to the warm embrace of his connections and friends, and -commenced his useful career in the city of Philadelphia. - -His professional fame had preceded him, and his superior acquirements -were immediately called into action. In addition to an extensive -practice, he was elected one of the professors of the medical school -that had recently been organized by Drs. Bond, Kuhn, Morgan and -Shippen. This mark of distinction was conferred upon him within a few -months after his return. Upon a substantial basis he continued to build -an honest and enduring fame, participating in all the passing events -that concerned his country’s good and his country’s glory; at the same -time discharging his professional duties promptly and faithfully. - -Although he had apparently been absorbed in the study of medicine, it -was soon discovered that he had made himself familiar with the relative -situation of the mother country and the American colonies. He had -closely examined the unwarranted pretensions of the former, and the -aggravated grievances of the latter. His noble soul was touched by the -sufferings of oppressed humanity, and warmed by the patriotic fire of -FREEDOM. He became a bold and able advocate in the cause of liberty, -a firm and decided opposer of British tyranny, a strong and energetic -supporter of equal rights. Mingling with all classes through the medium -of his profession, his influence was as extensive and multiform, as -it was useful and salutary. The independence of his country was the -desire of his heart; to see her regenerated and free, was his anxious -wish. So conspicuous a part did he act in the passing scenes of that -eventful period, that he was chosen a member of the Congress of 1776, -and sanctioned the declaration of independence, by affixing his name to -that sacred instrument. - -The year following, he was appointed physician-general of the military -hospital for the middle department, and rendered himself extensively -useful during the whole of the revolution. He was ever ready to go -where duty called, and exerted his noblest powers in the glorious cause -he had espoused, until he saw the star spangled banner wave in triumph -over his native land, and the incense of LIBERTY ascending to Heaven, -in sappharine clouds, from the altar of FREEDOM. - -This great work accomplished, he desired to be occupied only by his -profession. For a time, his services were diverted from this channel, -by his being elected a member of the convention of Pennsylvania to take -into consideration the adoption of the federal constitution. Having -examined the arguments as they progressed in the national convention -that formed it, he was fully prepared to enter warmly and fully into -the advocacy of that instrument. When it received the sanction of a -majority of the States, the measure of the political ambition of Dr. -Rush was filled. He retired from that kind of public life, crowned with -laurels of immortal fame, that will bloom and survive, until patriotism -shall be lost in anarchy, and the last vestige of liberty is destroyed -by the tornado of faction. The only station he ever consented to fill -under government subsequently was that of cashier of the United States -Mint. - -From that period forward, he devoted his time and talents to the -business of his profession, to the improvement of medical science, and -the melioration of the ills that flesh is heir to. - -In 1789, he was elected professor of the theory and practice of physic, -as the successor of Dr. Morgan, and in 1791 he was appointed to the -professorship of the institutes of medicine and clinical practice, -and upon the resignation of Dr. Kuhn, in 1806, he was honoured by the -united professorships of the theory and practice of physic and of -clinical medicine, which stations he ably filled until death closed his -useful career. - -Besides those already mentioned he performed many duties in various -associations formed for benevolent purposes. He was president of the -American Society for the Abolition of Slavery, vice president of the -Philadelphia Bible Society, president of the Philadelphia Medical -Society, one of the vice presidents of the American Philosophical -Society, and a member of several other philanthropic institutions -both in this country and in Europe. For many years he was one of the -physicians of the Pennsylvania Hospital, and took a deep interest in -its prosperity and welfare. Wherever he could be useful by counsel, -influence, or action, he was sure to be found. To soothe the troubled -bosom heaving with anguish, to alleviate the suffering patient writhing -under pain, to supply the pinching wants of the poor and needy sinking -under adversity, afforded Dr. Rush more pleasure than to have been -placed on the loftiest pinnacle of political fame; a richer joy than to -have been the triumphant chieftain of a conquered world. - -Amidst his multifarious duties he arranged his time with so much -system and order as to produce a routine of harmonious action. His -professional duties, his books, and his pen, were all attended to in -proper time. He wrote numerous literary, moral, and philosophical -essays, and several volumes on medical science, among which were his -“Medical Inquiries and Observations,” and a “History of the Yellow -Fever.” He spent much time in the investigation of that fatal disease, -and in endeavouring to arrive at the best mode of treatment. In this, -as well as in many other cases, the lancet was his anchor of hope. -During the prevalence of any disease his exertions to alleviate -distress and arrest its progress, were unremitting and indefatigable. -He obeyed the calls of the poor and needy as promptly as those of the -rich and affluent. He was particularly attentive to those who had -employed him when prosperity cheered their onward course, and were -subsequently prostrated by adversity. He was not a sunshine friend. - - He was the man whose liberal mind - Wished general good to all mankind; - Who, when his friend by fortune’s wound, - Fell tumbling headlong to the ground, - Could meet him with a warm embrace, - And wipe the tears from off his face. - -A pious and exemplary Christian, he poured the balm of consolation into -the wounds of the desponding heart as freely as he administered to -alleviate the pains of the body. His counsels were full of wisdom and -benevolence, and rescued many a frail bark from total shipwreck. His -soul-cheering advice and enlivening presence drove despair from many an -agonized mind, imparting fresh vigour by administering the elixir of -hope and the tonic of perseverance. - -Blessed with a vigorous constitution, Dr. Rush was able to discharge -his numerous duties until a short time previous to his death, which -occurred on the 19th of April, 1813. Although advanced in years new -honours continued to gather around him; new fields of usefulness -were constantly opening before him; the lustre of his fame had -scarcely arrived at its high meridian; the zenith of his glory would -unquestionably have reached a loftier summit had his life and health -been spared a few years longer. - -As the news of his death spread, a universal sorrow pervaded all -classes; funeral sermons were preached, eulogies pronounced, and -processions formed throughout the United States, as a faint tribute to -the memory of the departed sage, patriot, scholar, and philanthropist. -When the sad tidings reached England and France, the same -demonstrations of respect were manifested there; the tears of sympathy -and mourning for departed worth stood trembling in many European eyes. -In the halls of science on both sides of the Atlantic, Dr. Rush was -well known, and held in the highest estimation. By our own country his -loss was most keenly felt; by the civilized world, deeply lamented. The -graves of but few men have been moistened by as many tears from the -high and the low, the rich and the poor, as that of Dr. BENJAMIN RUSH. -His fame is based upon substantial merit; his name is engraven in deep -and indelible traces upon the hearts of his countrymen; his reputation -is written on the tablet of history in letters of gold by the finger of -justice, dipped in the font of gratitude, and will endure, unscathed -and unimpaired, until the last trump shall proclaim to the astonished -world, TIME SHALL BE NO LONGER. - -The private character of this great and worthy man, was as unsullied -and pure as his public career was brilliant and useful. His heart -was richly stored with the milk of human kindness; his benevolence -sometimes carried him beyond his professional income in donations to -the poor, to churches, seminaries of learning, and to other objects -calculated to benefit mankind. - -He was temperate in his habits, neat in his apparel and person, social -and gentlemanly in his intercourse with society, urbane and courteous -in his manners, interesting and instructive in his conversation, modest -and unassuming in his deportment. He was a warm and affectionate -companion, the widow’s friend, and the orphan’s father. - -In size he was above the middle stature, rather slender, but well -proportioned. His mouth and chin were well formed, his nose aqueline, -his eyes blue and animated, with a high and prominent forehead. The -diameter of his head, from back to front, was unusually great. His -combined features were commanding and prepossessing, his countenance -indicated a powerful and gigantic intellect. - -When attacked by the disease which terminated in death, he was aware -that a rapid dissolution awaited him. He was fully prepared to enter -upon the untried scenes of another and a brighter world; he could look -back upon a life, well spent; he had run a noble race, and was then -ready to finish his course, resign his tabernacle of clay to its mother -dust, and his immortal soul to Him who gave it. - - - - -OLIVER WOLCOTT. - - -The unqualified and unrestrained oppressions emanating from crowned -heads and exercised with impunity in former times, have been shorn of -half their terrors by modern light and intelligence. As the genial -rays of liberty illuminate the minds of the human family, thrones will -be held by a more slender tenure, and monarchies will become more -limited if not completely annihilated. In Europe, kingly power has -been vibrating for the last century, as if shaken by an earthquake. -The love of freedom has never been extinguished in the old world; the -same feelings that prompted the pilgrim fathers to tempt the dangers of -this western hemisphere, still pervade the bosoms of millions who are -writhing under the goring lash of potent sceptres. - -When our forefathers planted themselves upon the shores of America -many of them appear to have understood clearly the principles of a -republican government, as appears from the articles of association -entered into by several and distinct settlements. Among those who -commenced their superstructure upon the foundation of equal rights, the -name of Wolcott stands conspicuous. It is closely associated with the -history of New England for the last two centuries. Henry Wolcott, the -patriarch ancestor of this eminent family, was a native of England, and -settled in Dorchester, Massachusetts, as early as 1630. In 1636, he, -with several others, founded the town of Windsor, in Connecticut, and -established a commonwealth, based on republican principles, consisting -of Windsor, Hartford, and Weathersfield. - -The revised constitution of Connecticut is substantially the same as -the one penned by Roger Ludlow, and adopted by this infant colony; a -high compliment to the pilgrim fathers—a proud memorial of their virtue -and intelligence. - -During the perils of the Indian wars, during the difficulties with -the Canadian French, and through all the various vicissitudes that -have pervaded New England down to the present time, the descendants of -Henry Wolcott have acted a conspicuous part in the field and in the -legislative hall. - -OLIVER WOLCOTT, the subject of this brief sketch, was the youngest -son of Roger Wolcott, who was appointed governor of Connecticut in -1751. Oliver was born the 26th of November, 1726, and graduated at -Yale College at the age of twenty-one years. The same year he was -commissioned to command a company which he raised and marched to the -defence of the northern frontier, where he remained until the peace -of Aix-la-Chapelle. He then returned, applied himself to the study -of medicine, until he was appointed the first sheriff of the county -of Litchfield, formed in 1751. In 1755 he married Laura Collins, an -amiable and discreet woman of great merit. In 1774 he was appointed -counsellor, which station he filled for twelve successive years. He -was also chief judge of the common plea court, and, for a long time, -a judge of the court of probate. As a military officer he rose from -the grade of captain to that of major-general. In the summer of 1776, -he commanded the fourteen regiments raised by Governor Trumbull to -act with the army in New York. He headed his brigade at the memorable -battle that resulted in the capture of Burgoyne and revived the -drooping cause of the bleeding colonies. He was uniformly consulted on -important military movements, and was listened to with great confidence -and respect. From its commencement he was a zealous and ardent -supporter of the revolution. - -In 1775 he was appointed by congress a commissioner of Indian affairs -for the northern department, a trust of high importance at that time. -During the same year his influence was happily exerted in reconciling -disputes between the neighbouring colonies relative to their respective -boundaries. Amiable and persuasive in his manners, aided by a sound -discretion and a correct sense of justice, he was well calculated to be -a mediator between contending parties. - -In 1776 he took his seat in congress, and remained until he affixed -his signature to that Declaration which burst the chains of slavery, -gave birth to a nation in a day, astonished gazing millions, made -the British king tremble on his throne, and stamped the names of its -signers with a fame that will endure, unimpaired, through the rolling -ages of time. - -He then returned and took his station in the field, and on all -occasions proved himself a brave, skilful, and prudent officer. When he -deemed his services more useful in congress, he occasionally took his -seat in that body until 1783. - -In 1785 he was associated with Arthur Lee and Richard Butler to -conclude a peace with the Six Nations. The year following he was -elected lieutenant-governor, which station he filled for ten years, -when he was chosen governor, the dignified duties of which station -he performed until death closed his mortal career on the first of -December, 1797, in the seventy-first year of his age, regretted by all, -and most by those who knew him best. - -In addition to his numerous public services, always performed without -pomp or noise, his private character shone with peculiar lustre. -He possessed all the sterling virtues, was a devout and consistent -Christian, an honourable and honest man. - - - - -GEORGE READ. - - -When an individual is placed upon the horns of a dilemma, involving -personal liberty, property or safety, his intellectual and physical -powers are at once roused to action. He does not stop to explore -the regions of obtuse metaphysics, speculative philosophy, or of -fastidious etiquette. He flies to first principles, and strains his -reason and understanding to their utmost tension to aid him. He puts -forth his mightiest efforts, his boldest exertions, and his strongest -energies, in order to extricate himself from surrounding difficulties -and impending dangers. In this way he performs astonishing feats, and -surmounts the cloud capt summit of an Alpine barrier, that, under -ordinary circumstances, he would never reach. - -The same course is pursued by a nation when placed in a similar -situation. The history of the American revolution demonstrates, most -clearly, the position here laid down. The colonists were placed -upon the piercing points of the horns of an awful dilemma, and were -apparently doomed to slavery or death: yet by their unparalleled -efforts, aided by Heaven, they were ultimately delivered from their -perilous situation, and, although badly gored, survived their wounds. -This was effected by men of strong intellect, clear heads, good hearts, -and sound judgments; men who could reason, plan and execute. The -_flowers_ of literature were not culled for use; plain common sense, -sterling worth, useful and practical knowledge, honesty of purpose, and -persevering energy of action, all based upon pure patriotism and love -of liberty, were the grand requisites to ensure popular favour. - -All these were possessed by GEORGE READ, whose public career I will -briefly trace. He was the eldest son of John Read, a wealthy and -respectable planter, who emigrated from Dublin, Ireland, and located in -Cecil county, Maryland, where George Read was born, in 1734. John Read -subsequently removed to Newcastle county, Delaware, and placed this son -in a respectable school at Chester, Pennsylvania, where he made good -proficiency in the first rudiments of his education. From there he was -transferred to the seminary of the Rev. Dr. Allison, at New London, -who was eminently qualified to mould the young mind for usefulness, -by imparting correct principles, practical knowledge, and general -intelligence, fit for every day use, combined with refined classics -and polite literature. Under this accomplished teacher, Mr. Read -completed his education, preparatory to his professional studies. At -the age of seventeen, he commenced reading law with John Moland Esq., -a distinguished member of the Philadelphia bar. His proficiency was so -great that in two years he was admitted to the practical honours of his -profession. He was well qualified to enter the field of competition, -having taken the entire charge of the docket of Mr. Moland for some -time previous to his admission. - -He commenced business in Newcastle, in 1754, and at once grappled -successfully with the old and experienced counsellors around him, -whose number and talents were neither few nor small. By his acuteness -in pleading, and thorough knowledge of the primary principles of his -profession, he soon gained the esteem of the courts, the admiration -of his senior brethren, the confidence of the community, and obtained -a lucrative practice. His forte consisted not in flowery show, but -in that deep toned and grave forensic eloquence, that informs the -understanding and carries conviction to the mind. He seldom appealed to -the passions of the court or jury, preferring to stand upon the firm -basis of the law and testimony, clearly expounded and truly exhibited. - -On the 13th of April, 1763, he was appointed attorney-general for the -three lower counties of Delaware, and continued in that office until he -was called to the higher duties of legislation. The same year he led -to the hymeneal altar, an amiable, pious, and accomplished daughter of -the Rev. George Ross, of Newcastle: thus adding largely to the stake -he held in the welfare of his country, enhancing his earthly joys, and -giving him an influence and rank in society never acquired by lonely -bachelors. She fully supplied the vacuum abhorred by nature, and proved -a valuable partner of his toils and perils, his pains and pleasures, -through subsequent life. - -Mr. Read was a republican to the core, and from the commencement to -the close of the revolution, was a bold and unyielding advocate of -equal rights and liberal principles. When the question of rights and -wrongs became a subject of investigation between the two countries, he -resigned the commission of attorney-general held under the crown, that -he might enter the arena of discussion free and unshackled. In 1765 -he was elected a member of the Assembly of the state of Delaware, and -was instrumental in laying deep the foundations of the superstructure -of liberty. He was prudent, calm, and discreet in all his actions; -but firm, bold and resolute. He was a member of the Committee of the -Delaware Assembly that so ably addressed the king upon the subject of -grievances and redress. He was in favour of exhausting the magazine -of petition and remonstrance, and if to no purpose, then to replenish -with powder and ball. He did not, nor did any of the signers of the -declaration, at the commencement of British oppression, contemplate a -dissolution of the ties that bound the colonies to the mother country. -But he understood well the rights secured to them by magna charta -and the constitution of Great Britain; and he knew that those rights -were trampled upon by the hirelings of the crown. To vindicate them -he was firmly resolved. He opposed the principle of taxation without -representation, and of raising a revenue in America to pamper royalty -in England. He knew and weighed well the superior physical powers of -his opposers; but he believed the majesty of eternal justice and the -kind aid of Heaven, would sustain the patriots in their glorious cause. -Nor did he reckon in vain. His written appeal to his constituents of -the 17th of August, 1769, calling upon them to resist the encroachments -of tyranny, was couched in bold and forcible language, portraying, in -colours deep and strong, their rights and their wrongs, making the path -of duty plain before them. - -He sanctioned the various non-importation resolutions, passed by his -own and other colonies; the first prominent mode adopted to thwart -the designs and impositions of the British ministry after finding -that petitions and remonstrances were treated with contumely. He was -chairman of the committee of the Delaware patriots, appointed for the -purpose of carrying these resolutions into effect. He was also chairman -of the committee of twelve, appointed by the people of Newcastle, -on the 29th of June, 1774, to obtain subscriptions for the Boston -sufferers, who were writhing under the lash of the infamous port bill, -passed by parliament, for the purpose of properly chastising the -refractory inhabitants of that patriotic city. In February following, -he remitted to the Boston committee, nine hundred dollars, money -received from his constituents, which was eloquently acknowledged by -Samuel Adams, who was one of his faithful correspondents. - -Mr. Read was a member of the congress of 1774, and retained that -elevated station during the revolution. He was also president of the -convention that formed the first constitution of Delaware in 1776, and -a member of her assembly constantly for twelve successive years, after -his first election. A part of this time he was also vice president of -his state, and in the autumn of 1777, when president M’Kinley fell into -the hands of the enemy, Mr. Read was called from congress to perform -the more arduous, because undivided duties of a chief magistrate. On -his way home with his family, he was compelled to pass through Jersey, -and in crossing the Delaware from Salem, his boat was discovered by -the British fleet then lying just below. An armed barge was sent in -pursuit. Mr. Read’s boat stuck fast in the mud, and was soon come up -to. By effacing the marks upon his baggage during a few brief moments -before he was boarded, and having with him his wife and children, he -convinced those from the fleet that he was a country gentleman on his -way to his farm, and solicited their assistance to put him and his -family on shore. They promptly afforded their aid, took his boat out of -the mud, and landed him and his precious charge safety on the Delaware -side of the river. The perfect calmness of himself and lady, and their -open frankness, saved them from the horrors of a prison ship, and -probably him from an exhibition upon the yard arm of a man-of-war. - -His duties now assumed an onerous character. Internal dissentions -among his own people were to be reconciled; an intercourse by many of -the inhabitants with the British fleet was to be broken up; ways and -means for his own and the general government claimed his attention; his -mind was burdened by an extreme anxiety to procure the exchange of the -president; and a conquering foe was triumphing in victory in almost -every direction. In the midst of all these perils, he stood firmly at -the helm and rode out every storm. He proved equal to every emergency, -and added new lustre to his growing fame. When the Declaration of -Independence was under discussion, he believed the measure premature; -but when it was adopted, he most cheerfully enrolled his name with -his colleagues. In 1779 ill health compelled him to withdraw from -public life for a year, when he again resumed his legislative duties. -In 1782 he was appointed by congress a judge of appeals in the court -of admiralty. In 1785 he was one of the commissioners to settle the -boundary line between New York and Massachusetts. The next year he was -a delegate of the convention of the states, convened at Annapolis, for -the purpose of regulating the commerce of the union. In 1787 he was -one of that talented convention that framed the federal constitution. -He was a United States senator of the first congress under that -constitution, and served six years. He was also chief justice of -Delaware from 1793 to the time of his death. In the performance of -all these responsible and multiform duties, he acquitted himself -nobly, and did honour to his character, his country, and the cause -of rational liberty. As a civilian, a statesman, a magistrate, a -patriot, a philanthropist, a gentleman, a husband, a father, a private -citizen, and a public benefactor, GEORGE READ was a model worthy of -imitation. He was scrupulously honest and rigidly just. When he arrived -at his majority, he assigned his portion of the paternal estate to -his brothers, deeming the expenses of his education equivalent to his -equitable share. He was opposed to chaos in the smallest concerns of -life, and abhorred vice of every kind. He enjoyed good health in his -old age, until the autumn of 1798, when, after a sudden and short -illness, he closed his eyes on terrestrial scenes, and resigned his -spirit into the hands of the wise Disposer of all events. - -The person of Mr. Read was above the middle size, well formed, with a -commanding and agreeable deportment. He was a talented, virtuous, and -amiable man. - - - - -THOMAS HEYWARD. - - -To understand, and estimate correctly, the magnitude and design of -his creation, man must become familiar with the thousand springs and -qualities of the undying spirit within him. The labyrinthian mazes of -the immortal mind must be explored, and traced from earth to native -Heaven. The depths of human nature must be sounded, and its channels -clearly marked. - -Upon the axis of reason, revolving thought performs its endless circuit -with mathematical precision, guided by the centripetal force of a sound -judgment, or it is projected from its proper orbit by the centrifugal -momentum of random folly into the regions of senseless vacuity, or of -wild and visionary sophistry. Its ceaseless motion is as perpetual as -the purple stream of our arteries; its rapid flight is bounded only by -eternity. It travels through space with more celerity than lightning; -its earthly career can be arrested only by the hand of death. - -To reflect, to investigate, to reason, and to analyze, is the province -of our intellectual functions. To comprehend the grand and harmonious -organic structure of nature, the wisdom of the great Architect of -universal worlds, and the relation man bears to man, is to learn that -human beings are endowed with equal and inherent rights, and that they -are in duty bound to maintain them. Justice marks out the golden path, -reason leads the way, and patriotism impels to action. - -The man whose mind is cast in the mould of wisdom by the mighty hand -of his Creator, if he brings into proper exercise the combined powers -of intellectual and physical force, can never be made a willing slave. -As his soul is expanded by the genial rays of intelligence, he duly -appreciates his native dignity, becomes enraptured with the glories -of liberty, and resolves to be free. If he is groaning under the -oppressions of tyranny and wears the galling chains of servility, as -light shines upon him he will be roused to a mighty effort to burst the -ignominious thongs that bind him, assert his inalienable rights, and -assume his legitimate station in the scale of being. - -Thus acted the patriots of the American revolution—thus acted THOMAS -HEYWARD, the subject of this brief sketch. He was the eldest son of -Col. Daniel Heyward, a wealthy and highly respected planter, and -was born in the parish of St. Luke, South Carolina, in 1746. His -opportunities for obtaining a liberal education were freely afforded by -his father, and were faithfully improved by the son. He became ardently -attached to the Greek and Roman classics, and dwelt with rapture upon -the history of republican freedom. The principles of rational liberty -became deeply rooted in his mind at an early age, and when manhood -dawned upon him they were thoroughly matured. - -After completing his elemental education he commenced the study of -law with Mr. Parsons, who stood high as a member of the bar. The -proficiency of Mr. Heyward in that intricate science was creditable -to himself and gratifying to his numerous friends. He possessed an -investigating and analyzing mind, and never passed over a subject -superficially. He was a close student, and explored the opening -fields of civil and common law with a zeal and rapidity seldom known. -When he became familiar with the principles laid down by Sir William -Blackstone, and understood fully the rights secured to persons and -property by Magna Charta and the British constitution, and compared -them with the iron rod of restrictions held over the colonists by the -mother country, he was roused to a just indignation. - -After having completed his course with Mr. Parsons, he repaired to -England, and entered the middle temple, where he became a finished -lawyer and an accomplished gentleman. Although amply supplied with -money, he was not led astray by the allurements of fascinating -pleasures, that first flatter and please, then ruin and destroy. To -enrich his mind with science and useful knowledge, was the ultimatum of -his soul. - -He mingled with what was termed refined society in London, which formed -a striking contrast with the republican simplicity of that of the same -grade in his own country. The fastidious hauteur of English etiquette -was far from being congenial to his mind, and did not accord with his -ideas of social life. He there met claims of superiority over native -Americans that he knew were based alone upon pride and ignorance. His -feelings were often wounded by indignities cast upon the colonial -character. All these things combined to rivet his affections more -strongly upon the land of his birth. They operated as fuel for the -livid flame of patriotism, already glowing in his bosom. The pomp of -royalty and the splendour of kingly courts had no charms for him. The -awful distance between the haughty prince and the honest peasant, the -towering throne and the worthy yeomanry, operated upon his mind like -a talisman, and gave his soul a new impetus towards the goal of equal -rights. The more he saw of practical monarchy, often the automaton of -corrupt and corrupting advisers, the more he became opposed to its -potent sway. - -After closing his course in the law temple, he made the tour of -Europe, and then returned to the warm embrace of his relatives and -friends, richly laden with the treasures of classic science and useful -knowledge. He had become familiar with the theories of European -governments, and had seen their principles practically demonstrated. He -understood well the feelings and policy of the mother country relative -to her American colonies. He had witnessed her political artificers at -the forge of despotism, preparing chains for his beloved country. He -had seen her coffers yawning wide, to receive the ill gotten treasures, -wrested from his fellow citizens by hireling tax gatherers, in -violation of chartered rights, legal justice, and the claims of mercy. -His own estate had been laid under contribution to swell the unholy -fund. His neighbours around him were groaning under the lash of British -oppression. To enlighten their minds, and make them understand fully -their danger, their interest, and their duty, became the business of -this zealous patriot. Possessed of a bold and fearless mind, directed -by a clear head, an honest heart, a sound judgment, and a rich fund of -useful intelligence, his exertions were crowned with glorious success. -His salutary influence was extensively felt—his sterling worth was duly -appreciated. He was a member of the first assembly of South Carolina -that set British power at defiance, and was also a member of the -council of safety. He discharged his duties with firmness, prudence, -and zeal. No fugitive fear disturbed his mind, no threatened vengeance -moved his purposes. His eyes were fixed on the temple of freedom, his -soul was insulated by the fluid of patriotism, his heart was resolved -on liberty or death. His life, his property, and his sacred honour, -were pledged in the noble cause. He was elected to the Continental -Congress in 1775, but at first declined serving, in consequence of his -young age. A large delegation of citizens subsequently waited upon him, -and, at their urgent request, he took his seat in that august assembly -of sages in 1776, and became a warm advocate for that memorable -instrument, that proclaimed the birth of our nation to an astonished -world, and shed fresh lustre on the intellect of man. His voice and his -signature sanctioned its adoption—his conscience, his country, and his -God, approved the act. - -In two years after he was called to perform more painful duties. He was -appointed a judge of the civil and criminal courts of his native state, -under the new order of things. Several persons were arraigned before -him, charged with a treasonable correspondence with the enemy—they were -found guilty, and condemned to be hung in sight of the British lines -at Charleston. With feelings of humanity, but with the firmness of a -Roman, he performed his duty, and pronounced upon them the penalty of -the law. - -Judge HEYWARD also participated in the military perils of “the times -that tried men’s souls.” He commanded a company of artillery at the -battle of Beaufort, and was severely wounded. At the attack upon -Savannah he was also actively engaged. At the siege of Charleston he -commanded a battalion, and was one of the unfortunate prisoners who -were transferred to St. Augustine. During his absence his property -was pillaged, and his amiable and accomplished wife, the daughter of -Mr. Matthews, whom he had married in 1773, was laid in the grave. The -tidings of these heart-rending afflictions did not reach him until he -was exchanged and returned to Philadelphia. With the calm and dignified -fortitude of a christian, a philosopher, and a hero, he met the shafts -of afflictive fate. He mourned deeply, but submissively, the premature -exit of the companion of his bosom. His physical sufferings and loss of -property he freely offered at the altar of liberty, without a murmur or -a sigh. - -He again resumed his judicial duties upon the bench, and discharged -them ably and faithfully until 1798. He was an influential member of -the convention that framed the Constitution of South Carolina in 1790. -Old age and infirmity finally admonished him that his mission on earth -was fast drawing to a close, and he retired from the public arena, -covered with epic and civic honours, lasting as the pages of history. -In the full fruition of a nation’s gratitude and of a nation’s freedom -he spent his last years, and in March, 1809, went to his final rest, -leaving his second wife, Miss E. Savage, and his children, to mourn the -loss of a kind husband and tender father; and his country to regret the -loss of a devoted patriot, an able judge, and an honest man. - - - - -ROBERT MORRIS. - - -Men, whose motives inducing them to action are free from self, aiming -exclusively at public good, are like angels’ visits, few and far -between. Perhaps no era recorded on the pages of ancient or modern -history, presents as many examples of disinterested patriotism as that -of the American revolution. The sages who conceived, planned, and -consummated the declaration of our independence, pledged their LIVES, -THEIR FORTUNES, AND THEIR SACRED HONOURS, to carry out the principles -promulgated by that sacred instrument. Never did men perform their -vows more faithfully; never did men redeem their pledges more nobly. -Many of them not only placed all their available means in the public -treasury, but extended their private credit to its utmost tension, to -obtain supplies for the infant Republic, then bursting from embryo.—No -one rendered more efficient pecuniary aid in the advancement of the -cause of equal rights and American liberty than ROBERT MORRIS. He was -an Englishman by birth, born at Liverpool, Lancashire, England, on -the 20th day of January, 1734. His father was a respectable merchant, -and immigrated to this country in 1746, and settled at Oxford, on the -eastern shore of Maryland. He then sent for his son, whom he had left -behind, who arrived when he was thirteen years of age. He received a -good commercial education, but not classical. - -At the age of fifteen, he was deprived of his father by death. He -had previously entered the counting-house of Charles Willing, then -one of the most thorough and enterprising merchants of the city of -Philadelphia. After having acquired a knowledge of commercial concerns, -Mr. Willing established him in business, and remained his constant -friend and adviser. For several years he prospered alone, but finding -the cares of time pressing upon him, he concluded to take a partner, -to aid him in the journey of life. That partner was the amiable and -accomplished Mary, daughter of Col. White, and sister to the late -venerable and learned Bishop White of Philadelphia. She possessed every -quality calculated to adorn her sex and render connubial felicity -complete; and withal, was rich—a desideratum with some, but a miserable -substitute for genuine esteem, sincere affection and true friendship. -No man or woman, with a clear head, a good heart, and sound discretion -ever married for the sake of riches alone. - - “Can gold buy FRIENDSHIP? Impudence of hope! - As well mere man an angel might beget.” - -Fortunately for Mr. Morris and his partner, their highest treasure -was mutual affection, flowing from the pure fountain of their kindred -hearts, anxious to promote the reciprocal happiness of each other, and -the felicity of all around them. - -Nothing occurred to mar their prosperity until the revolutionary storm -burst upon the colonies. Had self interest been consulted so far as -pecuniary matters were concerned, Mr. Morris would have adhered to the -crown. His interests, in point of property, were entirely commercial: -and, in case of an opposition by him to the mother country, his wealth -was very much exposed. But he had inhaled the atmosphere of freedom; -his soul was fired with patriotism; he resolved to pledge his ALL in -the cause of liberty. His influence was extensive; he was a cool, -reflecting and high minded man, and arrived at conclusions only from -mature deliberation. This being his character, his examples had great -weight. - -He was elected a member of the congress of 1774, and took a decided -stand against British oppression. Being an able financier, he was -looked up to as the most efficient manager of monetary matters, and, -so far as providing ways and means were concerned, he was authorized -to act. Most nobly did he acquit himself in the performance of -this important trust. As no office of finance was then created, -unfortunately for his country, he could not control the disbursements, -but continued to provide money, often from his own resources. When -Congress adjourned from Philadelphia to Baltimore on the approach -of the conquering British army in 1776, after the declaration of -independence, then called by many the death warrant of the signers, -Robert Morris, who had affixed his name to that bold instrument, -remained at the former city some time after his colleagues left, -periling his personal safety in order to make arrangements to raise -funds for the prosecution of the glorious cause he had espoused. -During his stay, it became necessary that congress should raise a -specific sum in specie for the use of the American army. Information -was immediately communicated to Mr. Morris of the imperious wants of -the commander-in-chief. Not a solitary dollar was in the government -treasury. In a few hours after he received the intelligence, he met a -member of the society of Friends whose confidence he possessed, who -enquired of him “what news?” “The news is,” replied Mr. Morris, “that -I am in immediate want of —— dollars of hard money, and that you are -the man to obtain it for me. Your security is to be my note of hand and -my honour.” The reply was as laconic as the appeal: “Robert thou shalt -have it.” The money was promptly forwarded to the commander-in-chief -and placed at his disposal, and enabled Washington to meet the enemy at -Trenton with signal success. - -Mr. Morris made no parade or vain show in the performance of his -duties, and often furnished funds through agents under the injunction -of secrecy, who, at the time, had the credit of affording relief on -their own account. One instance will suffice for an example. - -When General Green took the command of the troops in South Carolina, -their destitute situation was deplorable. They were only partially -covered with tattered garments; their food was of the coarsest kind, -and but a scanty supply of that; their quantity of ammunition was -small, and nothing but certain destruction seemed to hover around -them. At that alarming crisis, Mr. Hall, of that state, advanced the -necessary funds to supply the immediate wants of the army, and enable -General Green to commence vigorous operations. - -After the war had closed, and an account of the disbursements was -exhibited, it was found that Mr. Hall had acted under the direction of -Robert Morris, who had furnished the needful at the very time it was -necessary to save the southern army from dissolution. General Green, -on being made acquainted with the fact on his final settlement at the -office of finance, was at first displeased with the measure, but upon -reflection, greatly applauded and admired the wisdom of this secrecy, -“because,” said he, “if I had known that I might have drawn upon Robert -Morris, I should have demanded larger sums, and effected no more than -was accomplished with the means placed in my hands.” The advances of -Mr. Morris to the southern army were near accomplishing his pecuniary -ruin. - -As a financier his genius was of the most prolific kind. When he found -one resource after another exhausted; the American troops writhing -under the keenest privations; the credit of the infant Republic -paralyzed, and her treasury drained of the last dollar, had his mind -been cast in an ordinary mould, he must have fainted by the way. But -amidst the embarrassments that surrounded him, he stood calm and -undismayed upon the firm basis of his own resources. When he found -that they were becoming crippled, he submitted to congress the plan of -chartering the Bank of North America, which, after much discussion, was -approved and adopted on the 7th of January, 1782. - -The year preceding, the office of finance had been established, and Mr. -Morris appointed financier. Previous to that, it appears he had not, -at any time, been the disbursing agent of the public monies; and that -no system had been adopted by Congress that gave any one individual -the control, under them, of this important department. The consequence -was, that the monies raised for the supplies of the army often fell -into the hands of irresponsible agents and never reached their pristine -destination. - -After Mr. Morris was placed in authority over this vital branch of -government, he reduced the expenditures for military operations from -eighteen millions of dollars a year, to about five millions; and thus -enabled the continental congress to prosecute the war successfully, -when, without this retrenchment, its means would have been inadequate -to meet the increasing demands, and the cause of liberty, to all human -appearance, must have been abandoned. Like a Roman Curtius, he pledged -his own fortune to save his country, and disenthral her from the -chains of tyranny. To demonstrate this, I will mention one of the many -instances of supplies being obtained upon his private credit. - -When the expedition was planned by Washington against Cornwallis at -Yorktown, the government treasury was empty, and her credit shivering -in the wind. The army was in a destitute situation: the means of -prosecuting a siege were to be provided, and Mr. Morris informed the -commander-in-chief that unless he arrived at the conclusion that the -necessary supplies could be raised on his (Mr. Morris,) credit, the -expedition must fail. Washington expressed his entire confidence in the -ability of the financier, and immediately took up the line of march. - -In the short space of four weeks, Mr. Morris, aided by the patriotic -Richard Peters, furnished near eighty pieces of battering cannon and -one hundred pieces of field artillery, and all other necessary supplies -not furnished from other sources, and became personally responsible to -the amount of ONE MILLION FOUR HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS, upon his own -notes, which were promptly paid at maturity. This, united with aid -from Virginia and some of the other states, enabled the American army -to give the finishing stroke to the revolution, and triumph, in victory -complete, over a proud and merciless foe. - -Under cover of the firm of Willing, Morris & Co., of which our -financier was a partner, many important and advantageous transactions -were made for government, but ostensibly, at the time, for the firm. -Being accomplished in this manner, a great saving was secured for -the public, in the profits of which the firm did not participate one -dollar, as was conclusively shown by an investigation instituted by Mr. -Laurens, in Congress, at the instance of Mr. Morris, in order to repel -the base slanders that were circulated against this pure and honest -patriot. All the accusations that have been brought against Robert -Morris, before and since his death, charging him with peculation or -speculation in government funds, or of any improper conduct towards his -country as a public agent, I pronounce to be _basely false_; they have -no foundation in truth or in fact. Judging from the numerous documents -that I have carefully examined, Robert Morris was not only one of the -most disinterested patriots of the American revolution, but was one -of the most substantial instruments in consummating that glorious -enterprise. He was so considered by the illustrious Washington, the -Continental Congress, and by all those who were correctly informed -of his proceedings. Even general Greene was one of his most ardent -admirers, whose biographer, long after the SAGE and the HERO had -mouldered beneath the clods of the valley, published a tirade of -abuse against Mr. Morris that has sunk Judge Johnson so far below the -true dignity of an impartial writer, as to render the efforts of his -envy abortive, and of his malice, powerless. His extracts from public -documents are garbled, his conclusions are based upon false premises, -his innuendoes are ungenerous—his attack is gratuitous and uncalled -for, and has justly recoiled upon the proud escutcheon of his own fame. -The shafts of slander can never indent the fair reputation of Robert -Morris, although hurled like thunderbolts from the whole artillery of -malice and revenge. Upon the enduring records of our nation his actions -stand in bold relievo, bright as the moon, clear as the sun, and as -withering to the opposition of his enemies as the burning sands of -Sahara. His honest fame will endure, unimpaired, the revolutions of -time. - -From the day he assumed the high charge of superintendent of finance, -his duties were onerous and multifarious. It was some time after -the strong solicitations of Congress were urged upon him before he -consented to undertake the delicate and difficult task of managing -this department, to which he was elected on the 20th of February, -1781, a dark and dismal period of the revolution. A deep sense of -public duty finally induced him to undertake the gigantic work, and -in a masterly manner did he execute it. He immediately instituted -an examination of the public debts, revenue, and expenditures; he -reduced to an economical system the mode of regulating the finances, -and of disbursing the public funds; he executed the plans of Congress -relating to all monetary matters; he superintended the action of all -persons employed in obtaining and distributing supplies for the army; -he attended to the collection of all monies due to the United States, -either by loans from Europe, from the states, or otherwise; he held a -supervision over all the contractors for military supplies; he provided -for the civil list; he corresponded with the executive of each state, -and with the ministers of the United States, then in Europe for the -purpose of obtaining aid, urging upon them the necessity of raising -money, and necessarily transacted much business with every department -of the government. At the same time he was an active member of the -legislature of Pennsylvania. The effects of his powerful financial mind -soon invigorated the desponding cause of liberty. Through the agency of -the bank of North America, united with his personal responsibility, he -improved the national credit, and introduced a rigid economy through -all the avenues of public operations. He found himself in an Augean -stable, but was the Hercules that could effectually cleanse it. Corrupt -agents and corrupting speculators fled before his searching scrutiny, -hissing like serpents retiring to their dens. - -In all things he acquitted himself nobly, and stood approved by -Congress, by his country, his conscience and his God. It is a lasting -eulogium upon his name, that he reduced all his transactions to so -perfect a system, committing them all to writing, that he was able to -produce a satisfactory voucher for each and every public act during is -whole career—a circumstance worthy of remark and of imitation. System -is the helm, ballast, and mainmast of business. - -At the final close of the war, Mr. Morris, fatigued in mind and body, -tendered his resignation, which was not accepted by Congress until -November, 1784. A large amount of his own notes, given on account of -supplies for the government, were then out. To impart confidence to -those who held them, he issued a circular, pledging himself to meet -them all at maturity, which pledge he faithfully redeemed. At the time -of his resignation, he placed himself in the crucible of an examining -committee appointed by Congress, before whom he exhibited a perfect map -of all his public acts. After the investigation closed, the report of -the committee placed him on a lofty eminence, as an able financier and -an honest man. - -He was solicited by President Washington to accept of the appointment -of secretary of the treasury, which he respectfully declined. - -Mr. Morris was a member of the convention that framed the federal -constitution, and was elected to the first national senate that -convened after its adoption. He seldom entered into debate, but when -he did, he was truly eloquent, chaste, and logical. He was always -heard with great attention, and exercised a powerful influence in the -legislative body. His speech in the Pennsylvania legislature against -the continental currency, was a specimen of eloquence and conclusive -reasoning, seldom surpassed, He also wrote with great facility and -strength of language. Although not a classical scholar, he possessed -an inexhaustible store of useful and practical information, derived -from the richest sources, and applicable to all the public and private -relations of life. - -When the peace of 1783 proclaimed his country free from further -invasion, Mr. Morris again entered largely into commercial -speculations. In 1784 he sent a ship to Canton, which was the first -that displayed the star spangled banner in that port. He was also the -first who attempted the “out of season” passage to China, by doubling -the south cape of New Holland, and astonished the English navigators -by the arrival of his ship at a season of the year before deemed -impracticable. He was the first man who introduced hot and ice houses -in this country. He was a friend to every kind of improvement, and did -all in his power to promote the interests of his fellow men and of -his country. After spending a long life in managing, most skilfully, -millions upon millions of capital, he at last split upon the fatal rock -of land speculation, and closed his eventful career in poverty, on the -8th of May, 1806, at the city of Philadelphia, sincerely mourned by -his country and deeply regretted by his numerous and devoted friends. -He had long been afflicted with the asthma, and suffered much during -the last years of his useful life. He met the grim messenger of death -with fortitude and resignation, and bid a final adieu to earth and its -toils, without a murmur or a sigh. - -The private character of this public benefactor was, in all respects, -amiable, pure, and consistent. He was a large man, with an open, frank, -and pleasing countenance, gentlemanly in his manners, and agreeable in -all his associations. He was most highly esteemed by those who knew him -best. Although no proud monument of marble is reared over his ashes, -his name is deeply engraved upon the tablet of enduring fame, and will -be revered by every true American and patriot until the historic page -shall cease to be read, and civilization shall be lost in chaos. - - - - -JOHN WITHERSPOON. - - -The man who places his confidence in the Supreme Ruler of revolving -worlds, leans upon a sure support, that earth can neither give nor -take away. When we can appeal to Heaven with clean hands for aid in -our undertakings, faith bids us fear no danger. A large portion of -the patriots of the revolution were pious men; and I am not apprised -that one among them, who became conspicuous, was a disbeliever in an -overruling Providence. Several of them were devoted ministers of the -Gospel, among whom was JOHN WITHERSPOON, a native of the parish of -Yester, near Edinburgh, Scotland, born on the 5th of February, 1722. -He was a lineal descendant of the celebrated John Knox, the heroic -reformer of Scotland. The father of John Witherspoon was the minister -of the above named parish, and was instrumental in moulding the mind of -his son in the paths of wisdom, virtue and science. He placed him at -an early age in the Haddington school, where his young mind unfolded -its rich beauties, with all the fragrance of a spring flower. He soared -above the trifles and allurements that too often lead childhood and -youth astray, and made his studies his chief delight. He manifested -a maturity of judgment, a clearness of conception, and a depth of -thought rarely exhibited in juvenile life. At the age of fourteen -years he entered the university of Edinburgh, where he fully sustained -the high anticipations of his friends, and gained the esteem and -admiration of his fellow students and the professors. His acquirements -in the theological department were of a superior order. At the age of -twenty-one, he passed the ordeal of his final examination, and received -a license to proclaim to the world the glad tidings of the everlasting -Gospel. - -He immediately became the assistant of his revered father, and gained -the affection and confidence of his parishioners, and the admiration of -all who heard him and delighted in plain practical piety. - -In 1746, on the 17th of January, he was a “looker on in Venice” at -the battle of Falkirk, and was seized by the victorious rebels, with -many others whose curiosity had led them to the scene of action, and -imprisoned in the castle of Doune. After he was released from this -confinement, he resided a few years at Beith, and subsequently at -Paisly, rendering himself highly useful as a faithful and exemplary -preacher. During his residence at the latter place, he received urgent -calls from the people of Dublin, Rotterdam and Dundee, in Europe; and -an invitation to accept of the presidential chair of the college of New -Jersey, in America, to which, at the suggestion of Richard Stockton, -then in London, he was elected on the 19th of November, 1766. A general -demurrer was entered against his acceptance by his numerous relations -and friends, with whom his wife at first participated. The delights of -his native home and the horrors of the American wilderness, were held -up before him in fearful contrast. A bachelor relation of his, who was -very wealthy, offered to will to him his large fortune if he would -decline the solicitation of the trustees of the college. For more than -a year he refused to accept of the invitation. During that time, his -lady caught what was called “the missionary fever,” and not only freely -consented to embark for the new world, but exerted herself to remove -every impeding obstacle. On the 9th of December of the following year, -Mr. Stockton had the pleasure of communicating to the board of trustees -the acceptance of Dr. Witherspoon, which was most joyfully received. - -He arrived with his family in the early part of the ensuing August, and -on the 17th of that month was inaugurated at Princeton. His literary -fame, which had been previously spread through the colonies, gained -an immediate accession of students to the institution, and gave a new -impetus to its action, although it had been ably conducted by his -worthy predecessors. The high reputation of the new president gave -him an extensive influence, of which he prudently availed himself -to resuscitate and replenish the empty treasury of the college by -obtaining donations from private and public sources. He also introduced -the most thorough and harmonious system throughout all its departments, -and fully answered the most sanguine anticipations of his warmest -friends. His mode of instruction was calculated to expand the ideas -of his students, and launch them upon the sea of reflection and -investigation. He dispelled the dogmatical and bewildering clouds of -metaphysical fatality and contingency, and of unmeaning and abstruse -physiology, that hung like an incubus over the old schools. He -illumined their understandings with the rays of scientific truth, -founded upon enlightened philosophy, sound reason, plain common -sense, and liberal principles. He taught his pupils to explore the -labyrinthian mazes of human nature, and the revolving circuit of their -own immortal minds. He raised before them the curtain of the material, -moral, physical and intellectual world; and delineated, by lucid -demonstration, their harmonious connection and unity, perfected by the -grand architect of this mighty machinery made for man. He pointed out -to them the duties they owed to themselves, their fellow men, their -country, and their God. He imbued their souls with charity, the golden -chain that reaches from earth to Heaven: He taught them how to live and -be useful, and how to throw off their mortal coil, when called to “that -country from whose bourne no traveller returns.” His instructions were -luminous and enriching; his precepts were fertilizing to every mind on -which they fell, capable of receiving an impression. - -On the flood tide of a high and merited literary and theological fame, -Dr. Witherspoon floated peacefully along, until the revolutionary -storm drove him from his citadel of classics and the pulpit of his -church to a different sphere of action. Before he immigrated to -America he understood well the relations between the mother country -and the colonies. He was master of civilian philosophy, international -law, monarchial policy, and the principles of rational freedom. The -enrapturing beauties of liberty, and the hideous deformities of -tyranny, passed in review before his gigantic mind. In the designs -of creative wisdom he saw the equal rights of man and determined to -vindicate them. He at once took a bold stand in favour of his adopted -country. With an eagle’s flight he mounted the pinnacle of political -fame; with a statesman’s eye he calmly surveyed the mighty work to be -performed by Columbia’s sons. The plan of political regeneration and -independence stood approved by Heaven, and he resolved to lend his aid -in the glorious cause. Most nobly did he perform his part. - -From the commencement of the revolution he was a member of various -committees and conventions formed for the purpose of seeking redress -from the king, by _peaceable_ means if possible, by _forcible_ means if -it became necessary. He was a member of the Convention of New Jersey -that formed its republican constitution of 1776. On the 20th of June -of the same year, he was elected to the Continental Congress, and -advocated, by his powerful and eloquent reasoning, the declaration of -our rights, to which he affixed his name, appealing to his God for the -approval of the act, and to the world for the justice of the cause he -espoused. He was continued a member of that august body until 1782, -with the exception of one year, and contributed largely in shedding -lustre over its deliberations. With a mind and intelligence able to -grasp, comprehend, and expound the whole minutiæ of legislation -and government, he combined a patriotic devotion and holy zeal for -the interests of his bleeding country. His labours were incessant, -his industry was untiring, his perseverance was unyielding, and his -patriotism was as pure as the crystal fountain or pellucid stream. - -During the time he served in the legislative halls, he did not neglect -the higher honours of the vineyard of his Lord and Master. He was often -at the family altar, in the closet and in the pulpit; and was esteemed -as one of the most able, eloquent, and profound preachers of that -eventful period. He was one of the brightest ornaments of the religion -of Christ, and one of the strongest advocates of the cause of liberty. -As a speaker, he was listened to with deep interest; as a logical and -systematic debater he had few equals. His arguments were aposteriori, -apriori and afortiori; leading the mind from effect to cause, from -cause to effect, and deducing the stronger reasons. His memory was -remarkably retentive, his judgment acute, and his perceptions clear. -He was a member of the secret committee of Congress, the duties of -which were arduous and delicate. He was a member of the committee -appointed to co-operate with general Washington in replenishing and -regulating the army; of the committee of finance, and of various other -and important committees. Several eloquent appeals to the people from -Congress recommending special days to be set apart for public fasting -and prayer, were from his nervous and vigorous pen. The melting and -burning manifesto, protesting against the inhuman and barbarous -treatment of the American prisoners confined on board the filthy prison -ships at New York, was supposed to have been written by him. From -his mode of reflecting and reasoning, Dr. Witherspoon was prophetic -in pointing out the results of propositions laid before Congress, -and opposed all those that he believed would terminate unfavourably. -Against the emission of continental paper money he strongly -remonstrated. His predictions of its depreciation were soon verified. -In March, 1778, one dollar and three quarters of paper money were worth -but one silver dollar; one year from that time the rate was two for -one; in five months after it was eighteen for one; the next year it was -forty for one; shortly after, seventy-five for one; and in a few more -months, one hundred and fifty for one; and finally became worthless. - -Most of the measures he proposed when he commenced his career in -Congress were either then or subsequently adopted with success, -and those that he opposed unsuccessfully, terminated unfortunately -in almost every instance. So closely and deeply did he investigate -and probe every subject that came before him, that his powers of -penetration became proverbial. - -Whether in the halls of classic literature, the ecclesiastical courts, -or upon the floor of Congress, he was a shining light to those around -him. His literary, political, and theological writings was numerous, -of a high order, and are justly celebrated in Europe as well as in -this country. They exhibit a pleasing and rich variety of thought; a -strong and brilliant imagination; a luminous and flowing fancy; a keen -and sarcastic wit; a chaste and fascinating style; broad and liberal -views; philosophic and reasonable propositions; clear and convincing -conclusions; all softened and embalmed by heaven-born charity and -universal philanthropy. - -At the close of the session of Congress in 1779, he was induced to -resign his seat in consequence of his ill health, and a serious -affection of the nerves, producing dizziness, that sometimes suddenly -prostrated him. Being relieved from the more arduous duties of -superintending the college at Princeton by the vice president, the -Rev. Dr. Samuel Smith, his son-in-law, he sought the enjoyments of -retirement. These were allowed to him but a brief period. In a little -more than a year he was again elected to Congress, and when he finally -resigned in 1782, he was shortly after persuaded by the trustees of the -college, at the age of sixty, to embark for England for the purpose -of obtaining funds to aid the seminary over which he presided. His -exertions were laudable, but his mission unsuccessful. He opposed the -project as visionary before he started; he demonstrated the correctness -of his opinion when he returned in 1784. - -He then retired to his country seat about one mile from Princeton, -there to participate in the blessings of peace, of liberty, of -independence, and of fame, the golden fruits that had been richly -earned by years of peril and of toil. Surrounded by fond relatives -and devoted friends; enjoying the gratitude and praise of a nation of -freemen; his name immortalized as a civilian, a statesman, a patriot, a -scholar, and a divine, he could sit down beneath the bright mantle of a -pure conscience and an approving Heaven; and, through the bright vista -of the future, gaze upon a crown of enduring glory, prepared for him in -realms of bliss beyond the skies. He was peaceful and happy. - -In this manner he glided down the stream of life until the 15th of -November, 1794, when he fell asleep in the arms of his Lord and Master, -calm as a summer morning, serene as the etherial sky, welcoming the -messenger of death with a seraphic smile. His remains rest in the -church yard at Princeton. - -A review of the life of this great and good man, affords an instructive -lesson worthy to be engraven upon the heart of every reader. He was -endowed with all the qualities calculated to ennoble and dignify the -creature, and assimilate him to the Creator. His superior virtues -completely eclipsed his human frailties, and placed him on a lofty -eminence beyond the reach of envy, malice, or slander. His fame, in -all its varied and refulgent hues, spreads a lustre over his name that -will brighten and shine until the last death knell of liberty shall be -sounded, and social order shall be lost in the devouring whirlpool of -chaos. - -In all the relations of private and public life, he stood approved, -admired, and revered. Let us all endeavour to imitate his examples of -virtue, the crowning glory of talent, that our lives may be useful in -time, and our final exit tranquil and happy. - - - - -THOMAS LYNCH, JR. - - -Revolutionary struggles, predicated solely upon political ambition and -partisan principles, often produce the most bitter persecution between -those whose ties of consanguinity and friendship are seldom severed -by other incidents. To the credit of our nation, instances of this -kind were very rare during the struggle for American independence. In -the field of battle, sire and son fought shoulder to shoulder; in the -public assemblies, they united their eloquence in rousing the people to -action. - -A pleasing illustration of the mutual devotion of father and son to -the same glorious object, is found in the history of THOMAS LYNCH, -Jr., and his venerable parent. Their paternal ancestors were of -Austrian descent, and highly respectable. The branch of the family -from which the subject of the present sketch descended, removed to -Kent in England, from thence to Ireland, a son of which, Jonack Lynch, -emigrated from Connaught to South Carolina, in the early part of its -settlement. He was the great grandfather of Thomas Lynch, Jr., and -was a man of liberal views and of pure morality. Thomas Lynch, the -father of the subject of this brief narrative, was his youngest son, -and imbibed, at an early age, the patriotic feelings that rendered him -conspicuous at the commencement of the revolution. By his industry and -enterprise in agricultural pursuits he amassed a large fortune, and was -able and disposed to give this, his only son, a superior education. - -Thomas Lynch, Jr., was born upon the plantation of his father on -the bank of the North Santa river, in the parish of Prince George, -South Carolina, on the 5th of August, 1749. In early childhood he was -deprived of the maternal care of his fond mother, who was the daughter -of Mr. Alston, by relentless death. At a proper age he was placed at -the Indigo Society School, then in successful operation at Georgetown -in his native state, where some of the most eminent sages of the -southern colonies received their education. - -Warmed by the genial rays of the sun of science the germ of the -young mind of Thomas Lynch, Jr. soon burst from its embryo state, -and exhibited a pleasing and luxuriant growth. His progress in the -exploration of the fields of literature was creditable to himself -and highly gratifying to his indulgent parent and numerous friends. -So rapid was his improvement, that at the early age of thirteen, his -father placed him at the famous school at Eton, Buckinghamshire, -England, founded by Henry VI., where he commenced his classical -studies. After completing his course there, he was entered as a -gentleman commoner in the University of Cambridge, where he became a -finished scholar and an accomplished gentleman, esteemed and respected -by all who knew him. He then had his name entered in the Law Temple, -and made himself familiar with the elementary principles of legal -knowledge, and prepared himself thoroughly to act well his part through -future life. During his stay, he cultivated an extensive acquaintance -with the whigs of England, which gave him an opportunity of acquiring -a knowledge of the policy and designs of British ministers with regard -to the American colonies. He took a deep interest in the relative -situation of the two countries, and returned home in 1772, prepared -and determined to oppose the oppressions of the crown and strike for -LIBERTY. As the dark clouds of the revolution gathered in fearful -array, the firmness of his purposes increased. These were fostered and -encouraged by his patriotic father, and responded to by the people of -his parish. Hand in hand did the sire and son march to the rescue of -their country from the iron grasp of tyranny. - -The first attempt of Thomas Lynch, Jr., at public speaking, after -his return from Europe, was at a large town meeting at Charleston. -His father had just addressed the assembled multitude on the subject -of British oppression, amidst the enthusiastic cheers of his fellow -citizens. As he sat down his youthful son rose. A profound silence -ensued. A thousand eyes were turned upon him. For a moment he paused; -his eyes were fixed, his bosom heaved; the struggle was over, and a -strain of eloquence followed that carried the insulating fluid of -patriotism to the hearts of his astonished and delighted audience with -irresistible force. Tears of joy ran down the furrowed cheeks of his -father, and loud bursts of applause were shouted by the enraptured -assembly. - -When the final crisis for physical action arrived, Mr. Lynch was among -the first to offer his services. In July, 1775, he accepted of the -commission of captain, and repaired to Newbern, North Carolina, where -he unfurled the star spangled banner, and in a few weeks enlisted -the number of men required for his company. His father objected to -his acceptance of so low a commission, to whom his affectionate son -modestly replied, “My present command is fully equal to my experience;” -a reply worthy of the consideration of every young person who desires -to build his fame upon a substantial basis. If a man is suddenly placed -upon a towering eminence to which he is unaccustomed, the nerves of -his brain must be unusually strong if he does not grow dizzy, tremble, -totter, and fall. If he ascends gradually, and pauses at the different -points of altitude, he may reach the loftiest spire, preserve his -equilibrium and be safe. Sudden elevations are uniformly dangerous. On -his way to Charleston with his men, Captain Lynch was prostrated by -the bilious fever, brought on by the fatigues and exposures of his new -mode of life. From this attack he never entirely recovered. Towards the -close of the year he so far regained his health as to be able to join -his regiment. Soon after, he received intelligence of the dangerous -illness of his father, then a member of Congress at Philadelphia. -He immediately applied to Colonel Gadsden, his commanding officer, -for permission to visit him, which was peremptorily refused, on the -ground that the necessity for his services in the army was paramount -to all private considerations. This difficulty was unexpectedly -removed by his election to Congress, as the successor of his father, -by an unanimous vote of the assembly of his state. He received the -information with deep emotions of diffidence and gratitude. He promptly -repaired to his new and dignified station, and took his seat in the -Congress of 1776, composed of sages and statesmen whose combined -talents and wisdom have no parallel in ancient or modern history. On -his arrival at Philadelphia he found his father partially relieved from -his paralytic affection, and in August he attempted to return to South -Carolina, but only reached Annapolis, where he expired in the arms of -his son who was soon to follow him. - -On his entrance in the national legislature, Captain Lynch became a -bold and eloquent advocate of the Declaration of Independence, and -gained the reputation of being an able statesman and a firm patriot. -He most cheerfully and fearlessly affixed his name to the charter of -our rights, and did all in his power, and more than his feeble state -of health warranted, to promote the glorious cause of FREEDOM. He was -finally compelled to yield to increasing disease, and relinquish his -public duties. Medical skill proved unavailing, and by the advice of -his physicians he undertook a voyage to Europe, a change of climate -being the only thing that promised him relief. Near the close of the -year 1779, himself and lady sailed with Captain Morgan, whose vessel -was never heard from after she had been a few days at sea. The last -account of the unfortunate ship was from a Frenchman, who left her from -some cause unknown and went on board of another, shortly after which a -violent tempest arose and unquestionably sent her, with all on board, -to the bottom of the ocean. - -Previous to his embarking, Captain Lynch, having no issue, willed his -large estate to his three sisters in case of the death of himself and -wife. - -The private character of this worthy man was unsullied, and in -all respects amiable. Had his valuable life been spared, he would -undoubtedly have rendered his country eminent services, and maintained -an elevated rank among the patriots and sages of the eventful era he -saw so gloriously commenced. During his short career, he performed -enough to immortalize his name. Although his morning sun never reached -its meridian, its splendour contributed largely in illuminating the -horizon of LIBERTY, and shed a lustre over his memory enduring as time. - -The brief but brilliant career of THOMAS LYNCH, JR., admonishes us -that life is held by a slender tenure, and that high accomplishments, -like some rich flowers, often bloom just long enough to be admired -and revered, then withdraw their beauties from our enraptured sight -forever. - - - - -MATTHEW THORNTON. - - -In the sages of the American revolution, we recognise every variety of -character that ennobles man and confers upon him dignity and merit. To -rouse the people to a becoming sense of their inalienable and chartered -rights, and to induce them to rise in the majesty of their might -and vindicate them, was the first great business of the illustrious -patriots who boldly planned and nobly achieved American independence. -To effect this important object, all the varied forms and powers -of eloquence were necessary, from the mighty torrent of logic that -overwhelms, the keen sarcasm that withers, to the mild persuasion that -leads the heart a willing captive. - -The latter talent was pre-eminently possessed by MATTHEW THORNTON, -who was born in Ireland in 1714, and immigrated to this country with -his father, James Thornton, in 1717, who settled at Wiscasset, Maine. -This son received a good academical education, and was much admired -for his industry, correct deportment, and blandness of manners. After -completing his course at school, he commenced the study of medicine -with Dr. Grout, of Leicester, Massachusetts. He made rapid progress in -the acquisition of that important branch of science, and gave early -promise of future and extensive usefulness. When he became prepared -to enter upon the duties of his profession, he commenced practice in -Londonderry, New Hampshire, which was principally settled by immigrants -from his native country. He soon acquired a lucrative business, and the -confidence and esteem of his numerous patrons. - -In the expedition against Cape Breton, then belonging to the French, -he was appointed surgeon of the New Hampshire division of the invading -army, and performed his duty with great fidelity, skill, and credit. - -He was an early and prominent advocate of American rights—a bold and -uniform opposer to the usurpations of the British ministry. He had a -great opportunity to disseminate liberal principles among the people, -which did not pass unimproved. When the revolutionary storm burst upon -the colonies, he had command of a regiment of militia in Londonderry. -He also held the commission of justice of the peace, and had filled -various civil offices. His urbanity of manners, sincerity and honesty -of purpose, and uncommon powers of persuasion, gave him a rare and -salutary influence, both in private parties and public assemblies. - -He was appointed president of the first provincial convention of New -Hampshire, after the dissolution of the king’s government. The people -of that state, for a time, did not come up to the line marked out by -the patriots of Massachusetts, but Dr. Thornton, and other leading -men, soon brought them into the rank and file of opposition to the -invading foe, and redeemed them from the bonds of servitude and fear. -In 1774, they sent delegates to the Congress convened at Philadelphia, -and in December of that year, when they were apprised of the order -of the king in council prohibiting the exportation of gunpowder, the -committee of safety in the town of Portsmouth collected a body of men, -who, before the governor was apprised of their intention, seized upon -the fort and carried off one hundred barrels of that then important -commodity. - -Soon after the flight of Governor Wentworth upon receiving the -intelligence of the battle of Lexington, an address was prepared by -a committee of the provincial convention, of which Dr. Thornton was -president, which was published over his signature. To the young reader -this may seem unimportant, until it is known it was full evidence to -convict him of high treason, and would have doomed him to the scaffold -had he fallen into the hands of his enemies. Hence, the patriotism and -boldness of the act. - -The address was couched in strong and feeling terms, well calculated -to produce the intended effect. The following extract is a fair sample -of the whole: “You must all be sensible that the affairs of America -have at length come to an affecting crisis. The horrors and distresses -of a civil war, which, till of late, we only had in contemplation, we -now find ourselves obliged to realize. Painful, beyond expression, -have been those scenes of blood and devastation which the barbarous -cruelty of British troops have placed before our eyes. Duty to God, -to ourselves, to posterity, enforced by the cries of slaughtered -innocents, have urged us to take up arms in our own defence. Such a day -as this was never before known either to us or to our fathers. We would -therefore recommend to the colony at large to cultivate that christian -union, harmony, and tender affection which is the only foundation upon -which our invaluable privileges can rest with any security, or our -public measures be pursued with the least prospect of success.” - -On the 10th of January, 1776, Dr. Thornton was appointed a Judge of -the Superior Court of New Hampshire, and on the 12th of September he -was elected a member of the Continental Congress, and when he took -his seat affixed his name to the Declaration of Independence. For -those who are not correctly informed upon the subject it is natural -to suppose that the signers of the chart of our liberty were present -on the memorable 4th of July when it was adopted. This was not the -case. Messrs. Franklin, Rush, Clymer, Wilson, Ross, and Taylor, as in -the case of Dr. Thornton, were not members on that day. Nor does the -name of Thomas M’Kean appear upon the printed records of Congress, -although he was present and signed on the 4th of July; and the name of -Henry Wisner, a delegate from Orange county, New York, who signed the -original manuscript of the declaration on the day it was adopted, has -never been properly recognised. These errors were undoubtedly clerical, -not intentional. Mr. Wisner was a highly respectable member, and a pure -and zealous patriot. - -Dr. Thornton discharged the duties of his important station ably and -faithfully until his services were required upon the bench. On the 24th -of December of the same year, he was again elected to Congress, and -served until the 23d of January, 1777, when he retired finally from the -national legislature, highly esteemed by all his associates, enjoying -the full confidence and gratitude of his constituents, and the proud -satisfaction of having performed his duty towards his country. For six -years he served on the bench of the Superior Court, and was also Chief -Justice of the Common Pleas; the combined duties of which rendered his -task arduous. In 1779, he removed to Exeter, and the following year -purchased a plantation upon the banks of the Merrimack river, where -he sought that repose that his advanced age required. His friends, -however, were not willing to excuse him from acting in public concerns, -and induced him to serve as a member of the general court, and also in -the state senate during the war, and for two years after its close. -On the 25th of January, 1784, he was appointed a justice of the peace -and quorum throughout the state, which was an important office under -the original constitution of the state, but which was abolished in -part, and abridged in jurisdiction, by the amendments of 1792. This he -held to the day of his final retirement from all public duties; and, -after 1785, he took no part in the politics of the day, but continued -to afford salutary counsel on all important matters relative to the -public weal, about which he was often consulted. During the controversy -between his state and Vermont concerning a portion of disputed -territory, he wrote several letters to those in power, urging the -necessity of conciliatory measures, and an unconditional submission to -the decision of Congress in the premises. They were highly creditable -to him as an able patriot, a good writer, and a discreet man. - -DR. THORNTON was one of the most fascinating and agreeable men of -his age. He was seldom known to smile, but was uniformly cheerful, -entertaining, and instructive; similar, in many respects, to the -illustrious Franklin. His mind was stored with a rich variety of useful -and practical knowledge, which rendered him an interesting companion. -He sustained an unblemished private reputation, and discharged all the -social relations of life with fidelity and faithfulness. He was opposed -to sectarian religion, belonged to no church, but was devoutly pious -and a constant attendant of public worship. He was a kind husband, -an affectionate father, and a good neighbour. He was very exact in -collecting his dues, by some thought too severe, and was rigidly -scrupulous in liquidating every farthing he owed. He was a large portly -man, over six feet in height, well proportioned, with an expressive -countenance, enlivened by keen and penetrating black eyes. He died at -Newburyport, Massachusetts, on the 24th of June, 1803, whilst visiting -his daughter. His remains were conveyed to New Hampshire, and deposited -near Thornton’s Ferry, on the bank of the Merrimack, where a neat -marble slab rests over his dust, with this laconic and significant -epitaph— - - “MATTHEW THORNTON, - - AN HONEST MAN.” - - - - -WILLIAM FLOYD. - - -Private virtue and undisguised sincerity were marked characteristics -of the revolutionary patriots. They were actuated by pure and honest -motives, and not by wild ambition and political phrenzy. Noisy -partisans and intriguing demagogues were not the favourites of the -people during the war of independence. The man of genuine worth and -modest merit was the one whom they delighted to honour and trust. - -In the character of WILLIAM FLOYD these qualities were happily blended. -He was a native of Suffolk, Long Island, in the state of New York, -born on the 17th of December, 1734. His grandfather, Richard Floyd, -immigrated from Wales in 1680, and settled at Setauket, Long Island. -During his childhood he was remarkable for frankness and truth, and -for amiableness of disposition and urbanity of manners. He was an -industrious student, and acquired a liberal education. During the -prosecution of his studies, he preserved his health in its full vigour, -by devoting a short period almost, daily to the use of his gun, in -pursuit of game, the only diversion to which he was ardently attached. -This exercise gave his system a healthy tone, and enabled him to -master his lessons with more accuracy than some who confine themselves -exclusively to their rooms, and become debilitated for the want of -physical action. Upon the health of the body the improvement of the -juvenile mind very much depends—exercise in the open air should not be -neglected. - -The father of William M’Nicoll Floyd died before this son arrived -at his majority, and left him an ample fortune. He managed it with -prudence and economy, and when his country was doomed to pass through -the fiery furnace of a revolution, he was one of the most opulent -and influential men on Long Island. From his youth he had been the -advocate of liberal principles, and opposed to the innovations of the -British ministry, upon the chartered rights of the American colonies. -As oppression increased, his patriotic feelings were more frequently -and freely expressed, and when the Congress of 1774 convened at -Philadelphia, he was an active and zealous member. By his uniform -candour and purity of purpose, he gained the unlimited confidence of -his constituents and of his country. His cool deliberation and calm -deportment, under all circumstances, were well calculated to preserve -an equilibrium among those of a more fiery temperament and of more -rashness in action. The Congress of 1774 was remarkable for clear and -unanswerable argument, calm and learned discussion, wise and judicious -plans, and reasonable but firm purposes. The course pursued operated -powerfully and favourably upon the minds of reflecting men, whose -influence it was important to obtain and secure. - -Mr. Floyd also had command of the militia of his native county, and -when the British attempted to land at Gardner’s Bay, promptly assembled -them, and repelled the invading foe. In 1775 he was again chosen a -representative in Congress, and became one of its active and efficient -members. He was emphatically a working man, and engaged constantly -on important committee duties. During his absence at Philadelphia, -the British obtained possession of Long Island, and forced his family -to flee for their safety to Connecticut. His property was materially -injured by the enemy, and his mansion-house converted into a military -barrack, for the accommodation of the invaders of his country. For -seven years he was deprived of all resources from his plantation, -and was dependant upon his friends for the protection of his family. -The year following he was again elected to a seat in the Continental -Congress, and had the satisfaction of affixing his name to the -declaration of independence, which he had advocated from its incipient -stages to the time of its adoption. In 1777 he was elected to the -first senate of the state of New York, convened under the new order -of things. He immediately became a prominent and leading member, and -rendered important services in forming a code of republican laws for -the future government of the empire state, carefully guarding the -rights of person and property inviolate. - -In January, 1779, he again took his seat in the Continental Congress, -and entered upon the duties of his station with the utmost vigour and -industry. On the 24th of the ensuing August, he resumed his station in -the senate of his native state. Much important business was before the -legislature, requiring wisdom, energy, and unity of action. To devise -some plan of relief from a depreciated currency and a prostrate credit, -was an important item. Mr. Floyd was at the head of a joint committee -appointed for this purpose, and reported a plan that proved him to be -an able financier and a man of deep thought and investigation. It was -predicated upon a gradual and just system of taxation, to be carried -into effect by responsible and honest agents, with good and sufficient -sureties for the payment of all monies collected to the proper -officer—the state treasurer. In October of that year, Mr. Floyd, Ezra -L’Hommedieu, and John Loss were appointed by the New York legislature -delegates to a convention of the eastern states convened for the -purpose of devising some system by which supplies of provisions could -be more readily obtained and preserved from the grasp of avaricious -monopolists. - -Immediately after the discharge of the duties assigned him, he again -took his seat in Congress. On the third of December he was elected one -of the board of admiralty, and on the thirteenth of the same month a -member of the treasury board. By incessant application to the various -duties that devolved upon him, his health became impaired, and in -April following he obtained leave of absence. In June he repaired to -the senate of New York, and was immediately appointed upon a joint -committee to act upon resolutions of Congress, involving the important -relations between the state and general government. He opposed, -unsuccessfully, the plan of making bills of credit a legal tender, -but had the pleasure in after life of seeing the principles he then -advocated sanctioned and adopted. - -In September he was appointed upon a committee of the senate to prepare -a reply to the message of the governor. To effect a proper organization -of the general government, was the anxious desire of the state -legislatures. To confer upon Congress all necessary powers, strictly -defined and plain to be understood, was considered the only safe policy -to insure future safety. To this important subject the governor had -drawn the particular attention of the members. The committee reported -several resolutions on this point, which were adopted and forwarded -for the consideration of the national legislature. They recommended -the enactment of laws that should produce an equal responsibility -upon each of the states to bear its _pro rata_ proportion of the -burden of the war, in the way and manner that should be devised by -the general government. In 1780 he was again returned to Congress. -In addition to the usual duties, he was instructed by an act of the -legislature, together with the other members from New York, to obtain -a settlement of the claims of his native state, and those of New -Hampshire, to the territory now comprising the state of Vermont. This -was a vexed question that required much industry and wisdom to manage. -These were eminently possessed by Mr. Floyd, who, on that occasion, -as upon all others, discharged his duties to the entire satisfaction -of his constituents. He also, during the same session, introduced a -resolution for the cession of the western territories to the United -States. He also nominated, on the 10th of August, Robert L. Livingston -as secretary of foreign affairs, who was immediately appointed to that -important station. - -In addition to serving in the senate of his own state, more or less -every year, he continued an active member of Congress until 1783, when -he joined in the general joy of triumphant victory and heart-cheering -peace, and was once more permitted to return and take possession of the -ruins of his once flourishing plantation, amidst the congratulation -of his numerous friends, all animated by the resplendent glories of -LIBERTY. In order that he might repair his private fortune, he declined -the urgent request of his constituents to consent to a re-election to -Congress. He however continued to serve in the senate of his native -state until 1788, when he was returned a member of the first Congress -under the federal constitution. Worn out in the service of his country, -he retired at the end of his term from the public arena, and once more -entered upon the enjoyments of domestic bliss. - -Being possessed of a large tract of valuable land upon the banks -of the Mohawk river, then a dense wilderness, he commenced gradual -improvements upon it, and in 1803 took up his final residence there. -His friends often urged him to again become a member of the national -legislature, but he declined entering upon any laborious public duties, -except serving the district to which he removed one term in the state -senate, and also of serving as a member of the convention of 1801, to -revise the constitution of New York. He was four times a member of -the electoral college of his state for the election of president and -vice-president, and in 1800 he travelled two hundred miles to give his -vote for his old companion and friend, Thomas Jefferson, in the dreary -month of December. - -He continued to improve his new plantation until he saw the wilderness -blossom as the rose, and his mansion surrounded by happy neighbours, -all basking in the clear sunshine of that freedom he had been -instrumental in acquiring. Envy was a stranger to his philanthropic -and patriotic bosom; he rejoiced in the happiness of the whole human -family; he delighted in the prosperity of all around him. - -In all things he was a practical man, free from pomp and vanity, and -systematic in all his proceedings. When his purposes were formed, he -prosecuted them with an unyielding energy that was seldom arrested -or thwarted. He was possessed of a clear head, a strong mind, a good -heart, a vigorous and sound judgment, matured by long experience and -a close observation of men and things. He spoke but little in public -assemblies, and rarely entered into debate. Happy would it be for our -country if we had more men like William Floyd at the present day, -instead of so many who _talk_ more than they _work_. Long speeches hang -like an incubus over our legislatures, and those who feel disposed, are -prevented by them from doing the business of the people promptly. - -In all the private relations of life William Floyd presented a model -as worthy of imitation as that of his public career. He was warm in -his friendships, and most scrupulously honest in all his transactions. -His feelings and morals were of a refined cast, and the most rigid -integrity marked his every action. He thought and acted for himself, -and left others to do the same. He marked out his path of duty from the -reflections of his own mind, and pursued it steadily and fearlessly. -For more than fifty years he enjoyed the full fruition of popular -favours, and only one year before his death was elected a member of the -electoral college. His physical powers were remarkable until a short -time before his last illness. He was a man of middle size, well formed, -and of easy deportment. He was dignified in his general appearance, and -affable in his manners. For the last two years of his life his health -was partially impaired, and on the 1st of August, 1821, he was seized -with general debility, and on the fourth day he folded his arms calmly, -closed his eyes peacefully, and met the cold embrace of death with the -fortitude of a sage, a patriot, and a Christian. Although general Floyd -did not possess the Ciceronian eloquence of an Adams, a Jefferson, or -a Henry, he was one of the most useful men of his day and generation. -His examples and his labours shed a lustre over his character, as rich -and as enduring as the fame of those who shone conspicuously in the -forum. He was an important link in the golden chain of liberty, and -was so esteemed by all his associates in Congress. The working man was -then properly appreciated. The most powerful orators of that eventful -era were concise and laconic. Long speeches were as uncommon as they -are now pernicious and unnecessary. The business of our nation was -performed promptly, expeditiously, effectually, and economically. Let -us imitate the examples of the patriots of the times that tried their -souls, and preserve, in its native purity, the rich boon of liberty -they have transmitted to us. Let us emulate the virtues of general -WILLIAM FLOYD, and we shall be highly esteemed in life, deeply mourned -in death, and our names will survive, on the tablet of enduring fame, -through the revolutions of time. - - - - -WILLIAM WHIPPLE. - - -A common error that has gained credence among mankind, consists in a -belief that to obtain a sufficient share of knowledge to enable a man -to appear advantageously upon the theatre of public action, he must -spend his youthful days within the walls of some celebrated seminary -of learning. In the view of many, it is necessary for a young man to -commence his career under the high floating banner of a collegiate -diploma in order to ensure future fame. - -That a refined classical education is a desirable and high -accomplishment, I admit; that it is indispensably necessary, and always -renders a man more useful, I deny. The man who has been incarcerated -from his childhood up to his majority within the limited circumference -of his school-room and boarding-house, although he may have mastered -all the sciences of the books, cannot have acquired that knowledge of -men and things necessary to prepare him for action in private or public -life. Polite literature is _one_ thing, useful knowledge, fit for every -day use, is _another_, and of vital importance. By proper application -a man may obtain both, and that without entering college. The field -is open to all, especially under a republican form of government. -Franklin and Sherman, both humble mechanics, became finished scholars -and profound philosophers without the aid of collegiate professors. -I do not design to deteriorate the usefulness of high seminaries of -learning, but to stimulate those who have native talent and cannot -enjoy their advantages, to imitate the examples of those who have risen -to high stations of honour and distinction by the force of their own -exertions, unaided by these dazzling lights. - -Among the self taught men of our country the name of WILLIAM WHIPPLE -stands conspicuous. He was the eldest son of William Whipple, and born -at Kittery, Maine, in 1730. He was educated in a common English school, -where he was taught reading, writing, arithmetic, and navigation. -These branches he mastered at an early age, and was then entered as a -cabin boy on board of a merchant vessel, which was in accordance with -the wishes of his father and his own inclination. Before he arrived -at the age of twenty-one years, he rose to the station of captain and -made several successful voyages to Europe. Some writers have attempted -to cast a stigma upon his character at that era of his life, because, -in a few instances, he participated in the slave trade. If they -will learn the general feeling that pervaded the minds of a large -proportion of the civilized community at that time upon this subject, -their anathemas will vanish in thin air. The trade was then sanctioned -by the king of Great Britain, under whose government captain Whipple -acted, and, according to the English law, _the king can do no harm_. -The correctness of the principle was not then disputed or agitated -generally, and the trade was ingrafted in the commercial policy of the -mother country. That Captain Whipple became convinced upon reflection -of the unjustness and barbarity of the traffic, fully appears from his -subsequent acts. At the commencement of the revolution he manumitted -the only slave he owned, who adhered to his old master during the war, -and fought bravely for our liberties. If every man is to be condemned -for the errors of youth, whose riper years are crowned with virtue, the -list of fame will be robbed of many bright constellations. - -In 1759, captain Whipple relinquished his oceanic pursuits, and -commenced the mercantile business in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. He -also married Miss Catharine Moffat, and entered upon a new scene -of life. During his numerous voyages he had become celebrated as a -skilful navigator and a judicious commanding officer. He had carefully -treasured a large fund of useful knowledge by close observation, -attentive reading, and by mingling, when in port, with none but -intelligent and good company. He had listened, both in England and -America, to the unwarranted pretensions of the former, and the -increasing complaints of the latter. He had made himself familiar with -the chartered rights of his own country, and with the usurpations of -the crown over his fellow citizens. He was prepared to take a bold -stand in favour of freedom. He took a conspicuous part in public -meetings, and was chosen one of the committee of safety. He rose -rapidly in public estimation, and the former cabin boy became a leading -patriot. In January, 1775, he represented Portsmouth in the Provincial -Congress, convened at Exeter, for the purpose of choosing delegates for -the Continental Congress. On the 6th of January of the following year -he was chosen a member of the provincial council of New Hampshire, and -on the 23d of the same month, a delegate to the national legislature -at Philadelphia, of which he continued a distinguished, active, and -useful member, until the middle of September, 1779. He was present at -the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, and affixed his name -to that sacred and bold instrument with the same fearless calmness with -which he would have signed a bill of lading. - -He was emphatically a working man, and from his extensive knowledge of -business, rendered himself highly useful on committees. As a member of -the marine and commercial committees, his practical knowledge gave him -a superiority over his colleagues. He was also appointed one of the -superintendents of the commissary and quartermaster department, and did -much towards correcting abuses and checking peculation. He was untiring -in his industry, ardent in his zeal, philosophic in his views, pure in -his purposes, and strong in his patriotism. When he finally retired -from Congress to serve his country in another and more perilous sphere, -he carried with him the esteem and approbation of all his co-workers -in the glorious cause of liberty. On his return to his constituents he -was hailed as a SAGE, a PATRIOT, and a HERO. - -In 1777 he had received the appointment of brigadier-general, and was -put in command of the first brigade of the provincial troops of New -Hampshire, acting in concert with General Stark, who commanded the -other. At that time General Burgoyne was on the flood tide of his -military glory in the north, spreading consternation far and wide. -He was first checked in his triumphant career by General Stark, at -Bennington, Vermont. General Whipple, about the same time, joined -General Gates with his brigade, and was in the bloody battles of -Stillwater and Saratoga, where the palm of victory was attributed in a -great measure to the troops under his command. In the consummation of -the brilliant victory over the British army under Burgoyne, which shed -fresh lustre on the American arms, General Whipple contributed largely. -Colonel Wilkinson and he were the officers who arranged and signed -the articles of capitulation between the two commanders. He was also -selected as one of the officers to conduct the conquered foe to Winter -Hill, near Boston. His faithful negro, whom he manumitted at that time, -participated in all the perils of his old master, and seemed as much -elated with the victory as if he had been the commander-in-chief. - -In 1778, General Whipple was with General Sullivan at the siege of -Newport, which was necessarily abandoned in consequence of the failure -of the anticipated co-operation of the French fleet under Count -D’Estaing, which was unexpectedly injured in a gale of wind. A safe and -fortunate retreat was effected in the night, which saved that portion -of the American army from total destruction. - -In 1780 General Whipple was appointed a commissioner of the board of -admiralty by Congress, which honour he did not accept, preferring to -serve in the legislature of his own state, to which he had just been -elected, and in which he continued for a number of years. - -In 1782 he was appointed by Robert Morris financial receiver for the -state of New Hampshire, which conferred upon him the highest eulogium -for integrity and honesty. The office was arduous, unpopular, and -irksome, but he performed its duties faithfully until the 2nd of -July, 1784, when he resigned. In conjunction with the many honourable -stations he filled, he was appointed a judge of the superior court -on the 20th of June, 1782, and on the 25th of December, 1784, was -appointed a justice of the peace and quorum throughout the state, -which offices he held to the day of his death. He was also one of -the commissioners on the behalf of Connecticut, who met at Trenton -to settle the unpleasant controversy between that state and the -commonwealth of Pennsylvania, relative to the lands in Wyoming valley. -In all the multiform public duties that devolved upon him, he acquitted -himself nobly, and retained, to his last moments, the entire confidence -of his country. He possessed a strong and analyzing mind, a clear head, -a good heart, and deep penetration of thought. In all the relations of -private and public life, from the cabin boy up to the lofty pinnacle -of fame on which he perched, he maintained a reputation pure as the -virgin sheet. During the latter part of his life, he suffered much -from disease in his chest, which terminated his useful and patriotic -career on the 28th of November, 1785. Agreeably to his request before -his death, his body underwent a post-mortem examination. His heart was -found ossified; the valves were united to the aorta, and an aperture, -not larger than a knitting needle, was all that remained for the -passage of the blood in its circulation. This accounted for his having -often fainted when any sudden emotion excited a rapid flow of his life -stream. - - - - -FRANCIS HOPKINSON, ESQ. - - -Times of high excitement, terminating in an important crisis, big with -interests and events, tend greatly to the developement of character and -talent. Thus, during the revolution, many talents were brought to light -and action, that a supremacy of kingly power would have crushed in -embryo, and left them to perish, unseen and unknown. - -Amongst the actors on that memorable stage we find a variety of -characters, showing the powers of mind in all their varied forms and -shades, from the sedate and grave Washington, to the sprightly and -witty Hopkinson, and the pithy and original Franklin. - -FRANCIS HOPKINSON was the son of Thomas Hopkinson, of Philadelphia, -born in 1737. His father was a man of superior talents and high -attainments, his mother was one of the best of Heaven’s gifts. At the -age of fourteen, death robbed Francis of his father, and left his -mother to struggle, with limited means, with all the accumulating -difficulties of maintaining and educating a large family of fatherless -children. - -Under her guidance and instruction, young Francis soon evinced talents -that promised well for him and his country. She used every exertion -to improve his education, depriving herself of all the luxuries, and -many of the comforts of life, to advance the interests of her children. -Being a devoted Christian, she took peculiar care and delight in -planting deep the purest principles of virtue, guarding their minds -against all the avenues of vice and sin. She taught them the design of -their creation, the duty they owed to their God and fellow men, and -that to be truly _happy_, they must be truly _good_. The foundation -being thus firmly laid, she placed her favourite son, the future hope -of her family, at the University of Pennsylvania, where he completed -his studies and graduated. He then commenced a successful study -of law under Benjamin Chew, Esq., and became a close and thorough -student, making great proficiency in his judicial acquirements. He -possessed a brilliant and flowing fancy, a lively imagination, a -captivating manner, and was partial to polite literature as well as -the more solid sciences. He was fond of poetry, music, and painting. -He excelled in humorous satire, keen as that of his prototype Swift. -Fortunately, these talents were made to subserve, pre-eminently, the -cause of patriotism, science and philanthropy—the consequent result of -deep-rooted morality. - -In 1765, he visited London, where he continued two years, making -himself acquainted with the feelings and designs of the British -parliament towards the Colonies, who had already began to feel -oppression. - -On his return he married the amiable Miss Ann Borden, of Bordentown, -N. J.; and soon found himself surrounded by all the accumulating cares -of a rising family. In rearing his children, his mind was often carried -back to the manner his venerable and esteemed mother had instructed him -during his childhood. He could adopt no better plan or find no brighter -example to follow. But the comforts of “sweet home” were soon to be -interrupted. His country needed his services, which were cheerfully and -promptly rendered. He was among its warmest and most zealous patriots. -It was for him to do much in opening the eyes of the great mass of the -people to a just sense of the injuries inflicted by the mother country. -This he did by various publications, written in a style so fascinating -and humorous as to be universally read; painting, in true and glowing -colours, the injustice of the crown and the rights of the colonists. -His Pretty Story—his Letters to James Rivington—his Epistle to Lord -Howe—his two Letters by a Tory—his translation of a Letter written -by a Foreigner—his Political Catechism—and the New Roof, were all -productions of taste and merit, and were of vast importance in rousing -the people to a vindication of their rights and the achievement of -their liberties. - -During the administration of Governor Dickinson, political dissensions -and party spirit spread their mountain waves over Pennsylvania, -threatening to destroy the fair fabric of her new government. The pen -of Mr. Hopkinson was again instrumental in restoring order. In an -essay, called “A full and true account of a violent uproar which lately -happened in a very eminent family,” he exposed the factious partizans -to such keen and severe ridicule, that they threw down the weapons -of their rebellion much sooner than if a thousand bayonets had been -pointed at their breasts. - -He was among the first delegates elected to the Continental -Congress, and most cheerfully and fearlessly recorded his name on -that declaration which has proved a consolation to the friends of -FREEDOM, but a Boanerges to the enemies of LIBERTY. Always cheerful -and sprightly, he contributed much in dispelling the gloom that -often pervaded the minds of his colleagues in the midst of disaster -and defeat. He knew the cause was righteous—he believed that Heaven -would crown it with triumphant victory and ultimate success. He had -sacrificed a lucrative situation in the loan office, held under the -crown, at the shrine of liberty; he had embarked his fortune, his -life, and his sacred honour, in defence of his country—and, with all -his humour and wit, he was firm and determined as a gladiator. With -the fancy of a poet, he united the soundness of a sage; with the wit -of a humorist, he united the sagacity of a politician. He succeeded -George Ross as Judge of the Admiralty court, and was subsequently one -of the United States District Judges; and was highly esteemed for his -judicial knowledge, impartial justice, and correct decisions.—He filled -every station in which he was placed with credit, honour, and dignity. -He continued to contribute, by his writings, much towards correcting -the morals of society, by ridiculing its evils and abuses—Sarcasm and -satire, properly timed, and guided by a sound discretion, are the most -powerful and cutting instruments ever wielded by man. Their smart upon -the mind is like cantharides upon the skin, but often requires a more -powerful remedy to heal it. The wit of Mr. Hopkinson was of a noble -cast, flowing from a rich and chaste imagination, never violating the -rules of propriety, always confined within the pale of modesty, but -keen as a Damascus blade. He was an admirer of sound common sense, and -a zealous advocate of common school education. He appreciated correctly -the bone and sinew of our country, and knew well that the perpetuity -of our liberties depends more upon the general diffusion of _useful_ -knowledge, fit for _every_ day use in the various business concerns of -life, than upon the high-toned literature of colleges and universities. -He admired the industrious tradesman; he respected the honest farmer. -In the yeomanry of the soil and inmates of shops, he saw the defenders -of our country. MR. HOPKINSON was like some rare flowers, that, while -they please by their beauty, they possess powerful qualities to -alleviate distress and impart comfort. He was amiable and urbane in -his manners; open and generous in his feelings; noble and liberal in -his views; charitable and benevolent in his purposes; an agreeable and -pleasant companion; a kind and faithful husband; an affectionate and -tender parent; a stern and inflexible patriot; a consistent and active -citizen; a valuable and honest man. - -His career was closed suddenly and prematurely by an apoplectic fit, -on the 9th of May, 1791, in the 53d year of his age, and in the midst -of his usefulness. He left a widow, two sons, and three daughters, to -mourn his untimely end, and their irreparable loss. - - - - -JOSIAH BARTLETT. - - -The profession of medicine in the hands of a skilful, honest, -judicious, upright, and accomplished man, is one of the richest -blessings in community, and one of the most honourable employments. -Over his acquaintances, the influence of “the Doctor” is greater, -when we include all classes, than that of any other profession; -consequently, in the cause they espouse, physicians can wield an -influence more powerful than many imagine. It is with pleasure I -remark, that among the signers of the Declaration of Independence we -find a goodly number from this highly honourable and useful profession. - -Among them was Dr. JOSIAH BARTLETT, who was the son of Stephen -Bartlett, of Amesburg, Massachusetts. Josiah was born in November, -1729. He early manifested a strong and vigorous mind, which was -cultivated by an academical education. Possessing a retentive memory, -he acquired the Latin and Greek languages, and finished the course -assigned him at the early age of sixteen. He then commenced the study -of medicine under Dr. Ordway, and pursued it assiduously for five -years. He then commenced a successful practice at Kingston, where he -soon became generally and favourably known and highly esteemed. Two -years after he commenced his professional career, he was reduced so -low with a fever that his physician gave up all hopes of his recovery. -By an experiment of his own his life was saved. He induced those -who were attending upon him to furnish him with cider, small and -frequent quantities of which he took, a perspiration ensued, the fever -was checked, and he recovered. From this time forward, he closely -watched in his patients the operations and wants of nature, and often -successfully deviated from the stubborn rules that were laid down in -books written in other countries and climates. With a physician of an -acute and discerning judgment, matured by skill and experience, this -practice is safe. Dr. Bartlett was the first who discovered, in that -section of country, that the _angina maligna tonsillaris_, or canker, -was _putrid_, instead of _inflammatory_, and the first who administered -the successful remedy of Peruvian bark for this disease. He also -introduced the successful practice of using antiphlogistic remedies for -the _cynanche maligna_, or sore throat; by which disease hundreds of -children were suddenly torn from the arms of their fond parents, three -or four being frequently buried in one grave from the same family. -Under the skilful hands of Dr. Bartlett this disease was checked in its -career. - -Enjoying the unlimited confidence of his numerous acquaintances he was -promoted to several important stations, both civil and military, under -Governor Wentworth, discharging his duty with ability and approbation. -In 1765 he was elected to the legislature of New Hampshire, where -he soon became prominent from his steady and firm opposition to the -infringements of the crown upon the rights of the colonists. Republican -in all his views and feelings, he watched, with an eagle eye, the -movements of the British ministry and the royalists around him. In -granting charters to towns, the royal governors had uniformly reserved -to themselves, and for the use of episcopal churches, the _cream_ of -the location. This injustice roused the indignation of the advocates -of justice and equal rights, among whom Dr. Bartlett stood in the -foremost rank. The burdens of taxation by the mother country were -also severely felt and strenuously resisted. In effecting their early -settlements, the colonists had been left unaided and unprotected to -struggle with the stubborn wilderness and cruel savage. They were now -unwilling to allow themselves to be stripped of their hard earnings to -gratify the extravagant luxuries and avarice of the creatures of the -crown. Resistance was natural—it was right. Taxation and representation -are inseparable principles; without the one the other should not, -cannot exist with an enlightened people. Power is not always a -creature of justice, and often adopts the principle that “might makes -right.” Upon this corrupt and sandy foundation the British ministry -based their conduct towards the colonies. Starting upon these false -premises, their harsh measures recoiled upon them with a force that -levelled their superstructure to the dust. For a time the cords of -oppression were partially slackened, the stamp act was repealed, a -spirit of conciliation seemed to pervade the heart of the king, but -his old preceptor, lord Bute, in conjunction with lord North, soon -induced him to sanction measures more oppressive and arbitrary than -those previously complained of. The tax on tea was received with more -indignation than the stamp act, and the popular rage soon rose to a -foaming fury. - -Governor Wentworth thought to secure Dr. Bartlett by appointing -him a member of the judiciary; but he could not be seduced by any -trappings from the crown, and continued to oppose the innovations of -the royalists. The minority in the legislature, to which the doctor -belonged, was fast increasing, and to prevent a majority against his -own views, the governor obtained the king’s writ for three new members -from townships not entitled to an additional representation. This -act of injustice disgusted many of the members who had not espoused -the cause of liberal principles, and determined them to enlist under -the banner of freedom. Opposition grew bolder under every act of -oppression; private meetings were held, committees of correspondence -and safety were appointed, a concert of feeling was produced through -most of the colonies, and plans of resistance were rapidly taking -the place of petitions to the king. Governor Wentworth several times -dissolved the assembly at the commencement of its sessions, until he -so exasperated the members and people as to virtually dissolve his -own authority, and was obliged to seek safety on board the man-of-war -Forney. The three new members had been expelled from the legislative -body, a warfare commenced between the adherents of the crown and the -friends of equal rights; Dr. Bartlett and others were deprived of all -authority within the control of the governor, the line of demarcation -was drawn, and the tocsin of war was sounded. - -Dr. Bartlett was one of the members elected by the eighty-five -delegates convened for the purpose at Exeter, on the first of July, -1774, to meet the general Congress at Philadelphia. In consequence of -the recent destruction of his house by fire he was compelled to decline -the appointment at that time, but in September of the year following he -took his seat in that patriotic body. Simultaneous with his election to -Congress, he was appointed to the command of a regiment of provincial -troops. In Congress he performed his duties with great zeal, industry, -and ability. He was uniformly placed on the most important committees, -whose duties occupied their time until a late hour at night. Congress -met at nine in the morning, and sat until four in the afternoon. After -this hour the arduous duties of the committees were performed. When we -contemplate the labours of the Continental Congress, surrounded as they -were by difficulties on every side, a tremendous storm bursting over -their heads, retreating from place to place before a victorious foe; -their country bleeding at every pore, without resources, their army -almost annihilated, the only rational conclusion to be drawn how they -were sustained is derived from the fact, that many of its members were -consistent and devoted Christians, firmly relying upon Him who rules -the destinies of nations to support them and crown their efforts with -victory and success. Nor did they trust in vain. - -In 1776, Dr. Bartlett was again elected to Congress and took a -conspicuous part in the discussion of separating from the mother -country. Amongst the patriots there were many who doubted the propriety -of this determination in consequence of their weakness. A concert of -feeling was eventually produced and a decided majority declared in -favour of emancipation. On the fourth of July the final question was -put to each member. Commencing with the most northern colony, Dr. -Bartlett was the first who was called. Firmly relying on the justice of -the cause, with his eyes raised to heaven, he responded YEA and AMEN; -and laid the first stone in the base of the fair fabric of liberty, -now towering in majesty over our happy land. Next to the president, -the venerable John Hancock, Dr. Bartlett was the first who signed -that invaluable instrument which gave our nation birth, and at one -bold effort burst the chains of slavery and dissolved the power that -had been swayed, with an iron hand, over the oppressed and bleeding -colonies. - -Worn down with the fatigue of arduous duties, Dr. Bartlett found his -health declining and was not able to take his seat in Congress after -the close of this session, until 1778. He was, however, enabled to -be useful to his native state in her civil departments, and also -aided greatly in raising troops for the northern army. When Congress -assembled at York Town Dr. Bartlett again resumed his seat. Although -re-elected to the succeeding term, this was the last of his attendance -in that body. His domestic concerns had suffered from his absence -in the public service, and he obtained leave to remain at home. His -services were immediately required by his fellow citizens of New -Hampshire. He was appointed chief justice of the common pleas and -muster master of the troops, then enlisting for the continental -service. In 1782 he was appointed a justice of the superior court, and -six years after, chief justice. - -The usefulness of Dr. Bartlett did not close with the war. Although -victory had crowned the efforts of the patriots, and their independence -had been achieved, much remained to be done. Numerous conflicting -interests were to be reconciled, a system of government was to be -organized, an enormous debt was to be paid, many abuses and corruptions -were to be corrected, a concert of feeling and action to be produced, -and the art of self-government to be learned. In my view the wisdom of -the patriots and sages of the revolution shone more conspicuously in -perfecting our system of government, than in driving the foe from our -shores. It is a task of no small magnitude to reduce a nation from a -seven years’ war to a civil and quiet government, entirely different -from the one to which it has been accustomed. It often requires more -sagacity and wisdom to retain and enjoy, than to obtain an object. - -Thus, with regard to our independence, after it was obtained, storms -arose that threatened utter destruction and ruin. It required the -combined wisdom of the wisest legislators to preserve it. Long and -arduous were the labours that effected a confederated consolidation. -During the time this subject was under discussion, many of the states -were shook to their very centre by internal commotions. That concert -of action and feeling that had carried the people triumphantly through -the revolution, was now, with a great mass of the community, lost in -the whirlpool of selfishness. Fortunately for our country and the -cause of liberty, those who stood at the helm during the storm of war -still remained at their posts. Their labours resulted in the adoption -of that constitution under which we have enjoyed a prosperity before -unknown. Dr. Bartlett was a member of the convention of his native -state for the adoption of the consolidating instrument, and gave it -his warm and efficient support. In 1789 he was chosen a member of the -national senate, the next year president of New Hampshire, and in 1793 -he was elected the first governor of the state. He enjoyed universal -confidence and esteem, and discharged his duties with so much wisdom -and integrity, that slander and envy could find no crevice for an -entering wedge. Worn down by years of arduous toil, old age fastening -its wrinkled hand upon him, and the confines of the eternal world just -before him, he resigned his authority and closed his public career -on the 29th of January, 1794, covered with laurels of immortal fame, -without a spot to tarnish the glory of his bright escutcheon. - -Governor Bartlett now retired to private life, anticipating the -enjoyments that are peculiarly pleasing to men who accept of public -stations from a sense of duty rather than a desire to acquire -popularity for the sake of advancement. But his fond anticipations -were soon blasted. Disease fastened its relentless grasp upon him, his -amiable wife had died six years before, the world had lost its charms, -and, on the 19th of May, 1795, his happy spirit left its tenement of -clay, ascended to Him who gave it, leaving a nation to mourn the loss -of one of its brightest ornaments, one of its noblest patriots. - -In the life of this estimable man, we behold one of the fairest -pictures spread on the pages of history. His public career was of -that discreet and solid character, calculated to impart enduring and -substantial usefulness. Without dazzling the eyes of every beholder, -his course was onward in the cause of philanthropy and human rights. -He could look back upon a life well spent; he stood acquitted and -approved at the dread tribunal of conscience. He had nobly acted his -part, fulfilled the design of his creation, discharged his duty to his -country and his God, and filled the measure of his glory. - -In his private character he was all that we could desire in a patriot, -a citizen, a friend, a husband, a father and a Christian. No man was -more highly esteemed by all who knew him—no man more richly deserved -it. - - - - -ARTHUR MIDDLETON. - - -Those who are familiar with the history of England, with her -constitution, with her great Magna Charta, and with the usurpations of -men in power upon the rights of British subjects at various periods, -can readily conceive why so many men of high attainments and liberal -minds immigrated to America. Disgusted with oppression at home they -sought liberty abroad. The cause that prompted them to leave their -native land, impelled them to action when imported tyranny invaded -their well-earned privileges. The mind of every immigrant patriot -was as well prepared to meet the crisis of the revolution, as that -of a native citizen. The feelings created by remembered injuries, -which drove them from the mother country, rendered them as formidable -opponents to the unjust pretensions of the crown as those who had never -breathed the atmosphere of Europe. - -In tracing our own history back to the early settlements, we find an -almost constant struggle between the people and the officers sent by -the king to govern them; the former claiming their inherent rights, the -latter frequently infringing them. - -Among those whom at an early period boldly espoused the cause of -freedom was Edward Middleton, the great grandfather of the subject of -this brief sketch, who immigrated from Great Britain near the close of -the seventeenth century, and settled in South Carolina. His son, Arthur -Middleton, imbibed all the feelings of his father, and in 1719, when -the crown officers became insolent beyond endurance, he stood at the -head of the opposition that boldly demanded and obtained their removal. -His son, Henry Middleton, the father of Arthur, whose biographette is -my present object, also inherited the same bold patriotism, and took -a conspicuous part in rousing his fellow citizens to action at the -commencement of the revolution. - -ARTHUR MIDDLETON, the subject of this memoir, was born in 1743, at -Middleton place, on the banks of Ashley river, where his father owned a -beautiful plantation. His mother was a Miss Williams, the only child of -a wealthy and reputable planter. Arthur was the eldest of his father’s -children, and received all the advantages of an early education. At -the age of twelve years he was placed in the celebrated seminary of -Hackney, near London, and two years after, was transferred to the -classic seat of learning at Westminster. He applied himself with great -industry to his studies, excelling in all he undertook, and gained -the esteem and respect of those around him. In his nineteenth year he -became a student at the University of Cambridge, and four years after, -graduated with the degree of bachelor of arts, a profound scholar and -a virtuous man. Trivial amusements and dissipation, which had ensnared -many of his classmates, had no charms for him. Although an heir to -wealth and liberally supplied with money, economy was his governing -principle, wisdom his constant guide. - -After he had completed his education he spent nearly two years in -travelling, making the tour of Europe. Familiar with the Greek and -Roman classics, he enjoyed peculiar satisfaction in visiting Rome -and other ancient seats of literature. He possessed an exquisite -taste for poetry, music, and painting, and was well versed in all the -technicalities of sculpture and architecture. After completing this -tour he returned home. Soon after his arrival, he led the amiable and -accomplished Miss Izard, daughter of Walter Izard, to the hymeneal -altar. - -About a year after, he embarked with his wife for England. After -enjoying a pleasant season with their friends and connexions there, -they visited France and Spain, and in 1773, returned home and located -on his native spot, which his father bestowed upon him, placing him at -once in possession of an ample fortune. - -Having resided so long in Great Britain, possessed of an observing -mind, tracing causes and results to their true source, he was well -qualified to aid in directing the destiny of his country through the -approaching revolution. Rocked in the cradle of patriotism by his -father, tracing its fair lines in the history of his ancestors, he -acted from the genuine feelings of his heart when he boldly espoused -the cause of liberal principles and human rights. The Middletons were -the nucleus of the opposition in South Carolina. Unlike many others -who mounted the stage of public action for the first time, untried and -almost unknown, this family had been proved and their influence was -felt throughout the colony, and was known in the mother country. Hence -the importance of their services at the commencement of the doubtful -struggle, and for the same reason they were peculiarly obnoxious to the -creatures of the crown. Aristocracy, too often the attendant of riches, -found no resting place in their bosoms. The very marrow of their bones -was republican, and to defend their country’s rights they freely -pledged “their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honours.” - -Arthur Middleton was a member of the different committees that were -appointed by the people to devise means of safety. On the 17th of -April, 1775, he was one of the committee of five, in South Carolina, -that determined to have recourse to arms, and under whose direction the -royal magazine was entered, in defiance of the king’s officers, and its -contents put into the hands of the people for their defence. - -On the 14th of June following, the provincial Congress of this state -appointed a council of safety, consisting of thirteen persons, of -whom Arthur Middleton was one. They were fully authorized to organize -a military force, and adopt such measures as they deemed necessary -to arrest the mad career of the royalists. Mr. Middleton was one of -its boldest and most decided members, and appears to have been much -chagrined at the temporizing spirit of some of his colleagues. - -That he possessed a penetrating sagacity as well as a firm patriotism, -appears from the following circumstance. - -During the session of the first provincial Congress of South Carolina, -the new governor, Lord William Campbell, fresh from his majesty, -arrived to enter upon the duties of reducing the rebellious subjects -to subordination. He was all mildness and did not pretend to justify -the oppressions of which the people complained. To prove his sincerity, -Captain Adam M’Donald, one of the council, was introduced to Lord -William as a tory from the upper country, who seemed anxious to have -some means devised to put down the rebels. The plan succeeded. The -governor desired him and his friends to remain quiet for the present, -as he expected troops in a short time that would put a quietus upon the -_new fangled_ authorities. - -When the report of this interview was laid before the council, Mr. -Middleton, although nearly related to the governor by marriage, made a -motion to have him immediately arrested and confined. This measure was -too bold for his timid companions, a majority of whom voted against -it. Soon after, his excellency retired on board a British sloop of war -and did not venture to return until accompanied by Sir Henry Clinton -and Sir Peter Parker, who showed more bravery than judgment in their -unsuccessful attack on Fort Moultrie. In this engagement Sir William -was severely wounded, and Sir Peter had his silk breeches badly -mutilated by the unceremonious course of a rebel cannon ball. - -On the 11th of February, 1776, Mr. Middleton was one of the committee -that drafted the first constitution of his native state. Soon after -this he was elected a member to the Continental Congress, taking a -conspicuous part in its deliberations. Bold in all his movements, -he advocated, and by his signature sanctioned the declaration of -independence, then called by many the death-warrant of the fifty-six, -but ultimately proving the warrant of LIBERTY, the morning star of -FREEDOM. Mr. Middleton was a man of few words in debate—these few -words were to the point, and gave him a substantial influence in every -legislative body of which he was a member. He stood at the head of the -delegation of his state. He possessed a strong mind, a clear head, and -a good heart. He exercised plain common sense, attending diligently -to the business of his constituents and his country. He was on the -most intimate terms with John Hancock and was by him highly esteemed. -He remained in Congress until the close of the session of 1777. The -following year he was elected governor of South Carolina, not knowing -that he was a candidate until his election was announced. The mode -was by secret ballot by the members of the assembly, who had not then -learned the art of intrigue and caucusing—merit was the only passport -to office—management and corruption dared not show their hydra heads. - -For the same reasons that induced Governor Rutledge to resign a few -days previous, Mr. Middleton declined accepting the proffered honour. -These reasons were founded in objections to a new constitution, then -before the legislature for adoption, and which required the sanction of -the chief magistrate of the state before it could go into operation. -Mr. Rawlins Lowndes was then elected, who approved the new form of -government on the 19th of March, 1778. Political candour and honesty -were marked traits in the character of Arthur Middleton. No inducements -could swerve him from the path of rectitude. He weighed measures, men, -and things, in the unerring scales of reason and justice. He went -with no man when clearly wrong, he concurred with all whom he believed -right. Patriotism, pure and unalloyed, governed his every action. -Discretion, the helm of man’s frail bark, guided him in the path of -duty. Philanthropy and love of country pervaded his manly bosom. He -was sound at the core. His mind was pure and free as mountain air; his -purposes, noble, bold, and patriotic. - -In 1779, when the British spread terror and destruction over South -Carolina, Mr. Middleton took the field with Governor Rutledge, and -cheerfully endured the privations of the camp. He was at Charleston -when General Provost attacked that place, and was found in the front -ranks acting with great coolness and courage. Knowing that the -plundering enemy would visit his plantation, he sent word to his lady -to remove out of danger, but took no means to remove his property, -which fell a sacrifice to the mercenary army. They did not burn but -rifled his house, and several large and valuable paintings that they -could not carry away they defaced in the most shameful manner. - -At the surrender of Charleston in 1780, Mr. Middleton was among the -prisoners sent to St. Augustine, and endured the indignities there -practised upon the Americans with heroic fortitude. In July of the -following year he was included in the general exchange, and arrived -safe at Philadelphia. He was shortly after appointed a member of -Congress, and again assumed the important duties of legislation. Soon -after this, the last important act of the revolutionary tragedy was -performed at Yorktown, where the heroes of the revolutionary stage -and of our nation took a closing benefit at the expense of British -pride and kingly ambition. With the surrender of Lord Cornwallis the -last hope of the crown expired in all the agonies of mortification. -Had a spirit of retaliation predominated in the bosom of Washington, -awful would have been the doom of his barbarian, desolating foe. But -he possessed a noble soul that soared above revenge. He sunk his enemy -into the lowest depths of humiliation by kindness and generosity. - -In 1782, Mr. Middleton was again elected to Congress, where he -continued until November, when he visited his family, from whom he -had long been separated. At the declaration of peace he declined a -seat in the national legislature, believing the interests of his own -state required his services at home. He was highly instrumental in -restoring order, harmony, and stability in the government of South -Carolina. He was several times a member of its legislature, and used -every exertion to advance its prosperity. During the intervals of his -public duties he spent his time in improving his desolated plantation, -the place of his birth, and of the tomb of his venerable ancestors. -He once more participated in the enjoyments of domestic felicity and -fondly anticipated years of happiness. But, alas! how uncertain are -all sublunary things. In the autumn of 1786, he was attacked with an -intermittent fever, which paved the way for disease that terminated -his life on the first of January, 1787, leaving a wife, two sons and -six daughters, to mourn their irreparable loss. By the public he -was deeply lamented. His memory was held in great veneration by his -contemporaries. He had a strong hold upon the affections of his fellow -citizens. Those who knew him _best_ esteemed him _most_. In his private -character he was a consolation to his friends, an ornament to society, -a consistent, honest, and virtuous man. His wife lived until 1814, -highly respected and beloved. The example of a good man is visible -philosophy; the memory of departed worth “lives undivided, operates -unspent.” - - - - -JAMES WILSON. - - -Among the strange freaks of human nature is that of inconsistency, -showing itself in as many shapes and forms as are exhibited by the -kaleidescope, but of a contrary character. One of its most odious -features is persecution, prompted by jealousy and promulgated by -slander and falsehood. Great and good men are often the victims of -unprincipled and designing partisans, who stop at nothing and stoop to -every thing calculated to accomplish their unholy desires. In recurring -to the eventful period of the American revolution, we would naturally -suppose that party spirit found no place in the bosoms of any of those -who advocated the principles of liberty; that all were united in the -common cause against the common enemy. This is the impression upon the -minds of many, perhaps all who are not familiar with the history of the -local politics of that period. But far otherwise was the fact. Many of -the best men of that trying time were scourged and lacerated, and their -noblest exertions for a time paralyzed by the reckless hand of party -spirit. No one, perhaps, suffered more from this source, and no one -gave less room for censure than JAMES WILSON. - -He was born of respectable parents, residing near St. Andrews, -Scotland, in 1742. His father was a farmer, in moderate circumstances, -which he rendered still more limited by rushing into the whirlpool -of speculation, a propensity which unfortunately seems to have been -transmitted to his son. After receiving a good classical education, -having been a worthy student at St. Andrews, Edinburgh, and Glasgow, -James was finished under the master hand of Dr. Blair, in rhetoric, -and of Dr. Watts, in logic. Thus fitly prepared, he immigrated to -Philadelphia in 1766, with letters of high recommendation, and soon -obtained the situation of usher in the college of that city. His moral -worth, combined with fine talents and high literary attainments, gained -for him the esteem and marked respect of Dr. Richard Peters, Bishop -White, and many others of the first rank in society. Indeed, those who -knew him best admired him most. - -He subsequently commenced the study of law under John Dickinson, Esq. -and when admitted to the practice, settled permanently at Carlisle, in -Pennsylvania, where he exhibited powers of mind surpassed by no one at -that bar, and equalled but by few in the province. - -A powerful display of his legal knowledge and Ciceronean eloquence at -the trial of an important land cause between the Proprietaries and -Samuel Wallace, gained for him an early celebrity in his profession. -Mr. Chew, who was then attorney-general, is said to have fixed his -eyes upon him soon after he commenced his speech, and to have gazed at -him with admiring astonishment until he concluded. He was immediately -retained in another important land case, and from that time forward -he stood second to no one at the Pennsylvania bar. He removed from -Carlisle to Annapolis, in Maryland, where he remained a year, and then -removed to Philadelphia, where he obtained a lucrative practice. - -Notwithstanding the liberal patronage of the public, his circumstances -frequently became embarrassed by unfortunate speculations, to which -he frequently became a victim. Amidst his severest adversities he -frequently sent remittances to his mother, in Scotland, his father -having died and left her poor. To the day of her death he manifested -an earnest and commendable solicitude for her comfort, and used every -means within his power to alleviate her wants and smooth her downward -path to the tomb. - -With the commencement of British oppression the political career of Mr. -Wilson began. He freely spoke and ably wrote in favour of equal rights -and liberal principles. He was an early, zealous, and able advocate of -the American cause. Of a consistent and reflecting mind, he sometimes -censured the rashness of those who were less cool, which laid the -foundation for many unjust and malicious slanders against him, which, -in the dark fog of party spirit, several times enabled his enemies to -obtain a momentary triumph over him, but which were always fully and -satisfactorily confuted. - -In 1774, a short time previous to the meeting of the Continental -Congress, the provincial convention of Pennsylvania convened to concert -plans for the redress of wrongs imposed by the mother country, of -which Mr. Wilson was a bold and efficient member. So conspicuous were -his talents and so pure his patriotism, that he was nominated by the -same convention one of the delegates to the national assembly. His -appointment was opposed by Mr. Galloway, who had long been his bitter -enemy; but on the sixth of May, 1775, he was appointed a member of that -august body. At the commencement of hostilities he was honoured with -the commission of colonel, and was one of the commissioners to treat -with the Indians. He was continued a member of Congress until 1777, -when his enemies again succeeded in their machinations against him. - -On the 4th of July, 1776, Mr. Wilson, with a bold and fearless hand, -guided by love of country and motives pure as heaven, gave his vote -in favour of independence, and subscribed his name to that matchless -instrument which records the birth of our nation and liberty. That act -alone was sufficient to confute the base slanders circulated against -him, in the minds of all whose eyes were not covered by the baneful and -deceptive film of party spirit. At the shrine of this dread Moloch, -our country’s glory has been too often sacrificed. No purity of heart, -no brilliancy of talent, no pre-eminence of worth, can save a man from -the vile attacks of party spirit. Even Washington, the father of his -country, often writhed under its withering lash. Some men seem born -_demagogues_, and live under the influence of Gog and Magog during -their whole lives. - -As a member of the Continental Congress, Mr. Wilson acted well his -part, and was esteemed as one of its most active and useful delegates. -Coolness and consistency, marked characteristics of the Scotch nation, -were the crimes of Mr. Wilson, on which his enemies based an accusation -that he was not a pure patriot, and that he opposed the declaration of -independence. But those who knew him well soon convinced the people of -the falsity of the slander, and the character of this great and good -man shone with renewed brightness. - -On the twelfth of November, 1782, he was again elected to the national -legislature, and the same year was appointed one of the counsellors and -agents of Pennsylvania to attend the court of commissioners at Trenton, -to which was referred the final determination of the protracted -controversy between Connecticut and the Commonwealth relative to -certain lands claimed by the latter within the limits of the former, -situated in Wyoming valley. - -The luminous and unanswerable arguments of Mr. Wilson, which lasted for -several days, contributed, in no small degree, to influence that court -to determine in favour of Pennsylvania, and put at rest for ever an -angry litigation of years. - -During the interim in which he was not a member of Congress he held -the office of Advocate General for the French nation, which led him to -the close investigation of national and maritime law. At the close of -his services, the French king rewarded him with ten thousand livres. -He was at the same time a director of the bank of North America, and -had the full confidence of Robert Morris as a safe and able adviser in -financial matters. - -As an active, clear headed, and discreet member of the most important -committees, Mr. Wilson stood in the front rank. He weighed every -subject with a mathematical judgment, and traced all its bearings with -the compass of wisdom. - -He arrived at the desired goal with less parade but with more -certainty than many others, whose zeal was more impetuous but not more -pure than his. He sought more to bestow lasting benefits upon his -bleeding country than to excite the huzzas and gaze of the multitude. -Substantial usefulness is not always found in the foaming froth of -popularity. It lives and is admired long after that transient vapour -has disappeared and left its subject to repose in the peaceful -shades of oblivion. Those who become inflated and rise by the power -of party, vain pride and flattery, may soar aloft in the political -atmosphere, followed by the eyes of thousands, but rely upon it, in -a large majority of instances, their every action is dependent upon -these subtile gases, and they will ultimately prove to be a mere bag -of wind. Modest worth avoids etherial excursions; the terra firma of -deep thought, calm reflection, and sound discretion, constitute its -most congenial clime. It consents to launch into the revolving vortex -of party with great reluctance, and nothing but a sense of duty to his -country and fellow citizens, can induce a man of genuine merit to enter -the vexatious arena of politics. How many such men are now in public -stations, guarding the rights and directing the destiny of our nation, -is a subject worthy of anxious and careful inquiry. If the people are -not true to themselves, demagogues may easily ride into office who -_will not_ be true to them. - -Mr. Wilson was one of the most useful members of the convention that -formed our national constitution. He warmly opposed the appointment -of delegates to Congress by the legislatures of the several states, -and was powerfully instrumental in placing their election in the -hands of the people. He was one of the committee which framed that -important document, as first reported to the delegates. When this -model of wisdom received its finishing stroke, Mr. Wilson warmly -advocated its adoption. He was the only member from Pennsylvania of -the national convention that framed the constitution who had a seat in -the convention of that state convened to consider its provisions. His -closing remarks in favour of its acceptance are worthy the attention of -this enlightened age. They manifest a thorough acquaintance with human -nature and with the circumstances that prompted many to dissent from -its ratification. - -“It is neither unexpected nor extraordinary, that the constitution -offered to your consideration should meet with opposition. It is the -nature of man to pursue his own interest in preference to the public -good; and I do not mean to make any personal reflection when I add, -that it is the interest of a very numerous, powerful, and respectable -body, to counteract and destroy the excellent work produced by the late -convention. All the officers of government and all the appointments for -the administration of justice and the collection of the public revenue -which are transferred from the individual to the aggregate sovereignty -of the states, will necessarily turn the influence and emolument into a -new channel. Every person, therefore, who either enjoys or expects to -enjoy a place of profit under the present establishment, will object to -the proposed innovation;—not in truth, because it is injurious to the -liberties of his country, but because it affects his schemes of wealth -and consequence. I will confess, indeed, that I am not a blind admirer -of this plan of government, and that there are some parts of it which, -if my wish had prevailed, would certainly have been altered. But when I -reflect how widely men differ in their opinions, and that every man—and -the observation applies likewise to every state—has an equal pretension -to assert his own, I am satisfied that any thing nearer to perfection -could not have been accomplished. If there are errors, it should be -remembered that the seeds of reformation are sown in the work itself, -and the concurrence of two-thirds of the Congress may, at any time, -introduce alterations and amendments. Regarding it, then, in every -point of view, with a candid, disinterested mind, I am bold to assert, -that IT IS THE BEST FORM OF GOVERNMENT WHICH HAS EVER BEEN OFFERED TO -THE WORLD.” - -Mr. Wilson was also a member of the convention to alter the -constitution of Pennsylvania, where he acted a very conspicuous part -in defending the elective franchise, as belonging exclusively to the -sovereign people. The last vestige of aristocracy trembled beneath his -powerful eloquence, and the last whisper of slander against his pure, -unsophisticated democracy, was forever silenced and hushed. - -The boldest features of liberal principles in the old revised -constitution of Pennsylvania were penned by James Wilson; and, could -_his_ views have been fully incorporated in that instrument, I doubt -much if a convention would ever have been called for its revision. - -That the talents and integrity of Mr. Wilson were held in high -estimation by Washington, appears from the fact, that he was appointed -one of the first Judges of the Supreme Court of the United States, -in which office he continued until his death, discharging its duties -with great ability, integrity, and justice. His manner was dignified, -urbane, and pleasing. - -In 1790, he was appointed the first professor in the law college of -Philadelphia, and the following year, when the college and university -of Pennsylvania were united, he was called to fill the chair. In 1791, -he was appointed by the legislature of that state to revise its laws, -but a disagreement of the two houses relative to the disbursements -necessary to prosecute the work, frustrated the plan. As a learned and -eloquent lawyer, he stood at the head of the Philadelphia bar. He was -honoured with the degree of LL.D. and, during the first year of his -professorship, delivered a course of lectures to the students. Towards -them he was reserved and distant, another marked characteristic of the -Scotch literati. His writings were vigorous and logical, and did much -to disseminate just conceptions of a republican form of government. -As early as 1774, he wrote an essay, portraying, in language bold and -strong, the assumptions of the British parliament not warranted by -their constitution, and painted, in fascinating colours, the blessings -arising from a republican form of government and the enjoyment of equal -rights. To a person unacquainted with the bitterness of party feeling, -it must seem mysterious that any one could have been found so base as -to accuse him of being an aristocrat. A purer patriot and an abler -advocate for the cause of freedom did not exist among the statesmen -and sages of ’76. He several times passed through the ordeal of severe -and relentless persecution, but truth-telling time, in every instance, -forced his enemies to retrace their steps, covered with shame and -disgrace. - -The private character of this truly great man was, in all respects, -amiable and untarnished. It always stood beyond the reach of slander, -a pure, unsullied sheet. As a friend, he was warm-hearted and -benevolent; as a husband, kind and affectionate; as a father, discreet -and exemplary; consistently indulgent, and faithful in imparting that -instruction and advice to his children calculated to prepare them for -future usefulness and respect. - -In 1798, on the 28th of August, this venerable sage, eminent lawyer, -able statesman, and profound judge, took his exit “to that country from -whose bourne no traveller returns,” in the fifty-sixth year of his -age. He died whilst on his circuit, of stranguary, in the hospitable -mansion of his colleague, Judge Iredell, in Edenton, North Carolina, -where his ashes rest in peace beneath the clods of the valley. - -In reviewing the life of this worthy man, no one can doubt his -patriotism and purity. No one can doubt his devotedness to the American -cause and his firm and uniform opposition to British oppression. -Influenced, as he was, by the noblest motives; guided, as he was, by -liberal principles, it is painful to reflect, that he was often wounded -in the house of his professed friends, and placed under the castigating -lash of persecution by those who had sworn to support the same cause he -so ardently and ably espoused. The solution of the problem may be found -in the present state of things, without travelling back to that time, -of all others, when party should have hidden its hydra head. - -At the present day, the dark intrigues of party are proverbial. -Low cunning is practised by men in the same ranks, to over-reach -an approaching rival, and all the machinery of slander put in -requisition to destroy him. Is he a man of superior talents and -worth? Means proportionably base must be resorted to, in order to -insure his destruction and drive him from the course. Disgusted at -such corruption, the very men best calculated to advance our dearest -interests and add new lustre to our national glory, are those who most -dread the political arena and shrink from the public gaze. How small a -proportion of such men as James Wilson, Benjamin Franklin, and others -of the same stamina, are now to be found in our legislative halls. We -pay large sums of money every year for _party_ legislation, and but a -small proportion of business is accomplished, calculated to benefit our -country. Let the people, the YEOMANRY, awake to this subject, and no -longer be led blindfold towards the vortex of destruction. Unless we -are true to ourselves, we need not expect purity in our legislators. -The genuine salt grows less and less as time advances, and a dangerous -carelessness is annually manifested in selecting men of proper industry -and purity of moral and republican principles to transact our public -business. Some of them are victims of the artful and designing, or are -mere partisans, legislating for themselves and their immediate friends -more than for the advancement of public good and national glory. These -are facts that are self-evident to every reflecting, observing man, -facts that demand our serious attention and timely correction, before -the unholy leaven extends its baneful influence so far as to destroy -our beautiful fabric of LIBERTY, and prostrate, at one bold stroke, the -hopes of FREEMEN. - - - - -CHARLES CARROLL, OF CARROLLTON. - - -The fond and faithful parents who have guided to manhood a family of -sons whose every action is a source of pleasure and delight, who walk -in wisdom’s ways, who prove themselves to be bold, generous, brave, -virtuous, and patriotic; whose lives shed new lustre upon the world, -and whose achievements, on the battle field or in the senate chamber, -place them on the loftiest, proudest pinnacle fame can rear, enjoy a -rich, a heavenly consolation, pure as the etherial skies and cheering -as the zephyrs of spring. More especially do their souls become -enraptured with gratitude, if these, their sons, deliver them from the -iron grasp of a merciless tyrant, disenthral them from the chains of -slavery, and make them free and independent. - -All this was done for our country by her valiant sons, who graced the -memorable era of ’76. Like a meteor bursting from the clouds amidst -the gloom of midnight darkness, they illuminated the world with glory, -raised the star spangled banner, and planted the tree of LIBERTY deep -in the soil of FREEDOM. Sages and heroes of the American revolution! -noble sons of Columbia’s new world! your names will be held in grateful -remembrance through the rolling ages of time, and millions yet unborn -will rehearse your brilliant achievements and triumphant victories, -with admiration and praise. - -Among the sons of noble daring who stood forth the champions of their -injured and bleeding country, was CHARLES CARROLL, of Carrollton, in -the state of Maryland. - -This good man, accomplished gentleman, finished scholar, and bold -patriot, was born at Annapolis, on the 20th of September, 1737. He -was the grandson of Charles Carroll, son of Daniel Carroll, of King’s -county, Ireland, the former of whom immigrated to Maryland about 1686, -and located at Carrollton. The elder Carrolls were always found in the -foremost rank of those who espoused the cause of liberal principles, -and taught their sons to go and do likewise. Nor did the seed sown by -them fall on a barren soil. Imitating the examples and obeying the -precepts of his patriotic sire, young Charles proved himself worthy of -the high source from whence he sprang. At the early age of eight years, -his embryo talents shone so conspicuously that his father determined -on giving them an opportunity to bud, blossom, and expand, amidst the -literary bowers, and under the cultivation of a master’s hand in Europe. - -He was accordingly sent to France, where his advantages of acquiring an -education were far superior to those then enjoyed in any of the infant -seminaries of the colonies in America. His unremitting application -to his studies and urbanity of manners, obtained for him a finished -education and the esteem of his teachers and classmates. At the age of -twenty, he entered upon the study of law in London, where he ripened -into manhood, and returned to his native state in 1764, with a rich -and enduring fund of useful knowledge, prepared to act well his part -through future life. - -The subject of American oppression by the British ministry was -freely discussed in England during his stay, and had prepared his -mind for the exciting crisis that awaited the colonies. In Charles -Carroll, of Carrollton, the friends of freedom and equal rights -found an unflinching and able advocate, and the enemies of liberty -an uncompromising but manly opposer. He possessed a clear head, a -good heart, and a discriminating mind. In action, he was cool and -deliberate, firm and decisive. As a lawyer, he was learned, lucid, -and logical; as a statesman, bold, discreet, and industrious; as a -patriot, pure, disinterested, and zealous; as a Christian, devoted, -exemplary, and consistent; and as a gentleman, urbane, accomplished, -and courteous. His talent for writing was also of a high order. This -was fully developed in 1772, in a controversy between the people and -the king’s governor, who had issued a proclamation derogatory to their -inalienable rights. In a series of communications published in the -public papers, Mr. Carroll boldly, ably, and triumphantly espoused -the people’s cause, answering conclusively and confuting completely -the combined arguments of the governor’s cabinet in favour of the -pretensions of their master. So fully were the people convinced by the -essays of Mr. Carroll that they were clearly right, that they hung -the proclamation upon a gallows, and bid defiance to the minions of -despotism. Before it was known who was the writer, the citizens of -Annapolis instructed their representatives to record a vote of thanks -to the author, and when they subsequently ascertained that Mr. Carroll -was the champion who had bearded the British lion, they repaired in a -body to his house, and made the welkin ring with heartfelt thanks and -plaudits of praise. - -From that time forward he became a prominent leader of the liberal -party, an espouser of American rights, and a stern opposer of -parliamentary wrongs. His benign influence radiated its genial rays -upon the hearts, and confirmed the wavering minds of many in the -glorious cause of liberty. He went for his country and his whole -country. He portrayed, in bold and glowing colours, the oppressions -of the king, the corruptions and designs of his ministers, and the -humiliating consequences of tame submission to their arbitrary demands. -He was among the first to kindle the flame of patriotic resistance, and -light the torch of independence. He was among the first to sanction the -declaration of rights, and the last of that noble band of patriots who -signed this sacred instrument, that bid it a long, a final farewell, -and took his exit to “that country where the wicked cease from -troubling and the weary are at rest.” - -On the 18th of July, 1776, he was elected to the convention of -Maryland, and on the 2nd of August following, took his seat in the -Continental Congress, and affixed his name to the chart of liberty. -His talents and zeal were highly appreciated by the members of that -august body. He had previously endeared himself to them by a voluntary -mission to Canada, in conjunction with the Rev. John Carroll, Benjamin -Franklin, and Samuel Chase. The object of this mission was to persuade -the people of Canada to unite with the colonies in bursting the chains -of slavery, and throw off the yoke of bondage that had been forced upon -them by the mother country. The Messrs. Carrolls being of the Roman -Catholic faith, then most prevalent among the Canadians, and the other -two gentlemen entertaining that universal charity for others, that, if -exercised at the present day, would crumble to dust the sectarian walls -of partition that are now the greatest barriers against the advancement -of the Redeemer’s kingdom, it was fondly hoped that their influence -might induce the people of that country to join against the common -enemy. The defeat and death of Montgomery, and the dark prospects of -future success, caused them to determine on a contrary course. The -consequences of that course are at this time developing themselves most -fearfully, amidst the dying groans and streaming blood of the oppressed -citizens of Canada. - -On his return from this mission, Mr. Carroll found, to his great -surprise, that the delegates from Maryland then in Congress, had -been instructed to vote against the declaration of independence. He -immediately repaired to the convention, and, by his eloquence and -cogent reasoning, convinced the members of their error, who immediately -rescinded the former and gave contrary instructions. - -Although an active and efficient member of Congress, Mr. Carroll -occasionally returned to Maryland, and aided in the formation of its -constitution and laws. In 1778, he left the national legislature, and, -for several years, was a member of the senate of Maryland. From 1788 to -1791, he was a member of the United States’ senate, when his services -were again demanded by his native state, where he served as a senator -until 1801, when he retired from the great theatre of public action, -where he had acted a conspicuous and glorious part, that stamped -his name with unfading glory, his memory with lasting gratitude and -enduring fame. - -In private life, Mr. Carroll lost none of the laurels that decked his -brow when in the service of his beloved country. Of an amiable and -kind disposition, he was highly esteemed by his friends and respected -by all. Temperate in all things his course was consistent, charitable, -and systematic. He was an exemplary Christian, and was ever opposed -to a spirit of persecution by one sect against another for opinion’s -sake. He was among the few who reason correctly and act wisely upon -this important subject. It is a fact, unknown perhaps to many, and -admitted by fewer still, that the Roman Catholics of Maryland were -the first who proposed and passed into a law religious toleration in -America. [See laws of the general assembly of that state, 1647.] It is -also a fact which is equally true, that the Protestants were the first -who introduced proscription, and obtained an order from Charles II., -after his restoration in 1661, to disfranchise all Roman Catholics from -holding any office, taking the loaves and fishes exclusively into their -own keeping, in violation of the charter granted to Lord Baltimore by -Charles I., and in violation of reason, common sense, and the laws of -God. Sectarianism is not religion, nor a child of heaven. - -The Protestants having become the bride of state, and having the power -in their own hands, carried on their principles of proscription under -the authority of William III. The Roman Catholics were taxed to support -the religion of their oppressors, and by an act passed in 1704, the -celebration of mass or the instruction of youth by a Catholic, insured -him a transportation to England. - -During the excitements produced by this unhallowed connection of church -and state, which several times resulted in bloodshed, the Carrolls used -their best exertions to produce a reconciliation between the parties. -This was never fully effected until the revolution compelled all -persuasions to unite in the common cause against the common enemy. - -For thirty years Mr. Carroll enjoyed the cheering comforts of “sweet -home,” and survived to hear the funeral knell of all the other signers -of the Declaration of Independence. - -He enjoyed the rich reward of seeing the fruits of his labour, in -conjunction with his compatriots of the revolution, prospering under -the direction of an all wise Providence and a free and independent -people. He beheld, with increased delight, the onward march of his -favoured country, to which he had contributed largely in giving it a -name and character among the nations of the earth, at once admired and -respected. - -He beheld, with increasing gratitude to Heaven, the asylum he had -aided in preparing for those whom the oppression of kings and tyrants -drive from their native shores. As one of the signers of the chart of -freemen, he stood alone, like a majestic oak that has long withstood -the raging tempest, calmly awaiting the time when he should be riven -and gathered to his fathers. Already had his mind ascended the golden -chain of faith, reaching from earth to Heaven: already had the world -lost its former charms; already had his mind become fixed on scenes -of future and purer bliss; already had he reached out his hand to -receive a crown of immortal glory; already had he anticipated the -joyful welcome he should receive from his Lord and Master; when, on the -14th of November, 1832, his spirit was summoned from its trembling, -tottering tenement of clay to realms of joy beyond the skies. Calm -and resigned he entered Jordan’s flood; angels escorted his soul to -Immanuel’s happy shores, whilst his grateful country mourned _deeply_ -and felt _strongly_ the loss of one of her noblest sons and purest -patriots. - -In the life of Charles Carroll, we have an example worthy the -imitation of youth, of manhood, of old age; of the lawyer, the -statesman, the patriot and the Christian. His career was guided by -virtue and prudence; his every action marked with honesty, frankness, -and integrity; richly meriting, and freely receiving the esteem and -veneration of a nation of FREEMEN. - - - - -WILLIAM WILLIAMS. - - -Great designs require the deep consideration of strong and -investigating minds. Great events open a wide field for virtue and -fame, and bring to view powers of intellect, that, under ordinary -circumstances, would never unfold their beauties to mortal eyes. Hence -the brilliancy of talent that illuminated the glorious era of the -American revolution. Many who became eminent statesmen and renowned -heroes during that memorable struggle, in times of peace, would have -remained within the sphere of their particular occupations—lived -retired from the public gaze, and died without a full developement of -their mental powers. That many of the sages of that eventful period -were men of unusual talents and acquirements, I freely admit; that the -momentous transactions that engaged their attention served to add a -more vivid lustre to their names than the common routine of life would -have given them, is equally true. The perils that encompassed them, -the dangers that threatened them, the dark clouds that hung over them, -the noble patriotism that influenced them, and the mighty work they -conceived, planned, and consummated, all combined to shed a sacred halo -around them. - -Among those whose natural desires did not lead them into the public -arena, was WILLIAM WILLIAMS, the son of the Rev. Solomon Williams, -D. D. He was a native of the town of Lebanon, Windham county, -Connecticut, and was born on the 8th of April, 1731. His paternal -ancestors were Welsh, one of whom immigrated from Wales in 1630. They -were remarkable for piety and a love of liberty. His father was the -highly esteemed and able pastor of the first congregational church in -Lebanon, during the long period of fifty-six years. Deeply impressed -with the importance of storing the youthful mind with a good education, -virtuous principles, and moral truth, he spared no pains in furnishing -his sons and daughters with the means of exploring the fields of -science. His own mind imbued with liberal principles and expansive -views, his children naturally imbibed the same feelings. His own -soul enraptured with the beauties of genuine and practical piety, he -desired and had the happiness to see his offspring, one after another, -consecrate themselves to the Lord of glory by a public profession -of the Christian faith. At an early age William Williams became a -member of the church over which his father presided, and adorned -his profession through life. After he had completed his preparatory -studies, he entered Harvard College and graduated in 1751. He sustained -a high reputation for correct deportment, untiring industry, and -scholastic lore. His father then directed his theological studies in -order that he might be prepared, if so inclined, to enter the sacred -desk. His talents were of a variegated character, combining a taste for -the classics, mechanics, architecture, mathematics and general science. - -Feeling an inclination to travel beyond the confines of his juvenile -perambulations, in 1755 he accepted a commission in the staff of -Colonel Ephraim Williams, a kinsman of his, and founder of the college -of that name at Williamstown, Massachusetts. A detachment, put under -the command of Colonel Williams, consisting of eleven hundred men, -was sent by Sir William Johnson, who commanded the English troops, to -reconnoitre the army under Baron Dieskau, composed of a large body of -French and Indians. After proceeding about four miles, Colonel Williams -was attacked by a superior force lying in ambuscade. He commenced a -spirited defence, but fell in the early part of the action, bravely -fighting for the mother country. The detachment then fell back upon the -main body in good order, which advanced and repulsed the enemy. - -The French war, in which the colonies were not interested, the -acquirements of which are still held by Great Britain, cost much -American blood and treasure. The pilgrim fathers were long treated -and used as mere vassals of the English crown. During that campaign, -William Williams became disgusted with the hauteur of the British -officers and with the manner they treated native Americans, who were by -far the most efficient in conducting the Indian mode of warfare. Being -ardent in his feelings and of a warm temperament, he resolved never -again to submit to their indignities, and returned home and commenced -the mercantile business. - -Soon after, he was elected town clerk, a member of the assembly, and -appointed a justice of the peace. These were not solicited honours, but -awarded to him by his fellow citizens as the reward of merit. Similar -demonstrations of confidence were continued to him for more than fifty -years. For a long time he was either clerk or speaker of the house of -representatives in his native state, in which he served nearly one -hundred sessions. - -When the revolutionary storm began to darken the horizon of public -tranquillity, Mr. Williams freely confronted its raging fury. He was -an able debater, an eloquent speaker, and a bold advocate of his -country’s rights. Extensively and favourably known, his influence had a -wide range. When the tocsin of war was finally sounded, he closed his -mercantile concerns and devoted his whole time to the glorious cause -of equal rights and rational liberty. His learning, piety, experience -in public affairs, honesty of purpose, and energy of action, combined -to give great weight to his character. He was an active member of the -council of safety, and on the second Thursday in October, 1775, was -appointed a representative of the Continental Congress. He entered -zealously into the deliberations of that revered body, and became -prominent and useful. He was ever ready to go as far as any one in -promoting the liberation of his bleeding country from the serpentine -coils of oppressive tyranny. He was in favour of bold and vigorous -measures, and advocated the declaration of rights from its incipient -conception to its final adoption. He was instrumental in removing the -timidity and wavering doubts of many, whose motives and desires were as -pure, but whose moral courage was less than his. Whenever he rose in -debate he was listened to with profound attention. He possessed a fine -figure of the middle size, dark hair, piercing black eyes, an aqueline -nose, an open and ingenuous countenance, and a stentorian voice, -combined with a clear head, a Roman heart, a sound judgment, an acute -perception, and a logical mind. He was well versed in the principles of -international law, the different forms of government and the duties of -legislation. - -He was re-elected to Congress the two succeeding years, and when the -final vote upon the charter of our rights was taken, the voice of -William Williams responded a thundering—“AYE”—that told his boldness -and his zeal. That vote stands confirmed by his signature upon the -record of immortal fame, a proud memento of his unalloyed patriotism, a -conclusive proof of his moral firmness. - -He was free from an aspiring ambition based on self and nurtured -by intrigue. From the pure fountain of an honest heart his motives -emanated; to promote the glory of his country was his anxious desire. -Upon the altar of liberty he was willing to sacrifice his property and -his life; in vindicating the cause of freedom he was willing to spend -his latest breath. Honesty of purpose, self-devotion, and persevering -action were among his marked characteristics. To rouse his countrymen -to a sense of danger, and to induce them to enlist in the common cause -against the common enemy, he used every honourable exertion. - -Just before Congress was compelled to fly before the victorious foe -from Philadelphia, Mr. Williams, at the risk of being captured himself, -rescued his colleague, Colonel Dyer, from the fangs of the British, who -had planned and were on the point of effecting his arrest. They both -made a hair-breadth escape. - -When the government treasury was drained of its last hard dollar, this -patriot threw in what he termed his “mite” of specie, amounting to more -than two thousand dollars, and took continental money in return, which -soon died in his hands. In the cause of equal rights his property was -nearly all expended, and he gloried in being able to add to his mental -aid a portion of “the sinews of power.” - -For forty years he was a judge of probate, a select-man of his native -town during the war, commissioner of the public school fund, and held -almost every office within the gift of his constituents, discharging -the duties of all with so much industry, ability and integrity, -that slander found no crevice in his uninterrupted and unblemished -reputation for the smallest entering wedge, by which to impugn his -private or public character. He was remarkably active and fortunate -in obtaining private donations of necessaries to supply the army. He -went from house to house among his friends, obtaining small parcels of -any and every article that would alleviate the wants of the destitute -soldiers. He forwarded to them at different times more than a thousand -blankets. During the winter of 1781, he gave up his own house for the -accommodation of the officers of the legion under Colonel Laurens, and -used every effort to render them comfortable. His industry was equal -to his patriotism, seldom retiring until after twelve at night, and -rising at early dawn. - -He was a member of the convention of his state when the federal -constitution was adopted, and was a warm advocate for that instrument. -He was never permitted to enjoy full retirement from public service -until disabled by disease, which terminated his useful career on the -2nd of August, 1811. He had lived the life of a good man, his last end -was peaceful, calm and happy. During his last years he was considerably -deaf, and spent much time in Christian devotion. But few men have -served their country as much, and no one more faithfully than did -WILLIAM WILLIAMS. - - - - -SAMUEL HUNTINGTON. - - -No quality of the human mind sheds over it more lustre than -consistency. “Be consistent,” was a Roman motto, and once a Roman -virtue that influenced the hearts and actions of its republican sages, -heroes, and literati. Consistency is one of the brightest jewels in the -escutcheon of a name. It is the crowning glory of meritorious fame, and -implies a course of life that ennobles and dignifies man. It is based -upon true wisdom and sound discretion, the pilot and helm of the bark -of life in navigating the ocean of time. Without it, the buffetings of -chaos, the sand-bars of folly, and the rocks of disaster, cannot be -avoided. Without it, the brightness of other talents and attainments -of a high order are often eclipsed by the clouds of error and obscured -by the mists of ridicule. With it, mediocrity shines and enables the -plough-boy of the field to reach the pinnacle of substantial and -enduring fame, when his classic friend who has no share in consistency, -but is in all other respects his superior, sinks into oblivion. - -It is a propensity susceptible of cultivation, and where its -developements are small in youth, parents and instructors should -nurture it with great attention and peculiar care. It is of more -importance than classic lore and the most powerful elocution. Dr. Young -has truly said, “With the talents of an angel a man may be a fool.” -The sages of the American revolution were remarkable for consistency. -Many of them rose from the humble walks of life by the force of their -own exertions, guided by this darling attribute, and became eminently -useful in the cause of liberty. - -Among this class the name of SAMUEL HUNTINGTON stands conspicuous. He -was a native of Windham, Connecticut, born on the 2nd of July, 1732. -His father, Nathaniel Huntington, was a plain honest farmer, and gave -this son only a common English education. Three of his brothers enjoyed -the advantages of Yale College and became gospel ministers, all of them -adorning their profession, and one of them, Joseph, becoming an eminent -divine and an able writer. Their pious mother was the happy instrument -that led them to the pure font of religion, and had the happiness to -see her numerous offspring all walking hand in hand in the ways of -wisdom and virtue. Samuel followed the plough until he was twenty-two -years of age. He was of middle stature, dark complexion, keen eyes, -countenance expressive, with a deportment that commanded respect, love -and esteem. He was remarkable for industry and integrity, and from -his early youth had been a close observer of men and things, and an -attentive reader. His native talents were strong and of a grave cast, -his judgment was clear and his reflections deep. From his childhood to -his grave he was remarkable for consistency in all things. This was his -strong forte, and exalted him to a lofty eminence. In his twenty-third -year he commenced reading law at his father’s domicile, from books -loaned to him by Zedediah Elderkin, Esq. a member of the Norwich bar. -Like Roger Sherman, he soon mastered the elementary principles of -that intricate science, was admitted to the practical honours of the -profession, and immediately opened an office in his native town. His -reputation as an honest man, possessing a clear head and a good heart, -already rested on a firm basis. His fame as an able advocate and safe -counsellor, soon added new grace to this superstructure. He was not -celebrated for Ciceronean powers; he imitated more closely Socrates -and Solon. His manner was plain and unvarnished, but marked by that -deep sincerity and candour that seldom fail to impress the minds of a -court and jury favourably, and often foil the most brilliant and happy -displays of Demosthenean eloquence. To his other strong qualities he -added punctuality, which is the very life of business. He soon obtained -a lucrative practice and the confidence of the community. In 1760, -he removed to Norwich, where a wider field was open before him; and -two years after, he emerged from the lonely regions of celibacy with -Martha, the accomplished daughter of Ebenezer Devotion, and entered -the delightful bowers of matrimony, thus giving him an importance in -society that, single blessedness never confers. The choice he made was -consistent; his partner proved to be an amiable companion, uniting the -accomplishments of a lady and the piety of a Christian, with laudable -industry and strict economy. “Marriage, with peace, is this world’s -paradise.” - -The professional fame of Mr. Huntington continued to rise and expand, -and when the all-important subject of American rights and British -wrongs was agitated, he exerted his extensive influence and noblest -powers in favour of the cause of equal rights. In 1764, he was elected -to the general assembly, and the next year was appointed king’s -attorney, the duties of which office he continued to ably discharge -until the pestiferous atmosphere of monarchial oppression drove him -from under the dark mantle of a corrupt and impolitic ministry. He was -appointed to the bench of the Superior Court in 1774, and the next -year a member of the council of his native state. In October, 1775, -he had the honour of being associated with the patriots and sages of -the Continental Congress then assembled at Philadelphia, of which body -he became a prominent and useful member. In January following he -again took his seat in that venerable assembly, and advocated boldly, -fearlessly, and with undisguised sincerity, the necessity of severing, -at one gigantic stroke, the cords that bound the colonies to England. -The solemnity of his manners, the deep tone of his reasoning, the lucid -demonstration of his propositions, and the purity of his patriotism, -were well calculated to carry conviction to the heart and impart -confidence to the wavering and timid. He was present on the memorable -4th of July, 1776, at the birth of our independence, and became a -subscribing witness to the imposing solemnities of that eventful day. -He was continued a member of Congress until 1781, when ill health -compelled him to retire, for a season, from the halls of legislation. - -He was a man of great industry, clearness of perception, honesty of -purpose, and profound research; united with an extensive practical -knowledge of human nature, general business, and political economy, -which rendered him worthy of unlimited confidence and gave him a -place on the most important committees. So highly was Mr. Huntington -esteemed, that on the resignation of Mr. Jay, in 1779, who was -appointed minister to Europe, he was elected president of Congress, -the duties of which high and dignified station he discharged with so -much consistency and ability, that on his final resignation in July -1781, that august body passed and communicated to him a vote of thanks -for the able manner he had filled the chair and promoted the execution -of public business. So anxious were the members that he should resume -his seat, that they waited considerable time before they supplied the -vacancy permanently, hoping that his health might be restored and -enable him to return. During this interim of his congressional career, -when he was able, he served his own state on the bench and in her -council. In 1783, he resumed his seat in the national legislature, -during which year he closed his services in that body and declined a -re-election. He had aided in completing the mighty work of national -freedom; the star spangled banner was floating in the breeze of -liberty; his country had triumphed over a merciless foe; her political -regeneration had been consummated; America was disenthralled; he then -desired retirement from the arena of public life. His rest was of brief -duration. In 1784, he was appointed chief justice of his native state; -the ensuing year, lieutenant-governor; and the year following that, he -was elected governor of Connecticut, which responsible and important -office he filled until the 5th day of January, 1796, when he sunk under -a complication of diseases, and closed his eyes in death. He died -the death of a righteous man, having long adorned the profession of -religion by a life of consistent and exemplary piety. - -In the life of this good and useful patriot, we find much to admire -and nothing to condemn. His superior virtues and uniform consistency -eclipsed every frailty of his nature. In the performance of all the -duties of public and private life, he was a model worthy of the highest -praise and of the closest imitation. From the plough in the field, -through his bright career to the presidential chair in Congress, and -from thence to the chief magistracy of his native state, so great -were his consistency, wisdom, prudence, discretion, and even-handed -justice, that envy, malice, and slander, shrunk from the torpedo -touch of his moral purity. As a lawyer, a judge, a statesman, and a -chief magistrate, he stood admired, approved, and honoured. He was a -stranger to pomp and show; republican in his manners as well as in his -principles; temperate and frugal in his habits; scrupulously honest in -the discharge of every duty; calm and deliberate in all his actions; -urbane and affable in his intercourse with mankind; completely master -of all his passions; systematic and punctual in private and public -business; emphatically a son of consistency, liberty, order, and law. -His fame is based upon substantial merit; his name is surrounded by a -sacred halo that renders it dear to every freeman; his examples will -shed a salutary influence over the mind of every reader capable of -receiving the congenial impression of angelic consistency. - - - - -GEORGE WALTON. - - -Knowledge is the treasure of the mind; virtue is the parent of earthly -happiness. In this enlightened age and in our free country, ignorance -is a voluntary misfortune arising from idleness, the parent of want, -vice, and shame. Under the benevolent arrangements of the present -day, every child, youth, woman and man can have access to books, and -generally to schools. At no era of the world has the mantle of science -been so widely spread as at this time. All who will may drink at the -pure fountain of intelligence, and go on their way rejoicing in light. -By a proper improvement of time, the apprentice of the workshop may lay -in a stock of useful information that will enable him, when he arrives -at manhood, to take a respectable stand by the side of those who have -been illumined with the full blaze of a collegiate education. In his -own hands are the materials of future fame, oblivial obscurity, or -shameless infamy. He is the architect of his own fortune, and will rise -in the scale of being just in proportion with his mental exertions. -Youth of America, if you desire to remain free, store your minds with -knowledge. Several bright examples have already been spread before the -reader, in this review of the lives of the signers of the declaration, -of men who raised themselves by the force of their own powers and -industry to the loftiest pinnacle of enduring fame. - -In tracing the career of GEORGE WALTON, another instance of the same -kind is presented. He was a native of Frederic county, Virginia, -born in 1740. Without any school education he was apprenticed to a -morose carpenter at an early age, who was so penurious as to deny him -a candle to read by, after having faithfully performed his task of -labour. So great was his desire to become familiar with books, that he -would collect pine knots, which afforded him the only light for the -prosecution of his studies during his boyhood and youth. He served out -his time in strict accordance with his indentures, and when manhood -dawned upon him, his mind was stored with a rich stock of useful -intelligence and practical information. This he had acquired alone -by the dint of industry during those hours of the night when a large -proportion of other boys and youth were either reposing in slumber, or -were wasting their time in corrupt and vicious company, demonstrating -most clearly _that ignorance is a voluntary misfortune_. - -When he arrived at his majority he went to Georgia and commenced -the study of law with Henry Young, Esq., under whose instruction he -rapidly acquired the elements of the profession, and was admitted to -the bar in 1774. During his investigation of the principles laid down -by Blackstone and other able writers, he was most forcibly struck with -the gross violation of the chartered and constitutional rights of the -colonies. His indignation became roused, he communicated his views and -feelings to other kindred spirits, and was among the first to oppose -British oppression in his adopted state. The interests of the crown -were sustained in Georgia longer than in either of the other provinces. -A temporizing spirit pervaded the minds of many of those who desired -liberty, but believed its attainment beyond their reach. For some -time they preferred enduring their present sufferings, lest a severer -fate should overtake them. They knew their own weakness, they dreaded -the physical power of England. But George Walton and a few other bold -patriots were not to be intimidated by a display of military force. -They considered that to die in the cause of liberty was more glorious -than to wear the chains of a tyrant. They were determined never to bow -the knee to Baal, or offer a sacrifice at the altar of monarchy. They -resolved to be free or nobly perish in the attempt. - -In order to test the public mind, Messrs. Walton, Noble, Bullock, and -Houston, over their proper signatures, published a notice for a meeting -of their fellow citizens to be held at the Liberty Pole, Tondee’s -tavern, Savannah, on the 27th of July, 1774, in order to take into -consideration the constitutional rights and liberties of the American -subjects of the British empire. This was the first liberty pole planted -in that state; this was the first meeting that put the revolutionary -ball in motion in Georgia. A large number of citizens assembled at the -time and place appointed, and were eloquently addressed by Mr. Walton, -who, from that time, became a prominent and able leader of the popular -party. A committee was organized for the purpose of rousing the people -to a sense of impending danger and to a vindication of their injured -rights. Governor Wright, with the hireling phalanx of the crown, used -great exertions to obtain from the inhabitants of every parish a -written pledge to sustain them in executing the nefarious designs of -the mother country, and to submit their necks more implicitly to the -yoke of bondage. Fascinating promises of redress were held out, and the -people were in a measure lulled into quietness by a renewal of their -petitions to the throne for the repeal of the unconstitutional laws of -parliament. But the fire of patriotism had commenced its insulating -course. From Mr. Walton and his compatriots its holy flame continued to -spread from heart to heart, from sire to son, from parish to parish, -at first slowly, but finally illuminating the horizon of liberty with -cheering refulgence. The struggle of many of the more timid patriots in -that province, between policy and duty, was long suspended on the pivot -of indecision. Present self-interest and self-preservation influenced -many to remain inactive for a season, who subsequently became the bold -advocates of liberal principles. In January, 1775, the members of the -assembly were so equally divided upon the all-important subject of -the revolution, then rolling upon them, that they adjourned without -any definite action relative to it. The same wavering spirit was -manifested at the public meetings and by the committee of safety. To -restore the public mind from this political paralysis, was the province -of Mr. Walton and a few other noble spirits. All the other colonies -had united in the common cause against the common enemy and had sent -delegates to the Congress convened at Philadelphia the previous year. -That Georgia should be the last to hug the chains and kiss the rod of -oppression, was to him a source of mortification and regret. But he -determined not to desert his post. His exertions became equal to the -herculean task before. His powers of mind rose with the magnitude of -the occasion; his eloquence and logic bore down all opposition, and -when the cry of blood—of murder—from the heights of Lexington was -heard, the people started from their reverie, rose in the majesty of -their might, buckled on the armour of opposition, burst the cords -that bound them, and bid defiance to British power. In May, 1775, the -parish of St. Johns sent Lyman Hall to the Continental Congress, and -in July, a convention of the province sanctioned his election, joined -the confederacy, and sent four other delegates to aid him. The council -of safety was re-organized, and vigorous measures adopted to aid the -cause of rational liberty. In these measures Mr. Walton was one of the -leading men. In January of the next year the legislature appointed -Mr. Bullock, a bold and active patriot, president of the executive -council by a large majority. British authority was at an end. Governor -Wright threatened the members with bayonets, the next hour he was their -prisoner, and permitted only the liberty of his own house on his parol -of honour. This he violated, fled on board of the armed fleet in the -harbour, commenced an attack upon the town, was shamefully defeated, -and retired from the vengeance of an enraged, insulted, and injured -populace. - -In February, 1776, Mr. Walton was elected to Congress, and entered -upon the important duties of legislation. He at once took his seat and -proved a bold, energetic, and efficient advocate for every measure -calculated to advance the cause of independence. He warmly supported -the declaration of rights and most cheerfully gave it his vote and -signature. He continued to be annually elected a member of the national -legislature until 1781, excepting 1779, when he was governor of -Georgia, he rendered essential service on various committees. When -Congress was compelled to retire to Baltimore on the 13th of December, -1776, in consequence of the approach of the British army, Messrs. -Morris, Clymer, and Walton, were left as a committee of superintendence -with $200,000, to be expended for the use of the army. Mr. Walton was -also a member of the treasury board and marine committee, and ably -discharged every duty that devolved upon him. In addition to his civil -honours, his brow was decked with the epic wreath. In 1778, he was -commissioned colonel of militia, and bravely sustained himself at the -battle of Savannah between the American troops under General Howe and -the British under Colonel Campbell. The battalion under his command -made a desperate resistance until he received a shot in his thigh, fell -from his horse, and was captured by the enemy. So long as his wound -confined him he was held under a parol of honour; when he recovered, -he was sent to Sunbury and confined with the other prisoners. He was -soon after exchanged, and again entered into the service of Congress, -having been absent during the session of 1778. In January, 1783, he -was appointed chief justice of Georgia. He was subsequently again -elected governor of the state, and also a member of the United States -senate, and served several sessions in the state legislature. He was -a judge of the superior court, when he closed his laborious life on -the 2nd of February, 1803, which had been almost entirely devoted to -the service of his country. He was also one of the commissioners that -effected a treaty with the Cherokee Indians in Tennessee. His high -reputation as an able and faithful public servant, imposed upon him -numerous and onerous duties, all of which he discharged in a manner -that did honour to his name and his country. The only difficulty in -which he appears to have been involved during his public career, was -as singular as it proved harmless, and lost none of its odd features -in its final adjustment. During the war, a jealousy existed between -the civil and military powers in Georgia. At the head of the first was -Mr. Walton; at the head of the latter, General M’Intosh. In 1779, when -the former was first elected governor of the state, a forged letter, -purporting to be from the legislature, then in session at Savannah, was -forwarded to Congress, requesting the removal of the latter to some -other field of action. The governor was charged with a knowledge of -the transaction; but few, if any, believed it, and he declared himself -ignorant of the whole matter. The documentary proofs were laid before -the house in January, 1783, and whilst under discussion, Mr. Walton was -appointed chief justice of the state; the next day a vote of censure -was passed upon him for participating in the forged letter, and the -attorney-general directed to institute proceedings against him in the -very court over which he presided, and the only one that had cognisance -of the charge against him. The vote of censure may have healed the -wounded feelings of General M’Intosh; it certainly never injured chief -justice Walton, and was never afterwards agitated. It was more like a -political compromise of the present day than any revolutionary farce -that has come under my notice. - -During the latter part of his life, Judge Walton confined his public -duties to the bench of the superior court; and during the intervals of -its session, enjoyed the comforts of domestic life with his family, -consisting of one son, and his amiable and accomplished companion, -the daughter of Mr. Chamber, whom he had married in 1777. He was not -wealthy, was free from avarice, and was contented with a competence -which was afforded by his public emoluments and the produce of a small -plantation. He indulged in good living, and suffered much from the gout -at various times. He was a close student during his whole life. He -continued to add to his experience a general knowledge of the sciences, -and became an ornament to the judiciary of his state. He was also a -ready writer, and possessed a peculiar talent for satire, which he -occasionally resorted to as a correction of error and folly. He was -of a warm temperament, easily excited, resenting every indignity, but -highly honourable and just, moving within the orbit of propriety under -all circumstances, showing clearly that the inflammable passions may be -governed and controlled by a wise discretion. He was open and frank, a -stranger to disguise, ardent in his attachments, firm in his purposes, -stern and reserve in his manners in general society, but very familiar -in the private circle with his friends. He was an indignant but manly -opponent; his enemies knew just where to find him. He was fond of -brevity and despatch in conversation and in business, and systematic in -all his proceedings and arrangements both public and private. Taken as -a whole, he was one of the most useful men of his day and generation, -and has left examples worthy of the imitation of the apprentice, the -student, the lawyer, the judge, the magistrate, and the statesman. By -the force of industry and perseverance he rose from the humblest walks -of life to the most dignified stations in the community. Let every -youth whose eyes meet this brief sketch, be stimulated to embrace -every opportunity for improvement, and drink often and freely at the -crystal fountain of knowledge now accessible and open to all. Soon the -affairs of a mighty nation will devolve upon you; without intelligence -you cannot be prepared to guard its dearest interests and counteract -the corrupting and baneful evils that are often put in motion by wild -ambition, sordid selfishness, and dark intrigue. - - - - -GEORGE CLYMER. - - -The mental powers of man are as diversified as the soils of the earth. -Upon the minds of some we pour the classic stream in vain; like the -desert of Sahara, they are barren of fruit or flower. Upon the minds -of others, laborious efforts produce an improvement, but never enrich -them. Their substance is too light and their substratum too porous to -long retain the fructifying substances lavished upon them. Others, -by good culture, yield a liberal harvest and become valuable by use. -Others again, like the alluvial prairie, are adorned with spontaneous -fruits, and only require the introduction of seed to afford all the -rich varieties that may be desired. Expose them to the genial rays of -the sun of science and the germs of genius will immediately spring up, -the embryo forms will bud and blossom like the rose. - -The mind of GEORGE CLYMER was composed of a prolific and deep mould, -capable of producing the richest foliage. Fortunately for our country, -it was not appropriated entirely to ornamental flowers and blooming -shrubbery, but to the substantial fruits that invigorate and support -life. - -He was born in Philadelphia in 1739. His father removed from Bristol, -England, to that city, and died when this son was but seven years of -age. George Clymer was then taken under the guardian care of William -Coleman, his uncle, who treated him as a son and made him heir of most -of his property. Himself a literary man, Mr. Coleman conferred upon his -nephew a good education. He possessed a splendid library, and had the -gratifying consolation of seeing it often and fully explored by George -Clymer, who manifested an early taste for reading, and investigated -critically every subject that came before him, never leaving it until -he traced it through all its meanderings to its primeval source. This -trait in his character rendered him vastly useful in the momentous -concerns that occupied his subsequent life. It is of the first -importance to dig deep and lay firmly the foundations of an education, -that the superstructure may rest upon a substantial basis. - -From the seminary, Mr. Clymer went into the counting-house of his -uncle, and made himself acquainted with the mercantile business, in -which he subsequently embarked. The precariousness and uncertainty of -this calling rendered it unpleasant to him. He was opposed to sudden -gains or losses, because the one was calculated to elate the mind -too much, and the other to depress it too low, thus destroying the -equilibrium calculated to impart the most happiness to a man and render -him most useful to himself, to his family, and to the community. He -contended that a virtuous equality in life is more conducive to the -comfort and prosperity of a nation, than to have a majority of the -wealth wielded by a favoured few. He was the friend of equal rights -and free principles. He was a republican of the Roman school, a -patriot of the highest order, a philanthropist of the noblest cast, -and opposed to all monopolies. His genius was of that original order, -that, like some comets, illuminate our world only at long intervals. -It seemed to traverse the circuit of human nature, of metaphysics, -of philosophy, and of general science, without an apparent effort, -drawing from each conclusions peculiarly its own. He was a virtuoso, -an amateur, and at the same time a deep logician and mathematician. A -love of liberty and equal rights was with him an innate quality. His -mind was richly stored with the history of other times and nations; he -was well versed in the principles of law and government, and understood -well the chartered rights of his country, and felt most keenly the -increasing infringements upon them by the very power that was bound by -the laws of nature, of man, and of God, to protect them. His course -at the commencement of the revolution can readily be imagined. True, -his entire property was vested in commercial business; Reese Meredith, -his father-in-law, was his partner in trade, and for him to oppose -the interests of the crown, seemed certain destruction to his own, -so far as pecuniary matters were concerned. But his mind moved in an -orbit limited only by the confines of freedom. He was among the first -to resist the oppressors of his country and proclaim to his fellow -citizens the principles of liberty. At the “_tea meeting_,” held by the -citizens of Philadelphia on the 16th of October, 1773, his reasoning, -sincerity, zeal and enthusiastic patriotism, commanded great attention -and admiration. Free from pedantry and naturally retiring his powers of -mind were known only to his friends. From that time they were claimed -as public property. He was compelled to surrender possession to the -rightful owners, without certiorari or appeal, and was engaged in all -the important measures of the day. When the final crisis arrived for -action; when forbearance had ceased to be a virtue; when the war-cry -resounded from the heights of Lexington, Mr. Clymer took command of -a company under General Cadwalader and repaired to the tented field. -He was at the same time a member of the council of safety, and had -served on all or most of the preliminary committees of his native -city appointed to prepare petitions, remonstrances and measures -of defence. He was soon called from the field of epic glory, and -appointed by Congress, on the 29th of July, 1775, in conjunction with -Michael Hillegas, to take charge of the public treasury. He subscribed -liberally to the loan raised for the public service, and poured all -the specie he could raise into the government chest and took in return -paper, which was virtually ephemeral in its value. His examples and his -patriotic enthusiasm had a powerful influence upon his friends, many -of whom came boldly to the rescue. In July, 1776, he took his seat in -the Continental Congress _after_ the adoption of the declaration of -rights, to which he most cheerfully subscribed. A part of the preceding -delegation from Pennsylvania when they found their colleagues were -in favour of cutting loose, left their station and retired, perhaps -that they might avoid the wrath of the king on the one hand and the -indignation of the patriots on the other, or believing the time had not -yet arrived for so bold a step. The people promptly filled their places -with men who _dared_ to be free, by men who had already nobly resolved -on _liberty_ or _death_. - -In September of that year, Messrs. Clymer and Stockton were sent by -Congress to regulate the northern army and to confer with Washington -in making arrangements for future action. In December of the same -year Congress retired to Baltimore in consequence of the threatened -approach of the British army, then spreading consternation, destruction -and death through New Jersey. Mr. Clymer was one of the committee -left in Philadelphia to superintend the public interests and brave -the perils that were rolling onward like a tornado. He was faithful -in the discharge of every duty, devoting his time and fortune to the -advancement of the glorious cause he had espoused. He was returned -to Congress the next year, and in April was again appointed upon a -committee to repair to the army and confer with Washington upon all -subjects that required their attention, which were neither few nor -small. In the autumn of that year an additional momentum was given -to the patriotism of Mr. Clymer. He had removed his family and goods -to Chester county, and immediately after the defeat of the Americans -at Brandywine, the tories led the British to his house; his family -escaped, but his property, to a large amount, was totally destroyed. -This sacrifice at the altar of freedom seemed to strengthen his -political faith and impart fresh vigour to his exertions. - -In December, 1779, he was one of a board of commissioners sent by -Congress to Fort Pitt, to counteract, if possible, the hostility of -the savages, who were committing murders upon the western frontiers of -Virginia and Pennsylvania, and to effect, if practicable, a treaty with -the several tribes, and if unsuccessful in the accomplishment of these -designs, to make arrangements for offensive operations. The mission was -boldly executed, principally by Mr. Clymer alone, who narrowly escaped -the tomahawk during his absence. The commissioners returned in April -and reported the necessity of carrying the war into the Indian country. -During the next year Mr. Clymer was not in Congress, but devoted his -time in raising loans and supplies for the army, then destitute of -almost every necessary of life and of the munitions of war. In 1780, -he was again elected to the national legislature and served until -November of the ensuing year, when he and John Nixon were appointed to -organize the Bank of North America, which was instrumental in reviving -the prostrate credit of the government. In May, 1782, he was associated -with Mr. Rutledge on a mission through the southern states, for the -purpose of inducing them to meet more promptly the requisitions of -Congress for supplies. During the entire period of the revolution he -devoted his whole time to the service of his country, and discharged -every duty assigned him to the entire satisfaction of his constituents -and colleagues. He stood high as an able and faithful co-worker in -the vineyard of liberty, and retired from the field when the harvest -was ended covered with the honours of enduring fame. At the close of -the war he removed to Princeton, for the purpose of resting from his -toils and educating his children. The ensuing year his services were -requested in his native state, and he returned to Philadelphia. He -was elected to the Pennsylvania legislature, and contributed largely -in divesting her old constitution and laws of the obnoxious branches -of tyranny that were still attached to them. He introduced the -amelioration of the penal code and was the originator and warm advocate -of abolishing death in all cases, except murder in the first degree. He -was the father of the much admired penitentiary system of that state, -which has but recently been organized fully upon the plan proposed by -him—that of solitary confinement at hard labour. It may not be known to -the young reader, that in former times, prisoners, after conviction, -were compelled to labour in chains often in the most public places. The -superiority of solitary confinement over all other modes of punishment -has been fully demonstrated, and is in a course of adoption throughout -the civilized world. The arguments of Mr. Clymer in favour of these -philanthropic measures manifested a deep and thorough knowledge of -human nature, and were based upon the firm pillars of equal justice, -lucid reason and sound policy. He devised and prepared the humane -report of the committee that remodelled the penal code of Pennsylvania, -which has been fully and successfully tested, and stands an admired -monument of judicial reformation, and an enduring praise to the name of -its author. - -The mind of Mr. Clymer was peculiarly prolific and happy in the -conception of plans of usefulness and utility. To benefit his country -and better the condition of mankind, afforded him the highest pleasure. -To effect this, he saw the necessity of reducing every department of -government to system and order. American independence was achieved; to -preserve it by reducing to harmony the conflicting local interests, -jealousies and inconsiderate clamours of the malevolent, was an -herculean task yet to be performed. The convention that formed the -federal constitution was therefore hailed with joy by Mr. Clymer, who -was one of its members. The result of the labours of that body was -fraught with deeper interest than the war struggle for victory over a -foreign foe. It involved the fate of our infant republic, which was -then verging on dissolution and fast retrograding towards the awful -gulf of primeval chaos. The conflict was between members of the same -family, and required the deepest sagacity, the profoundest wisdom, -the most acute judgment, the most disinterested patriotism, the most -exalted charity, and the purest spirit of conciliation, to bring it -to a peaceful and satisfactory termination. Happily for our country -this was done, and Mr. Clymer contributed his full share in the -accomplishment of the glorious work. - -He was elected a member of the first Congress convened under that -saving instrument, he was a stern republican and opposed to tacking -any titles to the name of any public man except that of his office. -Excellency, honourable, &c., he conceived to be the mere shadows of -a shadow, too vain and trifling for a freeman. He was opposed to -the right of instruction from his constituents, because they must -necessarily decide without hearing either evidence or argument. He was -unwilling to be made a mere passive machine of puerile power, a mere -automaton of party spirit. - -In the organization of the general government through all its -ramifications he took a deep interest and an active part. Every -subject that was presented to Congress for consideration he analyzed -with the skill of a sage, a statesman and a philosopher. In 1790, he -closed his legislative career and declined again entering upon its -arduous duties. Under the act of Congress of 1791, imposing a duty on -domestic distilled spirits, Mr. Clymer was appointed to superintend -its collection in his own state. The tax was then called, by way of -opprobrium, the _excise_. This law gave great dissatisfaction in many -places, and in Pennsylvania produced what was termed the _whiskey -rebellion_, which required the military to restore order. Unpleasant -as it was, Mr. Clymer proceeded to perform his duty by appointing the -required collectors in each county, endeavouring to persuade the people -to submit to the law whilst in force, and pursue the constitutional -remedy for its repeal if they believed it wrong. During the height -of the excitement he hazarded his life among the malecontents where -but few other men would have been spared if clothed with the same -office. He finally resigned this station, and was soon after appointed -a commissioner, with Colonels Pickens and Hawkins, to negociate a -treaty with the Cherokee and Creek Indians in Georgia, which was -effected on the 29th of June, 1796, and closed his long, faithful and -arduous public career. He had perilled his life, his fortune and his -sacred honour for his country; he had been her unyielding and fearless -advocate amidst the storms of revolution, civil discord and open -rebellion; he now saw her peaceful, prosperous and happy, with the -illustrious Washington presiding over her destinies. He could therefore -retire to enjoy the fruits of his labours and his toils, without any to -disturb or make him afraid. - -But he remained an active man during his whole life. He felt an -interest in every kind of improvement, and to many he extended a -fostering care. As early as 1785, he aided in establishing the -Philadelphia Agricultural Society, and when the Academy of Fine Arts -was founded in that city he was one of its liberal patrons. He aided -also in establishing the Philadelphia Bank. Of the former, he was vice -president, and of the two latter, president when he died. He was a -friend to all the labouring classes, and made himself acquainted with -the principles of farming and the mechanic trades. His private papers -exhibit a great variety of draughts and plans of bridges, canals, -water-works, machinery and implements of husbandry, and numerous -recipes relative to the arts. Like the philosophic Franklin, he -extended his researches to almost every subject within the grasp of -man, and treasured in his mind the essential oil of each. He always -sought for solid substance that could be applied to substantial use. -His mind and his manners were opposed to pedantry and pomp. He was -what, in common parlance, would now be called a plain, old fashioned, -blunt man. His bluntness was not of an offensive kind; it consisted in -laconic truth, dressed in republican simplicity, a garb that was much -admired during the times of pure unsophisticated patriotism. Although -he originated many important measures in the national and state -legislature, he seldom spoke in the forum, and was often unknown to -the public as such, when the author of the most salutary propositions. -He was ambitious only to do good, and was not anxious that his name -should be wafted on the breeze of popular applause or be emblazoned in -the high places of the earth. To know that he had been instrumental in -benefitting the human family was the ultimatum of his soul. When the -importance of a subject induced him to rise in debate he was listened -to with profound attention, and was an example worthy of imitation. -Without any pretensions to refined elocution, he expressed in strong -language the sentiments he strongly felt. He came directly to the -point, adhered closely to it in a strain of keen, cutting, pithy and -laconic reasoning; was always brief, often casting into the shade, by -his remarks of a few moments, the laboured and gaudy speeches of his -opponents that had cost them weeks to prepare and hours to deliver. He -effected this, not by personal recrimination or irony, but by aiming -his blows at the strong points, the syllabus of their superstructure, -which he often demolished at one bold stroke with the damask blade of -sound logic, drawn from the scabbard of plain common sense, and wielded -by the vigorous arm of lucid reason. He was opposed to every shade -of aristocracy and every thing anti-republican, both in theory and -practice. His views were broad and liberal, his purposes were honest -and patriotic. He was an attentive reader, and wrote numerous essays, -which are forcible, logical, and extremely sarcastic. - -In the private walks of life his character was a model of human -excellence. All its relations he discharged with the most scrupulous -fidelity and integrity. He was proverbial for punctuality in all -things, if only to take a walk with a friend or present a promised -toy to a child. In conversation he was agreeable and instructive, -illuminating and enlivening the social circle with apothegms, -aphorisms, and pungent anecdotes, imparting pleasure and intelligence -to all around him. In all this he was modest, chaste and discreet, -avoiding any appearance of superiority, carefully guarding against -personal allusions, even to his most bitter enemies. He spoke ill of -no individual, and checked slander in others whenever he discovered -it. His morals were of the purest order, his philanthropy was of the -loftiest kind. As a public servant, a private citizen, a kind husband, -a faithful father, a warm friend, an honourable enemy and a noble -patriot, the name of GEORGE CLYMER stands pre-eminent. - -He was of the middle size, well formed, fair complexion, with a -countenance attractive, intelligent, expressive of a strong mind, -pleasing and ingenuous. He closed his long and useful career on the 23d -of January, 1813, at the residence of his son at Morrisville, Berks -county, in his native state, most deeply mourned by those who knew him -best. - - - - -CARTER BRAXTON. - - -It often happens that those who forget right and abuse power undermine -the foundation of their own citadel, and prepare the way to be shorn of -their present enjoyments by an improper course to enhance them. Thus -it was with England. Previous to the causes that produced the American -revolution, the idea of a separation from the mother country, and of -forming an independent government, had probably never entered the -minds of but few of the patriots who were engaged in its consummation. -When the impolitic measures towards the colonists were first -commenced, relying upon their chartered rights, based upon the British -constitution as they were, they believed their grievances would and -must be redressed by the king, when properly requested by petitions. -These were repeatedly forwarded to him, couched in the most respectful -and eloquent language, to which he turned a deaf ear. Parliament -was appealed to in vain. Remonstrances formed the next link in the -chain. They also were treated with contempt. A formal demand to desist -from oppression in bold, but still in respectful language, breathing -allegiance to the king in every word, was the next resort—but all to -no purpose. The ministerial cry, _give_—_give_—_give_—resounded from -Albion’s shore, and pierced afresh the sensibilities of the imploring -suppliants. Resolutions of non-importation followed; these produced -menaces from the British military, a preparation for resistance by -the colonies succeeded; American blood was spilt; the tocsin of war -was sounded; millions rushed to the conflict; the struggle was long, -doubtful, and bloody; the patriots triumphed; the power of Britain was -dissolved; Columbia was free and patriots rejoiced. - -Among them stood CARTER BRAXTON, the son of George Braxton, a wealthy -planter, who resided on the north bank of Mattapony river, where he -owned a valuable plantation, situated in the county of King and Queen, -Virginia. At that beautiful place Carter was born, on the 10th of -September, 1736. His paternal and maternal connections were highly -respectable and wealthy, and several of them officers of the crown at -various periods. He was liberally educated at the college of William -and Mary, and reared amidst all the splendours of opulence, without -the tender care of a mother to correct his childish foibles, or of a -father to guard him against the errors of youth; the former having died -when he was but seven days old, and the latter when he was quite young. -When but nineteen years of age, he married the beautiful and amiable -Judith Robinson, who was very wealthy, and entered into full possession -of his large estate, which, united with that of his wife, constituted -a princely fortune. She survived but a short time, leaving him two -daughters, the youngest but a few hours old. - -To assuage his grief, he sailed for England, where he remained for -nearly three years, during which time he added greatly to the store -of knowledge he had previously acquired, and became familiar with -the feelings, views, and designs of that kingdom towards his native -country. His rank and fortune gave him access to the nobility, from -whom he obtained much valuable information relative to the ministerial -conclave then concocting plans to raise money in America to support -royalty in Great Britain. - -Although his family connections were favourites of the king, and every -thing around him was calculated to foster aristocracy in his bosom, Mr. -Braxton became a warm friend of liberal principles and equal rights. -Soon after his return from Europe, in 1760, he was elected a member -of the house of burgesses, and, in 1765, was an ardent supporter in -that body of the bold resolutions offered by Patrick Henry, relative -to the stamp act. From that time forward he was a zealous advocate -in the cause of freedom. He was one of the house in May, 1769, when -the proceedings of the members excited the ire of the royal governor -Bottetourt to such a degree that he dissolved them without ceremony. -They immediately repaired to a private room in Williamsburg, and -entered into a solemn agreement not to import any articles from the -mother country until their chartered rights were restored. The same -members were elected to the next session, and, being aware of the kind -of materials he had to manage, the smooth and shrewd governor lulled -them into a more quiet mood by the syren song of promises, assuring -them that at the next session of parliament the offensive revenue taxes -would be removed. Still cherishing hopes that their rights would be -recognised, they waited in respectful but watchful silence. Mr. Braxton -was an active member of committees and an agreeable speaker. In the -house of burgesses there were six standing committees, one on courts of -justice, one on public claims, one on elections and privileges, one on -trade, one on grievances and propositions, and one on religion. Of the -three last, then by far the most important, Mr. Braxton was uniformly -a member. In 1771, governor Bottetourt died, and was succeeded by -Lord Dunmore, who, being fresh from the fountain of high notions and -ministerial corruption, dissolved the turbulent assembly then in -commission, and issued his proclamation for a new election. Mr. Braxton -was then sheriff of his county, and could not serve in the house. The -people continued to live on promises and hang on hope until the 27th -of May, 1774, when the house of burgesses again took a bold stand -against oppression, and was peremptorily dissolved by Lord Dunmore. -He then dissolved the gordian knot virtually; the people became -enraged; eighty-nine of the members, immediately alter the dissolution, -formed themselves, with many other patriots, into an association of -resistance, and the fire of freedom began to rise in curling flames. In -August, a convention of the friends of liberty met in Williamsburg, of -which Mr. Braxton was an active member. They elected seven delegates -to meet the Congress at Philadelphia, and bound themselves to act in -concert with the people of Boston, in the common cause against the -common enemy. Governor Dunmore had a new house of burgesses elected; -not being pleased with their proceedings he prorogued it several times, -until he prorogued himself, on the night of the 7th of June, 1775, -on board the armed ship Fowey, never again to assume his power over -the turbulent rebels of America. The Virginia convention met again in -March, 1775, and took every precaution necessary to put their state in -a condition of defence. In April following, Lord Dunmore had caused the -powder to be removed from the magazine, under pretence that it would -probably be needed in another part of the colony, to repel an expected -insurrection of the blacks. This enraged the people, who assembled in -large numbers, but were persuaded to return to their homes by Peyton -Randolph. Not fully satisfied, a Spartan band soon after collected, -headed by Patrick Henry, and proceeded towards Williamsburg, determined -on having the powder or its equivalent. An armed force was sent from -the Fowey to sustain the governor; this only enraged the patriots; the -spilling of blood seemed inevitable. At that juncture Mr. Braxton and -others interceded; the powder was paid for by the receiver-general; Mr. -Henry gave a receipt for the money, and his troops returned home. - -The flight of the governor was the dissolution of British power in -Virginia. For a time the government was managed entirely by the -committee of safety, of which Mr. Braxton was a member. On the 15th -of December, 1775, he was elected to the Continental Congress, and -entered upon the duties of his new station with great zeal and vigour. -He had already seen much public service, and was prepared to act well -his part. He advocated, voted for, and signed the declaration, the -instrument that formally dissolved the maternal ties that bound the -pilgrim fathers to chains and slavery. On the return of Mr. Braxton -from Congress the next autumn he took his seat in the first Virginia -legislature convened under their republican constitution, having been -elected the May previous. A formal vote of thanks to him and Thomas -Jefferson, for their faithful services in Congress, is upon the records -of that body, dated the 12th of October, 1776. From that time to his -death, he was often a member of the legislature of his state, sometimes -in one branch and sometimes in the other. He was a member of council -when he died, and was in his seat only four days previous to his -decease. - -During the war, he had lost a large portion of his fortune by the -British, and after its close he was extremely unfortunate, and was -reduced to indigent and perplexing circumstances. For a time, he led -his friends into speculative projects in order to resuscitate his -adverse circumstances, all of which proved abortive, injuring them -without benefiting him, and he finally sunk under a load of affliction, -which produced an excitement that was followed by paralysis, a second -attack of which ended his useful and eventful career at Richmond, -Virginia, on the 10th of October, 1797. Under all these trying -circumstances, his reputation did not suffer, he lost none of his well -earned fame as an able and faithful public servant, and an honest and -worthy man. His private character was of the most amiable kind; he -was a perfect gentleman and fulfilled all the relations of life with -fidelity. His name is justly placed high upon the list of enduring -fame, as a man who was a faithful sentinel in the cause of equal -rights, who contributed largely in consummating that independence we -now enjoy, that freedom of which we boast, that liberty which we are -bound to cherish, protect, preserve, and perpetuate. - - - - -JOHN MORTON. - - -Courage and fortitude, unaided by wisdom, often lead men into -unforeseen and unexpected difficulties. Combined, they form a power for -action equal to the lever, the fulcrum and the screw. Some men possess -a brave and dauntless spirit that knows no fear, but not possessed of -the helm of wisdom to plan and discretion to act, can never become -successful leaders. Guided by a wise prudence, blended with a talent -to conceive and a boldness to execute, the weak become strong and -effect wonders, at which they themselves look with astonishment after -the mighty work is completed. To the unparalleled wisdom of the sages -of the American revolution we owe the blessings of the liberty we -now enjoy, more than to the physical strength of our country at that -time. Compared with the fleets and armies of the mother country at the -eventful era of the birth of our nation, the available force of the -colonies dwindles into significance. The one a Goliah clad in armour; -the other, a boy with a puerile sling. The one, a giant in the vigour -of his glory; the other, an infant bursting into life. To the wisdom of -the revolutionary sages, then, under God, we must ascribe the success -of the noble work they conceived, planned and executed. - -As a cool, deliberate and prudent man, the name of John Morton is -memorable. He was born in Ridley, Delaware county, Pennsylvania, about -four miles from Chester, in the year 1724. His ancestors immigrated -from Sweden at an early period, and settled along the Delaware not far -from Philadelphia. The father of John Morton, of the same christian -name, married Mary Richards when he was very young, and died before -his son was born, and before he arrived at his majority. The widow -was subsequently married by John Sketchly, an intelligent Englishman, -who proved a good husband and a kind step-father. Mr. Morton was -principally indebted to him for his education, having enjoyed the -advantages of a school but three months. Himself a skilful surveyor -and well versed in mathematics, he made his step-son master of that -important science. No branch of education is as well calculated to lead -the mind into the path of precision of thought and action as this. -Based upon invariable truth and lucid demonstration, never resting -on false premises, always arriving at incontrovertible conclusions, -it gives a tone to the mental powers calculated to produce the most -beneficial results. - -Young Morton continued with his parental guardian until manhood dawned -upon him, aiding in the management of the farm and in surveying, -constantly storing his mind with useful and substantial knowledge, -blending and testing theory with practice. In 1764, he was commissioned -a justice of the peace, and shortly after was elected to the assembly -of his native state. He soon became conspicuous, and was subsequently -speaker of the house during several sessions. He took a deep interest -in the welfare of his country, and was a member of the Congress -assembled at New York in 1765 to concert measures for the repeal of -the odious stamp act. He concurred in the strong and bold measure of -that body, which virtually kindled the fire of the revolution, which, -although smothered for a time, was never extinguished until it consumed -the last vestige of British power in America. In 1767, he became the -sheriff of his county, which station he ably filled for three years. He -was then appointed president judge of his district, and rose rapidly -in the estimation of his fellow citizens. He also endeared himself to -society by a matrimonial connection with Miss Anne Justis of the state -of Delaware, an amiable and accomplished lady, who contributed largely -to his happiness in life. Soon after the clarion of war was sounded -from the heights of Lexington, the indignation of the people in his -neighbourhood was so roused that they raised a battalion of volunteers -and elected judge Morton colonel. He was under the necessity of -declining the proffered honour, having recently been appointed a judge -of the supreme court of Pennsylvania. In July, 1774, he was appointed -by the assembly of that state a member of the Congress that convened -in Philadelphia in September following. The object of that Congress -was to effect peace and reconciliation between the two countries, and -contract, instead of enlarging, the breach of amity. Men of wisdom -and deep thought, fired by a holy patriotism, were selected for the -all-important deliberations on which depended the future destiny of -themselves and unborn millions. When they assembled, a deep and awful -solemnity pervaded every mind. The proceedings were opened by prayer, -and every soul seemed to commune with the spirits of another world, as -by vesper orisons. After the address to the throne of grace was closed, -a protracted silence ensued; nought but the flitting of the purple -stream and the throbbing of anxious hearts was heard. The trembling -tears and quivering lip told the emotions of many a bosom, too strong -to be endured, too full to be expressed, too deep to be fathomed. At -length the mighty spirit of Henry burst forth in the majesty of its -native glory, and broke the magic spell. In bold and glowing colours, -strongly shaded with dignified sincerity, and painted upon the canvass -of eternal justice and truth, he presented American rights and British -wrongs. When he closed, every patriot responded a hearty—Amen. Their -mouths were opened, their burdens lightened, and they could breathe -more freely. - -In May of the next year, judge Morton again took his seat in Congress, -and in November following was re-elected, although then speaker of the -assembly of his state. In July, 1776, he attended that august body for -the last time, and placed an enduring seal upon the bright escutcheon -of his name, by signing the chart of liberty, the manifesto of freemen -against the usurpations of tyranny. - -During the time he was in Congress, he rendered very efficient -services, and was highly esteemed as a cool, deliberate, discerning -man; purely patriotic, firm in his principles, and anxious to do all -in his power to promote the righteous cause of his bleeding country. -With all these feelings resting upon his mind, he was among those -who weighed deeply the consequences of severing the bonds that bound -the colonies to the mother country. Unsustained, the step was death -or a more cruel slavery. To all human appearance the patriots must -be crushed by the physical force of their enemies then pouring in -upon them. There were five delegates from his state, two of them -had determined on going against the measure, which left him to give -the casting vote. The responsibility he considered of the greatest -magnitude. On it depended the enhanced misery or the happy deliverance -of his country. The former he feared, the latter he hoped for. When the -time arrived for final action, his patriotism preponderated over his -doubts, and he cast his vote in favour of the important instrument that -was to prove either the warrant of death or the diploma of freedom. -Some of his old friends censured him strongly for the bold act, and -would not be reconciled to him, even when he lay upon the bed of -death; so strong were the feelings of men during the revolution. His -dying message to them showed that his conscience approved the work his -hand had done. “Tell them that they will live to see the hours when -they shall acknowledge it to have been the most glorious service that I -have ever rendered to my country.” The truth of his prophecy has been -most happily verified. - -When the articles of confederation were under discussion by Congress, -judge Morton was frequently chairman of the committee of the whole, and -performed the duty with great dignity and ability. - -In April, 1777, he was attacked with a violent fever, highly -inflammatory, which terminated his life in a few days, in the midst of -his usefulness, with fresh honours awaiting him as time advanced. His -premature death was deeply mourned by his bereaved companion, eight -children, a large concourse of intimate friends, by the members of the -bar, by his associate judges, by the state legislature, by Congress, -and by every patriot of his country. - -As a private citizen, he possessed an unusual share of esteem. He was -endowed with all the amiable qualities that enrich the domestic and -social circle, and, as a crowning glory to his fair fame, he professed -and adorned the Christian religion, and died triumphing in faith. His -dust reposes in the cemetery of St. James’ church, in Chester; his name -is recorded on the enduring tablet of fame. His examples are worthy of -imitation; his brief career admonishes us of the uncertainty of life; -his happy demise is an evidence of the truth of real piety. - - - - -RICHARD HENRY LEE. - - -A strong propensity exists in every investigating, reflecting mind, to -explore the labyrinthian abysm of the past. The classic reader dwells -with rapture upon oriental time. Its remoteness sheds around it a -sacredness that increases veneration, and leaves the fancy to wonder -and admire. Human foibles descend with the body to the tomb, and are -covered by the mantle of oblivion. Human faults, not enrolled on the -black catalogue of crime, are often eclipsed by transcendant virtues, -find no place upon the historic page, and leave after generations to -gaze at a picture of native beauty, which, as time rolls over it, -assumes deeper and holier shades, until it commands the reverence of -all who behold it. The names of Demosthenes, Cicero, Socrates, Solon, -Cincinnatus, and many others, over whose dust centuries have rolled, -are referred to with as profound respect as if angel purity had stamped -their every action with the impress of divinity. The same bright -portrait awaits the name of every good and great man. That of each of -the signers of the declaration of independence has long attracted the -earnest gaze of admiring millions, and becomes more sacred as time -advances. - -Upon the tablet of enduring fame, stands the name of RICHARD HENRY LEE, -in bold relievo. He was the son of Thomas Lee, and born in Westmoreland -county, Virginia, on the 20th of January, 1732. His ancestors were -among the early settlers of the Old Dominion, and among those who -guided the concerns and directed the destinies of the colony. They -were the friends of liberal principles, and at all times resisted -every encroachment upon their rights. The arbitrary power exercised -by Charles the first over his European subjects, which hurled him -from his throne, was successfully resisted by the Lees of Virginia. -When Cromwell assumed the crown, his power was not recognised by this -colony, and the mandate that first proclaimed the second Charles king, -originated with Lee and Berkley of the Old Dominion. - -The plan of ultimate independence seems to have been long cherished -and nursed by the elder Lees. Through the bright vista of the future -they contemplated the millennium of freedom in America. So strongly -impressed was the father of the present subject with this idea, that -he fixed in his mind the location of the seat of government, and in -view of this, purchased lands in the vicinity of Washington. By some -historians this is called a paradox which philosophy has been perplexed -to explain. To my mind the solution is involved in no mysterious -perplexity. A man of deep reflection does not draw his conclusions from -present appearances alone. He compares the past with the present, from -which he makes deductions for the future. The historic map of the old -world is covered with the rise, progress, and downfall of kingdoms and -nations. Judging from the causes that produced them, and the results -that followed, it was the natural conclusion of a penetrating mind, -that the expansive territory we now possess, with all the bounties -of nature lavished upon it, and with intelligent and enterprising -immigrants pouring in upon it, must eventually be so densely populated -that its physical force would become too strong for any European power -to maintain a dominion over it. Its geographical centre, with reference -to the settlements then in progress, was equally plain. The “prophecy,” -as it has been termed, was the result of deep thought, arriving at -conclusions drawn from the laws of nature, and shows that Mr. Lee -possessed an analyzing mind that moved in a broad circumference. - -Richard Henry Lee commenced his education at Wakefield, Yorkshire, -England, and remained in that kingdom until he completed it. He -returned a finished scholar and an accomplished gentleman, with a -reputation untarnished by folly or vice. From his youth his integrity -and morality were of the purest order; he delighted in reposing under -the ethic mantle. During his absence his innate republicanism did not -become tinctured with the farina of European courts, or the etiquette -of aristocracy. In classic history he found the true dignity of man -portrayed, and his inalienable rights delineated. In the philosophy -of Locke he saw the rays of light reflected upon human nature, and -the avenues of the immortal mind opened to his enraptured view. In -the elements of Euclid the laws of demonstration were exhibited to -his understanding, and aided in maturing his logical powers. He was -prepared to enter upon the great theatre of public action, and to -adorn the circle of private life. Endowed with these qualifications, -his services were naturally required by his country. His first public -act was to raise a body of troops and tender his services to General -Braddock. That proud Briton considered the provincials puerile, and -declined the proffered aid. His fate is a matter of history. In 1757, -Mr. Lee was appointed a justice of the peace and president of the -court. Shortly after, he was elected to the house of burgesses, where -he made himself thoroughly acquainted with the laws of legislation, the -ramifications of the government, the various interests and policy of -the colony, and with the rules of parliamentary proceedings. - -Retarded by an almost unconquerable diffidence, he took very little -part in debate at first, and it was not until he became excited by a -subject in which he felt a deep interest, that his Ciceronean powers -became developed. A bill was before the house imposing a duty upon the -importation of slaves into Virginia, so heavy as to virtually amount -to a prohibition. It met with strong opposition, and then it was -that Richard Henry Lee became roused, and poured upon his astonished -audience a flood of eloquence against the importing traffic of human -beings, that raised him at once to the pinnacle of fame as an eloquent -orator. He was proclaimed the Cicero of America. He painted, in vivid -colours, the cruelties of Cortes in South America, of the Saracens -in Spain, and then pointed his colleagues to the darker and more -barbarous practices that marked and branded with lasting infamy the -unhallowed slave trade. He also pointed them to the bloody scenes of -other times, when the physical force of those held in bondage had -enabled them to rise in their might and crush their masters at one -bold effort. By stopping the traffic the evil already entailed upon -them might be provided for, and the certain and dreadful consequences -of a constant influx from Africa be warded off. His eloquence was -applauded, but his doctrines of philanthropy were voted down. The trade -was then sanctioned by the government of Great Britain, now so loud -in complaints against us, for not providing for an evil entailed upon -America by the mother country. - -The exposure of base corruptions practised by Mr. Robinson, then -treasurer of the colony, was the next important service rendered by Mr. -Lee. As this was participated in by the aristocracy of the house it -required much boldness, energy, and persevering sagacity to introduce -the probe successfully. This he effected in a masterly manner, and -proved clearly that the treasurer had repeatedly re-issued reclaimed -treasury bills to his favourite friends to support them in their -extravagance, by which means the colony, in paying them a second time, -was robbed of the amount. This act placed Mr. Lee on a high eminence in -view of every honest man. - -When Charles Townshend laid before the British parliament the odious -and more extensive plan of taxing the American colonies, which was -seized upon as a _philosopher’s stone_ by Mr. Grenville, Mr. Lee was -among the first to sound the alarm to his countrymen. Within one month -after the passage of the preliminary act in parliament followed by a -revolting catalogue of unconstitutional and oppressive laws, Mr. Lee -furnished a list of arguments against it to his London friends, that -were sufficient to convince every man of the injustice and ruinous -policy of the measure proposed, who was not blind to the dictates of -reason and madly bent on enslaving his fellow men. When Patrick Henry -proposed his resolutions in 1765, against the stamp act, which brought -out the full force of his gigantic mind for the first time, Mr. Lee -gave them the powerful aid of his eloquent and unanswerable logic.[C] -Associations began now to be organized to resist the oppressions of the -crown of which he was a prominent and efficient member. The collector -of stamps was compelled to relinquish his office and deliver up his -commission and the odious paper, and the people were advised not to use -it on any occasion. - - [C] See them at large in the life of Henry. - -The _pen_ of Mr. Lee was also ably used and produced many keen, -withering, logical, patriotic and sarcastic essays, that contributed -largely in producing a proper tone of enthusiastic patriotism in the -public mind. He also corresponded with the patriots of New York and New -England, and was the first one according to the testimony of Colonel -Gadsden, of South Carolina, and the public documents of that eventful -era, who proposed the independence of the colonies, which tends to -strengthen the allusion to his ancestors, who had for a century before -predicted this event. The idea had probably been handed down from sire -to son. In a letter from Richard Henry Lee to Mr. Dickinson, dated -July 25th, 1768, connected with the statement of Colonel Gadsden, -he proposes upon all seasonable occasions to impress upon the minds -of the people the necessity of a struggle with Great Britain “_for -the ultimate establishment of independence_,” and “that a private -correspondence should be conducted by the lovers of liberty in every -province.” His early proposition in Congress to sever the maternal -ties, was considered by most of the friends of liberty premature and -rash; but he had long nursed this favourite project in his own bosom -and was anxious to transplant its vigorous scions to the congenial -hearts of his fellow patriots. - -Soon after the house of burgesses convened in 1769, Mr. Lee, as -chairman of the judiciary committee, introduced resolutions so -highly charged with liberal principles, sapping the foundation of -the Grenville superstructure, that they caused a dissolution of -the house, and concentrated the wrath of the British ministry and -its servile creatures against him. The fruits of their persecution -were the formation of non-importation associations, committees of -correspondence, committees of safety, and the disaffection of the -English merchants towards the ministers, in consequence of their -impolitic measures, which were calculated to prostrate the exporting -trade to America. - -Lord North now assumed the management of the grand drama of oppression, -and laid more deeply the revenue plan. By causing a repeal of the -most offensive acts, he hoped to lull the storm of opposition that was -gathering, disarm the colonists of the spirit of resistance, and, in -the meantime, prepare for more efficient action. Had the Boston port -bill been omitted, his dark designing treachery might have had a more -triumphant reign. This roused the indignation of the people and fanned -the burning flame of patriotic resentment to a _white_ heat. - -The Philadelphia Congress of 1774 was now planned, in which Mr. Lee -took his seat. At that memorable meeting he acted a conspicuous part. -After Patrick Henry had broken the great seal that appeared to rest on -the lips of the members as they sat in deep and solemn silence, he was -followed by Richard Henry Lee in a strain of belles lettres eloquence -and persuasive reasoning that took the minds of his audience captive, -and restored to a calm the boiling agitation that shook their manly -frames as the mountain torrent of the Demosthenean Henry rushed upon -them. - -He was a member of the committee appointed to prepare an address to the -king, the people of Great Britain, and to the colonies. That document -was written by him and adopted with a few amendments. He was also upon -the committee that prepared the address to the people of Quebec, and -upon the committee of rights and grievances, and of non-intercourse -with the mother country. In the warmth of his ardour, he proposed -several resolutions that were considered premature at that time, and -were rejected; not because his purity of purpose was doubted, but -because many of the members still hoped that peace might be restored -by a timely redress of the grievances they had strongly and clearly -set forth in their petition and address to the king and his advisers, -and were not willing then to take any action to widen the breach -between the two countries. The proceedings of this Congress were highly -applauded by Lord Chatham, as being without a parallel for solidity of -reasoning, force of sagacity and wisdom of conclusion. - -In 1775, Mr. Lee was unanimously elected to the Virginia legislature -and continued to act with undiminished zeal. He received a vote of -thanks from that body “for his cheerful undertaking and faithful -discharge of the trust reposed in him during the last Congress,” and -was immediately appointed a delegate to the next. A more congenial -field was now opened for the ardent spirit of this devoted patriot. -Temporizing was no longer the order of the day. Vigorous action had -become necessary, and the zeal and industry of Mr. Lee had ample scope. -With all his might he entered upon the good work. Upon committees, -in the house, every where, he was all activity. In 1776, he was -again a member of the national legislature, and in obedience to the -instructions of the Virginia legislature and of his own conscience, -on the 7th of June of that year, he offered the resolution for the -adoption of a Declaration of Independence, and enforced it by one -of the most brilliant and powerful displays of refined and forcible -eloquence ever exhibited by man. On the 10th of the same month he was -called home by the illness of his family, which prevented him from -taking his place as chairman of the committee upon his resolution -agreeably to parliamentary rules. Mr. Jefferson was selected in his -stead. The wrath of British power was now roused against him. During -his short stay at home, an armed force broke into his house in the -night, and by threats and bribes endeavoured to induce his servants -to inform them where their master could be found. They persisted in -affirming that he had started for Philadelphia. He was not in his house -at the time, but a few miles from it with a friend. - -In August he returned to Congress and most cheerfully affixed his -name to that instrument which his imagination had dwelt upon for -years. He served until June, 1777, when he returned to Virginia in -order to confute a base slander, charging him with unfaithfulness to -the American cause, in consequence of his having received rents in -kind instead of continental money. He was honourably acquitted by the -assembly and a vote of thanks for his valuable services was passed by -that body. During the two ensuing years his health did not permit him -to sit in Congress but a part of the time, but in all the vast concerns -that occupied the attention of that body he took a deep interest and -aided by his counsel. - -The portals of military fame were now opened to Mr. Lee. The enemy, -defeated in the north, made a rush upon the southern states. He was -appointed to the command of the militia of his native county, and -proved as competent to wield the sword and lead his men to the field -of epic glory, as he was to command the admiration of his audience by -his eloquence. He annoyed the operations of the enemy in his vicinity -whenever they approached, and made admirable arrangements for the -defence of the country under his charge. In 1780–1–2, he served in -the legislature of Virginia. The propositions of making paper money -a legal tender, of paying debts due to the mother country, and of -raising a tax to support the clergy, or a general assessment to support -the christian religion, were then before the house and excited great -interest. Mr. Lee advocated them, Mr. Henry opposed them. Upon the -sacredness of contracts he based his arguments in support of the two -first; from the principles of ethics he drew conclusions in favour of -the last. He considered good faith in the former necessary to secure -peace and respect, and an adherence to the latter necessary to correct -vice and purge the body politic from moral corruptions, the bane of any -government. He remarked, “Refiners may weave reason into as fine a web -as they please, but the experience of all times shows religion to be -the guardian of morals.” He contended that the declaration of rights -was aimed against restrictions in the _form_ and _mode_ of worship, and -not against the legal compulsory support of it. - -In 1784, Mr. Lee was again elected to Congress and chosen president of -that body. At the close of the session he received a vote of thanks for -the faithful and able performance of his duty, and retired to the bosom -of his family to rest from his long and arduous public toils. Under the -federal constitution he was elected to the first senate of the United -States, and fully sustained the high reputation he had before acquired. -Infirmity at length compelled him to bid a final farewell to the public -arena, and, with the honours of a most flattering resolution of thanks -for his many valuable services, passed by the Virginia legislature -on the 22nd of October, 1792, he retired to the peaceful shades of -Chantilly, in his native county, covered with laurels of lasting fame. -There he lived esteemed, beloved, respected and admired, until the 19th -of June, 1794, when the angel of death liberated his immortal spirit -from its prison of clay, and seraphs from heaven wafted his soul to -realms of bliss beyond the skies, there to enjoy the rich reward of a -life well spent. - -Mr. Lee was a rare model of human excellence and refinement. He was -a polished gentleman, an accomplished scholar, orator and statesman. -In exploring the vast fields of science he gathered from them the -choicest flowers and the most substantial fruits. The classics, belles -lettres, the elements of civil, municipal, national and common law, and -the principles of every kind of government, were all familiar to his -mind. He was ardently patriotic, pure and firm in his purposes, honest -and sincere in his motives, liberal and republican in his general -principles, frank and open in his designs, and highly honourable in his -course. As an orator the modulation of his voice, manner of action, and -mode of reasoning, were a fac simile of his great prototype, Cicero, as -described by Rollin. - -His private character was above reproach. He possessed and exercised -all those amiable qualities calculated to impart substantial happiness -to those around him. To crown with enduring splendour all his rich and -varied talents, he was a christian and an honest man. Whilst his dust -reposes in peace let his examples deeply impress our minds and excite -us to imitation. - - - - -STEPHEN HOPKINS. - - -Party spirit when based on selfishness, unhallowed ambition and venal -corruption, is a gangrene in the body politic. Its history is red with -blood—blackened by the darkest crimes, its career has been marked with -all the terrific horrors that demons could plan and wicked men execute. -It rides upon the whirlwind of faction; it is wafted on the tornado of -fanaticism; it is fanned by fell revenge and delights in human gore. It -has been the mighty conqueror of nations; its burning lava has consumed -kingdoms and empires; the fairest portions of creation have been -blighted by its rankling poison; countless millions have fallen by its -murderous hand; and, fearful thought! its end has not yet come. - -A few rare instances are recorded where parties have arrayed themselves -against power, prompted alone by pure motives and elevated patriotism, -guided by reason and sound policy. To be successful and not violate the -laws of wisdom and justice, the leaders of a party must be men who are -influenced alone by a desire to promote the general good, aiming at -holy ends to be accomplished by righteous means. The brightest example -of this kind spread upon the pages of history was exhibited by the -sages of the American revolution. No convention of men ever assembled -to consult upon a nation’s rights and a nation’s wrongs, graced with -as much splendour of talent, sterling integrity, self-devotion and -disinterested patriotism, as that of the Continental Congress of -America. - -Among them, the patriarch, STEPHEN HOPKINS, took a conspicuous place. -He was a native of Scituate, Rhode Island, and born on the 7th of -March, 1707. He was the son of William Hopkins, a respectable farmer, -whose father, Thomas Hopkins, was one of the earliest settlers of that -province. The juvenile education of the subject of this biographette -was limited to the elementary English branches, then but superficially -taught in the common schools. From that embryo beginning, he reared, -from the force of his own exertions, a towering and beautiful -superstructure. Remarkably attached to books, he spent all his leisure -hours in the acquisition of knowledge. A farmer in easy circumstances, -he devoted a portion of the day and his quiet evenings to the -improvement of his mind. - -No profession not literary, affords so good a chance for mental -exercise and reflection as that of agriculture. It is their own -fault if the independent tillers of the soil are not enlightened and -intelligent. The time was when ignorance was winked at. That dark age -has passed away, and now common sense and reason command all to drink -at the scholastic fountain. - -Blessed with strong intellectual powers, Mr. Hopkins acquired a -thorough knowledge of mathematics at an early period and became an -expert surveyor. At the age of nineteen he married Sarah Scott, -whose paternal great grandfather was the first Quaker who settled in -Providence. After becoming the mother of seven children she died, and -in 1755, Mr. Hopkins married the widow Anna Smith, a pious member of -the society of Friends. - -In 1731, he was appointed town-clerk, soon after which he was appointed -clerk of the court and of the proprietors of the county. The ensuing -year he was elected to the general assembly, and was continued for six -successive years. In 1735, he was elected to the town council, and for -six years was president of that body. The next year he was appointed -a justice of the peace and a judge of the common plea court, and in -1739 was elevated to the seat of chief justice of that branch of the -judiciary. During the intervals of these public duties he spent much of -his time at surveying. The streets of his native town and of Providence -were regulated by him, and a projected map made of each. The next year -he was appointed proprietary surveyor for the county of Providence, -and prepared a laborious index of returns of all the lands west of -the seven mile line, then laid out, which still continues a document -of useful reference. Beauty and precision marked all his draughts and -calculations. In 1741, he was again elected to the assembly. The next -year he removed to Providence, and was elected, soon after his arrival, -to the same public body, and was chosen speaker of the house. In 1744, -the same honour was conferred upon him, as also that of justice of -the peace for Providence. In 1751, he was appointed chief justice of -the superior court, and elected for the fourteenth time to the general -assembly. In 1754, he was a delegate to the colonial Congress held at -Albany, for the purpose of effecting a treaty with the five nations of -Indians in order to gain their aid, or at least their neutrality in the -French war. A system of union similar to the confederation subsequently -entered into by the Continental Congress, was recommended and submitted -at that time, but was vetoed by England and not adopted by the colonies. - -In 1755, when the triumphant victories of the French and their -savage allies spread consternation over the frontier settlements, a -requisition for troops was made by the earl of Loudoun, then commander -of the king’s forces. The quota from Rhode Island was four hundred and -fifty, and no one was more active than Mr. Hopkins in raising them. -The next year he was elected chief magistrate of the colony. In 1757, -the fall of fort William Henry and the sad reverses of the English -army, made it necessary that the colonists should raise an efficient -force for self-protection. A company of volunteers, composed of the -most respectable gentlemen of Providence, was organized and Mr. Hopkins -appointed to command it. The timely arrival of troops from the mother -country dispensed with the necessity of their services. The ensuing -year, this useful man was again elected chief magistrate, and served as -such seven out of the eleven following years. - -In 1767, party spirit was rolling its mountain waves over Rhode Island -so fearfully, that it threatened the prostration of social order and -civil law. Anxious for the welfare of the colony, this patriotic Roman -put forth his noblest efforts to check its bold career. In his message -to the assembly he expressed his deep solicitude for the restoration of -harmony, and offered to retire at once from the public arena, if, in -the opinion of that body, it would contribute in the slightest degree -to heal the political breach. To show his sincerity he soon after -retired from the public service, contrary to the wishes of his friends. -His picture of that era so much resembles the political drama of the -present time, in some sections of our republic at least, that I cannot -forbear presenting it to the reader. - -“When we draw aside the veil of words and professions, when we attend -to what is _done_ and not to what is _said_, we shall find in the -present age of our country, that liberty is only a cant term of -faction, and freedom of speaking and acting, used only to serve the -private interests of a party. What else can be the cause of our unhappy -disputes? What other reason for the continual struggle for superiority -and office? What other motive for the flood of calumny and reproach -cast on each other? Behold the leading men meeting in cabals, and from -thence dispersing themselves to the several quarters, to delude and -deceive the people. The people are called together in tippling houses, -their business neglected, their morals corrupted, themselves deluded; -some promised offices for which they are unfit, and those who have -disputes with their neighbours are assured of their causes whether -they be right or wrong. Those with whom these arts will not prevail, -are tempted with the wages of unrighteousness, and are offered a bribe -to falsify their oath and betray their country. By these scandalous -practices, elections are carried and officers appointed. It makes -little difference whether the officer, who in this manner obtains -his place, is otherwise a good man or not; for, put in by a _party_, -he must do what _they_ order, without being permitted to examine the -rectitude even of his _own_ actions. The unhappy malady runs through -the whole body politic; men in authority are not revered, and therefore -lose all power to do good; the courts of judicature catch the infection -and the sacred balance of justice does not hang even. All complain of -the present administration, all cry out the times are hard and wish -they might grow better. But complaints are weak, wishes are idle, cries -are vain, even _prayers_ will be ineffectual, if we do not universally -amend. Will no friend, no patriot, step in and save the commonwealth -from ruin? Will no good Samaritan come by and pour in the wine and oil -into the bleeding wounds of his country?” Again, from his essay on the -duties of freemen: “Permit me, therefore, to remind my countrymen of -the blood, the sufferings, the hardships and labour of their ancestors -in purchasing the liberty and privileges they might peaceably enjoy. -How can they answer it to fame, to honour, to honesty, to posterity, if -_they_ do not possess those inestimable blessings with grateful hearts, -with purity of morals, and transmit them with safety to the next -generation? Nothing is desired but that every man in the community may -act up to the dignity of his own proper character. Let every freeman -carefully consider the particular duty allotted to him as such by the -constitution; let him give his suffrage with candour for the person -he sincerely thinks _best_ qualified; let him shun the man who speaks -to him to persuade him _how_ to vote; let him despise the man who -offers him an office, and spurn the sordid wretch that would give him -a bribe; let him think it his duty to give his vote according to his -conscience, and not depend on others to do his duty for him. Let him -know that as duty is not local, so neither is capacity or fitness for -office confined to this or that town or place. Officers and magistrates -I would humbly entreat to consider, that their turn has arrived to -serve the _commonwealth_ and not themselves; that their own discreet -and exemplary behaviour is their chiefest and best authority to do -good in their offices; that it is vain to command others to practise -what we ourselves omit, or to abstain from what they see us do; that -where moderation and example are insufficient to suppress vice, power -ought to be used, even to its utmost severity, if necessary; and, above -all, that justice should be, in all cases and under all circumstances, -equally, impartially and expeditiously administered.” - -This plain but lucid exposition of the duties of freemen, merits the -highest consideration of the private citizen, the able statesman, -and the profound judge. It is the effusion of a clear head, a good -heart, and a noble mind. It exhibits briefly and fully, in language -of unvarnished but sublime simplicity, the only sure foundation of a -republican government. It strikes at the very root of alarming evils, -that at this moment hang over our beloved country like an incubus. -It is naked truth plainly told, and by us should be strongly felt and -implicitly obeyed. - -Owing to the great reputation of Mr. Hopkins as a mathematician, he was -called in June, 1769, to aid in taking observations upon the transit -of Venus over the disk of the sun. So highly prized were his services -on that occasion, that the pamphlet published upon the subject was -dedicated to him. This rare phenomenon occurred in 1739–61–69, and will -occur again in 1874 and 1996, if the planetary system is not before -dissolved, or changed in its primitive revolving course. - -Governor Hopkins had incurred the displeasure of the British ministry -previous to the revolution, by licensing vessels from Rhode Island -to trade with the French and Spanish colonies. So long as it did not -violate any act of parliament he continued to exercise the privilege, -and disregarded the authority assumed but not delegated, of directing -the local concerns of the colony. He had long been convinced that the -mother country cared more for the fleece than the flock she claimed -in America, which had often been left to contend alone against a -merciless foe. With convictions like these upon his mind, a republican -to the core, and valuing liberty above life, he was fully prepared to -resist the first scintillations of the unconstitutional claims made -by corrupt and corrupting ministers. When the stamp act was passed, -his voice and his pen were arrayed against it. He showed clearly, that -this and other acts of parliament had no foundation in justice, and -were contrary to the spirit of the constitution of Great Britain. In -1772, the mountain torrent of local party spirit having subsided in the -colony, and its effervescence submerged in the more absorbing question -of British oppression, Mr. Hopkins again took his seat in the assembly -and continued a member for the three succeeding years. In 1774, this -patriarch statesman was elected to the national Congress, and entered -with a calm but determined zeal upon the responsible duties of that -august convention. The same year he proposed and obtained the passage -of a bill by the assembly of Rhode Island, entirely prohibiting the -slave trade in that colony; and, to show that he strongly felt what -he earnestly advocated, he emancipated all his negroes, some of the -descendants of whom still reside in Providence. He had incorporated -their freedom in his will dated some time previous. - -In 1775, he was appointed chief justice of the colony, was a member of -the assembly and member of Congress; holding, simultaneously, a trio -of offices. The ensuing year he was one of the immortalized fifty-six -by whose exertions a nation was born in a day, and who signed, scaled, -and delivered the certificate of legitimacy to their grateful country. -The same year he was president of the board of commissioners of the New -England states that convened at Providence to consult and devise plans -for the promotion of the glorious cause of freedom. The next year he -presided over a similar board at Springfield, Massachusetts. In 1778, -he was a member of Congress for the last time, and the next year closed -his long, useful and arduous public career in the assembly of his -native state, and retired covered with the rich foliage of unfading -honours, the growth of nearly half a century. The proud escutcheon of -his public fame and private worth was without a spot to obscure its -brilliant lustre. As a municipal officer, as a judge on the bench, as a -legislator in the assembly, as the chief magistrate of the colony and -as a member of the Continental Congress, he discharged all his duties -ably, honestly, faithfully and with a single eye to the glory of his -country. - -As a public speaker he made no pretensions to elocution, but was -listened to with profound attention. His reasoning was strong, always -to the point in question, and his speeches short. His was a vigorous, -clear, inquiring, analyzing mind, that surmounted every barrier with -the same fortitude, energy and determined resolution that carried -Bonaparte over the Alps, Sherman to the pinnacle of fame, and Franklin -to the summit of science. - -He was a laborious and extensive reader and a friend to education. He -was one of the principal founders of the Providence Library in 1750, -and when it was destroyed by fire ten years after, he contributed -largely to a new supply of books. He also framed and obtained the -passage of an act to establish free schools, and did all in his power -to promote the cause of literature. - -He was a friend to unshackled religion, breathing charity for all whose -deportment gave the impress of divine grace—the only genuine touchstone -of true piety. He admired most the creed of the society of Friends, -which frequently held meetings at his house. All gospel ministers were -made welcome to his hospitable mansion, which was not unaptly called by -some “the ministers’ tavern.” He was plain in all things and opposed to -pomp and show. - -In addition to his multifarious public duties, he was extensively -engaged in commerce, manufactures and agriculture. He was a systematic, -thorough business man, scrupulously honest, honourable and liberal. -He never became wealthy, but enjoyed a competence through life. He -was often placed in the crucible of domestic affliction. Of the seven -children by his first wife, not one survived him. One son was murdered -by the Indians, another died in Spain, and the youngest, who was the -fourth sea captain of the family, was lost at sea as was supposed, -his vessel having never been heard from after leaving the port of -Providence. - -In the relations of husband, father, kinsman, friend, gentleman, -benefactor, philanthropist, Christian, neighbour and citizen, this -public spirited man and pure patriot was a model of human excellence. - -His eventful career was closed on the 13th of July, 1785, after -enduring the course of a slow and lingering fever with the same calm -fortitude that had marked his whole life. He had lived respected and -esteemed; he died peaceful and happy. To the last moments of his -earthly pilgrimage he retained full possession of his mental powers, -and approached the confines of eternity with a seraphic smile that -augured heaven. He had long laboured under physical infirmities of a -nervous nature; for many years it had been difficult for him to write -his name. He was interred at Providence two days after his decease. - -His demise produced a mournful sensation throughout the country, and -many from an unusual distance joined the numerous procession that -followed his remains to the silent tomb. Let us all imitate his bright -examples, that we may be useful in life, triumphant in death, and -exalted beyond the grave. - - - - -ROBERT TREAT PAINE. - - -The love of liberty and the oppressions of those in power, first -induced the pilgrim fathers to plant their standard on the granite -shores of New England. They were not a band of visionary unprincipled -speculators, but a band of intelligent, virtuous, pious, patriotic -and enterprising citizens, who were, from the commencement, willing -to risk their lives and fortunes in the cause of human rights. The -early forms of government adopted by many of those infant settlements, -were remarkably similar to those now in operation. The principles that -actuated the patriots of the revolution were recognised and taught -by many of the earliest immigrants. Although, in consequence of the -charters emanating from the king, an allegiance was recognised, yet -the people never intended to have those chains riveted upon them from -which they had fled, nor surrender tamely the rights and privileges -given them by the God of nature, and rendered more dear by years of -toil and fountains of blood. To understand, appreciate, and guard -these blessings, they correctly deemed _intelligence_ the first grand -requisite. Upon this principle they started, upon this principle they -lived, and their happy example soon spread its benign influence far and -wide. Hence, we find more intelligent, wise, reflecting, consistent, -cool and deliberate men embarked in the cause of the American -revolution than in any other recorded on the pages of history. - -Holding a conspicuous place among them, was ROBERT TREAT PAINE, a -native of Boston, born in 1731, of highly respectable and religious -parents. His father performed the duties of a clergyman until his -health became impaired, when he embarked in the mercantile business. -His mother was the daughter of an eminent divine, the Rev. Mr. Treat, -of Eastham. From these pious parents he received those principles of -virtue that enabled him to be useful through future life. Were there -no other blessings flowing from religion than its salutary influence -upon the order and harmony of society, mankind would be richly paid for -adhering to its principles. This consideration alone should close the -_mouth_ of every infidel opposer, whatever may be the conclusions of -his _mind_ with reference to its origin and reality. - -At an early age, Mr. Paine was placed under Mr. Lovell, a classical -teacher in Boston, where his embryo talents rapidly expanded into a -rich and luxuriant growth. At fourteen he became a student at Harvard -College. After closing his studies at this ancient seat of learning, -his parents, not only unable to aid him in business, required his -assistance to render them comfortable. He, therefore, before commencing -the study of a profession, employed his time for some months in -teaching a public school, a business as honourable as it is useful, and -which in point of dignity and compensation is now far inferior to the -days of Greece and Rome. Isocrates, for a single course of lectures on -rhetoric, received from one hundred of the Athenian scholars, fourteen -thousand eight hundred dollars. No wonder the ablest talents were -employed in advancing literature in classic Greece. - -Mr. Paine continued this business at intervals, which enabled him to -contribute to the support of his worthy parents and a maiden sister, -whose healths were impaired, and also to pursue the studies of his -profession. He commenced the study of theology, but ultimately read -and entered upon the practice of law. He first appeared at the Boston -bar, and from there removed to Taunton, in the county of Bristol. He -there acquired a firm and substantial eminence as an acute, sound and -discreet lawyer and able advocate. He enjoyed the confidence and esteem -of his numerous acquaintances. He was among the earliest patriots -who opposed the innovations of the crown and boldly advanced liberal -principles. He was a member of the conventions of 1768, called by the -citizens of Boston, to take measures for the preservation of their -sacred rights, and which Governor Bernard vainly attempted to disperse -before they completed their deliberations. - -He was employed, at the instance of Samuel Adams, by the people of -Boston to conduct the prosecution against Captain Preston, for ordering -his men to fire upon the populace on the 5th of March, 1770, which -duty he discharged with great zeal and ability. During the gathering -storm of the revolution, Mr. Paine was uniformly upon the important -committees of the people, and many of the boldest resolutions that were -adopted at the meetings and conventions of that trying period were -from his pen. In 1773, he was chosen a representative to the general -assembly, and was one of the members who conducted the impeachment of -Peter Oliver, chief justice of the province, who was accused of acting -under the direct influence of the crown instead of the assembly. In -this trial, Mr. Paine manifested strong talent, and showed himself -master of his profession. - -In 1774, he was again elected to the assembly, and boldly warned the -people against the dangers to be apprehended from the appointment of -Governor Gage to succeed Governor Hutchinson. It was plainly seen that -the designs of the British ministry were to be enforced at the point of -the bayonet. An awful, an alarming crisis was approaching. A committee, -larger than at any previous time, was convened at Boston, which advised -and proposed the plan of a General Congress. Governor Gage sent a -messenger with an order for them to disperse, to whom they refused -admittance until they finished their deliberations, which resulted in -the appointment of five delegates, one of which was Mr. Paine, to meet -those from the other colonies at Philadelphia. This measure originated -in Massachusetts, and had been proposed as early as 1765, and was -strongly urged in a circular three years after. The set time had now -arrived—the galling yoke had become painful—and the colonies generally -acceded to the proposal. The ostensible object in convening this -Congress was, not to effect a separation, but to obtain a relaxation of -the severities imposed by the crown. It is believed a large majority of -the members when they assembled had never contemplated a declaration -of independence; but among them were bold and ardent spirits, noble -and patriotic hearts. As one of those, Mr. Paine stood conspicuous. -Their language continued to be respectful to the crown, but their -chartered rights they were determined to defend and protect. They did -not attribute their sufferings to a bad heart in their king, but to -the ambitious avarice of a corrupt ministry. Their proceedings were -calm as a summer morning, but firm as the rock of ages. They appealed -to their sovereign, to the British nation, to the American people, -and to a gazing world for the justice of their claims and the equity -of their demands. But to Britain they appealed in vain. The cords -of coercion were drawn with a stronger hand—their remonstrances and -petitions were answered by legions of foreign soldiers in all the -panoply of war—and servile submission or open resistance were the -only alternatives left. Mr. Paine was also a member of the Provincial -Congress of Massachusetts, convened at Concord, in October, 1774, and -was the principal in preparing a spirited address to the people of -England, which did much to open the eyes of many in the mother country, -and rouse the colonists to a just sense of the injuries of the British -parliament. - -The following year he was again elected a member of the Continental -Congress, and was placed upon many important committees. He was as -indefatigable in his labours as he was zealous in the cause of human -rights. He was chairman of the committee for the encouragement of the -manufacture of arms and for furnishing the army. He used to say, “I -fear we shall become slaves, because we are not industrious enough to -be free.” - -Mr. Paine was appointed on the committee to prepare a constitution -for Massachusetts, and has the credit of framing that instrument. He -was again elected to Congress, and in April, 1776, was appointed on a -committee with Messrs. Jefferson and Rutledge to report rules to govern -Congress in their deliberations, and upon the committee to inquire -into the causes of the disasters of the campaign in Canada.—When the -glorious 4th of July, 1776, dawned upon Columbia’s sons like smiling -heaven, and the eagle of LIBERTY soared in peerless majesty over their -blood-stained soil, Mr. Paine was at his post. With a buoyant heart -and a firm hand he affixed his name to that matchless instrument which -is a terror to tyrants and the pride of freemen. He did much to rouse -his friends to action by his letters, which he poured upon them in -the most happy style. In his native state he stood on the pinnacle of -fame—in the national legislature he was universally esteemed. He was -still continued a member of Congress, and, when he could be spared, -took a part in the legislative proceedings of Massachusetts. In 1777, -he was speaker of the House of Representatives, and the same year was -appointed attorney-general, by the unanimous vote of both branches -of the legislature. He was a prominent member of the committee who -formed the “regulating act” reducing the price of labour, goods, &c. -to a standard of equality. In 1779, he was elected a member of the -executive council, which, in conjunction with his other appointments, -imposed upon him constant and arduous duties. At the adoption of the -constitution, he was re-appointed attorney-general of his native state, -and continued in that office until 1790, when he declined, in order to -pursue some more lucrative business that he might provide for the wants -of a large and destitute family. He had been a faithful public servant -and had expended all but a bare and scanty support in the cause of his -country. - -He was then appointed a judge of the superior court, which situation -he held until 1804, when his health compelled him to resign. He -discharged the duties of this office with great justice and ability, -and did much to advance the interests of religion, social order and a -sound state of society. On his resignation, he was elected a counsellor -of the commonwealth, and continued to impart his salutary advice and -influence to his fellow-citizens until death closed his career on the -11th of May, 1814, when, calm and resigned, he fell asleep in the arms -of his glorious Redeemer, reposing full confidence in His merits, -and possessing a full assurance of a welcome entrance into realms of -transcendent bliss beyond the skies, there to enjoy the rich reward of -a crown of unfading glory through the rolling ages of eternity. - -In the life of Judge Paine, we have a picture which the christian, -the patriot, the legislator, and the statesman, may contemplate with -pleasure and delight. From the stations he occupied as the prosecutor -for the commonwealth, and as the administrator of its laws, he obtained -the reputation amongst some of being harsh, but no one dared to accuse -him of injustice. His integrity was above the reach of slander. From -his solicitude to confine a wayward son in the paths of rectitude, -he was accused of being unkind to his family, an accusation as false -as the heart was base that originated it. To his family he was all -kindness and affection. No stronger proof need be adduced than his -extreme anxiety for their welfare and usefulness. He was a friend to -literature, and the founder of the American Academy of Massachusetts -in 1780. The degree of LL.D. was conferred upon him by the Cambridge -University. He was a striking example of the happy results of -perseverance and industry, having acquired his fame without the aid -of patronage in early life, rising by his own exertions, unaided -by any, and administering to the comfort of his aged and destitute -parents. His career in public and private life was marked with the -purest integrity, the strictest morality, the utmost consistency and -the noblest patriotism. His life was a continued round of usefulness; -his labours were a blessing to mankind; his death was surrounded by -a sacred purity that reached from earth to heaven—his examples will -be held in veneration by the great and good to the remotest period of -truth-telling time. - - - - -GEORGE TAYLOR. - - -A purely confederate republican government to answer fully its -beautiful theory, must be healthful and sound in all its parts, and be -wielded by enlightened rulers whose hearts are free from all guile, -whose judgments are strong and matured, whose characters are in all -respects irreproachable, whose conduct is in all things consistent, -whose patriotism and virtue extinguishes self and soar above all -temptation to digress from the most exalted honesty and rigid moral -rectitude, whose minds are stored with useful knowledge and large -experience, and whose souls are imbued with wisdom from above. - -In such a condition and in such hands this kind of government is -calculated to elevate the mental powers of man, to spread before the -mind correct and liberal principles, and to promote social order and -general happiness by extending its radiant light, its genial rays and -its benign influence to the remotest bounds of the inhabited globe. In -such a condition and in such hands it would become the solar fountain -of intellectual improvement, the polar star of expanding science, and a -shining light to the human family. Its refulgent beams would enrapture -the ignorant, the oppressed, and the forlorn—its harmonious links would -form a golden chain that would reach the confines of earth. It would -be a messenger of peace, pointing and inviting the weary pilgrims of -bondage in every clime to a reposing asylum of peaceful and quiescent -rest. This is the kind of government intended by the sages of the -American revolution—this is the kind of government they desired to form -and perpetuate. - -Among those who laid the foundation and commenced the superstructure -of our admired and expanding republic was GEORGE TAYLOR, a native of -Ireland, born in 1716. His father was a clergyman and bestowed upon -him a good education. He then placed him with a physician, under whose -direction he commenced the study of medicine. Not fancying the idea -of becoming a son of Æsculapius he flew the course, and finding a -vessel bound for Philadelphia and ready to sail, without consulting his -friends and without money, he entered on board as a redemptioner. Soon -after he arrived in this country his passage was paid by Mr. Savage, -of Durham, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, a few miles below Easton, for -which he bound himself as a common labourer for a term of years. This -gentleman was the owner of iron works where he lived, and assigned -to his new servant the station of _filler_, his business being to -throw coal into the furnace when in blast. He soon found this work -to differ widely from that of handling books and the pen. His hands -became cruelly blistered, but being resolute and ambitious to gain -the approbation of all around him, he persevered without a complaint. -The workmen, observing his condition, named the circumstance to Mr. -Savage, whose humanity induced him to provide some less laborious -employment for the young foreigner. On conversing with him he -discovered his intelligence, education and talents, and immediately -promoted him to clerk in the counting room of the establishment. He -proved fully competent to his new situation, and gained the friendship -and esteem of all around him. Nor did he neglect the improvement of -his mind. He applied to practical use the theories he had acquired -at school. His reflecting and reasoning powers became developed. He -made himself familiar with the formula of the business, the customs -and the government of his adopted country. He became esteemed for -his correct deportment, and admired for his clearness of perception -and soundness of judgment. To add to his importance in society, the -wife of Mr. Savage became a widow and was subsequently married by Mr. -Taylor, by which he became sole proprietor of a large property and the -husband of a worthy and influential woman. By persevering industry -and good management he continued to add to the estate constantly, and -in a few years purchased a tract of land on the bank of the Lehigh, -in Northampton county, upon which he built a splendid mansion and -iron works, and made it his place of residence. He was not prospered -in business at his new location, and at a subsequent period removed -back to Durham. During his residence in Northampton county he became -extensively and favourably known, and in 1764, was elected to the -provincial assembly at Philadelphia, and took a prominent part in its -deliberations. - -He had not been an idle spectator or careless observer of passing -events or of subjects discussed. He had examined the principles upon -which various governments were predicated, and became enraptured with -the federal republican system. He had watched, with a freeman’s eye, -the increasing advances of British oppression. He was too patriotic and -too bold to tamely submit to the yoke of bondage. So well was he then -known as a discerning and discreet man, that he was placed upon the -important committee of grievances. He also took a bold stand against -the corruptions of the proprietary government, and advocated strongly -an alteration of the charter, so that peculation should be diminished -and abuses corrected. - -The ensuing year he was again elected to the assembly, and was one -of the committee that prepared the instructions of the Pennsylvania -delegation to the Congress that convened in New York in 1765, to adopt -measures for the restoration and preservation of colonial rights. This -document combined caution and respect with firmness of purpose and -deliberation of action. It instructed the delegates to move within the -orbit of constitutional and chartered privileges, and to respectfully -but clearly admonish the king and his advisers not to transcend the -limits of the same circle. - -The stamp act was repealed shortly after, and Mr. Taylor was one of the -committee that prepared a congratulatory address to the king on the -happy event. So ably did he discharge his public duties that his name -was uniformly placed upon several of the standing committees of the -highest importance, assigning to him an onerous burden of legislative -service. Upon the committee of grievances, assessment of taxes, the -judiciary, loans on bills of credit, navigation, to choose a printer of -the public laws, and others of importance the name of George Taylor was -generally found and often the first. For six successive years he was -constantly a member of the assembly. In 1768, he was upon a committee -appointed by that body to prepare an address to the governor censuring -him for a remissness in duty, in not having brought to condign -punishment certain offenders who had openly and barbarously murdered -several Indians, thereby provoking retaliation. It was respectful -and manly, but keen and cutting as a damask blade. It was a lucid -exposition of political policy, sound law, and public duty. - -In October, 1775, Mr. Taylor was again returned to the assembly and -added fresh laurels to his legislative fame. In addition to others -he was placed upon the committee of safety, then virtually the organ -of government. An awful crisis had arrived, the dread clarion of -war had been sounded, American blood was crying for vengeance, the -revolutionary storm had commenced, and the mountain waves of British -wrath were rolling over the colonies. Firmness, sound discretion and -bold measures were required. Mr. Taylor possessed the former and -promoted the latter. He stood forth a faithful sentinel in the cause -of freedom, not a blazing luminary, but as solid as the granite rock. -He was in favour of prudence in all things, but was not affected by -the temporizing mania that at first paralyzed the action of many -who desired liberty but dreaded penalties. He continued to exercise -a powerful and salutary influence in the assembly of Pennsylvania -until the summer of 1776, when he became a member of the Continental -Congress, and sanctioned with his signature to the declaration of -rights, the principles of liberty he had boldly advocated. Although -Mr. Taylor did not tempt the giddy height of refined rhetoric, he -knew where and when to speak, what to say and how to vote—the highest -qualifications of a legislator. - -In the spring of 1777, he retired from Congress and from public -life, covered with the honours of a devoted and ardent patriot, an -industrious and useful legislator, an enlightened and valuable citizen, -a worthy and honest man. On the 23d of February, 1781, he closed his -eyes upon terrestrial things, bid a final adieu to earth and its toys, -and bowed submissively to the king of terrors. He died at Easton, to -which place he had recently removed. From the character of Mr. Taylor -the reader may learn, that without the luminous talents of a Jefferson, -a Lee, or a Franklin, a man may be substantially useful and render -valuable and highly important services to his country and to the world. - - - - -FRANCIS LIGHTFOOT LEE. - - -Virtue affords the only foundation for a peaceful and happy -government. When the wicked rule, the nation mourns. Not that rulers -must necessarily profess religion by being attached to some visible -church—but they must venerate it, and be men of the highest moral and -political honesty. Disease and corruption affect the body politic and -produce dissolution with the same certainty that they prostrate the -physical powers of man. If the head is disordered, the whole heart is -sick. If the political fountain becomes polluted, its dark and murky -waters will eventually impregnate every branch with their contagious -miasma. The history of the past proves the truth of these assertions; -the passing events of the present day afford too frequent demonstration -of the baneful effects of intrigue and peculation. Without virtue our -union will become a mere rope of sand, the victim of knaves and the -sport of kings. Self-government will become an enigma with monarchs, -rational liberty a paradox, and a republic, the scoff of tyrants. -Let every freeman look to this matter in time. Let him look back to -the sages who wisely conceived, nobly planned, and boldly laid the -foundations of the freedom we now enjoy, but which cannot, will not be -perpetuated unless we imitate their examples and obey their precepts. -They were virtuous, many of them devotedly pious, and all of them -politically honest. - -Among their number the name and character of FRANCIS LIGHTFOOT LEE -claims our present attention. He was the son of Thomas Lee, and born -in Westmoreland county, Virginia, on the 14th of October, 1734. He was -the brother of Richard Henry Lee, whose eloquence rose higher but whose -reflections were no deeper than those of Francis. In childhood he was -admired for his docility and amiable deportment, in youth he was the -pride of every circle in which he moved, and when manhood dawned upon -him he exhibited a dignity of mind and maturity of judgment that his -fellow citizens highly appreciated and delighted to honour. - -He was educated by the Rev. Mr. Craig, a Scotch clergyman, of high -literary attainments and profound erudition. Under his tuition the -germs of knowledge took deep root in the prolific mental soil of -young Francis, and produced plants of a rapid and luxuriant growth. -The Scotch literati are remarkable for deep investigation, thorough -analyzation, and lucid demonstration. I have never met one who was -a pedant, a vain pretender, or a superficial scholar. Under such an -instructor the intellectual powers of Francis assumed a vigorous -and solid tone that placed him upon the substantial basis of useful -knowledge and enduring fame. He became delighted with the solid -sciences, and spent less time in the bowers of belles lettres than his -Ciceronean brother. The history of classic Greece and republican Rome -enraptured his mind with the love of liberty and liberal principles. He -read closely, thought deeply, and investigated fully. He prosecuted his -studies with untiring industry and became an excellent scholar, without -the advantages of European seminaries, to which most of the young sons -of wealthy men were then sent to complete their education. Imitating -the examples of his elder brothers, whose manners had received the -highest polish of English gentilesse and French etiquette he became -an accomplished gentleman. Raised in the midst of affluence, actuated -by moral rectitude, free from a desire to participate in the follies -of the world, living in the enjoyment of the refined pleasures that -promote felicity without enervating the body or vitiating the heart, -and a favourite among all his numerous acquaintances, his earthly -happiness was of the purest kind. With a mind richly stored with -scientific theory, with ethics and correct religious principles, he -entered the school of experience and became emphatically a practical -man. Possessed of an ample fortune he could devote his time to such -objects as he deemed most useful. Having early imbibed the love of -rational liberty, and having fully canvassed the conduct of the British -ministry towards the American colonies, Mr. Lee resolved to oppose the -encroachments of the king upon rights and privileges clearly guarantied -by the constitution of the mother country. He could not consent that -the trappings of the crown, the pomp of the court, the extravagance -of the ministry, and the expenses of the parliament of Great Britain -should be borne by the yeomanry of America, eloigned as they were from -the protection and good feeling of that power—deprived as they were -from being properly represented in legislation—subject as they were -to the caprice of every new cabinet created by the king—threatened as -they were to be dragged from their native soil to be tried by a foreign -jury—oppressed as they were by the insolence of hireling officers—and -driven as they were from under the mantle of constitutional rights. - -In 1765, he was elected a member of the house of burgesses to represent -Loudoun county, where his estate was situated. He became an important -advocate of equal rights and took a bold stand in favour of natural -and chartered privileges. Blessed with a strong and investigating -mind, a deep and penetrating judgment, a clear and acute perception, -a pure and patriotic heart and a bold and fearless disposition, he -became one of the most efficient advisers in the house. He continued to -represent Loudoun until 1772, when he married the highly accomplished -and amiable Rebecca, daughter of Colonel Tayloe, of the county of -Richmond, where Mr. Lee then permanently located. The same year he was -elected to the house of burgesses from his new district, and continued -to render valuable services and exercise a salutary influence in that -body until he was appointed a delegate to the Continental Congress. -Amidst the gathering storm of the revolution and the trying scenes that -accumulated thick and fast around him, he stood undaunted, unmoved, -and undismayed. He advocated every measure calculated to promote -the independence of his country, and was prolific in plans for the -accomplishment of the desired object. As a member of committees he had -no superior. An extensive reader, he had made himself acquainted with -the principles of every form of government, and understood well the -minutiæ of magna charta and the British constitution. He was prepared -to act advisedly and safely, and determined to resist, even unto blood, -all the illegal advances of a base, designing and avaricious ministry. -He made no pretensions to oratory, seldom spoke in public, but when so -highly excited as to rise, he poured upon his opponents a flood of keen -and withering logic that often made them quail beneath its force. - -On the 15th of August, 1775, Mr. Lee was elected a member of the -Continental Congress. A more expansive field was then opened before -him. To do or die, to live in chains or peril every thing for liberty -had become the dilemma. Columbia’s soil had been stained with the blood -and serum of Americans, shed by the very men who had been cherished by -their bounty and fed by the labour of their hands. The dim flickerings -of the hope of redress and conciliation were fast expiring in the -socket of forbearance. The great seal of the social compact had been -broken by the British ministry, the last petitions, remonstrances and -addresses to the king were to be prepared, and the final course to be -pursued by the colonies, determined. Inglorious peace or honourable -war were the two propositions. In favour of the last Mr. Lee put forth -the strong energies of his mind. Eternal separation from England and -independence for America could only satisfy and meet his views. Being -appointed upon many important committees, his exertions to obtain this -desideratum were unremitting, and his influence was strongly felt. -So highly were his talents appreciated that he was often chairman of -the committee of the whole. So convinced were his constituents of -his ability to promote the best interests of the glorious cause of -freedom, that they continued him in Congress until his retirement from -the public arena in 1779 to scenes more congenial to _his_ mind, but -less beneficial to the deliberations of the august body he had so much -benefitted. - -When the proposition of final separation was submitted to Congress by -his brother, his soul was animated to the zenith of patriotic feeling, -and when the declaration of rights was adopted, his mind was in an -ecstacy of delight. His influence, his vote and his signature, told -how strong and pure were his desires in its favour. On that sacred -instrument, the chart of freemen and an eye-sore to kings, the name of -Francis Lightfoot Lee stands recorded—a lasting monument of his civic -fame. - -He rendered essential aid in framing the articles of confederation -that carried the colonies through the revolution. This was a work -of great labour, and underwent, besides the time bestowed upon it -by the committee, thirty-nine distinct discussions in the house. He -contended ardently that the rights of contiguous fisheries and the -free navigation of the Mississippi river should be incorporated in the -claims of the United States upon Great Britain in all propositions -of peace. The wisdom and sagacity of his position is now fully -demonstrated although it then met with opposition by some, and was -considered as a matter of secondary importance by others. - -A late writer has charged the “Lees of Virginia” with hostility towards -Washington, which, unqualified as it stands, includes Francis with -the rest. This hostile feeling, he asserts, arose from the sentence -of the court martial in 1778, that suspended General Charles Lee from -holding any commission in the American army for one year. Had the -writer consulted the records of Congress he might have avoided this -error. Francis Lightfoot Lee was the only one of the name in Congress -at that time. The sentence was acted upon and sanction by that body, -and Mr. Lee voted in its favour. He was ever a warm friend of the -illustrious Washington, and I have yet to learn that his brothers were -not also. General Lee was a native of North Wales, and, excepting a -short time during his youth, was not in America until 1773, and could -not have had the same claims of friendship upon the “Lees of Virginia” -as the father of our country. He was an accomplished and brave officer, -having served in Portugal under Burgoyne, and in the army of Poland, -and other places, from the time he was eleven years old until his -unfortunate dereliction from orders at the battle of Monmouth. He died -in Philadelphia in 1782. Another evidence that Mr. Lee held the hero of -the revolution in veneration is of a later date. After the adoption of -the federal constitution he was asked his opinion upon it. He answered, -with an air of seriousness, “I am old and do not pretend to judge -these things now, but one thing satisfies me it is all right—General -Washington is in favour of it and John Warden is opposed to it.” Mr. -Warden was opposed to American independence. - -After he retired from Congress he enjoyed the domestic circle but for a -short season. He was elected to the legislature of his native dominion -contrary to his wishes, but promptly repaired to the post of public -duty. After aiding in the removal of the most perplexing difficulties -that embarrassed the government of the state, he again retired to the -peaceful shades of private life, where he remained until April, 1797, -when, calm and resigned, he obeyed the summons of the messenger of -death, bid an affectionate farewell to his friends and the world, and -took his departure “to that country from whose bourne no traveller -returns,” triumphing in faith, rejoicing in death, with the full -assurance of a crown of glory in a brighter and better world. - -In public life Mr. Lee was eminently useful; his private worth and -excellence shone with equal brilliancy. Always cheerful, amusing -and instructive, he was the delight of every circle in which he -moved. Wealthy, liberal and benevolent, he was the orphan’s father, -the widow’s solace and the poor man’s friend. Kind, affectionate -and intelligent, he was a good husband, a faithful companion, and a -safe counsellor. Polished, urbane and gentlemanly, his examples were -calculated to refine the manners of those around him. Moral, discreet -and pious, his precepts had a salutary influence upon the minds of -all who heard them and were not callous to good advice. He died of -pleurisy, resulting from a heavy cold, and, within a few days of -each other, himself and wife were both laid beneath the clods of the -valley. They had no children to mourn their loss, but their graves -were moistened by the tears of numerous relatives and friends. Let the -shining examples of this good man be reflected forcibly upon our minds, -that our country may be benefitted by us in time, and that our final -exit from earth may be peaceful and happy. - - - - -THOMAS STONE. - - -A man who has a just sense of the responsibilities of a high public -office, will seldom seek one, unless impelled by impending dangers -that threaten to injure or destroy the best interests of his country. -The more clearly a modest unassuming man perceives the magnitude of a -public trust, the more he distrusts his own capacity to discharge its -duties, yet such a man is the very one to be safely trusted. It was -with great diffidence that Washington undertook the command of the -American armies, yet no one can be pointed out who possessed as fully -all the requisites to meet “the times that tried men’s souls.” John -Hancock quailed under his appointment as president of the Continental -Congress, yet no one could have manifested more firmness in the cause -of liberty, or have presided with more dignity. - -It is only in times of danger that men of the _greatest_ worth become -_most_ conspicuous. They are then _sought_ out by the virtuous part of -the community, and sometimes become prominent by throwing _themselves_ -in the breach of danger. In times of peace and prosperity, the same men -may be called to the councils of a nation without exciting astonishment -or unusual applause, and the names of noisy political partisans may -become more extensively known and be wider spread upon the wings of -venal party newspapers than theirs. It is in such times that men of -the greatest merit shrink from the public gaze, and it is in such -times that the canker worm of political intrigue carries on the work -of destruction in the body politic. It is in times of peril that men -of deep thought, cool deliberation and sterling honesty, become most -prominent and receive the full reward of merit. This fact was fully -demonstrated during the American revolution. Many were then called -to deliberate in the solemn assemblies of that eventful era who had -not been previously known as public men, and who retired as soon as -the mighty work of independence was completed. They were selected in -consequence of their strict integrity and sound discretion. - -Of this class was THOMAS STONE, a descendant of William Stone, who -was governor of Maryland during the reign of Cromwell. He was born at -Pointon Manor, Charles county, Maryland, in 1743. He was well educated -under the liberal and classical instruction of a Scotch clergyman, and -studied the profession of law with Thomas Johnson of Annapolis. He -commenced a successful practice at that place, and was held in high -estimation by the community in which he lived. Modest, retiring and -unassuming in his manners, an industrious man of business, a close -student, a safe and judicious counsellor, he was beloved and admired -for his substantial worth and sterling merit. He possessed a clear -head, a sound judgment, and a good heart. His mind was vigorous, -analyzing, investigating, and patriotic. He was a friend to equal -rights, and delighted in seeing every person happy. He detested -oppression in all its varied shades. He was kind, noble and benevolent. -With feelings like these he was not a careless observer of the -infringements of the Grenville administration upon the constitutional -and chartered rights of his fellow citizens. When the stamp act was -promulged, he was a youth in politics, but the discussions upon its -odiousness deeply interested him. He was an attentive listener and -a thorough investigator. His opposition to it became firm; a holy -indignation pervaded his bosom and prepared him for future action. -Still he avoided the public gaze. With his friends in the private -circle he conversed freely, lucidly and understandingly upon the -subject of American rights and British wrongs, but could not be induced -to mount the rostrum of the forum and display his forensic powers until -a short time before he was called by his country to deliberate in her -national council. - -When the Boston port bill was proclaimed, Mr. Stone surmounted the -barriers of diffidence and rushed promptly to the rescue. His example -had a salutary influence upon those around him. All knew that something -must be radically wrong, that some portentous danger hung over the -colonies when Thomas Stone was roused to public action. The influence -of such men as him, in times of peril, is of the highest value. The man -who is always or often a declaimer in popular meetings, must possess -Demosthenean or Ciceronian powers to command attention for a long time. -The cool, the reflecting, the calculating, the timid and the wavering, -are operated upon as by magic, where they see such a man as was Mr. -Stone go boldly forward and advocate, what to them seems a cause of -doubtful expediency. - -On the 8th of December, 1774, he was elected a member of the -Continental Congress, and took his seat in that body on the 15th of -the ensuing May. The meeting of that convention of sages had been -deeply solemn and imposing the preceding year, but at that time an -increased responsibility rested upon the members. The cry of blood from -the heights of Lexington was ringing in their ears; the fury of the -revolutionary storm was increasing; the clash of arms and mortal combat -had already commenced; the vials of British wrath were unsealed, and -the fabric of civil government was falling before a foreign military -force. To meet such a crisis, it required the wisdom of Solomon, the -patriotism of Cincinnatus, the acuteness of Locke, the eloquence of -Cicero, the caution of Tacitus, the learning of Atticus and the energy -of Virginius. All these qualities were combined in the Continental -Congress to a degree before unknown. Mr. Stone commenced his duties -with vigour and prosecuted them with zeal. He was at first trammelled -by the instructions of the provincial assembly of Maryland, that body -being extremely anxious that peace should be restored without recourse -to arms. But the increasing oppressions of the crown eventually removed -this injunction and enabled him and his colleagues to join cheerfully -in all measures calculated to promote the cause of independence. He was -continued in Congress until 1777, when he declined a re-election. He -had been a faithful labourer in the committee rooms, and an influential -member in the house. He had bestowed much thought and time upon the -articles of confederation, and felt bound to remain in the public -service until they were fully formed and adopted. That important work -completed, he retired from the halls of Congress, carrying with him the -esteem and respect of that body, the approbation of a good conscience, -and the unlimited gratitude of his constituents. - -In 1778, he was elected a delegate of the Maryland legislature, where -he became an important and influential member. During that session, the -articles of confederation that he had aided in framing the preceding -term in Congress, were submitted for consideration. They met with -violent opposition at first, and were the subject of warm discussion. -Having been present at their formation, Mr. Stone was prepared to -answer the objections raised against them by lucid, clear, logical and -convincing arguments. He contributed largely in gaining for them a -majority of votes in the legislature of his state. - -In 1783, he again took his seat in Congress and became a highly -esteemed member. Devoted to the best interests of his country, free -from political ambition, honest, frank, republican and sincere in his -principles, he was safely entrusted with the responsibilities of every -station he was called to fill. He was present when Washington resigned -his commission and retired from the field of civic glory to the -peaceful shades of Mount Vernon, amidst the loud plaudits of admiring -millions, and the mingled tears of joy and gratitude that stood, like -pearly dew drops, on the cheeks of his countrymen and compatriots in -arms. - -The ensuing year closed the labours of Mr. Stone in Congress, and -completed his public career. During the last session in which he -served, he presided, previous to its close, as president _pro tempore_, -and, had he consented to a re-election, would, as a matter of course, -been chosen the next president of the national legislature. As a -further mark of public esteem, he was elected a delegate to the -convention of 1787 that framed the federal constitution, but having -commenced a lucrative practice of law at Port Tobacco he declined the -honour of serving. On the 5th of October of the same year, he was -prematurely and suddenly called to the bar of God to render an account -of his stewardship, and closed his eyes in death, deeply lamented by -numerous friends, a grateful country, and millions of freemen. He was -cut off in the prime of life, in the midst of usefulness, whilst the -prospects of future honours were opening brightly before him. But he -had already earned a rich and honourable fame, imperishable as the -pages of history, lasting as human intelligence. From the time he -was first known as a public man to the present, neither the tongue -of slander nor the breath of detraction have attempted to cast a -stain upon his reputation as a patriot, a statesman, a lawyer, or -a private citizen. He was a rare specimen of discretion, propriety -and usefulness—a true specimen of the very salt of the body politic, -rendering efficient services to his country without pomp or show, and -without the towering talents of a Cicero or a Demosthenes. Such men are -always valuable, and may be relied upon in the hour of danger as safe -sentinels to guard the best interests of our nation. - - - - -LEWIS MORRIS. - - -A military depotism is a national curse. Laws that require the -bayonet to enforce them upon a civilized and enlightened people, are -of doubtful efficacy. Moments of excitement may occur in the best -organized communities, arising from some sudden local impulse, that -require a show of military power and even its force; but when a little -time is afforded for reflection, reason resumes her sway, the spirit of -mobocracy subsides, the soldier again becomes the peaceful citizen and -rests for security upon the arm of civil power. Quartering the military -among the citizens of a community, is calculated to produce numerous -and serious evils. Let that military, after having enjoyed the bounty -and hospitality of the citizens, be directed to _force_ the execution -of laws upon these citizens, oppressive in their nature and ruinous in -their effects, and an indignation is roused that is increased tenfold -from the circumstance of previous familiarity. Intimate friends often -become the most bitter enemies. Favours forgotten and ingratitude -displayed, add to the desperation of revenge. - -Thus, previous to the American revolution, the military were often -quartered upon, or drew their support directly from the people. The -colonies had also contributed largely in money and blood to aid the -mother country in conquering her most inveterate foe in America—the -French in Canada. No return was asked but the enjoyment of privileges -granted and secured by the British constitution. This was eventually -denied. Petitions were treated with contumely—remonstrances were -laughed to scorn. Then it was that a band of sages rose to vindicate -the rights of their country, whose achievements have no parallel in -ancient or modern history. - -Among the boldest of the bold was LEWIS MORRIS, who was born at -Morrisania, in the vicinity of the city of New York, in 1726. The -family documents of this Morris family trace their genealogy back to -Rhice Fitzgerald. Rhys or Rhice Fitzgerald was a Cambrian chieftain, -who carried his military operations and conquests into Ireland during -the reign of Henry the second. By his valour and success he obtained -the name Maur (great) Rhice, and the penultimate Fitzgerald was -dropped, and we now find the name as we have it above. In tracing -genealogy, we often find names as greatly changed as this. From this -original down to the present time, the various branches of the family -have been highly respectable, and have honourably filled many important -stations. - -Lewis was the son of Judge Morris, of the same christian name, who -appears to have retained possession of the paternal estate formerly -purchased by his grandfather, Richard Morris, who was a leader under -Cromwell, and immigrated from Barbadoes about 1663, and purchased a -large tract of land near Haarlem, on York Island. He died in 1773. -He left an only son, Lewis, who was chief justice of New York, and -subsequently governor of New Jersey. - -After passing through his preparatory studies, Lewis entered Yale -College at the age of sixteen. He became a good scholar and imbibed -from the president, Dr. Clap, a permanent relish for moral and -religious principles. In 1746, he took the degree of bachelor of arts, -returned to his estate and became extensively engaged in agriculture. -At that period the colonies were prosperous, free and happy. The mother -country had not yet contemplated the imposition of burdens upon her -distant children, and they were left to pursue their own course without -annoyance or molestation. Then they enjoyed the fruits of their labours -and reposed in peace. - -In this happy retirement Mr. Morris continued to improve his farm and -his mind, and by his suavity and urbanity of manners, united with moral -rectitude and an honourable course, gained the confidence and esteem -of all who knew him. He became the nucleus of a circle of friends of -the highest attainments and respectability and was emphatically the -people’s favourite. His appearance was in every way commanding. A -noble and graceful figure, a fine and intelligent face, an amiable and -agreeable disposition, a warm and ardent temperament, a benevolent and -generous heart, an independent and patriotic soul, crowned with virtue, -intelligence and refinement, he was in all respects to be admired and -beloved. - -The time approached rapidly when colonial repose was to be plucked by -the roots and wither beneath the scorching rays of British oppression. -The treasury of England had been drained by extravagance and war, and -her national debt had swollen to an enormous amount. The story of -prosperity and wealth in America was told to Mr. Grenville. The plan -of imperious taxation was devised. The stamp act was passed. The sons -of the pilgrim fathers were astonished and amazed. They loved their -king, but loved their country more. Legal remedies were resorted to. -A Congress was convened at New York. Able addresses to the throne and -the people of Great Britain followed, breathing the purest allegiance -conditioned on the restoration of constitutional rights. The stamp -act was repealed, but only to give place to a more voracious and -obnoxious family. In all these concerns of his country, Mr. Morris took -a deep interest, and from the beginning, opposed even the approach -of oppression, not at first as a leader but as an adviser. Although -Massachusetts took the lead in opposition, New York made a strong show -of resistance. In 1767, an act was passed by parliament compelling -the people of that province to furnish the British soldiers that were -quartered among them with provisions. By this order the burden fell -upon certain portions of the inhabitants exclusively and not pro rata -upon the whole. It was a direct invasion of personal rights and was -most severely felt by the citizens of the city of New York and its -vicinity. This measure brought Mr. Morris out. He publicly proclaimed -it unconstitutional and tyrannical, and contributed largely towards -influencing the legislature to place a veto upon it. Superior might -eventually overpowered this opposition and enforced the contribution -from the citizens. But spirits like that of Lewis Morris were not to -be subdued. An unquenchable fire was only smothered to gather strength -beneath the volcanic surface that then covered it. It was kept alive -by fresh fuel added by Mr. Grenville and his more subtle successor -Mr. North. The statute of Henry the eighth was revived, which doomed -malecontents to be sent to England for trial; the Boston port bill, its -handmaid, was passed and the cords of slavery were drawn more tightly. -The last petitions and remonstrances in the magazine of patience were -finally exhausted, and then it was that it was replenished with more -potent materials. Mr. Morris had now become a prominent man, a bold -and substantial whig, rather too ardent to send to the conciliatory -Congress of 1774. But the time soon arrived when the people required -just such a man, and in April, 1775, he was elected to the Continental -Congress. Even then the majority attributed their sufferings to the -ministers and not to the king, and still hoped he would cease to be -an automaton and prove himself a man worthy of the high station he -occupied. But hopes were vain, the juices of the olive branch became -absorbed by the sponge of venal power, and the virtues of the sword -were next to be tried. Already had the purple current stained the -streets of Boston and the heights of Lexington—already had the groans -of dying Americans, slain by the hands of those whom they had fed, -pierced the ears of thousands—already were widows and orphans weeping -for husbands weltering in blood and fathers covered with gore. Vigorous -measures of defence followed—legions of foreign troops flooded the -land—a dark and gloomy hour had arrived. Soon after his appearance -in Congress, Mr. Morris was placed upon a committee of which the -illustrious Washington was chairman, appointed to devise measures to -obtain a supply of the munitions of war. This was a desideratum not -readily acquired. Comparatively a sling and a few smooth stones were -all the patriots had with which to commence the combat with the British -Goliah. But with all these disadvantages, the battle of Bunker Hill -convinced the veterans of Europe that men determined on liberty or -death were not to be tamely subdued. - -Mr. Morris became an active and efficient member of the national -legislature, and advocated strong measures. Although his enthusiastic -patriotism bordered on what was then considered rashness, in some -instances, the very path marked out by him in 1775 was the one -eventually followed. He became early convinced that an honourable -peace could not be obtained _under_ Great Britain, and was satisfied -that nothing but a triumph _over_ her would restore the equilibrium -of justice and chartered rights. During the interim between that and -the ensuing session, Mr. Morris was one of a committee appointed to -visit the frontier Indian tribes, to deter them, if possible, from -enlisting under the blood-stained banner of the mother country. He -also visited the assemblies of the New England states, in order to -perfect plans to raise supplies and prepare for a vigorous defence. -In 1776 he again took his seat in Congress, and was animated to find -a spirit more congenial with his views—a determination to sever the -gordian knot and proclaim an eternal separation from a nation that -had held power only to abuse it. He was placed on many and important -committees, and was active in and out of the house. In his native -neighbourhood Mr. Morris had no easy task to perform in rousing the -people to an efficient opposition. Governor Tryon, who was as wise and -poisonous too as a serpent, affected to be as harmless as a dove, and -exerted a powerful influence over the people of the city of New York -in favour of the crown. The commercial interests would be prostrated -by a war, the inequality of the two powers rendered the success of the -whigs problematical, and self interest, which was construed into self -preservation, operated for a long time against the cause of liberty in -that section. It required great exertions to surmount these obstacles. -Mr. Morris and his friends put forth their noblest energies in the -mighty work, and what _they_ could not effect, British oppression -and the powder and ball of General Howe soon accomplished. The able -addresses that he aided in preparing and circulating among the people -do great credit to his head and heart as a patriot, a statesman and a -scholar. They are chaste, forcible and luminous. When the declaration -of independence was proposed Mr. Morris became one of its ardent -supporters. At that very time his vast estate was within the power of -the enemy, and he well knew that if he signed the instrument proposed, -should it be adopted, it was giving to them a deed of sale, _alias_ -of destruction, of all his property that was to them tangible. Most -rigidly did they use the delegated authority. Even his extensive -woodlands, of a thousand acres, were subjected to axe and fire, his -family driven from their home, and every species of destruction -resorted to that malice could invent, ingenuity design and revenge -execute. But liberty was dearer to this determined patriot than earth -and all its riches. He boldly sanctioned and fearlessly affixed his -name to the great certificate of our national birth, and rejoiced in -freedom illumined by the conflagration of Morrisania. His family and -himself suffered many privations during the remainder of the war, but -suffered patiently, without regret for the past and with brighter hopes -for the future. - -In 1777 he resigned his seat in Congress and repaired to his native -state, in the legislature of which he rendered important services. He -also served in the tented field and rose to the rank of major-general -of militia. He was an excellent disciplinarian and contributed -essentially in the organization of the state troops. In every situation -he ably and zealously discharged all his duties, and never left the -post of service until the American arms triumphed in victory, and the -independence of his country was firmly established and acknowledged -by the mother country. Then he retired to his desolated plantation, -converted his sword into a pruning hook, his musket into a ploughshare, -and his farm into a delightful retreat, where his friends from the city -often visited him to enjoy his agreeable society, talk of times gone -by, and rejoice in the consolations of blood-bought liberty. Peacefully -and calmly he glided down the stream of time until January 1798, when -his immortal spirit left its frail bark of clay and launched upon -the ocean of eternity in a brighter and more substantial vessel. He -died serene and happy, surrounded by an affectionate family and kind -friends. His remains were deposited in the family vault upon his farm, -under the honours of epic fame and civic glory. - -The examples of Mr. Morris illustrate the patriotism that impelled -to action during the revolution in a more than ordinary degree. He -had every thing that could be destroyed to lose, if the colonies -_succeeded_ in the doubtful struggle; and if they did not, the -scaffold, or death in some shape, was his certain doom. He was, -previous to the revolution, a favourite with the English; and, what -was more, his brother Staats was a member of the British parliament -and a general officer under the crown. But few made so great a -personal sacrifice, and no one made it more cheerfully. Like Marion, -he preferred a morsel of bread, or even a meal of roasted potatoes, -with liberty and freedom, to all the trappings and luxuries of a king -without them. So long as this kind of disinterested patriotism finds a -resting place in the bosoms of Columbia’s sons, our union is safe—let -this be banished and the fair temple of our liberty will perish in -flames kindled by its professed guardians and sentinels. - - - - -JOHN HART. - - -Agriculture, of all occupations, is the one best calculated to rivet -upon the heart a love of country. No profession is more honourable, -but few are as conducive to health, and, above all others, it insures -peace, tranquillity and happiness. A calling more independent in its -nature, it is calculated to produce an innate love of liberty. The -farmer stands upon a lofty eminence and looks upon the bustle of -mechanism, the din of commerce, and the multiform perplexities of -the literati, with feelings of personal freedom unknown to them. He -acknowledges the skill and indispensable necessity of the first, the -enterprise and usefulness of the second, and the unbounded benefits -flowing from the last; then turns his thoughts to the pristine quiet -of his agrarian domain and covets not the fame that accumulates around -the other professions. His opportunities for intellectual improvement -are superior to the two former, and, in many respects, not inferior to -the latter. Constantly surrounded by the varied beauties of nature -and the never-ceasing and harmonious operations of her laws, his mind -is led to contemplate the wisdom of the Great Architect of worlds and -the natural philosophy of the universe. Aloof from the commoving arena -of public life, and yet, through the medium of that magic engine, -the PRESS, made acquainted with the scenes that are passing there, -he is able to form cool and deliberate conclusions upon the various -topics that concern his country’s good and his country’s glory. In his -retired domicile he is less exposed to the baneful influence of that -corrupt and corrupting party spirit which is raised by the whirlwind -of selfish ambition and wafted on the tornado of faction. Before he -is roused to a participation in violent public action, he bears much, -reflects deeply and resolves nobly. But when the oppressions of rulers -become so intolerable as to induce the yeomanry of a country to leave -their ploughs and peaceful firesides, and draw the avenging sword, -let them beware—the day of retribution is at hand. Thus it was at -the commencement of the American revolution—when the implements of -husbandry were exchanged for those of war and the farmers joined in the -glorious cause of liberty—the fate of England’s power over the colonies -was sealed for ever. The commingling phalanx of all professions was -irresistible as an avalanche in the full plenipotence of force. - -Among the patriots of that eventful era who left their ploughs in the -furrow and rushed to the rescue, was JOHN HART, a native of Hopewell, -Hunterdon county, New Jersey, born about the year 1715. The precise -time of his birth is not a matter of record, but his acts in the -Continental Congress are. He was the son of Edward Hart, a brave and -efficient officer, who aided the mother country in the conquest of -Canada, and participated in the epic laurels that were gained by Wolfe -on the heights of Abraham. He raised a volunteer corps, named it the -“Jersey Blues,” an appellation still the pride of Jerseymen. He fought -valiantly, and was recompensed by the _praise_, but not the _gold_ -of the mother country. John Hart was an extensive farmer, a man of a -strong mind, improved by reading and reflection, and ambitious only to -excel in his profession. In Deborah Scudder he found an amiable and -faithful wife, and in the affections and good conduct of a liberal -number of sons and daughters he found an enjoyment which some bachelors -may affect to despise, but for which they often sigh in vain. Eden’s -fair bowers were pleasureless until Heaven’s first best gift to man was -there. - -Known as a man of sound judgment, clear perception, liberal views and -pure motives, Mr. Hart was called to aid in public affairs long before -the revolution. For twenty years he had served in various stations, -and was often a member of the legislature of his native colony. He -took a deep interest in the local improvements, always necessary in a -new country, and also in the legislative enactments of that period. -He was a warm supporter of education and aided in the establishment -of seminaries of learning. He was a friend to social order and law, -and contributed largely in producing an equilibrium of the scales of -justice. In organizing the municipal government of his own county he -rendered essential service. Still his family and his farm were his -chief delight—save his orisons to Heaven. He viewed all public business -as a duty to be performed when required, not as a political hobby-horse -to ride upon. The public men of that day spoke but little, and then -to the point, and despatched their business promptly. Sinecures were -scarce, and office hunters few and far between. Industry, frugality and -economy, in public and private matters, were the marked characteristics -of the pilgrim fathers. Golden days! when will ye return in the majesty -of your simplicity, and banish from our land the enervating follies, -the poisonous weeds and the impugning evils that augur its destruction. - -Observing and discerning, Mr. Hart was quick to discover the -encroachments of the British ministry upon the constitutional rights -and chartered privileges of the colonies, and was prompt in resisting -them. The stamp act, passed on the 22nd of March, 1765, was followed by -a commotion that showed by what a precarious tenure the king held his -power in America. When the Congress convened at New York, on the first -of October following, represented by nine of the colonies, Mr. Hart was -a member of the convention that made the selection of delegates from -New Jersey. The firm and discreet proceedings of that body produced a -repeal of the act complained of on the 18th of the following March. -Still the political alchymist, Mr. Grenville, was madly bent on trying -fresh experiments. The colonists had borne the yoke of restrictions -upon their trade and industry, which had been artfully and gradually -increasing for more than fifty years, to the advantage of the mother -country, and he concluded their necks had become sufficiently hardened -by long use to bear a more ponderous burden. Poor fellow! he was as -much mistaken in the metal he placed in his crucible as the colonists -were amazed and indignant at his unwarranted pretensions. Direct -taxation, without representation, was taking an issue not warranted -by the præcipe or narr, and a general demurrer was promptly entered. -An emparlance ensued, replications and rejoinders followed, and the -suit was finally decided by wager of battle. Long and doubtful was the -struggle—obstinate and bloody was the conflict. The second edition -of the revenue plan, revised and stereotyped in 1767 by Charles -Townshend, chancellor of the exchequer, imposing duties on glass, -paper, paste-board, tea and painters’ colours, kindled a flame of -indignation in the colonies that no power could quench. Public meetings -against the measure, resolutions of the deepest censure, remonstrances -of the strongest character, and arguments of the most conclusive logic, -were hurled in its face; and to carry conviction to the minds of the -ministry that the people were in earnest, Boston harbour was converted -into a tea-pot and all the tea used at one drawing. Non-importation -agreements, committees of safety, preparations of defence, -non-intercourse, bloodshed, war and independence followed. In all these -movements Mr. Hart concurred, and deliberately, but firmly, opposed the -encroachments of the crown. - -In 1774 he was elected to the Congress at Philadelphia, and, with the -frost of sixty winters upon his head, entered upon duties of higher -importance than had before devolved upon him. Mild, deliberate, -cautious, discreet, but firm in his purposes, he became an important -member to aid in carrying out the measures then contemplated—those of -reconciliation and a restoration of amity. He was highly esteemed as -a patriarch sage in the cause. The ensuing year he was again elected, -and repaired to the post of duty, of honour and of fame, on the 10th -of May. The cry of blood, shed on the 19th of the preceding April, had -infused a spirit in Congress widely different from that which pervaded -it a few months before. It was then that the Roman virtues of such men -as Mr. Hart shone with peculiar splendour. The impetuosity of youth -had passed away, their minds traced the deepest, darkest avenues of -every proposition, arguments were weighed in the balance of reason, -the causes, the effects, the objects, the ends, the plans, the means, -were all placed in the scale of justice and exhibited to the inspection -of those whose disposition led them to an examination. In this manner -every act was performed with clean hands, the cause of liberty -honoured, prospered and crowned with triumphant success. At this time -Mr. Hart was also a member and vice-president of the assembly of his -native colony, and shortly after, had the proud satisfaction of aiding -in its funeral obsequies and in establishing a republican form of -government. On the 14th of February, 1776, he was again elected to the -Continental Congress, and when the chart of liberty was presented to -his view, after carefully examining its bold physiognomy, he pronounced -its points, its features, its landmarks, its delineations and its -entire combination, worthy of freemen—gave it his vote, his signature -and his benediction, and soon after retired from the public gaze -and declined a re-election. As he anticipated, the British soldiers -devastated his farm, drove away his family, destroyed his property, and -compelled him, several times, to fly precipitately to save his neck -from the halter. Under circumstances like these, no one will doubt the -disinterested patriotism of the quiet farmer, JOHN HART. Not a stain -rests upon his public or private character. In all the relations of -life he performed his duty nobly. He was an honest man and devoted -christian, a member of the baptist denomination, and died in 1780, from -an illness brought on by exposure in flying from place to place to -elude the pursuit of the British. - - - - -BUTTON GWINNETT. - - -Inconsistency is an incubus that assumes a thousand varied forms, and -in some shape hangs over every nation and most individuals. It is -human nature to err, but some errors there are, that, in the view of -reason and common sense, are so legibly stamped with inconsistency as -to enable every man of a sane mind to avoid them. Yet we often see -men of high attainments rush into the whirlpool of inconsistency with -a blind infatuation that seeks in vain for a justification, even by -the rules of the most acute sophistry. Among the most fallacious and -opprobrious inconsistencies that now hang over our nation is that of -duelling. We boast of our intellectual light and intelligence, and -mourn over the ignorance of the poor untutored Indian. In his turn he -may point us to a dark spot upon our national character that never -tarnished the name of an eastern or a western savage. This Bohon Upas -of inconsistency thrives only in society that claims to be civilized. -In no country has it been as much and as long tolerated without condign -punishment as in our own. It is murder of the most deliberate kind, and -a violation of the laws of God and man. Has any one of these numerous -and blood-thirsty murderers, who walk boldly among us, ever been -punished to the extent of the offended laws of our country? Not one. -Widows may mourn, orphans languish, hearts bleed, and our statesmen -perish, and the aggressor may still run at large, treated by some with -more deference than if the escutcheon of his name was not stained -with blood. This foul stigma upon the American name should be washed -out speedily and effectually. The combined powers of public opinion, -legislative, judicial and executive authority, should be brought to -bear upon it with the force of an avalanche. Flagrant crimes are -suppressed only by strong measures. This is the acknowledged policy of -the penal code of every nation where laws are known and respected. - -Among the victims of this cruel practice, was Button Gwinnett, a man of -splendid talents and a pure patriot of the revolution, whose private -character was without a stain, and his public career as brilliant as -it was transient. He was born in England in 1732. His parents were -respectable, but not wealthy. Being a boy of promise, they bestowed -upon him an accomplished education, and at his majority he commenced -a successful career in the mercantile business at Bristol, in his -native country. He was commanding in appearance, six feet in height, -open countenance, graceful manners, and possessed of fine feeling. -Surrounded by an increasing family, he resolved on seeking another -and a broader country, and in 1770 embarked for America. He landed -at Charleston, S. C., where he commenced commercial business and -remained two years. He then disposed of his merchandise and purchased a -plantation upon St. Catharine’s Island, in Georgia, to which he removed -and became an enterprising agriculturalist. He was a man of an active -and penetrating mind, and a close observer of passing events. Having -been in England during the formation of the visionary and impolitic -plan of taxing the colonies, he understood well the frame work of the -British cabinet, and from his course in the struggle that ensued, it is -reasonable to infer that he had imbibed strong whig principles before -his removal to this country. The subject of raising a revenue from the -pioneers of the new world had been long and ably discussed in England. -Many of her profoundest statesmen, and the most sagacious one that -ever graced her parliament, lord Chatham, portrayed with all the truth -of prophecy, the result of the unjust, the blind course of ministers -towards the Americans. Connected with commerce and intelligent men as -he was at Bristol, Mr. Gwinnett had become well informed upon the -litigated points in controversy, and was well acquainted with the -relative feelings and situation of the two countries. When the question -of liberty or slavery was fairly placed before the people of his -adopted land, he declared himself in favour of the latter. Knowing as -he did the superior physical force of Great Britain and the comparative -weakness of the colonies, their freedom, at first, seemed to him a -paradox. His doubts upon the subject were removed in 1775, by the -enthusiasm exhibited by the patriots, and by the lucid demonstrations -of Lyman Hall, a bold and fearless advocate of equal rights, with whom -he became intimate. Convinced from the beginning of the justice of the -cause, and now convinced of its feasibility, he soon became a public -champion in its favour. He had counted the cost, he had revolved in -his mind the dangers that would accumulate around his family, himself -and his property, which he truly predicted would be destroyed by his -enemies, and had deliberately and nobly resolved to risk his life, -his fortune and his sacred honour, in defence of chartered rights and -constitutional franchises. - -He enrolled himself among the leaders of the popular party and became -a conspicuous and active member of public meetings, and of the several -revolutionary committees. For some time after the other colonies had -united in a concert of action against the common enemy, that of Georgia -refused to join them. She stood perched upon the pivot of uncertainty, -indeterminate, irresolved and doubting. Some of her noblest sons had -become shining lights in the glorious cause, the fire of patriotism -was extending, oppression was increasing, and, at length, the cry of -blood was heard from Lexington. The work was done. Like a lion roused -from his lair, Georgia started from her lethargy and prepared for the -conflict. She resolved “to do or die.” - -On the 2nd of February, 1776, Mr. Gwinnett was appointed a member -of the Continental Congress, and took his seat in that venerable -body on the 20th of the ensuing May. Although his constituents were -now determined to maintain their rights at all hazards, the plan -of independence was to the most of them more than problematical; a -thing of visionary fancy, merely ideal, and not to be hoped for, much -more not to be seriously attempted. The subject, however, gained new -strength daily, and began to emerge from its embryo form. At this -juncture, the Rev. Mr. Zubly, a colleague with Mr. Gwinnett, with -an Iscariot heart, wrote a letter to the royal governor of Georgia, -disclosing the contemplated measure, a copy of which was in some way -obtained by one of the clerks and placed in the hands of Mr. Chase, who -was proverbial for boldness, and who immediately denounced the traitor -on the floor of Congress. The Judas at first attempted a denial by -challenging his accuser for the proof, but finding that the betrayer -had been betrayed, he fled precipitately for Georgia, in order to place -himself under the protection of the governor, who had just escaped from -the enraged patriots and was safely ensconced in a British armed vessel -in Savannah harbour, and could render him no aid on terra firma. He was -pursued by his colleague, Mr. Houston, but upon the wings of guilt he -flew too rapidly to be overtaken. - -When the proposition came before Congress for a final separation from -the mother country, Mr. Gwinnett became a warm advocate of the measure, -and when the trying hour, big with consequences, arrived, he gave his -approving vote and affixed his signature to the important document that -stands acknowledged by the civilized world the most lucid exposition of -human rights upon the records of history—the Declaration of American -Independence. - -In February, 1777, Mr. Gwinnett took his seat in the convention of -his own state, convened for the purpose of forming a constitution and -establishing a republican form of government. His activity in Congress, -to which he stood re-elected, had already given him great weight, -and he at once exercised a powerful influence in his new situation. -He submitted the draft of a constitution which, with a few slight -amendments, was immediately adopted by the convention. Shortly after -this he was elevated to the presidency of the provincial council, then -the highest station in the state, thus rising within a single year -from private life to the pinnacle of power in the colony. At this -time an acrimonious jealousy existed between the civil and military -authorities. At the head of the latter was General M’Intosh, against -whom Mr. Gwinnett had pitted himself the preceding year, whilst in -Congress, as a candidate for brigadier-general, and was unsuccessful. -His elevation and influence became a source of uneasiness to his -antagonist. The civil power claimed the right to try military officers -for offences that General M’Intosh conceived were to be tried only by a -court-martial. Another root of bitterness between these two gentlemen -took its growth from the promotion of a senior lieutenant-colonel, then -under General M’Intosh, to the command of his brigade, destined for the -reduction of East Florida, agreeably to a plan formed by Mr. Gwinnett, -which proved a disastrous failure. This was a source of mortification -to the one, and the other publicly exulted in the misfortune. Under the -new constitution a governor was to be elected on the first Monday of -the ensuing May, and Mr. Gwinnett offered himself as a candidate. His -competitor was a man whose talents and acquirements were far inferior -to his, but succeeded in obtaining the gubernatorial chair. General -M’Intosh again publicly exulted in the disappointments that were -overwhelming his antagonist—a challenge from Mr. Gwinnett ensued—they -met on the blood-stained field of _false_ honour—fought at the distance -of four paces—both were wounded, Mr. Gwinnett mortally, and died on -the 27th of May, 1777, the very time he should have been in Congress. -Comment is needless—reflection is necessary. - - - - -WILLIAM ELLERY. - - -The sacredness of contracts honourably and fairly entered into by -parties competent to make and consummate them, should be held in high -veneration by all. The individual and the social compact from the -co-partnership of the common business firm up to the most exalted -nation, are bound by the laws of God, of man and of honour to keep -inviolate their plighted faith. A deviation from the path of rectitude -in this particular, is uniformly attended with evil consequences and -often with those of the most direful kind. The party that violates its -engagements without accruing causes of justification, and to advance -its own interests regardless of those of the other, comes to court with -a bad cause. I have repeatedly remarked, that the American revolution -was produced by a violation on the part of the mother country of -chartered rights secured to the colonists by the crown under the -British constitution. - -To enter into a full exposition of the relations between the two high -contracting parties, would require more space than can be allowed in -this work. A reference to some of the prominent points in a single -charter, will give the reader an idea of the nature of the whole as -originally granted, although some of a later date are rather more -limited in their privileges than that of Rhode Island, to which I refer. - -This charter secured religious freedom, personal liberty, personal -rights of property, excluding the king from all interference with -the local concerns of the colony and was virtually democratic in its -features. One of the early acts of parliament, referring to Rhode -Island, contains the following language. “That no person within the -said colony at any time hereafter shall be in any way molested, -punished, disquieted, or called in question for any difference of -opinion in matters of religion that does not actually disturb the -civil peace of the said colony.” The feelings of the inhabitants from -the time they received their charter up to the time oppressions were -commenced by Great Britain, may be inferred from the following extract -taken from the ancient records of the secretary of state of that -province addressed to the king. “The general assembly judgeth it their -duty to signify his majesty’s gracious pleasure vouchsafed to us,” &c.; -and also from the following extract of a letter written at a later -period to Sir Henry Vane then in England. “We have long drunk of the -cup of as great liberties as any people we can hear of under the whole -heavens. We have not only been long free together with all English from -the yokes of wolfish bishops and their popish ceremonies, against whose -grievous oppressions God raised up your noble spirit in parliament, -but we have sitten down quiet and dry from the streams of blood spilt -by war in our native country. * * * We have not known what an excise -means. We have almost forgotten what tythes are, yea, or taxes either -to church or common weal.” In addition to other declaratory acts of -parliament, sanctioning and construing chartered privileges generally -in all the colonies, one was passed in March, 1663, involving the very -hinge upon which the revolution turned, as the following extract shows. -“Be it further enacted, _that no taxes shall be imposed or required of -the colonies, but by the consent of the general assembly_,” meaning -the general assembly of each colony separately and collectively. This -single sentence of that act, based upon the British constitution and -guarded by the sanctity of contracts that could not be annulled but by -the mutual consent of the high contracting parties, solves the whole -problem of the revolution. Living as the colonists did in the full -enjoyments of these chartered privileges which had become matured by -the age of more than a century, they would have been unworthy of the -name of men, had they tamely submitted to their annihilation. To the -unfading honour of their names let it be said—_they did not submit_. A -band of sages and heroes arose, met the invaders of their rights, and -drove them from Columbia’s soil. - -Among them was WILLIAM ELLERY, a native of Newport, Rhode Island, -born on the 2nd of December, 1727. His ancestors were from Bristol, -England. He was the son of William Ellery, a graduate of Harvard -College and an enterprising merchant, who filled many public stations, -among which were those of judge, lieutenant-governor, and senator. -Delighted with the docility of his son, he became his instructor and -superintended his studies preparatory to his entrance in college. After -these were completed, William entered Harvard College and became a -close and successful student. He became delighted with the Greek and -Roman classics and dwelt with rapture upon the history of the ancient -republics. So great was his veneration for the ancient authors, that he -continued to be familiar with them during his whole life, and became a -lucid philologist in classic literature. At the age of twenty he took -the degree of bachelor of arts, and then commenced the study of law. -In that laborious field he was all industry and diligence, and was -admitted to practice with brilliant prospects before him. Located in -one of the pleasantest towns on the Atlantic, surrounded by a large -circle of friends who desired his success, blessed with superior -talents, improved by a refined education, esteemed by all who knew -him, his situation was truly flattering. He possessed an agreeable and -amiable disposition, a strong mind, enlivened by a large share of wit -and humour, an urbanity of manners of a refined and polished cast, and -an animation and life in conversation that dispelled ennui from every -circle in which he moved. He was of the middle stature, well formed, -with a large head, an intelligent and expressive countenance, moderate -in his physical movements, and with all his vivacity generally wore -a grave aspect. He was temperate, plain, and uniform in his habits -and dress, and could seldom be induced to join in the chase after -the _ignus fatuus_ of fashion. For many years before his death, his -wardrobe bespoke a man of another generation. - -Mr. Ellery commenced business in his profession at his native town, -took to himself a wife, soon became eminent and obtained a lucrative -practice. He was highly honourable in his course and gained the -confidence of his fellow citizens and of the courts. Up to the time -of the commencement of British oppression, his days passed peacefully -and quietly along and a handsome fortune accumulated around him. When -the revolutionary storm began to gather, the mind of Mr. Ellery became -roused and a new impetus was given to his physical powers. His townsmen -were the first among the colonists who had dared to beard the lion and -unicorn. On the 17th of June, 1769, in consequence of the oppressive -conduct of her captain, the revenue sloop Liberty, belonging to his -Britannic majesty, and then lying at Newport, was forcibly seized by -a number of citizens in disguise, who cut away her masts, scuttled -her, carried her boats to the upper part of the town, and committed -them to the flames under the towering branches of a newly planted -liberty tree. This was a hard cut and thrust at the revenue system -that contemplated taxing the colonies contrary to the letter of the -constitution and charters granted by the laws of England. This act -was followed by another on the 9th of June, 1772, in which blood was -spilt—that of seizing and burning the British schooner Gaspee. This was -made a pretext for more severe measures on the part of the hirelings -of the crown, and a disfranchisement of the colony was recommended and -urged upon parliament. Already was the revolutionary ball in motion. In -the midst of these turmoils, Mr. Ellery was not an idle spectator. He -declared for the cause of liberty and the preservation of those rights -that had become sacred by age and had the high sanction of the laws of -nature, of man, and of God. In 1774, he was warmly in favour of the -project of a general Congress, and, in conjunction with Governor Ward, -who was a delegate with Mr. Hopkins to that august assembly, approved -of a suggestion already made in a letter from General Greene, “that the -colonies should declare themselves independent.” The same spirit soon -became general in the province. - -In 1776, Mr. Ellery was elected a member of the Continental Congress, -and proceeded to the post of duty boldly and fearlessly, left by his -constituents to act as free as mountain air. He had participated in -all the incipient measures of the conflicts in his own colony, he now -became a vigorous and active patriot of the national legislature. He -was fully prepared to sanction, and well qualified to advocate the -Declaration of Independence. An agreeable speaker, master of satire, -sarcasm, logic, and philosophy, he exercised a salutary and judicious -influence. He was an able member of committees and was immediately -placed upon some of great importance. He was upon the committee for -establishing expresses, upon that for providing relief for the wounded -and disabled, upon that of the treasury, and upon the committee of -one delegate from each state for the purchase of necessaries for the -army. He was also upon the marine committee, and was a warm advocate -for the navy. His constituents were many of them bold mariners, and -he felt a just pride in referring to his fellow-citizen, commodore -Ezek Hopkins, of Rhode Island, as the first commander of the little -fleet of the infant Republic. It was him who took New Providence by -surprise, seized a large amount of munitions of war, one hundred pieces -of cannon, and took prisoners the governor, lieutenant-governor, and -sundry others of his majesty’s loyal officers. When the time arrived -for the final question upon that sacred instrument which was to be -a warrant of death or a diploma of freedom, Mr. Ellery was at his -post, and most cheerfully gave it his sanctioning vote and approving -signature. With his usual vivacity, he placed himself by the side -of Charles Thomson, the secretary, for the purpose of observing -the apparent emotions of each member as he came up and signed the -important document. He often recurred to this circumstance in after -life, and observed, that “undaunted resolution was displayed in each -countenance.” He was continued a member of Congress until the close of -the session of 1785, which shows how highly his services were valued -by the patriotic citizens of his native state. In 1777, he was one of -the important committee of admiralty, the committee for replenishing -the empty treasury, the committee upon commercial affairs, of the one -to investigate the causes of the surrender of Ticonderoga, and of the -one for preventing the employment in the public service of persons not -clearly in favour of the American cause. He ably advocated the plan, -supposed to have originated with him, and submitted by the admiralty -committee, of fitting out six fire-ships from Rhode Island to annoy the -British fleet. - -When the enemy obtained possession of Newport their vengeance against -this patriot was manifested by burning his buildings and destroying all -his property within their power. This only increased his zeal in the -glorious cause of liberty and scarcely disturbed the equanimity of his -mind. In 1778, he advocated strongly a resolution making it death for -any member of the colonies, _alias_ tories, who should betray or aid -in delivering into the hands of the enemy any of the friends of the -revolution, or give any intelligence that should lead to their capture. -He also supported the plan of confederation adopted by Congress. He -spent nearly his whole time in that body. - -The ensuing year he was one of the committee on foreign relations, -which at that time involved the unpleasant duty of settling some -difficulties that existed between the United States foreign -commissioners, in addition to the usual diplomatic affairs with foreign -nations. He was also chairman of a committee to provide provisions -for the inhabitants that were driven from the island of Rhode Island -and were entirely destitute of the necessaries of life. The ensuing -year he was arduously employed upon most of the standing committees, -especially the admiralty committee, the duties of which became very -delicate, as the powers claimed by some of the states conflicted with -those of the general government under the articles of confederation. A -committee was created for the express purpose of defining those powers, -of which he was the prominent member. Their deliberations resulted in -the determination that all disputed claims were subject to an appeal -from the court of admiralty to Congress, where the facts as well as the -law were to be finally settled. On all occasions and in all situations -he was diligent, punctual, and persevering. In the house, whenever he -discovered any long faces or forlorn countenances, even in view of the -darkest prospects, his wit and humour were often so vivid as to dispel -the lowering clouds that hung gloomily over the minds of dejected -members. - -In 1782, he was an efficient member of the committee on public -accounts, the duties of which had become not only of great magnitude, -but of a very perplexing character. Fraud and speculation had rolled -their mountain waves over the public concerns, and to do justice to all -who presented claims, was no common task. In 1783, Mr. Ellery had the -pleasure of being appointed by Congress to communicate to his friend, -General Green, a resolution of thanks and high approbation for his -faithfulness, skill and services, accompanied by two pieces of brass -cannon taken from the British at the battle of the Cowpens. - -In 1784, he was a member of the committee appointed to act upon the -definitive treaty with Great Britain. He was also upon the one for -defining the power of the board of the treasury, the one upon foreign -relations, and the one upon the war office. The next year he closed -his congressional course, and, as the crowning glory of his arduous -and protracted labours in the national legislature, he advocated with -great zeal, forensic eloquence, and powerful logic the resolution of -Mr. King for abolishing slavery in the United States. His whole force -of mind was brought to bear upon this subject and added a fresh lustre -to the substantial fame he had long enjoyed. He then retired to his -now peaceful home, to repair the wreck of his fortune and enjoy the -blessings of that liberty for which he had so ardently contended. -In the spring of 1786, he was appointed by Congress a commissioner -of the national loan office for Rhode Island, and shortly after, he -was elected to the seat of chief justice of the supreme court of his -native state. Upon the organization of the federal government under the -constitution, President Washington appointed him collector of customs -for Newport, which station he ably filled until he took his tranquil -departure to another and a brighter world. The evening of his life was -as calm and mellow as an Italian sunset. Esteemed by all, he enjoyed -a delightful intercourse with a large circle of friends. Honest, -punctual and circumspect, he enjoyed the confidence of the commercial -community in his official station, as well as the approbation of all -in the private walks of life. During the thirty years he was collector -of customs, a loss of only two hundred dollars upon bond accrued to -government, and upon that bond he had taken five sureties. - -He spent much of his time in reading classic authors, and in -maintaining an extensive correspondence with distinguished men. But -three weeks before his death, he wrote an essay upon Latin prosody -and the faults of public speakers. His bible was also a favourite -companion, from which he drew and enjoyed the living waters of eternal -life. Always cheerful, instructive and amusing, his company was a rich -treat to all who enjoyed it. His writings combined a sprightliness and -solidity rarely exhibited. His courtesy and hospitality were always -conspicuous, the whole frame-work of his character was embellished -with all the rich variety of amiable qualities, uniting beauty with -strength, which can never fail of gaining esteem, and of rendering -an individual useful in life and happy in death. His demise was -as remarkable as it was tranquil. It was that of a christian and -philosopher. On the 15th of February, 1820, he rose as usual in the -morning and seated himself in the flag bottom chair which he had used -for fifty years, and which was a relic rescued from the flames when -his buildings were consumed. He commenced reading Tully’s Offices in -his favourite, the Latin, language, without the aid of glasses, the -print of which is as small as that of a pocket bible. On his way to -the hospital, the family physician called in, and perceiving that his -countenance was cadaverous, felt his wrist and found that his pulse -was gone. The physician administered a little wine, which revived the -action of the purple current. The doctor then spoke encouragingly, to -which Mr. Ellery replied—“It is idle to talk to me in this way, I am -going off the stage of life, and it is a great blessing that I go free -from sickness, pain, and sorrow.” Becoming extremely weak, he permitted -his daughter to help him on his bed, where he sat upright, and -commenced reading Cicero de Officiis, with as much composure as if in -the full vigour of life. In a few moments, without a groan, a struggle, -or a motion, his spirit left its tenement of clay, his body still erect -with the book under his chin, as if on the point of falling asleep. - -Thus usefully lived and thus peacefully died, WILLIAM ELLERY. His whole -career presents a rare and pleasing picture of biography, upon which -the imagination gazes with admiration and delight, and which cannot -be rendered more beautiful or interesting by the finest touches of -the pencil of fancy, dipped in the most lively colours of romance and -fiction. - - - - -LYMAN HALL. - - -Decision, tempered by prudence and discretion, gives weight to the -character of a man. The individual who is always or uniformly perched -upon the pivot of indetermination, and fluttering in the wind of -uncertainty, can never gain public confidence or exercise an extensive -influence. Decision, to render us truly useful, must receive its -momentum from the pure fountain of our judgment, and not depend upon -others to fill the lamp of philosophy, after our reasoning powers have -become matured by experience, reflection and the solar rays of science. -When the child becomes a man, he should think and act as a man, and -draw freely from the resources of his own immortal mind. He may enjoy -the reflective light of others, but should depend upon the focus of -his own, rendered more brilliant by reflectives, to guide him in the -path of duty and usefulness, that leads to the temple of lasting fame. -The man who pins his faith upon the sleeve of another, and does not -keep the lamp of his own understanding trimmed and burning, is a mere -automaton in life, never fills the vacuum designed by his creation, -and, when he makes his exit from the stage of action, leaves no trace -behind, no memento to tell that he once moved upon the earth in the -sphere of usefulness, or bore the image of his God. - -The sages of the American revolution have left bright and shining -examples of self-moving action and a discreet decision of character. -Among those who were roused to exertion by the reflections of their -own mind, was LYMAN HALL, who was born in Connecticut in 1731. He -graduated at Yale College at an early age, studied medicine, married a -wife before he arrived at his majority, removed to Dorchester, S. C., -in 1752, and commenced the practice of physic. After residing there -a short time he joined a company of about forty families, originally -from the New England states, and removed to Medway, in the parish of -St. John, Georgia, and settled under favourable circumstances. He -became a successful practitioner, and was esteemed and admired for -his prudence, discretion, clearness of perception and soundness of -judgment, united with refinement of feeling, urbanity of manners, -a calm and equable mind, a splendid person, six feet in height, an -intelligent and pleasing countenance and a graceful deportment. He -had only to be known to be appreciated. As years rolled peacefully -along, Dr. Hall became extensively and favourably known. He took a -deep interest in the happiness of those around him, and in the welfare -of the human family. He was an attentive observer of men and things -and of passing events, and understood well the philosophy of human -rights and the principles of the tenure by which the mother country -held a jurisdiction over the colonies. When the rightful bounds of -that jurisdiction were transcended, he was one of the first to meet -the transgressors and point his countrymen to increasing innovations. -As dangers accumulated, his patriotism became fired with enthusiastic -zeal, tempered by the purest motives and guided by the soundest -discretion. The indecision and temporizing spirit of Georgia, at -the commencement of the revolution, has been before described. This -was extremely annoying to Dr. Hall, but only tended to increase his -exertions in the work of political regeneration. Over the people of -his own district he exercised a judicious and unlimited influence. He -also attended the patriot meetings held at Savannah, in July, 1774, -and in January of the ensuing year, and contributed much to aid and -strengthen his co-workers in the good cause, then but just commenced. -His constituents became equally enthusiastic in favour of liberty, and -indignant at British oppression, with himself. All the other colonies -had united in the defence of their common country against the common -enemy. A frontier settlement, and more exposed than any other in the -province, he prudently laid the whole matter before the people of his -district, and left them to choose freely whom they would serve. They -decided against the sovereignty of Baal and declared for liberty. They -at once separated from the other parishes, formed a distinct political -community, applied to be admitted into the confederation entered -into by the other colonies, passed resolutions of non-intercourse -with Savannah, only to obtain the necessaries of life, so long as it -remained under royal authority, and organized the necessary committees -to carry these patriotic and decisive measures into effect. Placed upon -an eminence like this, they were welcomed into the general compact, and -in March, 1775, Lyman Hall was elected to the Continental Congress to -represent the parish of St. John, that stood like an island of granite -in the midst of the ocean, separate and alone, regardless of the waves -of fury that were foaming around her. This example had a powerful -influence upon the other parishes, and from this lump of the leaven -of freedom the whole mass became impregnated, and, in July following, -Dr. Hall had the proud satisfaction of seeing his province fully -represented by men honest and true, save Judas Iscariot, alias Zubly. -Georgia now rose like a lion when he shakes the dew from his mane for -the fight, and “shed fast atonement for its first delay.” To Dr. Hall -may be justly attributed the first impetus given to the revolutionary -ball in the district of his adoption. As an enduring monument of praise -to the portion of the district in which he resided, which was formed -into a new county in 1777, it received the name of LIBERTY. - -On the 13th of May this devoted patriot took his seat in that august -assembly that then attracted the attention of the civilized world. -He was hailed as a substantial and devoted friend of the cause of -human rights, and immediately entered upon the important duties of -his station, enjoying the full fruition of the light of patriotism -that illuminated that legislative hall. He was a valuable man upon -committees, and although not a frequent speaker, he was heard, when he -did rise, with deferential attention. He reasoned closely and calmly, -confining himself to the point under consideration, without any effort -to shine as an orator. His known patriotism, decision of character, -purity of purpose and honesty of heart, gave him a salutary influence -that was sensibly felt, fully acknowledged and discreetly exercised. He -gained the esteem, respect and confidence of all the members. - -In 1776 he took his seat in the national legislature, and became -decidedly in favour of cutting loose from the mother country. He had -induced his own district to present an example in miniature, which -stood approved, applauded and admired. He knew the justice of the -cause he had espoused—he believed Providence would direct its final -accomplishment—he was fully convinced that the set time had come -for his country to be free. With feelings like these, he hailed the -birthday of our independence as the grand jubilee of liberty. He -cheerfully joined in passing the mighty Rubicon, aided in preparing the -sarcophagus of tyranny, signed the certificate of the legitimacy of the -new-born infant and responded heartily to its baptismal name—FREEDOM. - -Dr. Hall was continued in Congress to the close of 1780, when he took -his final leave of that body, and in 1782 returned to his own state to -aid in systematizing the organization of her government. In common with -many of the patriots, the enemy had devastated his property and wreaked -a special vengeance upon his district. His family had been compelled -to fly to the north for safety, and depend upon the bounty of others -for their support and comfort. In 1783 he was elected governor of -Georgia, and contributed largely in perfecting the superstructure of -her civil institutions and in placing her on the high road to peace and -prosperity. This done, he retired from the public arena and settled in -Burke county, where he once more was permitted to pursue the even tenor -of his ways and enjoy the highest of all earthly pleasures—the domestic -fireside, surrounded by his own family. He glided down the stream of -time calmly and quietly until 1790, when he bade a last farewell to -the transitory scenes of earth, entered the dark valley of death, and -disappeared from mortal eyes, deeply mourned and sincerely lamented by -his numerous friends at home, and by every patriot in his country. His -name is perpetuated in Georgia by a county being called after him, as a -tribute of respect for his valuable services. - -The examples of this good man are worthy of imitation. Without the -luminous talents that tower to the skies in a blaze of glory that -dazzles every eye, he rendered himself substantially and extensively -useful. He was like a gentle stream that passes through a verdant mead, -producing irrigation in its course without overflowing its banks. -Decision of character, prudence of action and discretion in all things, -marked his whole career. Not a stain tarnishes the lustre of his public -fame or his private character. He lived nobly and died peacefully. - - - - -JOHN PENN. - - -A federal republican form of government is an unlimited partnership -of the purest, noblest character. Based upon an equality of original -stock, an equality of interest in the welfare of the firm devolves -upon each individual of the compact. Unlike monopolizing corporations, -each stockholder has an equal right to act, speak and vote upon all -questions in primary meetings, without reference to the number of -accumulative shares one may hold above another. The specie of the firm -consists in equality of representation, equality of natural rights, -equality of protection in person and property, and equality of personal -freedom. These precious coins cannot be diminished in quantity, or -be reduced in quality by alloy, without courting danger. To aid in -preserving them in their native purity, is the duty of _all_, not of -a _few_. Separately and collectively, the great mass belonging to the -compact is obligated to look to its prosperity, and use their best -exertions in promoting the general good. Each one is bound to bring -every talent into use, and to leave none buried in the dark quarry -of ignorance, the quagmire of negligence, or the rust of inertness. -The steward that had but one talent, was condemned because he had not -put it to use. But who can tell what his talents are, until he brings -them to the light? Rich ores often lie deep. Many men have arrived -to, and others passed their majority, moving in a sphere not above -mediocrity in point of intellect developed, and have then risen like -a blazing comet and illuminated the world. By several of the signers -of the declaration of rights, this position was fully and beautifully -demonstrated. - -Among these was JOHN PENN, a native of Caroline county, Virginia; born -on the 17th day of May, 1741. He was the only child of Moses Penn, -who married Catharine, the daughter of John Taylor. The education of -the son was neglected by the parents, who sent him to none but the -commonest of common schools, which unfortunately for the youth of the -neighbourhood, were the only kind then in that vicinity. A _little_ -learning has been called a dangerous thing, but the quantum taught -in some common schools even at this enlightened age, is too small to -be dangerous, too limited to do much good. As a redeeming trait in -their neglect of duty towards their son, they taught him by example -and precept, social virtue and moral honesty. Upon the retirement -of a farm and in its cultivation young Penn plodded along with his -father, who had no books of value or a desire for them, until he -arrived at the age of eighteen, when his paternal guardian died, and -left him a competence, but not a large fortune. About that time he -became inclined to read, this inclination ripened, his mind began to -expand and his thirst for knowledge increased. Destitute of a library, -he communicated his ardent desire to improve his education to Edmund -Pendleton, a neighbour and relation of his, who was an accomplished -scholar, a profound lawyer and an able statesman. Convinced that -Mr. Penn possessed strong native talent he made him welcome to his -valuable library and became deeply interested in his improvement. After -exploring the fields of science for a short time, this young philomath -commenced the study of law, and soon exhibited mental ores, taken from -his long neglected intellectual quarry, that were of a rich and rare -variety. - -He surmounted the barriers that lay before him with an astonishing -rapidity, and before some of his friends supposed he had mastered the -elementary principles of Blackstone, he presented himself at the court -for examination, was admitted to practice, and at once exhibited the -bright plumage of a successful lawyer and an able advocate. But three -years before, his now soaring talents were buried deep in their native -quarry, unknown and unsuspected; a strong admonition to the reader, -if under similar circumstances, to examine closely the powers of his -own mind. The professional eminence of Mr. Penn rose as rapidly as -his appearance at the bar was unexpected. He gained the confidence -of the community, the respect of the courts, and the esteem of his -senior brethren. In 1763, he added to his original stock in the firm -of the social compact by leading to the hymeneal altar the amiable and -accomplished Miss Susannah Lyme, thus avoiding the hyemal frost that -creeps chillingly over the lonely bachelor. - -In 1774, Mr. Penn removed to North Carolina, and carrying with him -a high reputation as a lawyer, soon obtained a lucrative practice. -He had also participated largely in the patriotic feelings that were -spreading over the colonies like fire in a praire, relative to the -oppressions of the mother country. He had imbibed fully the principles -of his venerable preceptor and friend, who was among the boldest of -the bold Virginians in the vindication of chartered rights, and was a -member of the Congress first assembled at Philadelphia. His liberal -views and splendid talents did not escape the notice of his new -acquaintances. On the 8th of September, 1775, he was appointed a member -of the Continental Congress, to supply the vacancy occasioned by the -resignation of Mr. Casewell. He repaired to the post of honour and of -duty the next month, and became an active and vigorous member of that -venerated assembly of sages, whose wisdom, sagacity, and intelligence -emblazoned the historic page with a lustre before unknown. He served -on numerous committees, and acquitted himself with great credit in -the discharge of every duty that devolved upon him. In the committee -room, in the house, among the people, in every situation in which he -moved, he made the cause of liberty his primary business. So highly -were his services appreciated by his constituents, that they continued -him in Congress until the accumulating dangers that hung over his own -state induced him to decline a re-election at the close of 1779. He -was an early and warm supporter of the declaration of rights, and when -the joyful day arrived to take the final question, he most cheerfully -sustained the measure by his vote and signature; thus enrolling his -name with the brightest constellation of illustrious statesmen that -ever illuminated a legislative hall, surpassing all Greek, all Roman -fame. - -South Carolina had been devastated by Lord Cornwallis, who had -dispersed the army under General Gates; and North Carolina was next -to be visited by the conquering foe. Emissaries from the British were -already within its precincts to prepare the way for the entry of his -lordship. Already had the friends of royal power received instructions -to seize the most prominent whigs and the military stores, with an -assurance of immediate support. The cruelties that had been practised -in South Carolina spread a terror over all “but hearts of oak and -nerves of steel.” The sacrifice of Colonel Hayne at Charleston, will -give the reader some idea of the spirit of revenge that actuated some -of the British officers. - -When that city fell into his possession, Lord Cornwallis issued -a proclamation, promising all who would desist from opposing the -authority of the king the most sacred protection of person and -property, on condition that each should sign an instrument of -neutrality, which, by legal construction, whilst it put its signers -under an obligation not to take up arms against the mother country, -exonerated them from serving against their own. - -Being a prisoner and separated from his wife and six small children, -then residing in the country and surrounded by the small pox, Colonel -Hayne, with his mind long poising on the pivot of uncertainty as to -what was his duty, finally, with great reluctance, signed the fatal -instrument upon the assurances and solemn promises of the English -officers, and James Simpson, intendant of the British police, that -he never should be required to support, with his arms, the royal -government. Colonel Hayne, like Bishop Cranmer, subscribed to that -which his soul abhorred and detested, that he might be permitted to fly -to the relief of his suffering family. And, as in the case of Cranmer, -his enemies persecuted him the more, and never gave him any peace until -their vengeance was wreaked upon him by inflicting an ignominious -death, in violation of all law, justice and humanity. - -Soon after his return to his wife and children, he was called upon -by the British to take up arms against his country and kindred, and -threatened with close confinement in case he refused to comply with -the order. In vain he referred them to the conditions upon which he -so reluctantly signed the article of neutrality. In vain he claimed -protection under the militia law that imposed a fine where a citizen -chose not to render personal service. To his relentless oppressors, -all was a dead letter. He then pointed them to the partner of his -bosom, the mother of his children, sinking under the small pox, and -fast approaching the confines of eternity. In vain he endeavoured to -excite their sympathy or move their compassion. In a few short hours, -Mrs. Hayne took her departure to “that country from whose bourne no -traveller returns,” “where the wicked cease from troubling and the -weary are at rest.” Upon her own couch, peaceful and serene, she closed -her eyes in death. A different fate was in reserve for Colonel Hayne. -His foes still pursued him, and by their own breach of good faith, -and of the contract of neutrality before entered into, absolved him -from its obligations. It was no longer binding upon him, and he again -entered the continental army, preferring death rather than enter the -ranks of the invaders of his country. A short but brilliant career -awaited him. He was soon made prisoner, and was sent to Charleston, -where Lord Rawdon loaded him with irons, submitted him to a mock trial, -exparte in its proceedings and determinations, based upon revenge and -cruelty, resolved on the death of his victim, and that without delay. -Colonel Hayne was doomed to be hung. This sentence produced amazement -and dismay, indignation and surprise amongst all classes of people. -The finest feelings of sympathy were excited in the breasts of a large -proportion of the adherents of the crown, who deemed the transaction -a species of murder. A petition, headed by the king’s governor and -numerously signed by persons of high standing and advocates for -the mother country, was presented to Lord Rawdon in behalf of the -unfortunate prisoner—but all in vain. - - “Fell revenge sat brooding on his dark and sullen brow, - And the grim fiends of hell urged his soul on to murder.” - -The ladies of Charleston, the wives and daughters of both whigs and -tories, next united in a petition, couched in the most moving language, -praying that the life of Colonel Hayne might be spared. This met with -a cold reception and a prompt refusal. As a last effort to rescue -the father from the scaffold, his infant children, dressed in their -mourning habiliments, were led before Rawdon, and on their knees, -their cheeks bathed in tears, implored him, with all the thrilling and -heart-rending eloquence of childish innocence, to spare their only -surviving parent and earthly protector. - - “But still he stood unmoved, - Hard as the adamantine rock, - Dark as a sullen cloud before the sun.” - -So melting was this scene that veteran soldiers could not refrain from -weeping, and all were astounded at the cruel severity of the unyielding -and blood-thirsty Rawdon. - -A request was then made that Colonel Hayne might be permitted to die -as a military officer, instead of being hung as a felon. This was also -denied. - -As a devout Christian, the martyr resigned himself to his cruel fate, -and prepared his mind to meet the approaching crisis. His youthful son -was permitted to visit him in prison, who, when he beheld his father -bound in irons, burst into tears. “Why,” said the father, “will you -break my 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, dear boy, your father is prepared. Instead of weeping, rejoice -with me that my troubles are so near an end. To-morrow I set out for -immortality. When I am dead, bury me by the side of your mother.” -No pen can fully describe that scene. When summoned to the place of -execution, his firmness was worthy of the Christian, the hero, and the -patriot. When upon the fatal drop, with the accursed halter around -his neck, he shook hands with his friends, bade them an affectionate -farewell, urged them to persevere in the glorious cause of freedom, -recommended his children to the protection of three gentlemen present, -and the next moment was struggling in death. The sight was too much for -his son, his brain became disordered, his reason fled, and he soon died -insane, lisping his father’s name to the last moment of his life. - -Fortunately for North Carolina, the efficient and sagacious Greene and -his brave officers and soldiers, checked the triumphant and murderous -career of the British army. The operations of this brave general were -greatly accelerated by the exertions of Mr. Penn. In 1780, when Lord -Cornwallis penetrated the western part of the state to Charlottetown, -the crisis became awfully alarming, and this bold patriot was placed -at the helm of public affairs in the state, and invested with almost -unlimited power. He was authorized to seize supplies by force, -and to do all things that in his judgment were necessary to repel -the approaching foe. He proved himself equal to the emergency. He -understood his duty, and performed it efficiently and with so much -prudence that no complaints of injustice were heard, and the state was -saved from the grasp of a merciless foe. Tarleton was humbled, Ferguson -killed, and Cornwallis retreated. - -Mr. Penn, after discharging the public duties imposed upon him by -his own state, again retired to private life and the pursuit of -his profession. In 1784, he was appointed receiver of taxes for -North Carolina; a high encomium upon his reputation for honesty and -integrity. Fatigued with public service, he resigned this office in a -few months after. This closed his public career, and he bade farewell -to the busy and perplexing scenes of political life, decked with a -civic wreath, surmounted with an unfading and permanent fame. He again -entered into the enjoyments of domestic felicity, which were soon -exchanged for those of another and a brighter world. In September, -1788, he was gathered to his fathers and laid in the silent tomb, -there to await the resurrection of the great day. - -In all the relations of private life and public action the examples of -Mr. Penn are worthy of imitation. As a lawyer he stood pre-eminent. -His forensic eloquence was admirable and strongly pathetic. The court -and jury were often suffused with tears when listening to his appeals, -and his own feelings of sympathy were not always suppressed on such -occasions. As a patriot and statesman he stood approved and applauded -by his country. His disposition was mild, benevolent and amiable, -but firm in the performance of every duty. He was an honest man. Let -every reader imitate JOHN PENN in the effort to become useful, and -banish the doctrine _that merit is to be monopolized by a few_, which -should never gain credence in a government like ours, where every -individual is equally interested in the first and dearest principles of -freedom—personal rights equally enjoyed and personal liberty equally -secured. - - - - -ELBRIDGE GERRY. - - -That man who moves only within the circumference of self, reflecting -no social rays upon the community in which he moves, contributing in -no way to the advancement of human happiness, winding himself up in -the hermitical cocoon of a miser’s cell or of total seclusion from the -world, makes his life a vacuum and his death a burletta. The acutest -metaphysician can never demonstrate the problem of his creation, the -lemma of his existence has no corollary in philosophy. The following -apothegm from ELBRIDGE GERRY should be deeply impressed upon the mind -of every reader: “It is the duty of every citizen, though he may have -but one day to live, to devote that day to the service of his country.” -This precept he enforced by the examples of his brilliant career. - -ELBRIDGE GERRY was a native of Marblehead, Massachusetts, born on the -17th of July, 1744. He was the son of an enterprising and respectable -merchant, who bestowed upon him a classical education. He graduated at -Harvard University in 1762, with a scholastic and mental reputation -creditable to himself and pleasing to his friends. Judging the tree by -its fruit, the seed from which it sprang must have been of the purest -kind, and its vegetation not retarded by the absorbing and poisonous -weeds of vice. Its incipient pruning and growth must have been directed -by a master hand, to produce a form of so much symmetry and beauty. - -After having completed his collegiate studies, Mr. Gerry entered the -counting-house of his father and ultimately became one of the most -enterprising and wealthy merchants of his native town. From the nature -of his business he was among the first to feel the weight of the -impolitic and unconstitutional revenue system, and by the nature of -his mind, he was impelled to meet oppression at the threshold. A man -of deep reflection and investigation, he examined closely the nature -and extent of chartered rights and of British wrongs. He made himself -acquainted with the structure and principles of government, law, -political economy, and national policy. No one understood better than -him, the natural, legal and practical relations between the mother -country and the colonies. He was therefore prepared to act advisedly -and disposed to act firmly. His extensive influence, his decision of -character, his sound discretion and his exalted patriotism, pointed -him out as one of the master spirits to guide the public mind and aid -in the public affairs of the people. He at once became a participant -in all the popular movements in favour of liberty. On the 26th of May, -1773, he commenced his official career as a member of the legislative -body of Massachusetts Bay, then called “the general court.” That -assembly and the royal governor took a bold issue upon rights and -wrongs. The unconstitutional acts of parliament were sanctioned by -the latter, and fearlessly censured by the former. The general court, -moved by Samuel Adams, appointed a standing committee of inquiry for -the purpose of watching closely the proceedings of ministers and -parliament, and of corresponding with the other colonies upon the -important subjects then under national consideration. This committee -was appointed two days after Mr. Gerry had taken his seat for the -first time in a legislative body, of which he was made a member. From -that time forward he was a conspicuous actor upon the tragic stage -of the revolution, in the drama of peace and in the construction of -the federal government. He walked shoulder to shoulder with Adams and -Hancock in the adoption of the bold measures that roused the lion -from his lair and the people to their duty. At the Boston tea-party, -the opposition to the port bill, the impeachment of the crown judges, -the controversy with Governor Hutchinson and the establishment of -non-intercourse with Great Britain, Mr. Gerry stood firmly at his -post. Completely prostrated in his influence, and driven from every -position assumed, Governor Hutchinson retired and was succeeded by -General Gage. This change was of no advantage to the royal cause. The -blending of military and civil power was an unpopular measure. He -issued a commission for a new general court, but finding it would be -composed of members inimical to his views he countermanded the order. -The sovereign people, however, elected delegates, who assembled in -October at Salem, an unusual place of meeting, to do the business -of their constituents. The governor and council not appearing to -administer the oath of office, they adjourned to Concord and organized -a provincial Congress, of which Mr. Gerry was a leading member. They -prepared an address to the governor in respectful but firm language, -declaring their attachment to the mother country, and their willingness -to obey all laws of parliament and the mandates of the king that came -within the sacred pale of the British constitution and the well defined -charters which had emanated from it. They pointed out the violations -of right, the perversions of justice, the military array of foreign -soldiers, all tending to reduce the people to slavery. They reasoned, -they explained, they remonstrated, but all in vain. These appeals to -Governor Gage fell upon his adamantine soul as the morning dew upon the -desert of Sahara. The delegates then appealed to the legitimate source -of a righteous government—THE PEOPLE—who nobly responded and sustained -them in the hour of peril. They then proceeded to adopt measures for -the vindication of their inalienable rights, and whilst they presented -the olive branch of peace they prepared for war. Severe measures were -adopted by parliament, the charter of Massachusetts was altered by -exparte legislation under the crown, illegal taxes were imposed, the -hirelings of the king became more insolent, the indignation of the -people rose like a tornado, colonial blood began to flow, the tocsin of -war was sounded, the clash of arms and fury of battle commenced, the -struggle was terrific, the lion was conquered—AMERICA WAS FREE!! - -During all the thrilling scenes that passed in Massachusetts previous -to his election to Congress, Mr. Gerry was a leading member of the -legislative body from its aurelia form to its more perfect growth. He -was an active and efficient member of the two great committees that -were for some time virtually the government—the committee of safety and -that of supplies. - -In April, 1775, he narrowly escaped the grasp of his foes. The night -previous to the battle of Lexington, Messrs. Gerry, Lee and Orne -were at Cambridge, through which the British passed on their way to -the opening scene of hostilities. When they arrived opposite the -house where these gentlemen were in bed, a file of soldiers suddenly -separated from the main body and approached it rapidly. The patriots -barely escaped by the back way in their linen as the enemy entered, not -having time to put on a single article of their over-dress. After the -military passed on they returned for their wardrobe, and immediately -rallied the people to prepare for resistance. - -The night previous to the fall of his intimate friend, the brave -Warren, Mr. Gerry lodged in the same bed with him. The anxiety they -felt for their country drove sleep from them, and their time was spent -in concerting plans for future action. The lamented hero of Bunker Hill -appears to have had a presentiment of his premature fate. The last -words he uttered to Mr. Gerry as they parted were, - - “Dulce et decorum est, - Pro patria mori.”[D] - - [D] It is sweet and glorious to die for one’s country. - -In the month of July, 1775, the government of Massachusetts assumed -a systematic form. A legislature was chosen and organized, and in -a few months a judiciary was established upon the basis of the new -arrangement. Mr. Gerry was immediately appointed to the responsible -post of judge of the admiralty court, but declined serving, preferring -more active and exciting duties. He desired to be where he could render -the most important services. - -On the 18th of January, 1776, he was elected to the Continental -Congress, a situation he was well calculated to fill. Bold and -fearless, yet cautious and prudent, he was admirably adapted to meet -the awful crisis of that eventful era. His public reputation already -established on a lofty eminence, he was placed upon the most important -committees, and among others upon the one sent to head-quarters to -consult with Washington and mature plans of supplies for the army and -for its augmentation. To the speculating sutlers and to peculating -contractors, he was a terror during the war. He introduced in Congress -many salutary guards against dishonest men, who, during a war more -especially, always hang about every department of government like -vultures. Even now, in a time of profound peace, they occasionally tap -the jugular vein of our republic, and produce a laxity of the sinews of -power. - -When the declaration of independence was proposed in Congress, the -soul of Mr. Gerry was enraptured in its favour. He had long been -prepared for the measure and gave it his ardent support. When the -thrilling moment arrived for final action upon this important question -his vote was recorded in favour of equal rights, and his signature -affixed to that venerated instrument which verified the truth of divine -prophecy—“A nation shall be born in a day.” - -In 1777, he was still continued a member of the national council, and -continued to discharge his duty with unabated zeal. The committee rooms -and the house were alike benefitted by his intelligence and extensive -experience in general business. He was called to aid in the arrangement -of the military hospitals, the discipline and regulations of the army, -the commissary department, foreign commerce, and other branches of the -new government, requiring the soundest discretion to place them on a -firm basis. He was also associated with Messrs. Clymer and Livingston -on their mission to the army to arrange existing difficulties. He took -a conspicuous part in the debates upon the articles of confederation, -and was listened to with great attention. He spoke well, reasoned -closely and demonstrated clearly. - -Like Mr. Clymer, he was truly republican in all his ideas and opposed -to every thing that did not bear upon its face sound sense, practical -usefulness and equality of operation. Hence he opposed a resolution of -thanks proposed in Congress to his bosom friend, Mr. Hancock, for his -services when he resigned the presidential chair. He contended that the -president had done no more than to ably perform his duty, the rest of -the members had done the same, and it would be a singular entry upon -the journals of Congress to record a vote of thanks to each. Etiquette, -however, prevailed over his logic, and the usual vote of thanks was -passed, thus introducing a custom in the new government that has long -since lost its original importance by too frequent use on occasions of -minor interest. - -Mr. Gerry was also upon the committee that devised the plan of -operations for the northern army that effectuated the capture of -Burgoyne, and upon the one to obtain supplies for the American troops -during the winter of 1777, which took him again to the camp of -Washington. These multiform and arduous duties, so constantly imposed -upon him, are stronger encomiums upon his talents, perseverance, -patriotism, and activity, than a volume of panegyric from the most -enlivening pen that was ever wielded by mortal hand. - -I have repeatedly referred to the religious and moral characters of -the members of the Continental Congress as remarkable for purity. As a -proof of the assertion, the records of that body of the proceedings of -the session of 1778, show a resolution passed recommending the several -states to adopt decisive measures against “theatrical entertainments, -horse-racing, gaming, and such other diversions as are productive -of idleness, dissipation, and a general depravity of principles and -manners.” Another resolution strictly enjoins upon the officers of -the army “to see that the good and wholesome rules provided for the -discountenancing of profaneness and vice, and the preservation of -morals among the soldiers, are duly and punctually preserved.” A third -one was passed, which would be a _sweeper_ if revived at the present -day. It arose from a disposition on the part of some officers to -disregard the first one above cited. It reads as follows. - -“Resolved, that any person holding an office under the United States, -who shall act, promote, encourage, or attend such plays, shall -be deemed unworthy to hold such office, and shall be accordingly -dismissed.” - -Mr. Gerry voted for these resolutions, which were passed by a large -majority. He was upon the grand committee of one from each state, -appointed during that session, to examine closely foreign affairs and -the conduct of the foreign commissioners, about which considerable -difficulty then existed, particularly relative to Mr. Deane. The -committee used the probe freely, and recommended to Congress to use the -amputating knife upon every limb affected by the gangrene of political -corruption. The report of the committee was an able document and -produced a warm debate, in which Mr. Gerry participated and supported -it with great eloquence and force. - -On the 14th of October, 1779, he proposed to Congress the expedition -against the Indians, which was successfully executed by General -Sullivan. He also proposed a resolution designed to guard against -inducements to corrupt influence, that “no candidates for public -office shall vote in, or otherwise influence their own elections; -that Congress will not appoint any member thereof during its time of -sitting, or within six months after he shall have been in Congress, to -any office under the said states, for which he, or any other for his -benefit, may receive any salary, fees, or other emolument.” He urged it -strongly but was unsuccessful. As a member of the committee of finance -Mr. Gerry stood next in rank to Robert Morris. - -In 1780, he retired from Congress after five years arduous and faithful -service. In all situations and at all times, he was energetic, zealous -and active in the cause of liberty. When his duties called him to the -army, if any fighting was on the tapis whilst he was in camp, he always -insisted upon taking an active part. When the affair occurred with -General Howe at Chestnut Hill, he actually shouldered a musket and -entered the ranks; and when General Kniphausen engaged the American -army at Springville, he took his station by the side of Washington, -who invested him with a volunteer command during his stay. On both of -these occasions he was one of the visiting committee from Congress. - -The second year after his retirement, he was again induced to become -a member of the national legislature and commenced his duties with -the same zeal that had marked his whole career. The business of the -nation was at that time more perplexing than when in the heat of the -revolution. An empty treasury, a prostrate credit and a mammoth debt, -presented a fearful contrast. To aid in settling the derangement in -public affairs, he was an important member. Committee labours were -heaped upon his shoulders as though he was an Atlas and could carry the -world, or an Atalanta in the celerity of business. The local feelings -and interests of the states began to be perplexing, and the half pay -for life guaranteed by Congress to all officers who remained in the -army during the war, was a source of dissatisfaction with many. This -was finally settled by compounding the annuity for the full pay of five -years. - -In 1784, he was chairman of the important committee on foreign -relations, and of the one to perform the onerous task of revising -the treasury department. He also brought forward a resolution for -the compensation of Baron Steuben, who had rendered immense service -by introducing a system of military tactics and discipline, by which -the armies of the United States were entirely governed, and which -were strictly adhered to long after the revolution by the military -throughout the union. This resolution was warmly supported by Mr. -Jefferson, but owing, as I fondly hope, to the embarrassed situation of -the financial department, it was lost. He also took a deep interest in -the commerce of the republic, a subject which he understood well. - -In 1785, Mr. Gerry closed his services in the Continental Congress. -During that year he was arduously employed upon the committee on -accounts. He also obtained the passage of his former resolution -relative to public officers and elections and the appointment of -members of Congress to office. At the close of the session he retired -from public life for a season and settled at Cambridge, not far from -Boston, with all the honours of a pure patriot and an able statesman -resting upon him—crowned with the sincere and lively gratitude of a -nation of freemen. - -Time soon developed to the sages of the revolution that the articles -of confederation which bound the colonies together when one common -interest and impending dangers created a natural cement, were not -sufficient to secure permanently the liberty they had achieved. Local -interests engendered jealousies, these produced dissatisfaction, -and this threatened to involve the government in anarchy. To remedy -these evils, a motion was made by Mr. Madison, for each state to -send delegates to a national convention for the purpose of forming a -constitution. The proposition was sanctioned, and in May, 1787, the -convention commenced its herculean task at the city of Philadelphia, -in the accomplishment of which Mr. Gerry took an active and useful -part. He was among those who did not sanction or sign the instrument -as adopted, and participated liberally in the political abuse of -the _partisans_ who were opposed to him, not by the noble minded -statesmen who differed with him in opinion, all honest in their views -and patriotic in their motives. _They_ soared above the acrimonious -scurrility of venal party spirit. - -After the constitution was adopted, no one manifested more zeal in -adhering to it than Mr. Gerry; actuated, as on all other occasions, -by the great republican principle—_that the majority must rule and be -obeyed_. He was elected a member of the first Congress under it, and -did much towards raising the beautiful superstructure that now towers -sublimely upon its broad basis. After serving four years he declined -a re-election and again sought retirement. But this was of short -duration. The relations between America and France had become deranged -and threatened a disastrous result. - -Mr. Adams, then president of the United States, determined on sending -an able embassy to that government, and to make a strong effort to -effect an amicable arrangement of difficulties before appealing to -arms. General Pinckney was already appointed an ambassador to France. -Mr. Gerry and Mr. Marshall, since chief justice of the United States, -were appointed to join him in this delicate duty of diplomacy, -empowered to act separately or collectively, as a sound discretion -should dictate. On their arrival at Paris they were not treated with -proper courtesy by the directory, and were not recognised as the -official organ of their nation. Prudence and patience were necessary to -prevent an immediate rupture between the two countries. They opened a -correspondence with the French secretary of foreign affairs, and after -many fruitless attempts to be met in a proper manner, Messrs. Pinckney -and Marshall were ordered peremptorily to depart from the republic -of France, and Mr. Gerry invited to stay. By his prudent, manly and -firm course, he succeeded in allaying the angry feelings of the French -nation, and prevented a war that for a long time seemed inevitable. - -On his return he was placed upon the republican ticket as a candidate -for governor of Massachusetts. Party spirit at that time was in its -full vigour, and the federal party had for a long time been in the -majority. So popular was Mr. Gerry, that his antagonist, Mr. Strong, -was elected but by a small majority, and that resulted from the -incorrectness of some of the returns, the former having actually -received the largest number of votes. In 1805 he was upon the electoral -ticket which succeeded. In 1810 he was elected governor of his state by -a large majority, and ably discharged the duties of chief magistrate. -He had never entered into _partisan_ feelings and views, and in his -first message pointed out, in a luminous manner, the dangers arising -from high toned party spirit, and did all in his power to allay it. -He felt and acted for his whole country and the general good. This -deterioration from _party_ caused him to lose his election for the -next term; the leaders of each having marshalled their forces in solid -phalanx—the federal party, when consolidated, having always had a -majority in the state since its distinctive formation. - -For many years Mr. Gerry had anxiously desired to be excused from -the public duties of high and responsible stations, but no excuse was -accepted. In 1813 he was inaugurated vice-president of the United -States, and proceeded to discharge the devolving duties with great -dignity and propriety. His impartiality, correctness and candour gained -for him the esteem of the elevated body over which he presided to the -last day of his eventful and useful life—thus teaching by example the -principle of his precept, that “It is the duty of every citizen, though -he may have but one day to live, to devote that day to the service of -his country.” - -At the city of Washington a beautiful monument is erected to his -memory, with this inscription: - - The tomb of - ELBRIDGE GERRY, - Vice-President of the United States, - Who died suddenly in this city, on his way to the - Capitol, as President of the Senate, - November 23d, 1814, - Aged 70. - -In the review of the life of Elbridge Gerry the pure patriot finds much -to admire and nothing to condemn, unless a man is to be condemned for -an honest difference of opinion and for keeping aloof from high toned -party spirit, which, for the sake of liberty, God forbid. His examples -of devotedness to the good of his country, his untiring industry, his -prudence, his discretion, his intelligence, and his moral virtues, -are all worthy of imitation and shed a lustre upon his character. In -private life he was highly esteemed and fulfilled its duties with the -strictest fidelity. He was emphatically a useful man in every sphere in -which he moved. No perils retarded him from the faithful performance of -what he deemed duty. His purposes were deliberately formed and boldly -executed. He was an honour to his country, to the cause of freedom, and -to enlightened liberal legislation. He was truly a worthy and an honest -man. - - - - -WILLIAM PACA. - - -Every man is not designed by creative wisdom to become a Demosthenes -or a Cicero; but every man of common sense has the power to be good -and to render himself useful. If all were alike gifted with splendid -talents, the monotony would become painful, and variety, the very spice -of life, would lose its original flavour. If _all_ our statesmen were -eloquent orators and were affected by the mania of speech-making, as -sensibly as most of our public speakers are at the present day, we -should be constantly, as we are now frequently, overwhelmed with talk -and have but little work finished. No one admires eloquence more than -the writer, but the speedy accomplishment of business is of higher -importance. Like our bodies that end in a narrow cell, the speeches -of our legislators, although based upon the purest motives, dictated -by the most enlightened understanding, decked with the beauties of -intelligence, strengthened by the soundest logic and embellished -with the richest flowers of rhetoric, receive their final fate from -the approving _Aye_—or the emphatic _No_. I indulge no desire to -extinguish these brilliant lights, or to snuff them too closely. The -volume of their flame, often so large as to emit smoke, might safely -be diminished and their wicks cut shorter. Brevity is the soul of wit, -prudent despatch, the life of business. In the committee-room every man -can be useful—the responsibilities of a vote bear equally upon each at -the time and place he is called to act. Let the importance of no man -be undervalued by himself or his compeers because he is not born with -a trumpet tongue. If his head is clear and his heart right, _he can do -good_. - -Some of the most useful members of the Continental Congress seldom -participated in debate, and the ablest speakers were remarkable for -conciseness and for keeping close to the question under consideration. -Among those who rendered essential services in the cause of the -revolution, in a retiring and unassuming manner, was WILLIAM PACA, a -native of Wye Hall, on the eastern shore of Maryland, born on the 31st -of October, 1740. His father was a highly respectable and influential -man, and bestowed upon William a good education, and planted deeply in -his mind the principles of virtue and moral rectitude. He completed -his classical studies at the college in Philadelphia, and in 1758 -commenced the study of law at Annapolis. Industrious in his habits, -and not fond of the public gaze, he applied himself closely to the -investigation of that science which unfolds the nature and duty of man -in all the relations of life, shows what he is and what he should be -under all circumstances, unveils his passions, his propensities and -his inclinations, carries the mind back through the abysm of times -of light, of shadows, of darkness and of pristine happiness, and -illuminates the understanding more than either branch of the sciences, -it being a compound of the whole in theory and in practice. An honest -and upright lawyer, who is actuated alone by principles of strict -justice, pure ethics, equal rights and stern integrity, can do more to -sustain social order and promote human happiness than a man pursuing -either of the other professions. - -Upon principles like these Mr. Paca commenced his practice, and upon -a basis like this he built an enduring fame. He was esteemed for his -clearness of perception, honesty of purpose, decision of character, -prudence of conduct and substantial usefulness—all exhibiting a clear -light, but not a dazzling blaze or an effervescent embrocation. Upon -minds like his, the oppressions of the mother country made a gradual -impression, that was deepened by the graver of innovation, and that all -the powers of earth could neither efface, deface, erase nor expunge. -Thus it was with Mr. Paca—as chartered rights and constitutional -privileges were more openly infringed by the British authorities, his -soul became more strongly resolved on liberty or death. He was on -intimate terms with Mr. Chase, who possessed all the requisites to -command, while Mr. Paca possessed the indispensable acquisitions of a -safe and skilful helmsman. With qualities thus differing, but with the -same object in view, these two patriots commenced their voyage upon the -boisterous ocean of public life, at the same time and place. - -Soon after he became a member of the bar Mr. Paca was elected a member -of the legislature of Maryland, and discharged his duties to the -entire satisfaction of his constituents. In 1771 he was one of the -committee of three that prepared a letter of thanks from the citizens -of Annapolis to Charles Carroll for his able advocacy of the cause -of liberty, in a written controversy with the royal governor and his -lackeys. In that letter the committee expressed a determination never -to submit to taxation without representation, or to the regulating of -taxes by executive authority—thus fully approving and sustaining the -position taken by the distinguished citizen whom they addressed. - -Mr. Paca was a member of the Congress that convened at Philadelphia in -1774, which rendered itself illustrious by proceedings of propriety and -wisdom, such as would naturally flow from a mind like his. It is upon -such men that we can always safely rely in times of peril and danger. -They view every thing in the calm sunshine of reason and justice, and -are never overwhelmed by the billows of foaming passion or sudden -emotion. Always upon the terra firma of prudence, and always prepared -for action, they are ready to render assistance to those whose more -towering barks often get among the breakers. - -Mr. Paca was continued a member of Congress until 1778, and rendered -valuable services upon numerous and important committees. In 1775 he -was a member of the one charged with providing ways and means to ward -off the threatened dangers that hung frightfully over the cause of -freedom in Virginia and North Carolina. He was also upon a similar -committee for the aid of the northern department. About that time he -joined Mr. Chase in furnishing a newly raised military corps with -rifles, to the amount of nearly a thousand dollars, from their own -private funds. His talents, his time and his fortune he placed in the -fearful breach of his country’s freedom. His examples had a powerful -influence upon the minds of his reflecting friends, who had unlimited -confidence in his opinions, always deliberately formed. - -When the declaration of independence was proposed, his feelings and -views were decidedly in its favour, but his instructions from the -assembly of Maryland were directly opposed to the measure. The members -of that body considered the project as wild and futile, believing the -power of the mother country sufficient to crush all opposition. They -only contemplated redress—this they fondly but vainly hoped for. The -course of the British authorities, however, soon furnished arguments, -steeped in blood, that convinced them of the necessity of the course -proposed in Congress, and about the first of July, 1776, they removed -the injunction and left Mr. Paca and his colleagues to act freely -without any restraint. The struggle between the adherents of the crown -and the patriots in the assembly had been severe. The able letters -written by their delegates in the national legislature had great weight -in the colonial council, and the affair at Lexington admitted of no -extenuation. The first decided vote in favour of the cause, then in -embryo, obtained in the Maryland legislative body, was on the 28th of -May preceding the declaration, when their chaplain was directed to -omit praying for the king. This was a sore cut upon the dignity of his -majesty, and, as trifling as it may seem, had a potent effect upon the -people. It convinced them that if the king had forfeited all claims to -the _prayers_ of his subjects, he was not pure enough to direct their -destinies, and with one accord declared, “we will not have this man to -rule or reign over us.” - -When the glorious 4th of July, 1776, arrived, Mr. Paca was in his -place, fully prepared to sanction the Magna Charta of American freedom -by his vote and signature, and enrolled his name among the great -apostles of LIBERTY, whose fame will continue to rise in peerless -majesty until the last trump of time shall sound its final blast and -the elements be dissolved in fervent heat. - -On his retirement from Congress, in 1778, Mr. Paca was appointed chief -judge of the superior court of Maryland, and in 1780 his duties were -increased by the appointment of chief judge in prize and admiralty -cases. He had proved himself an able statesman—his talents as a -judicial officer shone with equal brilliancy. The acumen of his mind -and his legal acquirements made him an _able_ judge, his honesty and -impartiality rendered him a _popular_ one. He was a man of polished -manners, plain but dignified in his deportment and graceful in his -address, with an engaging, intelligent and benignant countenance, all -combining to gain admiration. - -In 1782 he was elevated to the gubernatorial chair of his native state. -As chief magistrate he sustained a high reputation for usefulness and -sound policy. He was a devoted friend to literature and religion, and -did much to promote their prosperity. He inculcated the principles of -political economy and governed the state with a parental care. His -wise and judicious course furnished no food for malice, was above the -assaults of slander, and afforded jealousy no loop to hang upon. After -completing his term he retired to private life, until 1786, when he was -again called to preside over the destinies of his native domain. - -In 1789 he was appointed by President Washington, United States -district judge for the Maryland district, which office he continued to -fill with dignity and respect until 1799, when he was summoned by death -to appear before the dread tribunal of the great Jehovah to render an -account of his stewardship. His life had been that of a good man, his -final end was peaceful and happy. Let his memory be revered and his -examples imitated. He demonstrated most clearly that moderation and -mildness, tempered with discretion and firmness, govern better and more -potently than angry and authoritative dictation. - - - - -GEORGE ROSS. - - -I have frequently referred, in several of the preceding biographies, to -the powerful eloquence of several of the Signers of the Declaration of -Independence. Of its nature, the reader should be correctly informed. - -Rhetoric, as taught in the schools, as defined in the lexicons, and as -practised in times of prosperous peace and leisure like the present, is -not the kind that graced the Continental Congress. - -Not to leave the reader to depend upon a picture drawn by my own fancy -and imagination, I will present the delineation as drawn by those who -saw and felt its influence, at the time it illuminated the legislative -hall, roused men to deeds of noble daring, and gave freedom to our -happy country. - -One of the illustrious members of that body, John Adams, has said: -“Oratory, as it consists in expressions of the countenance, graces -of attitude and motion, and intonation of voice, although it is -altogether superficial and ornamental, will always command admiration, -yet it deserves little veneration. Flashes of wit, corruscations of -imagination and gay pictures, what are they? Strict truth, rapid -reason, and pure integrity, are the only essential ingredients in -oratory. I flatter myself, that Demosthenes, by his ‘action! action! -action!’ meant to express the same opinion.” - -Another eminent writer, who had often felt the force of this, the -kind of eloquence exhibited by the sages of the revolution, in -describing that of the illustrious statesman just named, remarked; -“It was bold, manly, and energetic, but such as the crisis required. -When public bodies are to be addressed on momentous occasions, when -great interests are at stake, and strong passions excited, nothing is -valuable in speech farther than is connected with high intellectual -endowments. Clearness, force and earnestness are qualities which -produce conviction. True eloquence, indeed, does not consist in speech. -It cannot be brought from far. Labour and learning may toil for it, but -they toil in vain. Words and phrases may be marshalled in every way, -but they cannot compass it. It must exist in the man, in the subject, -and in the occasion. Affected passion, intense expression, the pomp -of declamation, all may aspire after it, but they cannot reach it. It -comes, if it comes at all, like the outbreaking of a fountain from -the earth, or the bursting forth of volcanic fires, with spontaneous, -original, native force. The graces taught in schools, the courtly -ornaments and studied contrivances of speech, shock and disgust men -when their own lives, and the lives of their wives and children, and -their country, hang on the decisions of the hour. Then words have lost -their power, rhetoric is vain, and all elaborate oratory contemptible. -Even genius itself, then feels rebuked and subdued, as in the presence -of higher qualities. Then patriotism is eloquent, then self-devotion is -eloquent. The clear conception outrunning the deductions of logic; the -high purpose, the firm resolve, the dauntless spirit speaking on the -tongue, beaming from the eye, informing every feature, and urging the -whole man onward—right onward to his object—this, this is eloquence, or -rather, it is something greater and higher than eloquence—it is action, -noble, sublime, and god-like action.” - -This was the kind of eloquence that characterized the Continental -Congress, and sounded an alarum that vibrated the souls of millions, -and often drove back the purple current upon the aching heart. No -long, no set, no written speeches were then crowded upon the audience -to kill time and make a show. Governor M’Kean, who was constantly a -member during the revolution, remarked, shortly before his death, “I -do not recollect any formal speeches, such as are made in the British -Parliament, and in our late Congresses, to have been made in the -Revolutionary Congress. We had no time to hear such speeches, little -for deliberation—action was the order of the day.” - -Of the kind of eloquence above described, GEORGE ROSS possessed a large -share. This faithful public servant was the son of the Rev. George -Ross, pastor of the Episcopal Church at New Castle, Delaware, and was -born in 1730, at that ancient town. Under the parental roof, and under -the instruction of his father, his strong native talents unfolded -their beauties, and at the age of eighteen he became a good classical -scholar. He then commenced the study of law with John Ross, an elder -brother, in the city of Philadelphia, where he was admitted to the bar -in 1751. In order to have more elbow-room he located at Lancaster, then -a border town near the confines of civilization, and verging on the -“far west.” - -Noble in his disposition, agreeable and plain in his manners, learned -and diligent in his profession, candid, honest, and just in his course, -he succeeded in gaining the confidence and esteem of the people, and a -lucrative practice. In addition to all this, in order to plant himself -more firmly in his new location, he married Miss Ann Lawler, an amiable -and highly respectable lady, who proved an affectionate and worthy -companion. - -He built his legal fame upon its legitimate basis, close application -to his professional business unconnected with public politics. At the -present day, many young men, unfortunately for themselves, when they -are admitted to the practice of law, at once enter the political arena, -for the purpose of obtaining professional notoriety and business. This -conclusion is based upon false premises, and has prevented many from -rising to a legal eminence that a contrary course would have gained. -Sacred writ has declared, “no man can serve two masters.” This is -particularly the case with a young lawyer at the present day; the -American revolution was a different thing. When he becomes devoted -to the interests of a political party, a tyrant that exacts the most -abject and humiliating services, either _his_ business, or that of -the party must be neglected. Reflecting men know this, and aware that -it requires close study and diligent application to become learned -in the law, they keep aloof from young political lawyers. A few high -toned partisans may employ them in _small_ matters, but if they have an -important case, the studious, industrious attorney, who has not imbibed -the corrupting atmosphere of modern politics, is the man of their -choice. A word to the wise should be sufficient. - -It was not until long after his location at Lancaster that Mr. Ross -commenced his legislative course. The time had already arrived when the -people began to feel the smart of British oppression, and became more -particular in selecting men of known worth, integrity and talents, to -guard their interests against the machinations of an avaricious and -designing ministry. They accordingly elected Mr. Ross a member of the -colonial legislature in October, 1768. His reputation then stood high -as an able lawyer and as a man of liberal views, sound judgment and -decision of character. He at once exercised a salutary influence in the -assembly, and took a bold and decided stand in favour of the people’s -rights. At that time it was the custom of the legislature to reply -to the messages of the royal governor _in extenso_, or at large. Mr. -Ross was appointed to prepare an answer to one of these documents at -the first session of his service. In that as at all subsequent times, -he boldly objected to every proposition that he considered impolitic -or in opposition to the rights and best interests of the people. He -became a faithful and fearless sentinel, a vigorous and able champion -in the cause of liberty. He continued to serve in the legislature of -his own colony until he was elected to Congress. He was one of the -committee that prepared a consonant reply to the speaker of the house -of burgesses of Virginia in answer to the resolutions recommending a -general convention of delegates to deliberate upon the condition of the -country. In every leading measure in favour of freedom, he was among -the leading men. - -In 1774, he was appointed a delegate to the Congress convened at -Philadelphia, and repaired promptly to the post of duty. He was one of -the committee of the assembly that determined on sending delegates to -the general convention, and was appointed by that committee to prepare -the instructions of that body to govern these delegates in their -action. As these instructions are similar in their main features to -those adopted by the other colonies, I here insert them that the reader -may see that peaceable redress of grievances was all that was at that -time contemplated by the sages of the revolution. - -“The trust reposed in you is of such a nature, and the modes of -executing it may be so diversified in the course of your deliberations, -that it is scarcely possible to give you particular instructions -respecting it. We shall therefore only in general direct, that you are -to meet in Congress the committees of the several British colonies -at such time and place as shall be generally agreed on, to consult -together on the present critical and alarming situation and state of -the colonies, and that you, with them, exert your utmost endeavours to -form and adopt a plan which shall afford the best prospect of obtaining -a redress of American grievances, ascertaining American rights, and -establishing that union and harmony which is most essential to the -welfare and happiness of both countries. And in doing this, you are -strictly charged to avoid every thing indecent or disrespectful to the -mother state.” - -Under instructions like these the first general Congress assembled; -agreeably to instructions like these that august body acted. All -honourable means were used to restore peace on the part of the -colonists that were required by the constitution of England, more -was offered than reason and strict justice demanded. Nothing but an -infatuation making men blind, deaf and dumb, could have resisted the -appeals and consummate arguments in favour of chartered and violated -rights that were poured upon the king, the parliament and the people of -Great Britain, from the deep, the translucent fountain of intelligence -concentrated in the Congress of 1774. The members were determined -to clear their own skirts of blood and not draw the bow of physical -opposition until their arrows were dipped in the liquid fire of eternal -justice and fixed in the quiver of wisdom. - -Mr. Ross was continued a member of the Continental Congress until 1777, -when ill health compelled him to retire. He rendered important services -on numerous committees, and was a strong and truly eloquent debater in -the house. He also served, when his congressional duties would permit, -in the legislature of Pennsylvania, in which he continued to exercise -an essential influence. The governor and his friends were on the alert -to thwart the designs of the patriots, and for some time presented a -formidable opposition. To raise the foundation of this royal mass, Mr. -Ross placed his whole weight upon the political lever, and contributed -largely in breaking it up. He was a member of the colonial convention -that commenced the new government, and one of the committee that -prepared the declaration of rights on that occasion. He was chairman -of the committee that formed the organization of the state government, -and of the one that prepared the declaratory ordinance defining -high treason and misprision of treason, and the kind and measure of -punishment to be inflicted. Upon committees like these, his high legal -acquirements rendered him an important member. He was a profound lawyer -and an able statesman, and well prepared to aid in laying deep the -foundations of rational liberty. - -On the 19th of July, 1779, he was appointed judge of the court of -admiralty for Pennsylvania, and in July following was called suddenly -and unexpectedly to witness the untried scenes of a boundless eternity. -His death was occasioned by an excruciating attack of the gout. - -Thus in the full career of life and usefulness, rising on the wings -of fame, flushed with the hopes of liberty for his country, pressing -right onward towards the goal of freedom, an arrow from the quiver of -death pierced his patriotic heart and consigned him to the insatiate -tomb. There his dust reposes in peace whilst the lustre of his examples -when living will continue to shine and will be admired by millions yet -unborn. - -Immediately after he closed his legislative career, the citizens of -Lancaster county passed two resolutions of the following tenor. - -“Resolved, that the sum of one hundred and fifty pounds out of the -county stock, be forthwith transmitted to George Ross, (‘Honourable’ -was not then republican,) one of the members of the assembly for this -county, and one of the delegates for this colony in the Continental -Congress; and that he be requested to accept the same, as a testimony -from this county of their sense of his attendance on the public -business, to his great private loss, and of their approbation of his -conduct. - -Resolved, that if it be more agreeable, Mr. Ross purchase with part -of the said money a genteel piece of plate, ornamented as he thinks -proper, to remain with him as a testimony of the esteem this county has -for him, by reason of his patriotic conduct in the great struggle for -American liberty.” - -Here is old fashioned republican simplicity in language and expression, -flowing from its native fountain—gratitude strongly felt and plainly -told—forming a bold contrast with the fulsome flattery of modern times -showered upon our statesmen by fawning sycophants, whose gratitude is -based alone upon the loaves and fishes of favour and office. - -Mr. Ross declined accepting the gift, assuring the committee that -waited upon him, that he had performed no more than his duty, and that -at such a period all were bound to exert their noblest energies to -secure their liberty, which would afford a reward more precious than -gold, more valuable than diamonds. - -In private as in public life, he stood approved and untarnished. No -blemish is upon the proud escutcheon of the name of GEORGE ROSS. - - - - -BENJAMIN HARRISON. - - -Moderation, arising from sound discretion and deep penetration of -judgment, united with wisdom to plan, and energy to execute, is always -desirable, and, in times of high excitement, indispensably necessary -in those who wield the destinies of a community. When the fires of -passion burning in the bosoms of an enraged multitude unite in one -cyclopean volume, the mental rod of moderation managed by skilful hands -can alone guide, regulate, and direct it to a proper destination. To -this quality, pre-eminently possessed by many of the sages of the -American revolution, we owe the liberty we now enjoy. It was this -that gave weight and dignity to the proceedings of the Continental -Congress; leaving the mother country without an excuse for oppression -and exciting the sympathy of other nations in favour of the cause of -liberty. - -No one demonstrated more fully the beauties of moderation, combined -with firmness of purpose and boldness of action, than BENJAMIN -HARRISON. He was the eldest son of Benjamin Harrison, and born in -Berkley, Virginia. The date of his birth is not recorded. His family -descended from a near relation of General Harrison, who was a bold -leader in the revolution of the English commonwealth and was sacrificed -upon the scaffold for his liberal principles. This relation settled -in Surrey, Virginia, about 1640. His descendants sustained the high -character of their ancestors, and filled many important public stations -in the colony, and were uniformly wealthy and liberally educated. It -is recorded of Benjamin Harrison, who was the son of the Mr. Harrison -who settled at Surrey, that “he did justice, loved mercy, and walked -humbly with his God;” thus leaving a memento of character that forms -the crowning excellence of human attainments. The father of the subject -of this narrative was killed by lightning with two of his daughters. -At that time Benjamin was prosecuting his studies at the college of -William and Mary, where he finished his education at an early age. -Before he arrived at his majority he assumed the entire management -of the large estate left him by his father. He shortly after married -Elizabeth, the beautiful and accomplished daughter of Colonel William -Bassett, and niece to the sister of Lady Washington. He was a man of -great muscular power, above the middle height, graceful but plain -in his manners, with an intelligent countenance, indicating truly -strength of mind and decision of character. Towards the latter part -of his life he became corpulent, in consequence of good dinners and -a quiet mind. Before he arrived at the age then required by law, he -was elected a member of the house of burgesses, and soon became a -distinguished leader. His talents were of the peculiar kind calculated -to lead, without an apparent desire to command. His magic wand was -sound discretion deliberately and firmly exercised on all occasions, -enlivened by a good humour and sprightliness that took off the wiry -edge of his otherwise stern qualities; for when his purposes were -fixed, it required a powerful lever to move them—he adhered to them -with a firmness that in a more morose man would have been called -obstinacy. - -Wielding a powerful influence, the creatures of the crown were -particularly courteous towards him, especially just preceding the -commencement of the revolution, and proposed to confer upon him the -highest official dignity in the colony, except that of governor, which -was always reserved for a _native_ of the mother country. But Mr. -Harrison was too independent in mind, too republican in principle, -and too penetrating in their designs, to be caught in the silken web -of ministerial intrigue or royal cunning. With all his wealth and -influence he was a plain common sense man, acting upon the principle -that modesty is the handmaid of virtue, and has more charms than the -pomp of courts and the flourish of high pretensions. He was a man of -the people, and went for them and his country. He was too high minded -to become a tool, and scorned to be the slave of a king. - -As early as 1764, Mr. Harrison was one of the committee appointed -by the house of burgesses that prepared an address to the throne, a -memorial to the house of lords, and a remonstrance to the house of -commons of Great Britain, predicated upon the Virginia resolutions, -anticipating the contemptible stamp act. These documents were strong -meat in view of a majority of the house, and by the process of -political alchymical chemistry, were transmuted to milk and water. But -the time rolled on that brought with it circumstances that inspired -far different feelings and action. As British oppression increased, -Virginia patriotism and indignation were kindled to a flame that -illuminated the remotest bounds of the old dominion. Harrison, Henry, -Wythe, Randolph, Jefferson and other sons of Virginia were roused. Mr. -Harrison was a member of the convention that met at Williamsburgh on -the first of August, 1774, that passed a series of strong resolutions -in favour of equal rights, and sanctioned the measures of opposition -adopted in New England. The same convention appointed seven delegates -to the Congress to be held at Philadelphia, Mr. Harrison being one. -When the time arrived, he repaired to the post of duty and of honour. -As but one object was contemplated at that time—the adoption of -measures to sustain right, justice and peace, the session continued -but two months, and was entirely employed in preparing petitions, -remonstrances, and addresses, in which Mr. Harrison aided by his -counsels. A personal acquaintance and a free interchange of personal -views, which served to establish mutual confidence, and to produce a -concert of feeling when the time for more decisive action arrived, -appears to have been the greatest good that resulted from the meeting -of that Congress. Its proceedings also placed the colonies in a -favourable light in view of other nations and of reflecting men, -showing that they paid a proper respect to the royal authority of -the mother country, and were unwilling to cut the cord of allegiance -without a just cause. The king and his infatuated counsellors were left -without excuse in their mad career. - -On the 20th of March, 1775, Mr. Harrison was a member of the Virginia -Convention that met at Richmond, and passed the bold resolutions -offered by Patrick Henry. A vote of approbation and thanks was also -passed in favour of the delegates that had served in Congress the -preceding autumn. Many had their eyes opened at that time and came to -the rescue of their country. - -Lord Dunmore, anticipating the appointment of delegates to a second -Congress, issued his proclamation forbidding the procedure, at the -same time affecting to treat the convention as a mere bagatelle. But -the time had arrived when proclamations from the royal governors -had lost their virtue and were in bad odour. The convention elected -Congressional delegates, among whom was Mr. Harrison. - -When he again repaired to his post, a wider field opened for labour. -The proceedings of the preceding Congress had been treated with -contumely by the crown, and an awful crisis had arrived. The cry of -blood resounded from the heights of Lexington, and penetrated the ears, -the heart, the very soul of every patriot. - -At the death of Mr. Randolph, the first president of the Continental -Congress, Mr. Hancock was elected to fill his place. When his name -was announced, he seemed overcome with a modest diffidence, and not -proceeding instantly to his post, Mr. Harrison, who was standing near -him, picked him up in his gigantic arms and placed him in the chair, -remarking, “we will show mother Britain how little we care for her, by -making a Massachusetts man our president, whom she has excluded from -pardon by public proclamation.” - -Action now became the order of the day. Each gale from the North -wafted tidings of fresh outrages and increasing oppression on the -part of “mother Britain.” Congress began to prepare for the worst, -although many of its members still listened to the syren song of peace. -An important committee was appointed to devise ways and means for -defence, and for organizing the militia throughout all the colonies -that were represented, of which Mr. Harrison was an efficient member. -After labouring arduously for a month, the committee reported the plan -of military operations that carried the American armies through the -revolution. From the fact that Mr. Harrison was uniformly selected -to aid in military operations when they required the attention of -Congress, it may be inferred that he was well qualified to act in -that department. He was on the most intimate terms with Washington -and enjoyed his unlimited confidence, which is the _ne plus ultra_ of -eulogy upon his character. - -In September, he was one of the committee of three appointed to -consult with the commander-in-chief, and with the authorities of the -regenerated colonies, for the means of preparing for vigorous action. -On the 29th of November, he was appointed chairman of the committee -of five to take charge of the foreign correspondence, subsequently -organized and made the committee on foreign affairs. On the second -of December, he was sent to Maryland to aid in organizing a naval -armament to repel the predatory warfare of Lord Dunmore along the -shores of the Chesapeake. On the 17th of January, 1776, he laid before -Congress a plan upon which to predicate the recruiting service, which -was approved. On the 21st of the same month, he was placed upon the -committee to organize the war department, and two days after, started -with Messrs. Lynch and Allen to New York, to aid General Lee in -arranging means for its defence, and for the erection of fortifications -upon the two confluent rivers. On his return he was placed on the -committee for organizing the military departments of the middle and -southern colonies; and on the sixth of March he was placed on the -standing marine committee, bestowing upon him labour according to his -physical as well as mental powers. - -On the 26th of March, Congress published a complete preface to the -declaration of independence, setting forth the contempt with which the -petitions, remonstrances, and appeals for redress had been treated, and -portraying in lively colours the constitutional and chartered rights of -the American people, and the manner they were trampled under foot and -steeped in blood by the British hirelings. The same document authorized -the colonies to fit out vessels of war to meet the mistress of the -seas on her own element. At the same time Mr. Harrison was appointed -chairman of a committee to select and cause to be fortified one or -more ports for the protection of these vessels and such prizes as they -might take. In May, he was made chairman of the committee on the Canada -expedition. After consulting Generals Washington, Gates, and Mifflin, -he laid a plan of operations before Congress, which was approved. On -the 26th of the same month he was appointed chairman of a committee -of fourteen, directed to confer with the general officers of the army -relative to a plan of operations for the ensuing campaign. When this -was matured he laid it before Congress, and during its consideration -was chairman of the committee of the whole. With some amendments the -report of the committee was adopted. On the 15th of June a board of war -was organized, of which Mr. Harrison became chairman, and continued -to fill this important post until he retired from Congress. In the -discharge of its duties the revered Judge Peters remarks of him, “He -was a member, &c. when I entered upon the duties assigned me in the -war department. This gave me an opportunity of observing his firmness, -good sense and usefulness in deliberation and in critical situations, -and much use indeed, was required of these qualities, when every thing -around us was lowering and terrific.” - -Mr. Harrison became very popular as chairman of the committee of -the whole, and when in the house, uniformly presided when important -questions were under discussion. He was in the chair during the -discussion of the declaration of independence. He also brought up the -resolution of the committee that recommended the formal preparation -of that sacred instrument, and on the fourth of July reported it as -sanctioned by Congress, and sealed his own approbation with his vote -and signature. As a further evidence of his cheerfulness and good -humour under all circumstances, at the thrilling moment when the -members were signing what was by many considered their death warrant; -as Mr. Gerry, who was a light slender man finished his signature, the -robust Mr. Harrison remarked to him, “When the hanging scene comes to -be exhibited, I shall have all the advantage over you. It will be all -over with me in a minute, but you will be kicking in the air half an -hour after I am gone.” - -During the protracted discussions upon the articles of confederation, -Mr. Harrison was uniformly in the chair if in the house. From August -until the 5th of November, 1776, he was not a member of Congress, and -was engaged in the service of his own state, having been appointed one -of the counsellors of Virginia under the new form of government. He -then succeeded Mr. Jefferson, and again assumed the important stations -he had before so ably filled. He was also placed upon the committee to -superintend the movements of the northern army. During the sad reverses -of the winter of 1776–7, he remained firm at his post, whilst many had -gone home disheartened and dejected, but not willing to abandon the -cause of freedom. When Congress was compelled to fly from Baltimore -to Lancaster, where they remained but for a day, and from there to -Yorktown, he followed all its destinies. At one time, at the latter -place, the number of members did not exceed twenty, but these few -were rendered more zealous and strong from this very circumstance. -When there were but twenty-eight, Samuel Adams said it was the truest -Congress ever assembled; and when the number was reduced still lower, -the amount of zeal manifested and labour performed was not diminished. -Its enemies predicted its final dissolution, but proved themselves -to be false prophets. They even reported that Mr. Harrison was about -to desert the cause. The moderation of this patriot often interposed -to soften proposed measures that were too hasty and harsh. When the -question was agitated relative to the Quakers, (referred to in the -biography of Mr. Chase,) he interfered in their behalf, and as one of -their number often remarked, “He saved us from persecution. He had -talents to perceive the right and firmness enough to pursue it however -violently opposed.” - -At the close of 1777, Mr. Harrison resigned his seat in Congress and -returned to the bosom of his family. No one member had performed more -labour than him, and no one was more highly esteemed and honoured. -He was a colossus in the cause of liberty and human rights. He was -emphatically a powerful working man. - -On his return to his constituents he was not permitted to enjoy repose, -but was immediately elected to the house of burgesses, and on taking -his seat, was elevated to the dignified station of speaker, which he -continued to fill for five successive years. During that period the -revolutionary storm rolled its fury over Virginia, which before had -experienced but little inconvenience within its own borders. Arnold -the traitor and Cornwallis the tyrant, were tinging its streams and -saturating its soil with the blood of her noble sons. Fire and sword, -murder and rapine, ruin and destruction, marked their savage career. -The house of burgesses was driven from Richmond to Charlottesville, to -Staunton, and to the Warm Springs, and found but a transient resting -place at either. Application was made to Washington, but he could -afford no relief. During these rapid removes of the legislature, -Mr. Harrison remained firm, and used every exertion to promote such -measures as were best calculated to ward off impending dangers. He did -much to rouse the people to action and dispel the terrors of their -minds. He knew no fugitive fears; the opinion of another writer to the -contrary notwithstanding, uttered without any foundation in truth, -merely to raise his own hero above his proper level, by climbing upon -the shoulders of the towering reputation of Mr. Harrison. This _ruse de -guerre_ will not answer even at this late day. Records speak for the -dead in a voice that withers the slanderer like the hand writing that -paralysed the sturdy frame of Belteshazzer. - -In 1782, Mr. Harrison was elected governor of Virginia and assumed -an herculean task. The recent devastations of the British army, and -the efforts of internal enemies, had thrown every thing into one -chaotic mass. He entered upon his duties with an energy and sagacity -that showed no “fugitive fear,” and so well did he succeed, that he -became one of the most popular chief magistrates that ever filled the -gubernatorial chair of Virginia. He was re-elected twice, and then -became ineligible by the constitution, and once more sought repose in -retirement. Immediately after, he was nominated as a candidate for -the legislature without his knowledge, and for the first time was -unsuccessful. His election was defeated by a singular circumstance -that was taken advantage of by his opponent. When governor, he had -directed the militia to level the embankments at Yorktown, which was -an unpopular measure. Without lamenting his defeat, effected entirely -by intrigue, he removed into the adjoining county of Surrey, and was -returned to the same legislature with his competitor; and to render -his triumph more complete and the mortification of his opponents more -galling, he was elected speaker of the house. Before the year expired -his old constituents solicited him to return to his former residence. -Old age and infirmity began to admonish him to retire, and he declined -a re-election. - -In 1788, he was a member of the convention of his state to which -the federal constitution was submitted, and was appointed chairman -of the first committee—that of privileges and elections. He opposed -the document submitted as too indefinite in defining the powers of -the general and state governments, and sanctioned it with certain -amendments that were returned with it. So strong was the opposition -to its adoption by nearly half of the delegates, that they held a -private meeting in the night for the purpose of adopting plans of -opposition that were calculated to produce the most fatal consequences. -Fortunately, the deliberate old patriot, Mr. Harrison, gained -admittance and prevailed upon them to submit to the majority of nine -and pursue the legal remedy for obtaining amendments. This noble and -patriotic act formed the crowning glory of his public career. In 1790 -he was nominated chief magistrate, but declined serving, and used his -utmost influence for Mr. Randolph and induced his own son to vote -against him, who was then a member of the house, by which the governor -was elected. Mr. Randolph had become unpopular with a part of the -members, who were confident of defeating him could they prevail upon -Mr. Harrison to consent to be used as a _party_ man. - -During the next year his health declined rapidly, and in April, shortly -after his unanimous election to the legislature, he was prostrated by a -severe attack of the gout, which terminated his long and useful life, -leaving a large family of children to mourn the loss of a kind father, -and his country to lament the exit of one of her noblest patriots. -He was the father of General Harrison of Ohio, whose name is now -before the public as a candidate for the next president of the United -States. The private character of this zealous champion of liberty was -without reproach. His wit and humour made him a pleasant companion, -his intelligence and good sense made him an interesting one. His clear -head, good heart, sound judgment and equable moderation, made him an -important public servant, exactly suited to the times in which he -lived. - - - - -CÆSAR RODNEY. - - -Genealogy was once an essential part, the first stepping stone of -biography, a kind of titular idol held in great veneration. In -countries where the iron sceptre of monarchy is still swayed, where -titles of honour create lineal dignity without regard to merit, where -blood is analyzed by political chemistry and all the precipitants are -rejected but the carbonate of noble pedigree, where royalty descends -upon a _non compos mentis_ incumbent with the same facility that -it reaches a man of good intellect, genealogy is still measurably -the criterion by which to determine the importance and degree of -character. As light and intelligence shed their benignant rays upon -mankind, the importance attached to this titular deity will be -diminished. Where rational liberty reigns triumphant, merit alone -creates dignity; the man is measured by his actions, not by the purple -fluid that flows through his veins. In our free country genealogy is -a matter of curiosity, not of veneration. The son of a coal cracker, -or of a cobbler, whose father may have been a foundling, can rise -to the highest station within the gift of the people by the force -of talent and merit. I am aware that the aristocracy of wealth is -a noxious weed that sheds its deleterious influence around us, but -not yet sufficiently strong to prevent genius from acquiring a rapid -and towering growth. In times of danger and peril its power will be -lessened in the same ratio that these increase. It withers and dies -when reached by the magic wand of republican patriotism. Then “what is -a name, my lord?” - -One book error is prevalent in our country which should be -corrected. It is predicated upon hereditary notions of blood, and -is anti-republican. Some of our latest writers promulgate the idea -that the criminal conduct of _one_ member of a family disgraces the -_whole_. In a community purely republican, every individual is judged -according to his or her own deeds, and no act in one can criminate -or disgrace another who is innocent. The very writers amongst us who -thoughtlessly publish this _imported_ sentiment, pursue a different -course practically, and treat others agreeably to their merit, -without reference to the conduct of their relations. Their practice -is better than their theory. But few families in America can trace -their ancestors as far back as the Rodneys of Delaware. This name was -introduced into England with the Norman queen Maud or Matilda, as -early as 1141, and stands among the foremost on the list of military -fame acquired during the Norman conquest and at subsequent periods. To -those who are conversant with the history of the stormy times of that -kingdom, the name of Sir Walter De Rodeney, and others of the same -line, is familiar. They were able in council and in war, they figured -in the civil, military and naval departments, and received the highest -honours that could be awarded to their rank by kings and queens. They -were also remarkable for magnanimity and liberality. Under the auspices -of William Penn, a branch of this ancient family, William Rodney, came -to Philadelphia and finally settled in Kent, Delaware. He was the son -of William Rodney, of England, who married Miss Alice, daughter of Sir -Thomas Cæsar, a wealthy merchant. William Rodney, who located at Kent, -left one son, Cæsar, who was the father of the subject of this sketch. - -CÆSAR RODNEY was a native of Dover, Kent county, Delaware, and born -in 1730. He appears to have received a good education, and at the -death of his father inherited an ample fortune in real estate. He -was a slender man physically, with an animated countenance, easy and -pleasing in his manners and gentlemanly in his intercourse. Owing to -a cancer upon his nose, which commenced its ravages upon him at an -early age, he became greatly emaciated, and long before his death was -emphatically a moving skeleton. The cancer having spread over one side -of his face, he was compelled for many years to wear a silk bandage -over it. Notwithstanding this affliction he was uniformly sprightly -and cheerful. With a strong and penetrating mind, firmness of purpose -and decision of character, he united an abundant share of keen wit and -good humour, that rendered him an agreeable companion—his vast stock -of experimental intelligence and practical knowledge rendered him an -instructive one. - -With qualities like these Mr. Rodney became a popular public man. His -views were liberal and decidedly republican. In 1758 he became the high -sheriff of his native county, and discharged the duties of his office -with so much ability that he at once gained the confidence and esteem -of his constituents. When his term of service expired he was appointed -a justice of the peace and judge of the lower courts. In October, 1762, -he took his seat in the legislature at Newcastle and became an active -and influential member. He was one of the committee that prepared the -answer to the message of the governor and was placed on other important -committees. At the close of the session he was put in charge of the -great seal to be affixed to such laws as had been passed. - -When the rights of the colonies were threatened by assumptions of -power on the part of the mother country, not warranted by the British -constitution and in violation of chartered privileges, Mr. Rodney -was among the first who took a bold stand in favour of liberty. In -conjunction with Messrs. M’Kean and Kollock he was appointed a delegate -to the Congress that convened at New York in 1765, to remonstrate -against the stamp act and other threatened innovations upon the -privileges of the colonies, that had been long enjoyed and were -guarantied by the social compact between the king and his “dutiful and -most loyal subjects in America.” - -After the stamp act was repealed Mr. Rodney was appointed on the -committee with Messrs. M’Kean and Read to prepare an address to the -king expressive of the joy produced throughout the colony by this -event. It resembles those prepared by the other colonies and will -give the reader an idea of the feelings of loyalty that pervaded the -colonies at that time. The following extract is deemed sufficient for -the present purpose. - -“We cannot help glorying in being the subjects of a king that has -made the preservation of the civil and religious rights of his people -and the established constitution the foundation and constant rule -of government, and the safety, ease and prosperity of his people -his chiefest care—of a king, whose mild and equal administration is -sensibly felt and enjoyed in the remotest part of his dominions. The -clouds which lately hung over America are dissipated. Our complaints -have been heard and our grievances redressed—trade and commerce -again flourish. Our hearts are animated with the warmest wishes for -the prosperity of the mother country, for which our affection is -unbounded, and your faithful subjects here are transported with joy -and gratitude. Such are the blessings we may justly expect will ever -attend the measures of your majesty, pursuing steadily the united -and true interests of all your people throughout your wide extended -empire, assisted with the advice and support of a British parliament -and a virtuous and wise ministry. We most humbly beseech your majesty -graciously to accept the strongest assurances that having the justest -sense of the many favours we have received from your royal benevolence -during the course of your majesty’s reign, and how much of our present -happiness is owing to your paternal love and care for your people, -we will at all times most cheerfully contribute to your majesty’s -service, to the utmost of our abilities, when your royal requisitions, -as heretofore, shall be made known: that your majesty will always find -such returns of duty and gratitude from us as the best of kings may -expect from the most loyal subjects, and that we will demonstrate to -all the world that the support of your majesty’s government and the -honour and interests of the British nation are our chief care and -concern, desiring nothing more than the continuance of our wise and -excellent constitution in the same happy, firm and envied situation in -which it was delivered down to us from our ancestors and your majesty’s -predecessors.” - -With feelings like these pervading the colonies, the reader must -readily conclude that nothing but the most cruel oppressions could have -driven the American people to a revolution. Connect this address with -the fact of a final separation from Great Britain, and the imagination -is at once supplied with reasons for the declaration of independence, -strong as holy writ—more especially as both documents emanated from the -same statesmen. - -Mr. Rodney continued an active member of the legislature for several -years and took a deep interest in all public measures. He introduced an -amendment to a bill relative to slaves, prohibiting the importation of -negroes into the colony. So ably did he support his amendment that it -was lost by a majority of only two votes. - - “Whom the gods will destroy they first make mad.” - -So with the British ministry—they were madly bent on reducing the -American colonies to unconditional subjection, and after a short -interval again commenced a system of oppression upon a broader and -bolder scale. Once more the people appealed to their king—but appealed -in vain. Mr. Rodney was upon the committee that prepared the second -address to his majesty just before the commencement of the revolution. -The following extract will show the reader the views of the colonists -and the grievances complained of. - -“The sense of our deplorable condition will, we hope, plead with -your majesty in our behalf for the freedom we take in dutifully -remonstrating against the proceedings of a British parliament, -confessedly the wisest and greatest assembly upon earth. But if our -fellow subjects of Great Britain, who derive no authority from us, who -cannot, in our humble opinion, represent us, and to whom we will not -yield in loyalty and affection to your majesty, can, at their will -and pleasure, of right give and grant away our property; if they can -enforce an implicit obedience to every order or act of theirs for that -purpose, and deprive all or any of the assemblies on this continent of -the power of legislation for differing with them in opinion in matters -which intimately affect their rights and interests, and every thing -that is dear and valuable to Englishmen, we cannot imagine a case -more miserable—we cannot think that we shall have even the shadow of -liberty left. We conceive it to be an inherent right in your majesty’s -subjects, derived to them from God and nature, handed down from their -ancestors, confirmed by your royal predecessors and the constitution, -in person or by their representatives, to give and grant to their -sovereign those things which their own labours and their own cares -have acquired and saved, and in such proportions and at such times as -the national honour and interest may require. Your majesty’s faithful -subjects of this government have enjoyed this inestimable privilege, -uninterrupted, from its first existence till of late. They have at all -times cheerfully contributed to the utmost of their abilities for your -majesty’s service as often as your royal requisitions were made known, -and they cannot now, but with the greatest uneasiness and distress of -mind, part with the power of demonstrating their loyalty and affection -to their beloved king.” - -Addresses similar to this were laid at the foot of the throne -from all the colonies and from the Congress of 1774. The struggle -between filial affection and a submission to wrongs, was of the most -agonizing kind. This, united with the known weakness of the colonies, -renders the American revolution a striking lesson to those in power, -admonishing them not to draw the cords of authority too closely, and -gives encouragement to freemen to resist every encroachment upon their -liberty. - -In 1769, Mr. Rodney was chosen speaker of the assembly of Delaware, -and filled the chair for several years with honour and dignity. As -the specks of war began to dim the fair face of freedom he became one -of the most active opposers of British tyranny. He was a member of -the Congress that convened at Philadelphia in 1774, and received the -approbation of his constituents for his firm and patriotic course. The -ensuing year he was again a member of the national assembly of sages, -and took an active part in its duties, deliberations and discussions. -In his own province he had much to do. The royal attachments were -deeply rooted, and it required great exertions to counteract the -intrigues of foes within, and repel the attacks of enemies without. -In addition to his duties as speaker of the assembly of Delaware and -member of Congress, he was brigadier-general of the militia. His -numerous messages to the legislature, and letters to his officers, -urging them to decisive action, manifest great industry, strength of -mind, clearness of perception, firmness of purpose and patriotic zeal. -He was decidedly in favour of the declaration of independence from the -time the proposition was first laid before Congress. The day previous -to the final question upon this important measure, he was in Delaware -pursuing means to arrest the career of certain tories in the lower part -of the province. Mr. M’Kean informed him by express of the approaching -crisis. He immediately mounted his horse and arrived at Philadelphia -just in time to dismount and enter the hall of Congress, with boots and -spurs, and give his vote in favour of liberty, and affix his name to -that bold instrument that dissolved allegiance to England’s king, and -created a compact of rational freedom. - -In the autumn of 1776, the tories so far succeeded in obtaining the -reins of power as to prevent the re-election of Mr. Rodney to Congress. -But this only served to increase the exertions of this devoted patriot. -He immediately commenced military operations and repaired to Princeton, -soon after the brave Haslet and Mercer fell in the cause of justice. -He was also an active member of the council of safety. He remained -with the army for two months, and received the high approbation of -the commander-in-chief for his active services in bringing out the -militia and raising recruits. In a letter written to him by Washington, -dated at Morristown on the 18th of February, 1777, is the following -eulogium: “The readiness with which you took the field at the period -most critical to our affairs—the industry you used in bringing out -the militia of the Delaware state—and the alertness observed by you -in forwarding on troops from Trenton—reflect the highest honour on -your character and place your attachment to the cause in the most -distinguished point of view. They claim my sincerest thanks, and I am -happy in this opportunity in giving them to you.” - -On his return to his native state he was appointed a judge of the -supreme court, organized under the new order of things. He declined -serving, believing that he could be of more use to the cause in -other situations. About that time an open insurrection against the -new government broke out in Sussex. He immediately repaired to the -district with a few troops and quelled it at once. At the time the -British forces were preparing to march from the Chesapeake towards the -Brandywine, General Rodney was stationed south of the American army to -watch the movements of the enemy, and if possible to get between them -and their shipping. He exerted his noblest powers to rouse the militia -to their duty, and acquitted himself faithfully in the discharge of -every duty that devolved upon him. - -In December, 1777, he was again elected to Congress, but the -legislature of his state being in session, he concluded to remain in -that until the close of its deliberations, during which time he was -elected president of Delaware, which prevented him from rendering any -further assistance in the national assembly. His services in his new -and dignified station were of the utmost importance in the exposed -territory over which he presided. His exertions in raising supplies for -the continental army were of the most vigorous character, especially -during the winter and spring of 1779, when the troops were much of the -time on half allowance, and the magazines so empty and bare, that it -frequently seemed impossible that the army could be sustained another -week. - -During the four years that he presided over the destinies of Delaware, -he had many refractory spirits to manage and many difficult questions -to decide which required the exercise of firmness, prudence and wisdom. -All these qualities were possessed by him. Upon his own matured -judgment he relied. His course was onward towards the temple of -liberty, and so discreetly did he pursue it, that he stood approved and -applauded by every friend of equal rights, and was admired even by his -enemies. He continued to serve his country until 1783, when he fell a -victim to the cancer that had been preying upon him for many years. He -met death with calm submission and fortitude, and died rejoicing in the -bright prospects that were opening upon his country. - -From his writings he appears to have highly respected religion and -to have practised the soundest morals. His private character was -unexceptionable and truly amiable. He was partial to good dinners but -not guilty of any excesses. He was remarkably fond of a good joke, -and sometimes exhibited brilliant displays of wit, but was extremely -careful not to give personal offence. - -When in Congress, Mr. Harrison, who had often claimed Virginia as the -_Dominion_ of the colonies, asked for immediate aid to protect her -from the invading foe. When he sat down, Mr. Rodney rose, with assumed -gravity and sympathy, and assured the gentleman that the _powerful -Dominion_ should be protected: “Let her be of good cheer—she has a -friend in need—DELAWARE will take her under its protection and insure -her safety.” The portly Harrison and the skeleton Rodney both enjoyed -the “hit,” and the other members were convulsed with laughter. - -His constitutional sympathy was so strong that he always avoided, if -possible, scenes of physical suffering, and could not be induced to -approach the dying bed even of his dearest friend or nearest relative. - - - - -SAMUEL CHASE. - - -To be able to judge correctly of the actions of men, we must understand -the philosophy of human nature thoroughly. We must trace the circuit of -the immortal mind, follow it through the regions of revolving thought, -become familiar with the passions that influence and control it, learn -its natural desires, its innate qualities, its springs of action and -its multifarious combinations. We must understand its native divinity, -its earthly frailty, its malleability, its contractions, its expansions -and its original propensities. In addition to all this knowledge, when -we judge the conduct of an individual, we must know the predominants -and exponents of his mind, the impress it has received from education, -the motives that impelled it to action, the circumstances that produced -its momentum, its propulsive and repulsive powers, the ultimatum of its -designs and its ulterior objects. With all these guides we shall still -become involved in errors unless our judgments are based upon the firm -foundation of impartiality and are enlightened and warmed by the genial -rays of heaven-born charity. Bias and prejudice are ever at our elbows, -ready to lead us to false conclusions. - -With such criteria before me, I proceed to sketch, concisely, the -eventful career of SAMUEL CHASE, a native of Somerset county, Maryland, -who was born on the 17th of April, 1741. He was the son of the Rev. -Thomas Chase, who immigrated to this country from England, and in -1743 became the pastor of St. Paul’s parish in Baltimore, then a mere -country village and destitute of good schools. At the age of two years -Samuel was deprived of the tender care of his mother by her premature -death. In the superior classical and theological qualifications of -his father to guide him in the paths of science and virtue, he was -peculiarly fortunate. Under his instructions he became an accomplished -scholar, admired and esteemed by a large circle of acquaintances. At -the age of eighteen he commenced the study of law, and prosecuted it -with great industry under the direction of John Hammond and John Hall -of Annapolis. At the age of twenty he was admitted to practice in the -mayor’s court, and at twenty-two was admitted to several of the county -courts and the court of chancery. He located at Annapolis, married -the amiable and intelligent Miss Ann Baldwin, and soon obtained the -reputation of a sound lawyer and an able advocate. - -He was of a sanguine temperament, bold, fearless and undisguised, -independent in mind, language and action, but honest, patriotic and -pure in his motives and immovable in his purposes—qualities that -dignify a man if prudently balanced, but which often rouse the most -implacable enmity in others. These leading traits in the original -composition of the nature of Samuel Chase must be kept constantly in -view to enable the reader to form a just estimate of his character. The -circumstances and times that influenced him must also be borne in mind. - -On the flood tide of a prosperous business and forensic fame, in -the full enjoyment of domestic felicity and social intercourse with -friends, Mr. Chase glided smoothly along until his country began -to writhe under kingly oppression. The stamp act, the first born -of the pernicious revenue system devised by the putrescent British -ministry, met with a hostile reception in Annapolis. Mr. Chase, aided -by a band of kindred spirits under the cognomen of the “sons of -liberty,” forcibly seized and destroyed the newly imported stamps and -burnt in effigy the stamp distributor. No further violence was then -committed. The king’s officers opened a newspaper battery against -this “furious mob,” and directed their whole artillery at Mr. Chase, -complimenting him with the courtly names of “busy, restless incendiary; -a ringleader of mobs, a foul-mouthed and inflaming son of discord and -faction; a common disturber of the public tranquillity, a promoter -of the lawless excesses of the multitude,” and similar emphatic -appellations—conferring upon this young patriot a diploma of honour -little anticipated by them. His answers to these vituperations were -charged with strong and conclusive logic, keen and withering sarcasm. -This brought him into the political field, and so delighted were the -people with the manner he handled the hirelings of the crown that they -elected him to the colonial assembly. There he took a conspicuous -part and became the uncompromising opposer of all measures that were -not within the pale of the constitution or that were tinctured with -oppression. So strongly was he in favour of liberal principles and -rational liberty, that he gave his whole influence and vote in favour -of the repeal of the law that compelled the people to support the -clergy, by which the stipend of his father was reduced one half. -Agreeably to the laws of primogeniture then in force, this was voting -money out of his own pocket in order to impart greater freedom to -the people at large. By his bold and independent course he became an -object for the persecution of the creatures of the crown and an object -of pride and admiration with the people. But his enemies found him a -bramble full of the keenest thorns and were unmercifully scarified -every time they approached him. His tongue, his pen, his logic and his -sarcasm were as blighting as the sirocco of Sahara. - -After the repeal of the stamp act a calm of the public mind ensued, but -it was a calm of delusion such as precedes a tornado. The inquisitorial -rack of the ministry was again put in motion; fresh impositions -commenced and the fire of discontent was again kindled. The bill -closing the port of Boston and authorizing the king’s officers to seize -and send to England for trial those who should dare resist the royal -authority, roused the indignation of the colonies that had before -been rather passive. A general Congress was agreed upon to meet at -Philadelphia, and Mr. Chase, with four others, was appointed a member -from Maryland. They were instructed to join in “agreeing on a general -plan of conduct operating on the commercial connexion of the colonies -with the mother country for the relief of Boston and preservation of -American liberty.” A committee of correspondence was also appointed, of -which Mr. Chase was an active and efficient member. - -The deep solemnity and unparalleled wisdom and prudence that marked -the proceedings of the Congress of 1774, shed a lustre around the -cause of equal rights, then in embryo, that forced applause from its -most violent opposers. Had not the cabinet of Great Britain been -blinded by sordid avarice, mad ambition and political delusion, and -had not the king been a mere automaton, the moving, loyal and logical -appeals from that august body of sages would have been treated with -respect and peace restored. The colonists asked for nothing but what -was clearly right, and asked in the most respectful and even suppliant -manner. Ministers were left without an excuse; _their_ sacrilegious -hands broke the great seal of the social compact; their agents sowed -the seeds of rebellion; their cruelty kindled the flame that devoured -them; their visionary policy severed the cords of maternal affection; -their treachery spread the mantle of righteousness over the cause -of the revolution. We justly censure them for their corrupt designs -but rejoice in the result of their projects. Haman erected his own -gallows—Grenville and North destroyed their own power. - -In 1775, Mr. Chase was again returned to Congress, but was tramelled -with instructions of conciliation that were not congenial to his -ardent feelings. His prudence, however, kept him within their limits. -He was placed upon numerous committees and upon the very important -one of providing ways and means for preparing a naval armament. The -ensuing year he was again elected to the national legislature, bound by -instructions disavowing a desire for independence, imposing upon him -a course of amity and pacific submission that would have induced him -to decline serving, had he not hoped and predicted truly that British -violence would eventually remove the injunction. In the spring of -1776 he was appointed upon an important mission, in conjunction with -Benjamin Franklin, Charles Carroll and Bishop Carroll. These gentlemen -proceeded to Canada for the purpose of persuading the Canadians to join -in shaking off the yoke of bondage. The fall of General Montgomery and -the dark gloom that hung over the cause of liberty induced them to -decline, and after the most faithful and zealous efforts the committee -were compelled to return without accomplishing the desired object, and -the Canadas are still enjoying the cold comforts of foreign power. -When he arrived and took his seat in Congress he was rejoiced to learn -that the subject of a final separation from the mother country was -under consideration and was ably and boldly advocated. It was the very -measure to animate the soul of Samuel Chase. His instructions now -became oppressive and hung over him like an incubus. He redoubled his -exertions to open the eyes of the members of the Maryland convention -and induce them to leave him and his colleagues to act upon their own -judgments. The request was granted just in time for him to record his -vote in favour of that imperishable instrument that has immortalized -the names of its signers and is the pride of every true American. The -same day that the declaration was adopted he was elected a third time -to the Continental Congress, and continued to serve in that body the -two next ensuing years. - -A short time previous to the glorious fourth of July, Mr. Chase -discovered that a Judas was among them in the person of the Rev. -Dr. Zubly of Georgia, who was clandestinely corresponding with the -enemy. So suddenly did this ardent patriot proclaim the name of the -traitor upon the floor of Congress, that “the gentleman from Georgia” -admitted the truth of the charge and immediately retired from the -house. His arrest was ordered, but when the officers went to his -cage the bird had flown and was never “bagged.” No member but the -accuser and the accused knew the fact before it fell upon their ears -from Mr. Chase, like a thunder clap without a cloud in view. No one -served upon more committees during his time in Congress, and no one -performed his duty more cheerfully and faithfully than Mr. Chase. In -every branch of legislation he was found fully competent to act well -his part. In forming the articles of confederation he was all life -and industry; he considered their adoption indispensably necessary to -insure the completion of the good work already begun. The manner of -representation, the mode of voting and the claims to the south sea, -were the three points that elicited the most discussion. They were -finally concluded and carried the colonies safely through their long -and bloody struggle. - -In the fall of 1776 Messrs. Chase, Wilson, Clymer, Stockton and Smith, -were appointed a committee to take charge of the war department, -the duties of which involved the great business of the nation. This -power was subsequently delegated to Washington, which relieved these -gentlemen from a most onerous burden. They cheerfully commenced -their labours and as cheerfully resigned their task to him, in whose -discretion and ability they had full confidence. - -About this time Mr. Chase gave another example of his bold and -fearless disposition. It was ascertained that many of the members of -the society of Friends, in and about Philadelphia and New Jersey, -inimical to the American cause, were circulating papers calculated to -impede its progress, were acting in concert with the tories, and were -in communication with the enemy; a report of which, with documents -substantiating the charges, was submitted to Congress by the committee -for suppressing internal enemies, of which he was the prominent member. - -The exposure resulted in the confinement of several leading Quakers, a -suppression of the seditious papers, and a course of more respectful -neutrality by the society. The measure was then deemed harsh by some, -and, at first view, will appear more so now; but on examination, taking -into consideration all the circumstances of war, it will be found to -be in accordance with the rules of epic law. Agreeably to the martial -code of other nations, then the precedent guide for Congress, the -punishment might have been much more severe. By the religious tenets -of the society of Friends it can never be sanctioned, and by every -friend of liberty, the necessity of such a case, imposed by the rules -of war, is always regretted. Every social compact and nation must be -subject to its own laws, and minor parts of a community must submit -to the ruling majority or superior power, or government cannot be -maintained in any form. In 1777, Mr. Chase proposed a resolution to -make loan office certificates a legal tender from whigs to tories for -the payment of debts due. In 1778, the British parliament attempted a -stratagem by which they hoped to create a division among the patriots -by disseminating conciliatory propositions among the people, and by -appointing commissioners, who, when they arrived, proposed conditions -of inglorious peace. These promissory and flattering papers were -widely circulated, and to counteract their influence it was necessary -that Congress should prepare an answer. This task was imposed upon -a committee and by that committee upon Mr. Chase. Most ably did he -perform his duty. He unmasked the hypocrisy of the ministers, exposed -their delusive gull trap to derision and scorn, and left them without -a loop to hang upon. So well was it received by Congress that an -unusually large number was ordered to be printed, and a resolution -passed recommending the clergy throughout the country to read it to -their congregations after service on Sundays. Like all the other plans -of the British cabinet then devised for enslaving the colonies, it -recoiled upon their own heads with all the force of re-action. The -following is a copy of the answer written by Mr. Chase. - -“Three years have now passed away since the commencement of the -present war. A war without parallel in the annals of mankind. It hath -displayed a spectacle the most solemn that can possibly be exhibited. -On one side, we behold 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 dragged into this -arduous contest, and how repeatedly, with the earnestness of humble -entreaty, 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 asserters and -vindicators of liberty through a succession of ages; men, who, with -their swords had established the firm barrier of freedom, and cemented -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 justice. To -that 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 enemies -which America had nourished in her bosom. Thus exposed on the one hand -to external force and internal divisions; 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 defenceless 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 existence 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 deliberate -malice, stamped with the concurrence of the British legislature, 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 slake their thirst of blood, the blood -of brothers, of unoffending 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 exhibit 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, 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 studiously endeavoured -to alleviate the afflictions of their captivity. This conduct we -have pursued so far as to be by them stigmatized with cowardice, and -by our friends with folly. But our dependence 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 reduced 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 peculiarly -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 conducted -us through the paths of danger and distress to the thresholds of -security. It hath now become morally certain, 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 victory, they -pulled off the mask and avowed their intended despotism. 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 dependence -which, necessarily, inevitably leads to the most humiliating slavery. -And do they believe 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 human nature—to -the generous pride, the elevation, the dignity of freedom? Is there -a man who would not abhor a dependence 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 -converts. 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 they continue to embitter the minds of the savages -against you? Surely this is not the way to conciliate the affections of -America. 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 desolation, 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 heads of the destroyers. 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 assiduously labour to -promote their cause, point out any one reason 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 persecutes 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 security you -could obtain, would be the justice and moderation of a parliament -who have sold the rights of their own constituents. And 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 children’s children, be by -you forced to a participation of all their debts, their wars, their -luxuries and their crimes; and this mad and 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 payment 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 Europeans 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 commerce hath -been interrupted by your enemies’ fleets; because their armies have -ravaged and desolated a part of your country; because their agents -have villanously 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 opportunity collect the monies -which individuals in their neighbourhood 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 -danger 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 commerce 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 unless 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 earth 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 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 -favour. - -“It is to obtain these things that we call for your strenuous, -unremitted exertions. Yet do not believe that you have been or can -be saved merely by your own strength. No! it is by the assistance of -heaven; and this you must assiduously cultivate by acts which heaven -approves. Thus shall the power and the happiness of these sovereign, -free and independent states, founded on the virtue of their citizens, -increase, extend and endure, until the Almighty shall blot out all the -empires of the earth.” - -This brilliant display of talent closed the congressional labours of -this devoted friend of liberty. He retired with all the honours of a -statesman, a sage, a patriot and an honest man. He had stood firmly at -his post a faithful public servant, a bold advocate for freedom and the -rights of man, an acute and discerning counsellor in every emergency, -a fearless champion in times of danger, an ornament to his country -and a terror to his enemies. As a working man he had no superior, as -a debater he had but few equals. Without the mellifluous elocution -of a Cicero, or any pleonastic parade, he spoke forcibly, reasoned -closely, demonstrated clearly and deduced conclusively. He sought to -inform the judgment, enlighten the understanding and to convince by -sound argument. After the close of the revolution, Mr. Chase was sent -to England to prosecute a claim in favour of Maryland for bank stock, -and obtained for the state six hundred and fifty thousand dollars. -His journal during his absence shows that he was a close observer -of men and things in the minutest particulars. His high attainments -as a lawyer, a scholar and a statesman—his frank and gentlemanly -deportment and his thorough and persevering business habits, made a -very favourable impression upon the British barristers and members of -parliament. He remained in Europe nearly a year, and on his return -resumed the practice of law. - -In 1786, he removed to Baltimore, in consequence of which his worthy -friend, Colonel Howard, at whose solicitation he changed his residence, -conveyed to him in fee a square of ten lots of ground situated near -the plot designed for the public buildings, on the condition that he -located upon it. This square is bounded by Eutaw, Lexington, Fayette -and Paca streets, and the mansion house built by Mr. Chase is still -owned by his descendants. - -In 1788, he was appointed chief justice of the new criminal court -organized for the then town and county of Baltimore, and the same year -was a member of the Maryland convention that ratified the federal -constitution. In 1791, he was appointed chief justice of the general -court of his native state; and in 1796, he was appointed, by President -Washington, an associate judge of the supreme court of the United -States, which dignified station he filled with great ability to the -time of his demise. He was esteemed one of the ablest judges upon the -bench, and when serving in the courts below, seldom had one of his -decisions reversed. His expositions of law and his charges to juries -were learned, luminous, logical and profound. His manner was forcible, -impressive and commanding. With all this lustre around him, and with -his great and acknowledged services in the cause of the revolution -still green and fresh, Judge Chase was placed in the crucible of severe -and unrelenting persecution, prompted alone by political animosity, -created by the lofty independence of thought and expression before -alluded to, and which prepared him to act a bold, conspicuous and -useful part, when the fury of British wrath was poured out upon his -country. - -In January, 1804, John Randolph obtained the passage of a resolution -in the house of representatives of the United States, instituting an -inquiry into the official conduct of Judge Chase, and as a salvo the -name of Judge Peters was added. No man was ever more vigorous and -persevering in the accomplishment of an object than Mr. Randolph, and -no one was more capable of consummating his designs. The committee -reported on the sixth of the ensuing March, acquitting Judge Peters -from all blame, and recommending the impeachment of Judge Chase. On -the 26th of the same month six articles of impeachment were reported, -predicated upon the following grounds: In 1800, he presided with -Judge Peters at Philadelphia, when and where John Fries, who had -been tried before Judges Peters and Iredel at the previous session -for treason against the government of Pennsylvania, was put upon -his trial a second time, in consequence of some informality at his -first. Having been fully informed of the points of law at issue and -the proceedings of the first trial, Judge Chase previously prepared -an elaborate exposition of his opinions upon the law of treason, and -with his constitutional frankness, and with the approbation of Judge -Peters, submitted a copy to the counsel for the defendant and to the -district attorney, reserving a copy for the jury _after_ the trial was -over. Messrs. Lewis and Dallas, counsel for the prisoner, considered -this _professionally_ and _professedly_ a pre-judgment of the case, -suffered Fries to be tried without any aid, undoubtedly intending and -successfully succeeding in creating an excitement of sympathy that -procured his pardon immediately after conviction. Fries subsequently -called upon Judge Chase and thanked him for the impartial manner he had -treated him when on his trial. The whole matter was then considered, -as it undoubtedly was, a _ruse de guerre_ of ingenious counsel, and -no one attributed any bad motives to the bench. The approval of Judge -Peters at the time is a conclusive evidence that the course of Judge -Chase was not only pure in design, but that it was not in violation of -the strictest rules of judiciary proceedings. He had given an opinion -upon the _law_, not upon the _facts_ of the case. This he was bound to -explain to the grand jurors before they proceeded to find any bills, -and to the traverse jury that tried each prisoner. This constituted -the first charge in the impeachment. Shortly after, a man named -Callendar was tried before Judge Chase in Richmond, Virginia, under -the sedition law, for publishing a libel upon the president. During -the trial the judge refused the admission of testimony offered on the -part of the prisoner, as he believed illegally, and thereby greatly -offended those who were opposed to the law in question. He believed the -law salutary, as he did that which suppressed the tories and Quakers -in 1776; and believed the venality of the press required a check; many -others thought differently. The law, right or wrong, he was compelled -by his oath of office to execute so long as it remained in force. That -his _legal_ decisions were correct, must be presumed, or a writ of -error would have been taken under the existing excitement. This formed -the foundation of the second charge. - -From Virginia he proceeded to New Castle, Delaware, where he held -a court aided by Judge Bedford. In his charge to the grand jurors, -presuming that cases under the unpopular sedition law might come before -them, he gave his views frankly upon it, and that they might better -understand what constituted a breach of its provisions, alluded to the -publications of a high toned party paper printed in the district, as -containing the kind of libels intended to be suppressed by it. This -gave great offence to those who were opposed to it. But the judge -only discharged a duty which he had sworn to perform. The personal -allusion may be considered by some uncourteous, but his object was -plain and simple demonstration for which he was always remarkable. No -ingenuity has or ever can fairly construe it into a pre-judgment of the -case. The publications were before him, they came clearly within the -meaning and intention of the law. He charged them upon no individual -specifically, but that some one had published them was beyond dispute, -and that they were in violation of the law in question, was to his mind -equally plain. This constituted the ground of the third article of the -impeachment. - -In 1803, Judge Chase, in delivering his charge to the grand jury of -Baltimore, having become a decided federalist and believing the course -pursued by the democrats was wrong, made sundry remarks upon the -politics of the day. This was, in my opinion, a surplusage of duty, but -not a subject of impeachment, and may be traced to the warm temperament -of his mind, the great political excitement of that period, and to the -innovations, as he believed them, upon the constitution and laws by -political influence, without discovering a shadow of impurity in his -motives. Freedom of speech is a constitutional privilege, and he was -only using the same liberty claimed by his opponents, and which was -then given by the repeal of the sedition law. That it was a proper time -and place to read a political lecture I do not pretend, but it does not -therefore follow that his designs were corrupt or his conduct criminal. -The ermine of a judge is not rendered more comely by being powdered -with the farina of politics, but his right to think and speak upon this -subject, none will question. He animadverted in his charge upon the -alterations of the constitution of his native state, particularly upon -that of the extension of the right of suffrage, to which he had strong -objections. In this particular his opinions were in unison with many -of the most devoted patriots of the revolution, who deemed the elective -franchise unsafe if controlled by uninformed men, who, not distinctly -understanding, would not properly appreciate their rights. The reasons -for this opinion were stronger then than now, and an anxiety to -preserve the government pure and undefiled, unquestionably pervaded the -bosom of Judge Chase. - -In another part of this charge to the grand jury he spoke strongly -against the changes that had been made in the judiciary system of the -United States, attributed them to party politics, and deemed them -personal in their objects and not conducive to the public good in -their operation. The last two points were proper subjects of comment, -inasmuch as they related to his official duties. That a man like him -should remark severely upon what he believed to be impolitic or wrong, -was a matter of course. He was never accustomed to half-way business. -In all this nothing appears to lead any candid mind to suppose he -was not honest in his intentions and pure in his motives. Upon these -premises the six articles of impeachment were based, and at the next -session, out of the same material, two more were manufactured—the -natural increase of a year. - -On the 2nd of January, 1805, Judge Chase was arraigned before -the Senate of the United States, a majority of the members being -politically opposed to him, but among them were men who loved justice -more than party. The gigantic powers of Mr. Randolph were brought to -bear against the accused with all their force. The trial continued, -except a short recess, until the first of March, a part of which time -the Judge was confined by illness. He was defended by Messrs. Martin, -Hopkinson, Harper and Key, ably and faithfully. Of five of the charges -he was acquitted by a majority of the Senate, and a constitutional -number could not be obtained to convict him on the others, and of -course he stood approved, acquitted and triumphant over his enemies -at the highest tribunal of his country. He had never doubted the -favourable result and was at no time depressed by the prosecution. From -that period to the time of his last illness his peace was undisturbed, -and he continued to be an ornament to the judiciary, an honour to his -country, and the faithful friend of human rights and equal justice. On -the 19th of June, 1811, surrounded by his family and friends and in the -full enjoyment of the smiles of his Redeemer, he bade a last farewell -to sublunary things and died peaceful and happy. - -In the character of this great and good man we find no corruption -to condemn, and many strong and brilliant traits to admire. As a -revolutionary patriot he stood on a lofty eminence; as a statesman he -rendered many and important services; as a lawyer he enjoyed a high -reputation; as a judge, his talents and legal acquirements were of the -most exalted character. All the charges against his judicial career, -and the result of their investigation, have been faithfully laid before -the reader, who is left to examine impartially, and I hope, to judge -correctly. I find no evidence of guile in his heart; he expressed his -opinions freely, he felt them strongly, and was evidently sincere in -his conclusions. - -Against his private character malice and slander never directed an -arrow. He was in all respects above suspicion. He was a kind husband, -an affectionate father, a warm friend, and an open, honourable, but -scarifying enemy. From the constitution of his nature and the vehemence -of his feelings, he was calculated to gain strong friends and create -violent enemies. His independence and decision were admired, but often -roused animosity in others. His political opponents he handled with -great severity, which accounts for the mighty effort made to prostrate -him. - -He was a man of a noble and benevolent disposition—a friend to the -poor and needy. A particular instance of his generosity was exhibited -in 1783. Listening to the discussions of a debating club in Baltimore, -he was forcibly struck with the talent exhibited by a youth, to him -an utter stranger. On inquiry, he found that he was poor, and in the -employment of an apothecary. He called upon him, advised him to study -law; offered him a home at his house, the use of his library, and the -aid of his instruction. His proposition was accepted; the youth arrived -at manhood, rose to eminence, and became an ornament to America. This -was the celebrated William Pinkney, who was minister to Russia, London, -Naples, and attorney-general of the United States. He often recurred to -his benefactor with feelings of the profoundest gratitude in after life. - -Judge Chase was also a friend to education and religion. He was a -member of St. Paul parish, and was active in promoting the best -interests of practical piety, social order and purity of morals. -His force, vigour, and decision of character and stern integrity, -were admirably calculated for the period in which he lived; and if -he sometimes offended by soaring above the non-committal system of -technical politics, it must be attributed to the strong combination -of conflicting circumstances that uniformly attend the period of a -revolution, the formation of a new government, and the asperity of -high-toned parties, operating as they did upon the sensitive feelings -of an ardent, patriotic and independent mind. - - - - -WILLIAM HOOPER. - - -The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. This ancient apothegm -can never be controverted by the ingenuity of sophistry; it is based -upon reason, justice, and sound philosophy. Its solution is brief. To -be wise is to be good—to be good is to be happy. To avoid all vice -and practise only virtue, is the great desideratum of earthly bliss. -Virtue carries with it its own reward. Vanity and vain glory may be -richly laden with blossoms, but they bear no fruit. We must look to -the great Author of all good for substantial enjoyment; we must fear -to offend the majesty of his laws to be truly wise. The greatest men -who have ever figured upon the stage of action, fully recognised the -power of omnipotence, and feared to offend the great Jehovah. The -sages of the American revolution were constantly under the influence -of this salutary principle. This may be inferred from their writings, -their examples, and the proceedings of the Continental Congress. Days -of humiliation and prayer were frequently fixed and recommended by -legislative proclamation, by the states and by the general government. - -Among those of the signers who appears to have lived with the fear -of God before his eyes, was WILLIAM HOOPER, a native of Boston, -Massachusetts, born on the 17th of June, 1742. He was the son of the -Reverend William Hooper, who came from Kelso, in the south of Scotland, -and was for many years the pastor of Trinity church in Boston. He was -a man of high accomplishments, a good scholar, an able and eloquent -preacher, and a devoted christian. He was useful in life and lived in -the affections of his people. - -William, being of a slender constitution, received the first rudiments -of his education from his father under the parental roof. At the age -of seven years he was placed under the care of Mr. Lovell, and at the -age of fifteen he entered Harvard University. His talents were of a -high order and his industry untiring. His mind was moulded in wisdom, -and averse to trifling amusements and fleeting pleasures. During -vacation he repaired to his father’s library and devoted himself to -the acquisition of knowledge, instead of obtaining a relaxation from -study by mingling in the convivial circle. He had a great taste for -the classics and polite literature. He paid particular attention to -composition and elocution. Refinement in every thing was his aim. - -In 1760, he graduated with the degree of bachelor of arts, and -commenced the study of law under James Otis, one of the most -distinguished counsellors of that day. From the pious course of his -life from his youth up, his father had indulged a hope that his -inclination would have led him to the pulpit, but cheerfully submitted -to the choice he had made. The same industry and correct deportment -that carried him successfully through college, enabled him to master -the intricate science of his election, and gain the esteem of all who -knew him. After completing his course he was admitted to practice, -richly stored with theory for future use. - -Manhood had now spread its dignified mantle over him. He was of the -middle height, slender and elegant in form, gentlemanly and engaging -in his manners, with strangers rather reserve, with his friends frank -and familiar, free from affectation, of a serious turn, and at all -times honest and sincere. His countenance beamed with intelligence and -benignity, his powers of conversation were pleasing and instructive, -chaste and classical. His mind was investigating, deliberative, -analyzing and firm. His habits were strictly moral; his disposition -was benevolent, hospitable and kind. As a public speaker he was -eloquent, persuasive, logical and sometimes sarcastic. With qualities -like these, Mr. Hooper repaired to Wilmington, North Carolina, in -1766, and commenced the practice of his profession. He was induced to -locate there by several wealthy connexions residing in that place. He -soon obtained a lucrative business; and to convince the people that -he contemplated a permanent location among them, he married Miss Anna -Clark, a lady of unusual accomplishments and strength of mind, and -highly respectable in her character and connexions. She was the sister -of General Thomas Clark. - -His legal fame rose rapidly and was built upon a substantial basis. -About the year 1768, he was employed to conduct several important -public trials, which he managed with such skill and address, as to -place him among the ablest advocates of the province. He was treated -with marked attention by Governors Tryon and Martin, and by chief -justice Howard. - -These attentions from the king’s officers arose, in a measure, from -the superior talents and merit of Mr. Hooper, but had also an ulterior -object—that of gaining his influence in favour of the designs of their -royal master. This could not be accomplished. He had received his legal -education in Boston, where the designs of ministers had been probed -for years. He had imbibed liberal principles and was a friend to equal -rights. Upon the firm basis of eternal justice he had planted himself, -from which flattery could not decoy him nor threatening dangers drive -him. - -One peculiar circumstance may have caused a particular attachment for -him on the part of the officers of government, that of having taken -a bold stand against a class of desperadoes called _regulators_, who -formed a dangerous association as early as 1766, in the interior of -the province. They were composed principally of men who were ignorant, -poor and savage, collected and led by men of more intelligence but of -baser minds, who incited them to open rebellion by complaints against -the civil authorities, and the promise of reward. They drove the judges -from the bench and committed many personal outrages. They even set the -military at defiance, and threatened to assume the entire rule. At -that alarming crisis, Mr. Hooper was one who came forward and dared to -advise decisive measures. The number of the regulators had accumulated -to three thousand. The plan of Mr. Hooper was carried into execution; -a military force was raised, a severe battle ensued and the insurgents -were dispersed. This occurred in 1770. - -In 1773, Mr. Hooper was elected a member of the assembly of North -Carolina, and discharged his duties so much to the satisfaction of his -constituents, that they returned him the ensuing year. It was then -that the creatures of the crown attempted to throw a ministerial coil -of oppression around the people, and it was then that they found a -bold, fearless, eloquent and uncompromising opponent in William Hooper. -He not only met them in the legislative hall with incontrovertible -arguments, but he spread their designs before the public far and wide, -by a series of essays over the signature of Hampden. His course was in -favour of liberal principles, but ruinous to his purse. The question -before the assembly was the re-organization of the judiciary, which had -become defunct by the expiration of the statute that created it. An -attempt was made to model it in such a manner as to meet the designs of -the British cabinet. So powerful was the influence of Mr. Hooper, that -he kept his opponents at bay, and the province was a year without any -courts. - -He was now fairly before the people, a champion for liberty. On the -25th of August, 1774, he was appointed a delegate to the Congress of -Philadelphia. In that body he was placed on the important committee -that prepared a statement of the rights of the colonies, the manner -these rights had been infringed, and the most probable means of -affecting their restoration. He was also one of the committee that -reported the statutes that affected the trade and manufactures of the -colonies. Upon the report of these two committees all the conclusive -proceedings of that Congress were based, from which we may infer that -the ablest and most active men were placed upon them. The ensuing -year he was re-elected to the national assembly, and soon after he -took his seat, he was appointed chairman of a committee to prepare an -address to the people of Jamaica relative to British oppression. It -was written by him, and is in a style bold, vigorous and classical. -The following extract is a fair sample. Speaking of the plan of -action laid and pursued by the British ministry, he writes: “That our -petitions have been treated with disdain, is now become the smallest -part of our complaint. Ministerial insolence is lost in ministerial -barbarity. It has, by an exertion peculiarly ingenious, procured those -very measures which it laid us under the hard necessity of pursuing, to -be stigmatised in parliament as rebellious. It has plunged us in all -the horrors and calamities of civil war. It has caused the treasures -and blood of Britain, formerly exhausted and shed for far other ends, -to be spilt and wasted in the execrable design of spreading slavery -over British America. It will not, however, accomplished its aim; in -the worst contingency a choice will still be left which it can never -prevent us from taking.” - -On the 12th of June, Mr. Hooper offered the following resolution in -Congress, which demonstrates the position taken in the exordium of this -sketch. - -“It is at all times an indispensable duty devoutly to acknowledge -the superintending providence of the great governor of the world, -especially in times of impending danger and public calamity—to -reverence and adore his immutable justice as well as to implore his -merciful interposition for our deliverance; therefore, - -“Resolved, that it is recommended by Congress that the people of the -American colonies observe the twentieth day of July next as a day of -public humiliation, fasting and prayer.” - -The zeal and exertions of this patriot were of the most vigorous -character. He served on numerous committees and was highly esteemed -by all the members. His constituents were so well satisfied with his -course that he was returned a third time to the honourable post he -had so ably filled. In the spring of 1776, he was a member of the -conventions that convened at Hillsborough and Halifax, and was one of -the leading and most eloquent speakers. He also prepared an address -to the people of the British empire that was written with much nerve -and energy. He then repaired to his place in Congress, and boldly -supported the declaration of rights. He had long been convinced of its -propriety, and when the thrilling moment arrived for the final decision -he sanctioned it by his vote and signature. He was an unwavering friend -to the cause he had espoused; patient, cheerful, persevering, prudent -and firm under all circumstances. - -In February, 1777, he obtained leave of absence from Congress and -returned to his family. When the news of the defeat of Washington at -Germantown reached him at Wilmington, he was surrounded by a circle of -his friends, who seemed dismayed at the intelligence. He rose calmly -from his seat and remarked, with great animation and cheerfulness, -“We have been disappointed!—but no matter—now that we have become the -assailants there can be no doubt of the issue.” - -Before his return his property had suffered from royal vengeance; his -personal safety now became endangered and he was compelled to fly into -the interior for safety. His family had removed several times. He made -arrangements, in the event of the subjugation of the colonies by the -British, to remove to one of the French West India Islands, where, it -is said, all the signers, with the French minister, would have went, -had not the independence of the states been sustained. He did not -return to Wilmington until it was evacuated in 1781, during which time -his family was there, exposed to the insults of the enemy. He appears -not to have returned to Congress again, but mingled with the people, -rousing them to a sense of their duty, and was an active member of the -state councils. In 1782 he removed to Hillsborough, and endeavoured -to restore his long neglected private affairs to order. In 1786, he -was appointed by Congress a judge of the court organized to settle the -controversy between New York and Massachusetts relative to disputed -territory, a delicate and important duty, from which he was relieved by -an amicable settlement by the litigants before the court proceeded to -act in the premises. - -Mr. Hooper continued to take a conspicuous part in the legislation of -North Carolina, and also pursued the practice of his profession until -1787, when his health began to decline and he retired from public life -and from the bar, to enjoy that repose in domestic felicity which had -always been more congenial to his mind than public stations, however -lofty. In his retirement he carried with him the esteem of his fellow -citizens and the gratitude of a nation of freemen. Not a blemish could -be found to tarnish the fair fame of his public career or private -reputation. He had served his country faithfully and discharged the -duties of friend, citizen, lawyer, patriot, husband and father, with -fidelity. From the elevated eminence of conscious integrity he looked -back upon his past life—with the eyes of faith he looked forward to a -crown of unfading glory, and in October 1790, closed his eyes in death -and resigned his soul to that God whom to fear is the beginning of -wisdom. - - - - -THOMAS NELSON. - - -Honesty is a virtue that commands universal respect. This term, -like many others, has lost much of its original force and is too -promiscuously used. When Pope proclaimed an honest man the noblest -work of God, he included purpose, word and action in all things, under -all circumstances and at all times. He alluded to a man whose purity -of heart placed him above every temptation to violate the original -laws of integrity which emanated from the High Chancery of Heaven. -His imagination pictured a man whose every action through his whole -life should pass the moral scrutiny of omniscience unscathed, and -stand approved at the dread tribunal of the great Jehovah. Such a man -is a noble work indeed, worthy of the highest admiration and closest -imitation. - -The signers of the declaration of independence were remarkable for -integrity, and none of them more so than THOMAS NELSON, who was born -at York, Virginia, on the 26th of December, 1738. He was the son of -William Nelson, whose father was a native of England and settled in -York at an early period. The father of Thomas was an enterprising and -successful merchant, and eventually became also a wealthy planter. He -filled many public stations with great ability, and during the interval -between the administration of Lord Bottetourt and Lord Dunmore, -presided over the colony _ex officio_, being then president of the -executive council. - -At the age of fourteen years Thomas Nelson was placed under the -instruction of Mr. Newcomb, whose school was near Hackney, England. -When his preparatory studies were completed he was placed at Cambridge -and entered of Trinity College, under the tuition of Dr. Beilby -Porteus, who was one of the brightest literary ornaments of his age -and ultimately became the bishop of London. Guided by the master-hand -of this finished scholar, accomplished gentleman and pious man, Mr. -Nelson traced the fair lines of science and explored the avenues of -literature. The principles of virtue and integrity were also deeply -impressed upon his mind and governed his actions through life. -After spending eight years at the classic fountain in England, he -returned to Virginia, highly polished in mind and person. He entered -into the enjoyment of a large landed estate, and over one hundred -and thirty thousand dollars in cash. In August, 1762, he led to the -hymeneal altar Miss Lucy, daughter of Philip Grymes, of Brandon, and -settled permanently at his native place. His house became the seat of -hospitality and domestic felicity. He assimilated his style of life, -in some respects, to that of an English nobleman when at his country -seat. He rode almost daily to his plantation, a few miles from York, -and amused himself with his gun. He also kept a pack of hounds and in -the winter often joined in the thrilling and blood-stirring sport of -the fox-chase. No respectable stranger could visit the town without -receiving an urgent invitation to partake of his hospitality. In this -manner his time passed smoothly along until the public demanded his -services. - -For a long time a particular intimacy existed between the leading men -of Virginia and those of England. This arose from consanguinity and -wealth and was kept alive for a century by an interchange of good -feelings and offices. The sons of the wealthy men of the Old Dominion -were uniformly educated in Great Britain, and imbibed the same feelings -of independence manifested by the noblemen of the mother country, and -felt themselves, very properly, entitled to as much confidence from -the king as a native and resident of Albion. Hence, when the car of -oppression was mounted by the British ministry, the noblest sons of -Virginia were the most vigorous opposers of royal power. They at once -acted in concert with the patriots of New England and treated the -insults offered at Boston as though they had been personally directed -to them. The very fact of former intimacy made this opposition more -bitter and pointed. - -In 1774, Mr. Nelson was elected to the house of burgesses and took -a bold stand in favour of liberal principles. He was one of the -eighty-nine members who assembled at a tavern the day after Lord -Dunmore dissolved the house and formed themselves into an association -of non-intercourse with Great Britain. At the next election he was -again returned to the house of burgesses. He was a member of the -convention, held on the first of August of that year, to elect -delegates to Congress, and of the one convened in March, 1775, for -this and other purposes. He supported the boldest measures that were -proposed by the daring Patrick Henry, from which many of the patriots -at first recoiled with amazement. He had no ear for the syren song of -peace when the shores of his country were darkened by foreign fleets -and armies. From the following resolutions introduced in the last -named convention by Patrick Henry, the reader can form an idea of the -feelings that pervaded the minds of the leading patriots at that early -period. One of the germs of our militia system will also be perceived. - -“Resolved, that a well regulated militia, composed of gentlemen and -yeomen, is the natural strength and only security of a free government; -that such a militia in this colony would for ever render it unnecessary -for the mother country to keep among us, for the purpose of our -defence, any standing army of mercenary soldiers, always subversive -of the quiet and dangerous to the liberties of the people, and would -obviate the pretext of taxing for their support. - -“That the establishment of such a militia is, at this time, peculiarly -necessary by the state of our laws, some of which have already -expired and others will shortly be so—and that the known remissness -of government in calling us together in legislative capacity renders -it too insecure, in this time of danger and distress, to rely that -opportunity will be given of renewing them in general assembly, or -making any provision to secure our inestimable rights and liberties -from those further violations with which they are threatened. - -“Resolved, therefore, that this colony be immediately put in a state of -defence, and that —— be a committee to prepare a plan for embodying, -arming and disciplining such a number of men as may be sufficient for -that purpose.” - -These resolutions were warmly supported by Mr. Nelson, whose property -was exposed to the utmost danger in case of an open rupture with the -royal authorities. The measure proposed was carried into effect, and -from that time opposition to the pretensions of the crown assumed -a bold front in Virginia. This convention assembled again in July, -and divided the colony into sixteen military districts, the eastern -district to raise forthwith a regiment of six hundred and eighty men, -rank and file, and each of the others to raise a battalion of five -hundred, to be at once armed and held in readiness to march at any -moment. The convention also directed the raising of two regiments of -regulars of one thousand and twenty privates, and appointed Patrick -Henry to command the first and Mr. Nelson to command the second. Thus -Virginia assumed a determined and systematic attitude of defence at an -early period. - -On the 11th of August this convention met again and elected Mr. Nelson -a delegate to the Continental Congress, in which he took his seat on -the 13th of September following. Possessed of a strong mind and sound -judgment, he became a useful member of committees, but seldom took -part in debate. By the following letter from him to Governor Page, it -seems he was one of those who agitated the question of independence -as early as the 22nd of January, 1776. “I wish I knew the sentiments -of our people upon the grand points of confederation and foreign -alliance, or, in other words, of independence—for we cannot expect to -form a connexion with any foreign power as long as we have a womanish -hankering after Great Britain—and, to be sure, there is not in nature -a greater absurdity than to suppose we can have any affection for a -people who are carrying on the most savage war against us.” On the -13th of February, he writes to the same gentleman again, as follows: -“Independence, confederation and foreign alliance are as formidable -to some members of Congress, I fear a majority, as an apparition to a -weak enervated woman. Would you think we have some among us who still -expect honourable proposals from the administration! By heavens—I am an -infidel in politics, for I do not believe were you to bid a thousand -pounds per scruple for honour at the court of Great Britain, that you -would get as many as would amount to an ounce. We are now carrying on a -war and no war. They seize our property wherever they find it, either -by land or sea, and we hesitate to retaliate because we have a few -friends in England who have ships. Away with such squeamishness, say I.” - -By this language we can judge of the ardent feelings that actuated -this friend of equal rights. It was the pure fire of patriotism, -fanned by a just indignation against a tyrannical and insolent foe. -It was a fire that reflected a powerful heat upon those around it, -and gathered fresh vigour daily. Like separate parcels of metal in -a crucible, one member after another yielded to its power, until all -were united in one liquid mass, and, on the fourth of July, 1776, the -mould of liberty was filled, which, when opened to the gaze of the -world, presented a new and purely original table of law and government, -enriched by the embossment of freedom and equal rights. On this fair -tablet, more beautiful than mosaic-work, Mr. Nelson engraved his name -in bold relievo. Here we might leave him, with glory enough for one -man. But he had then just entered the portico of his useful career. -He embarked heart and soul in the cause, and became one of the most -industrious members of various committees that was in Congress. In -forming the articles of confederation he was particularly active. The -ensuing year he again took his seat in the national assembly, but was -compelled to retire in May, soon after the commencement of the session, -in consequence of a severe attack of disease in his head, which, for a -time, threatened to impair his mental powers. He was obliged to return -home, and for a short period refrain from business. His place was -supplied by Mr. Mason. - -In August following, the appearance of a British fleet that entered the -capes caused a general rally of the military force of Virginia. Mr. -Nelson, who had regained his health, was commissioned by the governor -and council brigadier-general and commander-in-chief of the military -forces of the state. The appointment was popular—the incumbent was -competent. His appearance among them inspired confidence in the people. -The troops rallied around him like affectionate children around a fond -parent. The fleet, however, did not deign to give them a call at that -time, and the soldiers again became citizens. - -In October, General Nelson took his seat in the legislature of his -state, and acted a conspicuous part in its deliberations. During the -session a bill was brought before the house sequestrating British -property, and authorizing those of the colonists who were indebted to -subjects of Great Britain to pay the amount into the public treasury; -and if the wives and children of such subjects remained in the state, -portions of the said money, under the direction of the governor and -council, were to be appropriated to their support. With all the ardour -and vehemence of feeling that pervaded the bosom of Mr. Nelson against -the mother country, his honesty and justice impelled him to oppose this -bill as violating the sacredness of individual contracts. He became -roused, and made an able and eloquent address against the proposed -measure, and closed in the following emphatic language:—“For these -reasons I hope the bill will be rejected; but whatever be its fate, so -help me God, I will pay _my_ debts like an honest man.” - -On the second of March, 1778, Congress made an appeal to the patriotism -of the wealthy young men of the several colonies, urging them to raise -a troop of light cavalry at their own expense. Nor was the appeal -in vain. As soon as the proposed plan of Congress was received in -Virginia, General Nelson sent a circular to all the young gentlemen -of fortune in the state, recommending them not only to come to the -rescue themselves, but to open their purses to other high minded -and respectable young men, whose hearts were noble but whose means -were limited. A company of seventy was speedily raised in Virginia, -and elected general Nelson their commander. He proceeded with his -new charge to Baltimore and reported his youthful band to the brave -Pulaski, who received this accession of volunteers with delight and -admiration. From that place the company proceeded to Philadelphia, -where the general and his men received the praise and thanks of -Congress; and as their services were not wanted at that time, they were -permitted to return to their homes. The expenses of the company during -their absence were principally borne by General Nelson without any -subsequent remuneration; and for his own services in the field during -the war he refused to receive any pay; and, in addition to this, he -expended a great portion of his fortune in the cause of his country. - -On the 18th of February, 1779, General Nelson again took his seat in -Congress, and was immediately placed on several important committees. -His severe labour caused a second attack similar to the former, and in -April he was compelled to return home. - -It was in May of that year that the British made a descent upon -Virginia, and spread destruction far and wide. Exercise soon restored -the health of General Nelson and he at once took the field. He -assembled a body of troops near Yorktown, but the enemy chose not to -interfere with him at that time. During that short campaign he took a -parental care of the soldiers by providing for their wants from his -own funds. He distributed his labourers and servants among the poor -families of the militia from his neighbourhood to labour during the -absence of the men. He was as benevolent as he was patriotic and brave. - -In June, 1780, the general assembly of Virginia passed a resolution -to borrow two millions of dollars for the purpose of defraying the -expenses of the war. General Nelson entered into the collection of this -money with great zeal. Public credit was prostrated and government -paper was no longer considered security. Like Robert Morris, he at once -pledged his own fortune and raised large sums upon his own credit, for -which he was but in part remunerated by government. - -In the spring of 1781, Virginia was again the scene of murder, rapine, -and wide spread ruin. Judas, alias Arnold, and Lord Cornwallis were -sweeping over the land like a tornado. General Nelson was constantly in -the field, doing all in his power to arrest the bold and savage career -of the invading foe. He became the hero of the Old Dominion. In June -he was elected governor of the state. He immediately entered upon the -discharge of this dignified station, and bent his whole energies in -raising troops to resist the enemy. - -About that time Lafayette arrived with a body of regulars. Governor -Nelson joined him in the field, and, yielding his rank, placed himself -and the militia under the command of the marquis. Every thing within -his power he grasped to aid his bleeding country. He placed even his -draught horses and negroes in the public service. - -In the midst of these distresses a circumstance occurred that was -exceedingly trying to his mind. By the constitution, the governor acted -only in concert with the council. Two of that body had fallen into the -hands of Tarleton, and two had resigned. It was impossible to raise a -quorum for business. The awful crisis demanded immediate and decisive -action. In this dilemma he transcended the existing law, and proceeded -to act as though the council was with him. - -At a subsequent period this was made the foundation of a complaint -against him, after he retired to private life and was sinking under -disease, which was forever put at rest by the legislature, by the -passage of laws sanctioning his every public act during that campaign. -Ingratitude is the prime minister of hell, and revenge its secretary. - -At length Lord Cornwallis found himself snugly ensconced in Yorktown. A -dark cloud gathered over his military fame. Awful forebodings haunted -his blood-stained soul. Retributive justice pierced his conscience with -a thousand stings. The cries of widows and orphans, the curling flames -of hospitable mansions, the sweeping destruction of villages and towns, -and the dying groans of innocent victims, the bitter fruits of his -tyranny, preyed upon his imagination like a promethean vulture. The die -was cast. The siege was commenced. At the head of the Virginia troops -was General Nelson—cool, brave, fearless and vigorous. His native -town, his own domicile and property, were now to be razed. At first he -observed that the American batteries carefully avoided the direction of -his house. The principal British officers, anticipating this, had made -it their rendezvous. On hearing that it was out of respect to him, he -directed the gunners to point their guns at once at his mansion. The -first discharge sent a shot through it and killed two of the officers, -a number of whom were enjoying the comforts of a good dinner. They soon -left this retreat for safer quarters. - -The following extract from the general orders of the illustrious -Washington, of the 20th of October, 1781, will best inform the reader -how highly the services of Governor Nelson were prized at that -memorable siege that crushed the power of Great Britain in America. - -“The general would be guilty of the highest ingratitude, a crime of -which he hopes he shall never be accused, if he forgot to return his -sincere acknowledgements to his excellency Governor Nelson for the -succours which he received from him and the militia under his command, -to whose activity, emulation and bravery, the highest praises are -due. The magnitude of the acquisition will be ample compensation for -the difficulties and dangers which they met with so much firmness and -patriotism.” - -The fatigues of this campaign and his arduous gubernatorial duties -proved too much for the physical powers of Governor Nelson. He again -sunk under disease, and on the 20th of November, 1781, he resigned -his station and retired to private life. He spent the remainder of -his days principally on a small estate he had saved from the wreck of -his large fortune, situated at Offly, in the county of Hanover. His -health continued to decline, and on the fourth of January, 1789, he was -numbered with the dead. - -His obituary, written by his bosom friend, Colonel Innes, fully -portrays the character of this devoted patriot and deserves a place in -this memoir. - -The illustrious general THOMAS NELSON, is no more! He paid the last -debt to nature on Sunday, the fourth of the present month, at his -estate in Hanover. He who undertakes barely to recite the exalted -virtues which adorned the life of this great and good man, will -unavoidably pronounce a panegyric upon human nature. As a man, a -citizen, a legislator and a patriot, he exhibited a conduct untarnished -and undebased by sordid or selfish interests, and strongly marked -with the genuine characteristics of true religion, sound benevolence -and liberal policy. Entertaining the most ardent love for civil and -religious liberty, he was among the first of that glorious band of -patriots whose exertions dashed and defeated the machinations of -British tyranny and gave to United America freedom and independent -empire. At a most important crisis during the late struggle for -American liberty, when this state appeared to be designated as the -theatre of action for the contending armies, he was selected by the -unanimous suffrage of the legislature to command the virtuous yeomanry -of his country. In this honourable employment he remained until the -end of the war. As a soldier, he was indefatigably active and coolly -intrepid. Resolute and undejected in misfortunes, he towered above -distress and struggled with the manifold difficulties to which his -situation exposed him with constancy and courage. In the memorable -year of 1781, when the whole force of the southern British army was -directed to the immediate subjugation of this state, he was called to -the helm of government. This was a juncture which indeed “tried men’s -souls.” He did not avail himself of this opportunity to retire in the -rear of danger, but, on the contrary, took the field at the head of his -countrymen, and, at the hazard of his life, his fame and individual -fortune, by his decision and magnanimity, he saved not only his -country, but all America from disgrace, if not from total ruin. Of this -truly patriotic and heroic conduct, the renowned commander-in-chief, -with all the gallant officers of the combined armies employed at the -siege of York, will bear ample testimony. This part of his conduct even -contemporary jealousy, envy and malignity were forced to approve—and -this, more impartial posterity, if it can believe, will almost adore. -If, after contemplating the splendid and heroic parts of his character, -we shall inquire for the milder virtues of humanity and seek for -the man, we shall find the refined, beneficent and social qualities -of private life, through all its forms and combinations, so happily -modified and united in him, that in the words of the darling poet of -nature, it may be said, - - “His life was gentle, and the elements - So mixed in him, that nature might stand up - And say to all the world—THIS IS A MAN.” - - - - -JAMES SMITH. - - -Many men, like apes, are mere imitative beings in their manner of -action. They forsake the path designed for them by their Creator, and -strive to assimilate their mechanical movements to some noble personage -of a higher order by nature than themselves, and thus _ape_ their way -through the world. I refer particularly to public speakers. Some young -men of respectable native talent and good acquirements, when they mount -the rostrum, instead of acting perfectly natural, endeavour to imitate -some orator of notoriety, and thereby render themselves ridiculous. -Originality is the beauty of forensic or any other kind of eloquence. -Like a piece of marble under the hands of the statuary, a more -systematic form may be imparted by art, but its original composition, -like that, is most beautiful unpainted. Originality must form the base, -or the superstructure can never be truly beautiful. No human ingenuity -can remould the work of nature and retain the strength of the grand -original. We should imitate the virtues and wisdom of great and good -men—our _manner_ should be peculiarly our own—and still further—our -language and style of writing should be original to render it forcible -and interesting. Affectation in any thing is disgusting to sensible -men, and a discerning man readily detects a counterfeit. - -A fine picture of originality and pleasing eccentricity was exhibited -by JAMES SMITH, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. -He was a native of Ireland and came to this country with his father -when quite young. The precise time of his birth is not known. According -to the only record known of his age—the inscription on his tomb, he was -born in 1713. His father was a respectable farmer and settled on the -west side of the Susquehanna river nearly opposite to Columbia. James -was educated under Dr. Allison. He acquired a good classical education, -and retained a peculiar taste for authors of antiquity through life. -He was very partial to mathematics, and became an expert surveyor. -After finishing his course under Dr. Allison he commenced the study -of law in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, some say with Thomas Cookson, but -more probably with his elder brother who was then practising at that -town. When admitted to the bar he located himself on the frontiers -of civilization near the present site of Shippensburg, in Cumberland -county, blending the practice of law and surveying. In that section of -the country the two professions were then very properly and profitably -united. Large tracts of valuable land were held under hasty and -inaccurate surveys, and many others were only located by mere chamber -calculations upon paper. Litigation was the natural consequence, and -no witnesses told the truth more accurately than the compass of -Mr. Smith and the demonstration of his protractor. Possessed of a -penetrating mind, he looked into future prospects and secured much -valuable land and had full employment in his professional business. -He soon found himself on the flood tide of prosperity. Not willing to -sail alone, he took for his mate, Miss Eleanor Armor, of Newcastle, -who superintended his cabin stores with great skill and prudence. In -every thing he was purely original. With a strong mind, an open and -honest heart, a benevolent and manly disposition, he united great -conviviality and amusing drollery, yet so discreet as not to offend -the most modest ear. He delighted in seeing the contortions of the -risible muscles, which were uniformly in motion in all proper circles -when James Smith was present. Whenever he came in contact with a pedant -he would propound some ridiculous question with the utmost gravity, -such as the following, “Don’t you remember that terrible bloody battle -which Alexander the Great fought with the Russians near the straits -of Babelmandel? I think you will find the account in Thucydides or -Herodotus.” - -His memory was retentive and stored with numerous anecdotes, which -he used in court either to annoy his opponent and help his case, or -in company to amuse his friends. No one could tell a story with more -effect than Mr. Smith. His manner was original and beyond imitation. -With all his wit and humour, he held religion in the greatest -reverence, and was a communicant of the church. No one that knew him -dare utter a word against it in his presence, knowing that the lash of -the keenest ridicule would at once be applied by him. Such a mixture -of qualities are rarely blended in one man. From the deep toned logic -and the profoundest thought up to the eccentric ridiculous, all -balanced by the happy equilibrium of discretion, his mind ranged with -the rapidity of lightning, using each at the most appropriate time -and place. His manner, his style, and his every thing, from the most -trivial circumstance to the momentous concerns of the nation in which -he participated, were purely original. - -Of the affairs of his country Mr. Smith was not an idle spectator. -No man delights in liberty and independence more than an Irishman, -and no nation is more sensitive of its rights than “sweet Ireland.” -When British oppression showed its hydra head to the colonists, -although advanced in age, James Smith took a terrible dislike to -the beast and was for making fight unless it withdrew its visible -deformity forthwith. His heart beat high for his adopted country, and -he at once came boldly forward in its defence. At that time he was -a resident of York and extensively engaged in iron works as well as -in professional business, having become a very distinguished lawyer. -He had never consented to fill public stations, and nothing but the -purest patriotism and the importance of the threatened crisis, could -have induced him to enter the public arena. In the language of Josiah -Quincy, he had become convinced that—“We must be grossly ignorant of -the importance and value of the prize for which we contend—we must be -equally ignorant of the power of those who have combined against us—we -must be blind to that malice, inveteracy and insatiable revenge, which -actuate our enemies, public and private, abroad and in our bosoms, to -hope that we shall end this controversy without the sharpest—sharpest -conflicts; to flatter ourselves that popular resolves, popular -harangues, popular acclamations and popular vapour will vanquish our -foes. Let us consider the issue—let us look to the end.” - -Mr. Smith was a man that looked at both the beginning and the end. He -was a man who examined closely causes, effects, and results. He also -understood human nature and knew well the disposition of the colonists. -He was convinced the bone and sinew of the land would never yield to -the tyranny of mother Britain without a “sharp conflict.” For that -conflict he was prepared. - -The first step taken in Pennsylvania relative to the existing -oppressions, was the assembling of a convention of delegates from each -county, in order to ascertain the feelings of the people generally -relative to the course proposed by the patriots of New England, where -the revolutionary storm had already commenced its precursory droppings. -Of this convention Mr. Smith was a delegate, and was one of the -committee that prepared the instructions to the members of the next -general assembly of the province, recommending, among other things, -the appointment of delegates to the general Congress to be convened at -Philadelphia, with instructions from which the following is an extract, -sufficient to inform the reader of the grievances most particularly -complained of at that early period. - -“We desire of you therefore—that the deputies you appoint may be -instructed by you strenuously to exert themselves at the ensuing -Congress to obtain a renunciation on the part of Great Britain of all -the powers under the statute of the 35th of Henry the Eighth, ch. -2nd—of all powers of internal legislation—of imposing taxes or duties -internal or external and of regulating trade, except with respect to -any new articles of commerce which the colonies may hereafter raise, -as silk, wine, &c., reserving a right to carry them from one colony to -another—a repeal of all statutes for quartering troops in the colonies -or subjecting them to any expense on account of such troops—of all -statutes imposing duties to be paid in the colonies, that were passed -at the accession of his present majesty, or before this time, which -ever period shall be judged most advisable—of the statutes giving the -courts of admiralty in the colonies greater power than the courts of -admiralty have in England—of the statutes of the 5th of George the -Second, ch. 22nd, and of the 23d of George the Second, ch. 29th—of the -statute for shutting up the port of Boston—and of every other statute -particularly affecting the province of Massachusetts bay, passed in -the last session of parliament. If all the terms above mentioned -cannot be obtained, it is our opinion that the measures adopted by the -Congress for our relief, should never be relinquished or intermitted, -until those relating to the troops—internal legislation—imposition of -taxes or duties hereafter—the 35th of Henry the Eighth, ch. 2nd,—the -extension of admiralty courts—the port of Boston and the province of -Massachusetts bay are obtained. Every modification, or qualification of -these points, in our judgment should be inadmissible.” - -By the statute of the 35th of Henry the Eighth, ch. 2nd, a citizen of -America was liable to be arrested and carried to England to be tried, -when accused of high crimes. By the 5th of George the Second, ch. -23d, the colonists were prohibited from exporting hats, and hatters -were even limited as to the number of apprentices they should keep to -learn this trade; in order, as the statute declares, “that hatting -may be better encouraged in Great Britain.” The other acts referred -to infringements of sundry local arrangements of the colonies equally -obnoxious with the above; and when the final list of grievances was -completed at a subsequent time, many statutes under George the Third -were complained of as violating the constitution of England and the -charters predicated upon it, which had grown sacred by long and -acknowledged usage, by learned and legal construction, and by numerous -declaratory acts of the British parliament, passed when sitting under -the mantle of reason, equity, justice and sound policy. - -By these instructions, directly from the people, we can judge of the -feeling that pervaded the great mass of the yeomanry at that time; and -by referring to the instructions given to the delegates appointed by -the assembly of the province to Congress, it will be seen that royal -influence still pervaded that body, as they contain scarcely a definite -feature or point similar to those from the primary convention of the -people.[E] - - [E] See them at large in the biography of George Ross. - -So fully convinced was Mr. Smith of the issue between the colonies and -mother Britain, that on his return home he immediately raised a company -of volunteers, and was elected its captain by acclamation. This was the -pioneer company of Pennsylvania, raised for the purpose of resisting -tyranny. This company was organized about nine months before the bloody -affair at Lexington; showing deep penetration and sagacious foresight -in its original. He introduced thorough discipline in the corps, and -imparted to its members the same holy fire of patriotism that was -illuminating his own soul. Around this military nucleus accumulating -force continued to increase, until it formed a regiment. Mr. Smith -accepted the honorary title of its colonel, but imposed the actual -commanding duties upon a younger man. He had given a momentum to the -ball, and was gratified to see it rolling onward towards the temple of -liberty with an increased impetus. - -Mr. Smith was a member of the next convention that convened in January, -1775, at Philadelphia. He was among the foremost to oppose force to -force, and peril life for freedom. He was then called an _ultra_ -whig, and considered as treating the government of his majesty with -disrespect. His patriotism had carried him six months in advance of -most of the leading men, and no one could outstrip him in zeal for -the cause of equal rights. His course was onward—right onward to -action. For this the time soon arrived. During the year 1775 he took a -conspicuous part in public measures, and in the spring of the ensuing -year was appointed upon a committee, with Dr. Rush and Colonel Bayard, -to organize a camp of four thousand five hundred troops, to be raised -in Pennsylvania. No man was better calculated to render efficient aid -in this important business. The committee immediately prepared, and, -under the sanction of Congress, published an address to the volunteer -and yeomen military of Pennsylvania, urging them to rally under the -standard of liberty. In order that the reader may have a sample of -every kind of proceeding and address that characterized the revolution -that gave to us freedom, I insert an extract from this. - -“We need not remind you that you are now furnished with new motives to -animate and support your courage. You are not about to contend against -the power of Great Britain in order to displace one set of villains to -make room for another. Your arms will not be enervated in the day of -battle with the reflection that you are to risk your lives or shed your -blood for a British tyrant, or that your posterity will have your work -to do over again. You are about to contend for permanent freedom, to be -supported by a government which will be derived from yourselves, and -which will have for its object, not the emolument of one man or class -of men only, but the safety, liberty and happiness of every individual -in the community. We call upon you, therefore, by the respect and -obedience which are due to the authority of the UNITED COLONIES, to -concur in this important measure. The present campaign will probably -decide the fate of America. It is now in your power to immortalize your -names by mingling your achievements with the events of the year 1776—a -year which, we hope, will be famed in the annals of history to the -end of time, for establishing, on a lasting foundation, the liberties -of one quarter of the globe. Remember the honour of our colony is at -stake. Should you desert the common cause at the present juncture, -the glory you have acquired by your former exertions of strength and -virtue will be tarnished; and our friends and brethren, who are now -acquiring laurels in the most remote parts of America, will reproach -us, and blush to own themselves natives or inhabitants of Pennsylvania. -But there are other motives before you. Your houses, your fields, the -legacies of your ancestors, or the dear bought fruits of your own -industry and your liberty, now urge you to the field. These cannot -plead with you in vain, or we might point out to you further—your -wives, your children, your aged fathers and mothers, who now look up to -you for aid, and hope for salvation in this day of calamity only from -the instrumentality of your swords.” - -This appeal had a most powerful and salutary effect, and met with a -response from the people that drove the royal power from Pennsylvania -like chaff before the wind. Simultaneous with the preparation of the -declaration of independence in Congress, delegates were elected to -raise the arch of a republican constitution and government over the -keystone state. The members of the convention for this purpose convened -on the 15th of July, and in the declaration of rights just promulged -from Congress Hall, had a polar star to guide them—a master piece for a -pattern to direct them. - -In this convention Mr. Smith took his seat, and was immediately placed -upon the committee appointed to prepare a declaration of rights. His -_ultraism_ had become an admired quality, and assumed the baptismal -name of _patriotism_. His worth and zeal were now duly appreciated, -and he became one of the most influential men in his state. On the 20th -of July he was called to higher duties than those of the convention, by -his appointment to the Continental Congress. This was as unexpected to -him as it was pleasing to his friends. He immediately enrolled his name -with the apostles of liberty upon the chart of freemen. Anxious to see -the foundations of the new government firmly laid in Pennsylvania, he -continued his services in the convention until the constitution assumed -a visible form. He was one of the committee that remodelled the penal -code. He was as humane in his feelings as he was ardent in the cause of -his country. Justice and mercy were blended in his heart. - -Early in October he assumed fully his congressional duties. The first -part of the instructions to the delegation of the keystone state -is worthy of particular notice; and if general obedience could be -enforced, would be quite apropos at the present day. It is as follows: - -“The immense and irreparable injury which a free country may sustain -by, and the great inconveniences which always arise from a delay of its -councils, induce us, in the first place, strictly to enjoin and require -you to give not only a _constant_, but a _punctual_ attendance in -Congress.” - -At the commencement of our free government, the will of the people -was respected and obeyed. Their public servants were not then their -political masters. Committee rooms were not then diverted from their -proper use by partisan caucuses. The halls of legislation were not then -the forum of personal recrimination and unparliamentary procedure. The -mantle of infantile purity was then spread over those in high stations. -_Pro bono publico_ was the order of the day—_pro libertate patriæ_ was -the motto of each freeman. - -Mr. Smith obeyed his instructions to the letter. He entered heart and -soul into the labours of the house and committee room. A dark gloom was -at that time spread over the cause of liberty, and many of its warmest -friends considered success a paradox. At such a time the sprightliness -and drollery of Mr. Smith was a powerful antidote against despondency. -Always cheerful and elastic, always seasoning his conversation and -speeches in the forum with original wit and humour, he imparted -convivial life to those around him. Amidst the waves of misfortune and -the breakers of disappointment, he floated like a buoy on the ocean, -above them all. The following letter written to his wife, when General -Howe was bending his triumphant course towards Philadelphia, from which -place Congress was soon after compelled to retreat before him, shows -that no hyppish feelings pervaded his imagination. - - “If Mr. Wilson should come through York, give him a flogging—he - should have been here a week ago. I expect, however, to come home - before election—my three months are nearly up. General left this - on Thursday—I wrote to you by Colonel Kennedy. - - “This morning I put on the red jacket under my shirt. Yesterday - I dined at Mr. Morris’s, and got wet going home and my shoulder - got troublesome—but by running a hot smoothing iron over it three - times, it got better. This is a new and cheap cure. My respects - to all friends and neighbours-my love to the children. - - I am your loving husband, whilst - “JAMES SMITH. - - “_Congress Chamber, 11 o’clock._” - -On the 23d of November, he was on the committee with Messrs. Clymer, -Chase, and Stockton, appointed to devise means for reinforcing the -American army, and for arresting the victorious and destructive career -of General Howe. The powers of this committee were soon after very -properly transferred to Washington. Mr. Smith was also on the committee -that laid before Congress the testimony of the inhuman treatment of the -British towards the American prisoners at New York. - -Having suffered severe losses by being absent from his private -business, he declined a re-election to Congress for the ensuing year, -but was made to understand by his constituents that he was public -property and must be used. He was continued at his post and abated none -of his zeal. So devoted was he in the service of his country, that -when Congress was compelled to fly to York, his place of residence, he -closed his office against his clients and gave it up to the board of -war. He sacrificed every private consideration that he believed would -promote the public good. - -In November, 1778, he resigned his seat in Congress, and once more -enjoyed for a season the comforts of retirement. He deemed his advanced -age an ample excuse, after he was convinced that the independence of -his country was rendered doubly sure by the French alliance. - -In 1780, Mr. Smith was induced to take a seat in the legislature of -his state. He entered upon his duties with the same activity that -had characterized his whole public career. After completing his term -of service he retired finally from political life. He continued to -pursue his professional business with great success and profit, until -1800, having been an active member of the bar for sixty years. His -eccentricity, wit and humour, retained their originality to the last -years of his existence. He was a great admirer of the illustrious -Washington. A castigation from his ironical tongue, was the sure -consequence to any one, at any time or place, who spoke against -religion or Washington, two points upon which he was extremely -sensitive. The former he adored, the latter he revered. He corresponded -regularly with Franklin, Samuel Adams, and several others of the -patriarch patriots, and had preserved a valuable cabinet of letters -from those apostles of liberty, which was destroyed by fire, with his -office and its contents, about a year before his death. Surrounded -by an affectionate family and a large circle of ardent and admiring -friends, this happy son of Erin glided smoothly down the stream of life -until the eleventh day of July, 1806, when his frail bark was anchored -in the bay of death, and his immortal spirit was transferred to the -realms of glory. - -In life he had lived usefully and esteemed; in his exit from earth he -left a blank not readily filled. His public and private reputation were -untarnished and unsullied. He had contributed much towards the freedom -of his country; he was the life of every circle in which he moved. -Ennui could not live in his presence. He was warm hearted, kind, and -affectionate, and a friend to the poor. He never entertained malice, -but used his enemies very much as a playful kitten does a mouse—teasing -without a desire to hurt them—a propensity that rendered him more -formidable than a knight of the sword and pistols. Such pure originals -as JAMES SMITH are like the inimitable paintings of the ancient -artists—few in market and difficult to be copied. - - - - -JOSEPH HEWES. - - -The cardinal virtue of charity, like the patriotism of ’76, is more -frequently professed than practised. It is placed at the head of -all the christian virtues by St. Paul, one of the ablest divines -that ever graced a pulpit or wielded a pen. Charity is a child of -heaven—the substratum of philanthropy, the brightest star in the -christian’s diadem—the connecting link between man and his Creator—the -golden chain that reaches from earth to mansions of bliss. It spurns -from its presence the scrofula of green-eyed jealousy—the canker of -self-tormenting envy— the tortures of heart-chilling malice, and the -typhoid of foaming revenge. It neutralizes and tames the fiercer -passions of man and prepares him for that brighter world where this -darling attribute reigns triumphant without a rival. Could its benign -influence reach the hearts of all mankind, the partition walls of -sectarianism would crumble and disappear—national and individual -happiness would increase, and many of the dark clouds of human woe and -misery would vanish before its heart-cheering and soul-enlivening rays, -like the morning fog before the rising sun. It is a true and impartial -mirror set in the frame of love and resting on equity and justice. - -These preliminary remarks are elicited from a review of the life of the -subject of this biographette, whose father was among the persecuted -Quakers of New England, and was compelled to fly from Connecticut -to New Jersey in consequence of his religious tenets. It is an -inconsistency of human nature that when those who have suffered by -religious persecution from superior force obtain the reigns of power, -they often become the persecutors of all who will not succumb to their -authority and dogmatical notions. In the biography of Charles Carroll -the reader has recognised one example. Under the administration of -the “Cambridge Platform,” commenced by the ecclesiastical convention -of New England in 1646, and completed in 1648, a sterner policy was -pursued towards the Quakers than against the Roman Catholics. On this -“Platform” the municipal and legislative regulations were based for -about sixty years. In 1656, the legislature of Massachusetts passed a -law prohibiting every master of a vessel from bringing a Quaker into -the colony under a penalty of one hundred pounds. The next year a law -was passed by the same body, inflicting the most barbarous cruelties -upon the members of this sect, such as cutting off their ears, boring -their tongues with a hot iron, &c., unless they would desist from their -mode of worship and doff their straight coats and ugly bonnets. In -1669, a law was passed banishing them on pain of death, and four of -them who refused to go were executed. Some historians have endeavoured -to excuse this cruelty on the ground that the Quakers provoked their -persecutors by promulgating their doctrines too boldly. This reason -is too far-fetched, and shrinks at once from the scrutiny of charity -and justice. No apology can be found until we can convert the baser -passions of human nature into virtues. By recurring to the ignorance, -bigotry and fanaticism of that period, we can readily discover _why_ -such a course was pursued, but this affords no healing balm for the -mind of a true philanthropist. We can only regret the past and rejoice -that charity has so far triumphed as to restore men to a degree of -reason that has paralyzed persecution unto blood for opinion’s sake—one -of the happy traits of a free and liberal government. - -To avoid the penalties of the “Platform” and the dangers of Indian -incursions, Aaron Hewes and Providence his wife, the parents of the -subject of this narrative, took up their residence near Kingston, New -Jersey, where they lived peacefully and died happily. When they crossed -the Housatonic river in their flight, they were so closely pursued -by the savages that Providence was severely wounded in the neck by a -bullet from one of their guns. - -JOSEPH HEWES, their son, was born at the residence of his parents near -Kingston, in 1730. After receiving a good education in the Princeton -school, he commenced his commercial apprenticeship in the city of -Philadelphia. After completing this he entered into the mercantile -business and soon became an enterprising and successful merchant. For -several years he spent his time alternately at Philadelphia and New -York, and during that period was extensively engaged in the shipping -business. - -He was a man of a lively disposition, penetrating mind and industrious -in all his undertakings. He was fond of social intercourse, convivial -parties, and sometimes joined in the dance. His figure was elegant, his -manners polished, his countenance intelligent and attractive, and his -whole course highly honourable and just. - -At the age of thirty he located at Edenton, North Carolina, and was -soon after called to a seat in the assembly of that province. He became -a substantial and useful member, but made no pretensions to oratory. He -was a faithful working man, a correct voter, and was uniformly in the -assembly until elected to Congress. - -When the revolutionary storm commenced, Mr. Hewes was among those who -pledged their lives, fortunes and honours to support the cause of -equal rights. He was a member of the Congress of 1774, and was placed -upon the important committee appointed to report the rights of the -American colonies, the manner they had been infringed and the best -means of obtaining their restoration. From this fact, and from the -report of the committee, we may infer that Mr. Hewes was possessed of -a clear head, a sound and deliberate judgment, and understood well the -principles of constitutional law and chartered privileges. - -The report of this committee is a lucid and elaborate document. By -referring to the declaration of independence the reader will learn -the features of its first part—by referring to the instructions from -the primary convention of the delegates of Pennsylvania, in the -biography of James Smith, the nature of the second part will be seen. -The preliminary means of obtaining redress are fully set forth in the -following extract. After reciting the injuries of the mother country, -the report proceeds, - -“Therefore we do, for ourselves and the inhabitants of the several -colonies whom we represent, firmly agree and associate under the sacred -ties of virtue, honour and love of our country, as follows: - -_First._ That from and after the first day of December next, we will -not import into British America, from Great Britain or Ireland, any -goods, wares or merchandise whatsoever, or from any other place any -such goods, wares or merchandise as shall have been exported from Great -Britain or Ireland; nor will we, after that day, import any East India -tea from any part of the world, nor any molasses, sirups, coffee, or -pimento from the British plantations or from Dominico, nor wine from -Madeira or the West Indies, nor foreign indigo. - -_Second._ We will neither import nor purchase any slaves imported -after the first day of December next; after which time we will wholly -discontinue the slave trade, and will neither be concerned in it -ourselves, nor will we hire our vessels, nor sell our commodities or -manufactures to those who are concerned in it. - -_Third._ As a non-consumption agreement, strictly adhered to, will be -an effectual security for the observation of the non-importation, we -as above solemnly agree and associate, that from this day we will not -purchase or use any tea imported on account of the East India Company, -or any on which a duty has been or shall be paid—and from the first day -of March next, we will not purchase or use any East India tea whatever; -nor will we, nor shall any person for or under us, purchase or use any -of these goods, wares or merchandise we have agreed not to import, -which we shall know, or have cause to suspect, were imported after -the first day of December, except such as come under the rules and -directions of the tenth article hereafter mentioned. - -_Fourth._ The earnest desire we have not to injure our fellow subjects -in Great Britain, Ireland or the West Indies, induces us to suspend -a non-importation until the tenth day of September, 1775, at which -time, if the said acts and parts of acts of the British parliament -thereinafter mentioned[F] are not repealed, we will not, directly or -indirectly, export any merchandise or commodities whatsoever to Great -Britain, Ireland or the West Indies, except rice to Europe. - - [F] See biography of James Smith, p. 260, for the acts referred - to in substance. - -_Fifth._ Such as are merchants, and use the British and Irish trade, -will give orders as soon as possible to their factors, agents and -correspondents in Great Britain and Ireland, not to ship any goods -to them on any pretence whatsoever, as they cannot be received in -America; and if any merchants residing in Great Britain or Ireland -shall, directly or indirectly, ship any goods, wares or merchandise -for America, in order to break the said non-importation agreement, or -in any manner contravene the same, on such unworthy conduct being well -tested, it ought to be made public; and on the same being so done, -we will not from henceforth have any commercial connexion with such -merchant. - -_Sixth._ That such as are owners of vessels will give positive orders -to their captains or masters, not to receive on board their vessels -any goods prohibited by the said non-importation agreement, on pain of -immediate dismission from their service. - -_Seventh._ We will use our utmost endeavours to improve the breed of -sheep and increase their number to the greatest extent, and to that -end we will kill them as seldom as may be, especially those of the -most profitable kind, nor will we export any to the West Indies or -elsewhere; and those of us who are, or may become overstocked with -or can conveniently spare any sheep, will dispose of them to our -neighbours, especially to the poorer sort, on moderate terms. - -_Eighth._ We will in our several stations encourage frugality, economy -and industry, and promote agriculture, arts and the manufactures of -this country, especially that of wool, and will discountenance and -discourage every species of extravagance and dissipation, especially -all horse racing and all kinds of gaming, cock fighting, exhibitions -of shows, plays, and other expensive diversions and entertainments, -and on the death of any relation or friend, none of us or any of our -families will go into any further mourning dress than a black crape or -ribbon on the arm or hat for gentlemen, and a black ribbon and necklace -for ladies, and we will discontinue the giving of gloves and scarfs at -funerals. - -_Ninth._ Such as are venders of goods and merchandise will not take -the advantage of the scarcity of goods that may be occasioned by -this association, but will sell the same at the rate we have been -respectively accustomed to do for twelve months last past: and if any -vender of goods or merchandise shall sell any such goods on higher -terms, or shall in any manner or by any device whatsoever depart from -this agreement, no person ought, nor will any of us deal with any such -person, or his or her factor or agent at any time hereafter, for any -commodity whatever. - -_Tenth._ In case any merchant, trader, or other persons shall import -any goods or merchandise after the first day of December, and before -the first day of February next, the same ought forthwith, at the -election of the owners, to be either re-shipped or delivered up to -the committee of the county or town wherein they shall be imported, -to be stored at the risk of the importer, until the non-importation -agreement shall cease, or be sold under the direction of the committee -aforesaid; and in the last mentioned case the owner or owners of such -goods shall be reimbursed out of the sales, the first cost and charges, -the profits, if any, to be applied towards relieving and employing -such poor inhabitants of the town of Boston as are immediate sufferers -by the Boston port bill, and a particular account of all goods so -returned, stored or sold, to be inserted in the public paper; and if -any goods or merchandise shall be imported after the said first day -of February, the same ought forthwith to be sent back again without -breaking any of the packages thereof. - -_Eleventh._ That a committee be chosen in every county, city and -town, by those who are qualified to vote for representatives in the -legislature, whose business it shall be attentively to observe the -conduct of all persons touching this association, and when it shall be -made to appear to the satisfaction of a majority of any such committee, -that any person within the limits of their appointment has violated -this association, that such majority do forthwith cause the truth of -the case to be published in the gazette, to the end that all such foes -to the rights of British America may be publicly known and universally -condemned as the enemies of American liberty, and henceforth we -respectively will break off all dealings with him or her. - -_Twelfth._ That the committee of correspondence in the respective -colonies do frequently inspect the entries of the custom house, and -inform each other from time to time of the true state thereof, and -of every other material circumstance that may occur relative to this -association. - -_Thirteenth._ That all manufactures of this country be sold at -reasonable prices, so that no under-advantage be taken of a future -scarcity of goods. - -_Fourteenth._ And we do further agree and resolve, that we will have no -trade, commerce, dealings, or intercourse whatsoever with any colony -or province in North America which shall not accede to, or which -shall have hereafter violated this association, but will hold them as -unworthy of the rights of freemen and inimicable to the rights of their -country. - -And we do solemnly bind ourselves and our constituents, under the -ties aforesaid, to adhere to this association until such parts of the -several acts of parliament passed since the close of the war, as impose -or continue duties on tea, wine, molasses, sirups, coffee, sugar, -pimento, indigo, foreign paper, glass, and painters’ colours, imported -into America, and extend the powers of the admiralty courts beyond -their ancient limits, deprive the American subjects of trial by jury, -authorize the judge’s certificate to indemnify the prosecutor from -damages that he might otherwise be liable to from a trial by his peers, -require oppressive security from a claimant of ships or goods before he -shall be allowed to defend his property, are repealed. - -And we recommend it to the provincial conventions and to the committee -in the respective colonies, to establish such further regulations as -they may think proper for carrying into execution this association.” - -Upon this report all the subsequent proceedings of the Congress -were predicated. We may readily suppose, that nothing but the most -unparalleled violations of their rights, could induce men to enter -into an agreement like the above. By every true patriot it was closely -adhered to. - -After a session of about two months, Congress adjourned to meet the -ensuing May, when Mr. Hewes again took his seat in that body and became -conspicuous as a member of important committees. He was continued -at this post of honour the ensuing year and had the satisfaction of -hearing the discussion upon the momentous question of a separation from -Great Britain. He was decidedly in favour of the measure, and when the -set time arrived to strike for liberty, he sanctioned the declaration -of independence by his vote and signature. - -He now became a very conspicuous actor upon committees. His industry, -his accurate knowledge of business, his systematic mode of performing -all his duties, gained for him the esteem and admiration of all the -members. It was remarked by one of his cotemporaries: “Mr. Hewes -was remarkable for a devotedness to the business of this” (the -secret) “committee, as ever the most industrious merchant was to his -counting-house.” - -He was upon the committee of claims, upon the secret committee, upon -the one to consult with Washington relative to military operations, -upon that of the treasury and several others. The one upon which he -rendered the most important services, was that which had charge of -fitting out a naval armament. The whole business eventually devolved -upon him and he was, _de facto_, the first secretary of the navy. With -the funds placed in his hands he fitted out with great despatch eight -armed vessels. He was also very active in obtaining supplies for his -own state. Indeed so deeply did he feel for his constituents in North -Carolina, that he declined his appointment to Congress in 1777, and -repaired to her assistance, where he remained until July, 1779, when -he again resumed his seat in the national legislature. He was then -worn down with fatigue and in poor health. He endeavoured to resume -his active duties, but disease had already shaken his physical powers -and sown the seeds of death. He continued to attend in the house, when -able, until the 29th of October, when he saw its hall for the last -time. On the 10th of November, his immortal spirit left its earthly -tabernacle and returned to Him who gave it. His premature death was -deeply lamented and sincerely mourned. Congress passed the usual -resolutions and its members wore the mourning badge for thirty days. -His remains were buried in Christ Church yard, Philadelphia, followed -by all the members and officers of Congress, the general assembly and -supreme executive council of Pennsylvania, the minister plenipotentiary -of France, the military and a large concourse of other persons. The -funeral ceremony was performed by the Reverend Mr. White, since Bishop -White, and the chaplain of the Continental Congress. His dust reposes -in peace, his name is recorded on the chart of our liberty, his fame -will live until the last vestige of American history shall be blotted -from the world. Not a blemish rests upon his private character or -public reputation. - - - - -JOHN ADAMS. - - -Genuine moral courage is a sterling quality that ennobles and dignifies -the man. It invigorates the mind like an impregning cloud—shedding its -gentle dews on the flowers of spring. It is a heavenly spark, animating -the immortal soul with the fire of divinity that illuminates the path -of rectitude. It is an attribute that opposes all wrong and propels -its subject right onward to the fearless performance of all right. It -is based upon virtue and equity, and spurns vice in all its borrowed -and delusive forms. It courts no servile favours—it fears no earthly -scrutiny. No flattery can seduce it, no eclat can allure it, no bribe -can purchase it, no tyrant can awe it, no misfortune can bend it, no -intrigue can corrupt it, no adversity can quench it, no tortures can -subdue it. Its motto is—“_Fiat justitia, ruat cœlum_.” [Let justice be -done though the heavens should fall.] Without it, fame is ephemeral -and renown transient. It is the saline basis of a good name that gives -richness to its memory. It is a pillar of light to revolving thought, -and the polar star that points to duty and leads to merit. It is the -soul of reason, the essence of wisdom, and the crowning glory of mental -power. It was this that influenced the signers of the declaration of -independence and nerved them for the conflict. - -No one among them was more fully imbued with it than JOHN ADAMS. He was -a native of Quincy, Massachusetts, and born on the 19th of October, -(O. S.) 1735. He was the fourth in descent from Henry Adams, whose -tomb bears this singular inscription—“He took his flight from the -dragon persecution, in Devonshire, England, and alighted, with eight -sons, near Mount Wollaston.” In childhood the career of John Adams was -marked with a rapid developement of strong intellectual powers, which -were skilfully cultivated by Mr. Marsh, at Braintree, a celebrated and -successful teacher. At the age of sixteen years he entered Harvard -College, at Cambridge, where he became a finished scholar and graduated -at the age of twenty. He gained a high reputation for frankness, -honesty and untiring industry, and was greatly esteemed by the -professors and his classmates. - -From college he proceeded to Worcester, commenced the study of law -under Mr. Putnam, and finished with Mr. Gridley, supporting himself -in the mean time by teaching a grammar class. At that early age he -possessed wisdom to perceive right, and moral courage to pursue it. -In view of the past and present, he made a philosophic grasp at the -future, as will appear from the following extract from a letter written -by him on the 12th of October, 1755, shortly after he took up his -residence at Worcester. - -“Soon after the reformation a few people came over into this new world -for conscience sake. Perhaps this apparently trivial incident may -transfer the great seat of empire into America. It looks likely to me, -if we can remove the turbulent Gallics, our people, according to the -exactest computations, will, in another century, become more numerous -than England herself. Should this be the case, since we have, I may -say, all the naval stores of the nation in our hands, it will be easy -to obtain the mastery of the seas, and then the united force of all -Europe will not be able to subdue us. The only way to keep us from -setting up for ourselves—is to disunite us. * * * Keep us in distinct -colonies, and then some men in each colony, desiring the monarchy of -the whole, will destroy each other’s influence and keep the country in -equilibrio.” - -This broad and expansive view of the future, conceived by a youth, was -very remarkable. He saw the one thing needful to render our nation -powerful—the creation of a navy—for which nature has given us all -the stores. The paralysis that pervades our government in its naval -improvements has long astonished the nations of the old world, and a -_few_ of our own statesmen. The time _will_ arrive when our country -will be made to feel most keenly—that “a navy is the right arm of -defence.” - -After pursuing his studies three years, Mr. Adams was admitted to -the practice of law. He then commenced his professional career at -Braintree. Questions of constitutional right and law had already become -the subject of investigation and a root of bitterness between the -colonists and the officers of the crown. The latter, that were engaged -in the custom-house, claimed unlimited power to search the private -dwellings of all persons whom they suspected of having dutiable goods. -This suspicion, or pretended suspicion, often arose from personal -animosity, without a shadow of evidence or reasonable cause. The right -of search was of course resisted as arbitrary, unconstitutional and -assumed. This led to an application to the superior court for “writs of -assistance,” which may be considered as one of the first germs of the -revolution. Mr. Gridley, who had led Mr. Adams to the bar, and was then -his friend and admirer, maintained the legality of the proceeding, not -upon the ground of constitutional law, but from the necessity of the -case in order to protect the revenue. Mr. Adams took a deep interest -in the question, which was finally argued before the superior court at -Boston, by Mr. Gridley for the crown and Mr. Otis for the people. In -listening to the latter gentleman, a fire of patriotism was kindled in -the bosom of Mr. Adams, that death alone could extinguish. He asserted -in after life, that “Mr. Otis’s oration against writs of assistance, -breathed into this nation the breath of life. * * * American -independence was then and there born. * * * Every man of an immense -crowded audience appeared to me to go away, as I did, ready to take up -arms against writs of assistance. Then and there was the first scene of -the first act of opposition to the arbitrary claims of Great Britain.” - -The court _publicly_ decided against the writs, but _secretly_ issued -them. That people had their houses searched to satisfy revenge, will -appear from the following described incident. - -“Mr. Justice Wally had called Mr. Ware, one of the persons in -possession of such a writ, before him, by a constable, to answer for a -breach of the Sabbath-day acts, or for profane swearing. As soon as he -had finished, Mr. Ware asked him if he had done. He replied—yes. Well, -then, said Mr. Ware, I will show you a little of _my_ power. I command -you to permit me to search your house for uncustomed goods—and went on -to search his house from garret to cellar—and then served the constable -in the same manner.” - -We can readily imagine the natural consequences of such a procedure, -against which Mr. Adams at once took a bold and decided stand. The -assembly also interfered in behalf of the people, and in 1762 prepared -a bill to prevent these writs from being issued to any but custom-house -officers, and to them only upon a specific information on oath—which -bill was vetoed by the governor. As a blow at the royal authority this -was well aimed, and showed a disposition in the members to do the will -of their constituents. As a retaliative measure they reduced the salary -of the judges. - -In 1761, Mr. Adams attained the rank of barrister and rose to eminence -in his profession. In 1764, he married the accomplished Miss Abigail, -the daughter of the Rev. William Smith, who participated with him in -the changing scenes of life for fifty-four years. The following extract -from a letter written by her to a friend, after the commencement of the -revolution, will exhibit the strength of her mind and the patriotic -feelings of the ladies at that eventful era. - -“Heaven is our witness that we do not rejoice in the effusion of blood -or the carnage of the human species—but, having been forced to draw -the sword, we are determined never to sheathe it—_slaves to Britain_. -Our cause, sir, I trust, is the cause of truth and justice, and will -finally prevail, though the combined force of earth and hell should -rise against it. To this cause I have sacrificed much of my own -personal happiness, by giving up to the councils of America one of my -nearest connexions, and living for more than three years in a state of -widowhood.” - -When the stamp act was passed, the fire of indignation against lawless -oppression rose in the bosom of Mr. Adams to a luminous flame. He at -once became a public man, and entered into a defence of chartered -rights and rational freedom. He published an “Essay on the Canon and -Feudal Law,” which placed him on a lofty eminence as an able and -vigorous writer. Its raciness penetrated the joints and marrow of royal -power as practised, and the parliamentary legislation as assumed. He -traced the former law to its original source—the Roman clergy—by them -subtlely planned, extensively exercised and acutely managed, to effect -their own aggrandizement. He then delineated the servile dogmas of the -latter, that made each manor the miniature kingdom of a petty tyrant. -He then drew a vivid picture of their powerful but unholy confederacy, -by which they spread the mantle of ignorance over the world, drove -virtue from the earth, and commenced the era of mental obscurity. -He then explored the labyrinthian mazes of the dark ages, portrayed -the first glimmerings of returning light, travelled through the -gigantic struggles of the reformation amidst the bloody scenes of cruel -persecution, and finally placed his readers upon the granite shores of -New England, where, for a century, liberty had shed its happy influence -upon the sons and daughters of freemen, unmolested by canons or feuds. -That liberty was now invaded, and, unless the tyranny that had already -commenced its desolating course was arrested in its bold career, -slavery would be the consequence. This is the syllabus of a pamphlet of -over forty pages, written in a strong, bold and nervous style. - -From that time forward Mr. Adams became a leading whig. He became -associated with Samuel Adams, Quincy, Otis and other kindred spirits, -all much older men, but not more zealous in the cause than him. The -repeal of the odious stamp act and the removal of Mr. Grenville from -the ministry was the result of the labours of the patriots in 1765. -A delusive calm ensued in parliamentary and ministerial proceedings, -openly avowed. Mr. Adams was among those who watched closely the signs -of the times. Governor Barnard occasionally showed the cloven foot, -and his officers put on airs that were far from being agreeable to -the yeomanry of the country. Festering wounds occasionally became -irritated, and no balm was found that restored them to perfect -soundness. - -In 1766 Mr. Adams removed to Boston, and at the end of two years -had become so conspicuous and had displayed so much talent that the -governor thought him worth purchasing. The lucrative and honourable -office of advocate-general in the court of admiralty was offered to -him, which was deemed a sufficient bribe to allure him. In this the -governor found himself mistaken. Moral courage was the firm basis -on which this devoted patriot stood. He spurned the royal harness, -glittering with gold, with as much disdain as the wild horse of the -prairie looks upon a moping mule. - -In 1769 he was one of the committee appointed by the citizens of Boston -to propose instructions for their representatives in the legislative -body, which were highly spiced with free principles, and were very -unsavoury to the royal governor. Many of his measures were severely -censured, particularly that of quartering the mercenary soldiers in the -town. He was unbending in his purposes, and the people determined on -maintaining their rights. The consequences were tragical. On the fifth -of March, 1770, an affray occurred between the military and citizens, -in which five of the latter were killed and others wounded. The -following description of the scene that ensued is from the pen of Mr. -Adams, the present subject of this memoir. - -“The people assembled first at Faneuil Hall and adjourned to the -old South Church, to the number, as was conjectured, of ten or -twelve hundred men, among whom were the most virtuous, substantial, -independent, disinterested and intelligent citizens. They formed -themselves into a regular deliberative body, chose their moderator and -secretary, entered into discussions, deliberations and debates, adopted -resolutions and appointed committees. Their resolutions in public were -conformable to every man in private who dared express his thoughts or -his feelings—‘that the regular soldiers should be banished from the -town at all hazards.’ Jonathan Williams, a very pious, inoffensive and -conscientious gentleman, was their moderator. A remonstrance to the -governor, or governor and council, was ordained, and a demand that -the regular troops should be removed from the town. A committee was -appointed to present this remonstrance, of which _Samuel Adams_ was -chairman. - -“This was a delicate and dangerous crisis. The question in the last -resort was—whether the town of Boston should become a scene of carnage -and desolation or not. Humanity to the soldiers conspired with a regard -for the safety of the town, in suggesting the measure in calling the -town together to deliberate, for nothing but the most solemn promises -to the people, that the soldiers should, at all hazards, be driven from -the town, had preserved its peace. Not only the immense assemblies of -the people from day to day, but military arrangements from night to -night were necessary to keep the people and the soldiers from getting -together by the ears. The life of a red coat would not have been -safe in any street or corner of the town; nor would the lives of the -inhabitants been much more secure. The whole militia of the city was in -requisition, and military watches and guards were every where placed. -We were all upon a level; no man was exempted; our military officers -were our only superiors. I had the honour to be summoned in my turn and -attended at the State-house with my musket and bayonet, my broad sword -and cartridge box, under the command of the famous Paddock. I know you -will laugh at my military figure; but I believe there was not a more -obedient soldier in the regiment, nor one more impartial between the -people and the regulars. In this character I was upon duty all night in -my turn. No man appeared more anxious or more deeply impressed with a -sense of danger on all sides than our commander Paddock. He called me, -common soldier as I was, frequently to his councils. I had a great deal -of conversation with him, and no man appeared more apprehensive of a -fatal calamity to the town, or more zealous by every prudent measure to -prevent it.”[G] - - [G] For the further proceedings, see Samuel Adams and John - Hancock. - -Order was finally restored and the civil authorities again assumed -their functions. Captain Preston was arrested and brought before the -court, charged with giving the order to the regulars to fire upon -the citizens; and also the soldiers who committed the outrage. As is -uniformly the case, each party was charged with blame by the respective -friends of the other. Some inconsiderate citizens had thrown snowballs -at the king’s troops, who returned the change in blue pills. The former -were imprudent, the latter were revengeful. - -Mr. Adams was employed by the accused to defend them. Some of his -friends were fearful that it might injure his popularity with the -people, whose excitement was still very great. But so ingeniously and -eloquently did he manage the case, that Captain Preston and all the -soldiers but two were acquitted, and those two were only convicted -of manslaughter, and Mr. Adams stood approved and applauded by the -citizens, having performed his professional duty to his clients, and -at the same time vindicated the rights of the people; the result of -being guided entirely by the polar star of moral courage. - -The same year he was elected to the legislative body, then called the -“General Court,” and was a bold opposer of the arbitrary measures -of Lieutenant-governor Hutchinson, who undisguisedly followed the -directions of the ministry in violation of the charter of the colony, -in all things that were necessary to carry out the plans of the British -cabinet, pleading his instructions as an excuse. - -Mr. Adams was one of the committee that prepared an address to him, -the style of which induces me to think it was penned by him. From -the following extract the reader may judge. After vividly portraying -the violations of right complained of, the address concludes, “These -and other grievances and cruelties, too many to be here enumerated, -and too melancholy to _be much longer borne_ by this injured people, -we have seen brought upon us by the devices of ministers of state. -And we have, of late, seen and heard of _instructions_ to governors -which threaten to destroy all the remaining privileges of our charter. -Should these struggles of the house prove unfortunate and ineffectual, -this province will submit, with pious resignation, to the will of -_Providence_; but it would be a kind of suicide, of which we have the -utmost abhorrence, to be instrumental in our own servitude.” A blind -obstinacy on the part of the ministers increased the opposition of the -people and operated upon them with all the power of centrifugal force, -inducing them to refuse obedience to the king’s officers. Alarmed at -the boldness of the people of Boston, Governor Barnard had ordered -the general court to convene at Cambridge. This was contrary to the -charter which fixed its place of meeting at the former place. The -members convened but refused to proceed to business unless they were -permitted to adjourn to the proper place, to which Lieutenant-governor -Hutchinson, who had succeeded Governor Barnard, refused his assent. A -war of words and paper ensued, in which the patriots were uniformly -victorious. Mr. Adams was a leader of the sharp-shooters and made -great havoc among the officers of the crown. They induced the senior -member of their council, Mr. Brattle, to enter the field against him -with pen in hand. The conflict was short, Mr. Adams put him _hors de -combat_, and showed the people the fallacy of every pretext set up by -the hirelings of the ministry. In 1771, Mr. Hutchinson was appointed -governor, and the next year consented to the return of the legislative -body to Boston as a balm for the wounds he had inflicted. But in this -he gained no popularity—it was deemed an involuntary act forced upon -him by the popular will, or a mere stratagem to quiet the public mind. -There were other sources of complaint. The troops in the castle, that -were under the pay and control of the province, had been dismissed and -their place supplied by fresh regulars from the mother country: the -governor and judges received their salaries from England instead of -from the colony, as had always been the usage, thus aiming to render -the military, executive and judiciary independent of the people whom -they governed, which operated as a talisman to destroy all confidence -and affection for these officers on the part of the citizens. The tax -on tea was another source of grief that touched more tender chords. -Woe unto the ruler that rouses the indignation of the better part of -creation. He had better tempt the fury of Mars, or try his speed with -Atalanta. Tea soon became forbidden fruit, and several vessel loads -were sacrificed to Neptune as an oblation for the sins of ministers -and an oblectation for the fishes of Boston harbour. Royal authority -increased in insolence, and the patriots increased in boldness. At the -commencement of the session of the general court in 1773, Governor -Hutchinson sustained the odious doctrine of supremacy of the parliament -in his message, which was promptly replied to and denied by the members -of that body. A reply was as promptly returned by his excellency, -which was prepared with more than usual ability. Mr. Adams, although -not a member at that time, was employed to write a rejoinder, which -was adopted without any amendment. It paralyzed the pen and closed -the mouth of the governor. It was an exposition of British wrongs and -American rights so clearly exhibited, that no sophistry could impugn -it or logic confront it. So highly was it appreciated by Dr. Franklin, -that he had it republished in England and freely circulated. It was a -luminary to the patriots and confusion to their opponents. - -Shortly after, Mr. Adams was elected to the general court and placed on -the list of committees. So vindictive was governor Hutchinson, that he -erased his name—an act that recoiled upon himself with redoubled force -and aided to hasten the termination of his power in the colony. In less -than a year from that time he was succeeded by governor Gage, who was -still better calculated to hasten on the revolutionary crisis—because -more authoritative and ministerial than his predecessor. With the -commencement of his limited administration in 1774, the Boston port -bill took effect. The consequences that followed are familiar to the -reader. Governor Gage embraced the first opportunity to pay a marked -attention to John Adams. His name was placed on the council list at -the first session of the legislature, after his excellency assumed the -helm of government, who at once placed his indignant cross upon it. -He also removed the assembly to Salem. The members proceeded to the -preliminary business of the session, and among other things requested -the governor to fix a day for general humiliation and prayer, which he -peremptorily refused to do. Here again tender chords were touched. The -people _en masse_ venerated religion, and an insult upon that or an -interruption of its usual and ancient usages, was like adding pitch to -a fire already vivid and flaming. The house then proceeded to consider -the project of a general Congress, and in spite of an attempt by the -governor to dissolve it, the door was locked against his secretary, -patriotic resolutions were passed, and five delegates appointed to -meet a national convention, one of which was John Adams. So bold had -been his course that some of his warmest friends and most ardent -admirers advised him to decline his appointment, as the adherents of -the crown had already hinted that he evidently aimed at establishing -an independent government, which they considered endangered the peace -of the country and his life, as the British could and would enforce -every measure they chose to adopt. But John Adams had weighed well the -subject of rights and wrongs and took his stand within the citadel of -MORAL COURAGE, against which the gates of hell can never prevail. He -had resolved to nobly perish in defending the liberty of his country, -or plant the standard of freedom on the ruins of tyranny. - -At the appointed time he repaired to the city of Philadelphia and took -his seat in that assemblage of sages whose wisdom has been sung by the -ablest poets, applauded by the most eloquent orators, and admired by -the most sagacious statesmen of the two hemispheres. On reading the -proceedings of the American Congress of 1774, Lord Chatham remarked, -“that he had studied and admired the free states of antiquity, the -master spirits of the world—but that for solidity of reasoning, force -of sagacity and wisdom of conclusion, no body of men could stand in -preference to this congress.” - -Mr. Adams, for whom his friends felt so much anxiety for fear his -ardour might lead him to rashness, was as calm as a summer morning, but -firm as the granite shores of his birth place. With all his ardent zeal -he was discreet, prudent and politic. He was the last man to violate -constitutional law, and the last man to submit to its violation. He -kept his helm hard up and ran close to the wind, but understood well -when to luff and when to take the larboard tack, and when to take in -sail. His soundings were deep and his calculations relative to future -storms were truly prophetic. He was one of the few that believed the -ministry would induce the king and parliament of the mother country -to remain incorrigible, and that petitions would be vain, addresses -futile, and remonstrances unavailing. That this Congress adopted the -proper course to pursue, he was fully aware—that dignity might grace -the cause of the people and justice be honoured. The following extract -from a letter written by him at a subsequent period, shows his, and the -conclusions of others at that time. - -“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, declarations of rights, enumeration of wrongs, petitions, -remonstrances, addresses, associations and non-importation agreements, -however they might be accepted in America and however necessary to -cement the union of the colonies, would be waste water in England. -Mr. Henry said, they might make some impression among the _people_ of -England, but 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 Northampton, 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 -letter I read to Mr. Henry, who listened with great attention, and as -soon as I had pronounced the words:—‘_after all we must fight_’—he -raised his hand and with an energy and vehemence that I can never -forget, broke out with—‘by G—d I am of that man’s mind.’ * * * * * - -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. You will be completely relieved—all -the offensive acts will be repealed, the army and fleet will be -recalled and Britain will give up her foolish project.’ Washington -only was in doubt. He never spoke in public. 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—with either he -thought it doubtful. Henry was clear in one opinion, Richard Henry Lee -in an opposite opinion, and Washington doubted between the two.” - -Here is exhibited a striking picture of the minds of these four great -men, which appears to have escaped the notice of the several writers -that I have consulted. Adams and Henry, drawing their conclusions from -the past, the present and the future, diving into the depths of human -nature and grasping, at one bold view, all the multiform circumstances -that hung over the two nations, concluded truly, “_after all we must -fight_.” They concluded that the confidence inspired in the ministers -by the overwhelming physical force of Great Britain, would prevent -them from relaxing the cords of oppression, and that the independent -spirit of the hardy sons of Columbia would not be subdued without a -struggle. Lee, naturally bouyant, his own mind readily impressed by -reason and eloquence, did not reflect that inflated power, when deluded -by obstinacy and avarice, is callous to all the refined feelings of the -heart, is deaf to wisdom and blind to justice. He was as determined to -maintain chartered rights as them, but did not scan human nature as -closely. Washington, deep in reflection and investigation, his soul -overflowing with the milk of human kindness, did not arrive as rapidly -at conclusions. In weighing the causes of difference between the two -countries, reason, justice and hope on the one side, power, corruption, -and avarice on the other, held his mind, for a time, in equilibrio. He -plainly perceived and pursued the right, and fondly but faintly hoped -that England would see and pursue it too. He was as prompt to defend -liberty as either of the others. - -On his return, Mr. Adams was congratulated by his anxious friends upon -the prudent course he had pursued, and was re-elected a member of -the ensuing Congress. During the interim his pen was again usefully -employed. Mr. Sewall, the king’s attorney-general, had written a -series of elaborate and ingenious essays, maintaining the supremacy -of parliament and censuring, in no measured terms, the proceedings of -the whigs. Under the name of “Novanglus,” Mr. Adams stripped the gay -ornaments and gaudy apparel from the high-varnished picture that Mr. -Sewall had presented to the public, and when he had finished his work, -a mere skeleton of visible deformity was left to gaze upon. - -The attorney-general was made to tremble before the keen cuts of the -falchion quill of this devoted patriot. So deep was his reasoning, so -learned were his expositions, and so lucid and conclusive were his -demonstrations, that his antagonist exclaimed, as he retired hissing -from the conflict, “he strives to hide his inconsistencies under a huge -pile of learning.” The pile proved too huge for royal power, and was -sufficiently large to supply the people with an abundance of light. -The supremacy of parliament was an unfortunate issue for ministers. It -left the sages of liberty in a position to hurl their arrows freely at -_them_, without denying the allegiance of the colonists to the _king_. -The British cabinet worked out its own destruction, if not with fear -and trembling, it was with blindness and disgrace—a disgrace arising -from the grossest impolicy and injustice, if not to say ignorance and -infatuation. They were entirely mistaken in the people of America—they -awoke the wrong passengers. - -In May, 1775, Mr. Adams again took his seat in Congress. The members -convened under quite different feelings from those that pervaded their -bosoms the previous autumn. Revolution was now rolling fearfully upon -their bleeding country, hope of redress was expiring like the last -flickerings of an exhausted taper, dark and portentous clouds were -accumulating, the ministerial ermine was already steeped in blood, -the chains of servitude were clanking in their ears, the dying groans -of their fellow citizens and the mournful lamentations of widows and -orphans were resounding through the land, and the prophetic conclusion -of Adams and Henry, drawn at the previous session, began to force -itself upon the minds of members, that “_after all we must fight_.” As -a preliminary measure, it was necessary to appoint a commander of the -military forces to be raised. To fix upon the _best_ man was of vital -importance. Many were yet chanting the song of peace and thought it -premature to make such an appointment, lest it should widen the breach -which they still hoped might be repaired. The New England delegates -were not of this class. When the purple current was wantonly diverted -from its original channel upon the heights of Lexington, they hung -their syren harps upon the weeping willows that shaded the tombs of -their murdered brethren. They were convinced that war was inevitable. -All soon became satisfied that prudence dictated a preparation for -such an event. A suitable man to lead the armies and direct their -course was a desideratum. The southern members were willing to submit -to any nomination made by the eastern delegates. General Artemas Ward -of Massachusetts was fixed upon by most of them, except John Adams. -In George Washington he had discovered the commingling qualities -of a philanthropist, a philosopher, a statesman and a hero. He was -prompted by the force of moral courage to at once urge his colleagues -to sanction his choice. They were all opposed to it, as were also the -other members of the northern and eastern delegation. Mr. Adams was -firm in his purpose, and met every objection with conclusive arguments. -These discussions were all private, not a word was uttered on the -floor of Congress as to who should be the man. At last Samuel Adams -became convinced that his junior colleague was right. The work was -soon accomplished. Satisfied that his measure would be supported by a -majority, John Adams rose in Congress and proposed that a commander -of the American armies should be appointed. When this resolution was -passed, he proceeded to portray the requisite qualities necessary -to fit a man for this important station, and emphatically remarked -“_such a man is within these walls_.” But few knew who he was about -to nominate, and could not imagine who among their own number was -possessed of all these noble attainments. A transient pause ensued. A -breathless anxiety produced a painful suspense. The next moment the -name of COLONEL GEORGE WASHINGTON of Virginia, was announced, at which -the colonel was more astonished than any other member of the house. He -had not received an intimation of the intended honour from any person. -He was nominated by John Adams about the middle of June, the nomination -was seconded by Samuel Adams, the next day the vote was taken and was -unanimous in his favour. This appointment originated entirely with Mr. -Adams; a high encomium upon his deep penetration and discernment of -human intellect, a clear demonstration of his moral courage manifested -in persevering in his choice although opposed at the threshold by -the entire New England delegation. So judicious and felicitous was -this selection, that the revered La Fayette remarked, “it was the -consequence of providential inspiration.” Be it so; Mr. Adams was the -happy medium through which it was communicated to the Continental -Congress, thereby placing at the head of the American armies just such -a man as the crisis required—prudent, dignified, bold, sagacious, -patient, persevering, and universally esteemed by the patriots, and -admired even by the most violent adherents of the crown. - -After Mr. Adams had accomplished this important act, he remained -apparently quiescent during the residue of the session, viewing, -analyzing and scanning public feeling and public acts. - -In the spring of 1776, he took his seat a third time in the National -Assembly. The period had then arrived for more decisive action. -Massachusetts had been declared out of the king’s protection by -parliament. England had hired legions of soldiers from German princes -to subdue the rebels in America, the last note of peace had died -upon the voice of echo, every ray of hope in favour of an amicable -settlement was banished, and every member became convinced that the -dilemma was, _resistance or slavery_; but there were many who shrunk -back with astonishment when independence was named to them. - -At this juncture Mr. Adams marked out a bold course and had moral -courage to pursue it. On the sixth of May he offered a resolution -in Congress proposing that the colonies should organize governments -independent of the mother country. On the tenth of the same month its -substance was adopted in a modified form, recommending the formation of -such government by the colonies “as might be conducive to the happiness -and safety of their constituents in particular and America in general.” - -This startling measure was at first ably opposed by many of the -patriots as premature, admitting its justice, and, but for the weakness -of the colonies, its propriety and necessity. But Mr. Adams knew no -middle course. He had succeeded in obtaining the adoption of the -preface to his broad and expanding folio of an independent compact, -and he proceeded to put the main matter to press. He rose like a -giant and commenced the mighty work of political regeneration. Each -succeeding day brought him new aid. From the legislature of his own -state he received full permission to strike for independence. North -Carolina had declared first, Virginia followed, and on the seventh of -June, Richard Henry Lee became the organ to lay the proposition fairly -before Congress. A most animated discussion ensued. Then it was that -the powers of Mr. Adams were fully developed. Mr. Jefferson said of him -when alluding to his able support of the declaration of independence, -“John Adams was the pillar of its support on the floor of Congress; -its ablest advocate and defender against the multifarious assaults -it encountered. He was our Colossus on the floor; not graceful, not -elegant, not always fluent in his public addresses; yet he came out -with a power, both of thought and of expression, that moved us from our -seats.” Another writer remarks, I think Mr. Trumbull, “The eloquence -of Mr. Adams resembled his general character. It was bold, manly and -energetic, such as the crisis required.” The noblest powers of the soul -of John Adams were raised to the zenith of their strength to accomplish -the mighty work before him. Although on the committee to prepare -the manifesto of eternal separation, he confided its preparation to -his colleagues and bent his whole force, eloquence and energy upon -the opponents to the measure. Most manfully did he contend, most -gloriously did he triumph. He bore down upon his adversaries like a -mountain torrent, a sweeping avalanche, prostrating their arguments -and answering their objections in a manner that left no trace behind. -He hurled the arrows of conviction so thick and fast, that every -heart was pierced and a majority subdued. At length the time arrived -when the momentous subject must be decided. The fourth of July, 1776, -dawned upon the patriots; they assembled, the past, the present and -the prospective future rushed upon their minds; moments flew, hearts -beat quicker, the question was put, independence was declared, America -was free, liberty was honoured, freedom was proclaimed and a nation -redeemed. - -The following copy of a letter written by Mr. Adams to his wife on the -5th of July, will show the feelings of his mind on that occasion: - -“Yesterday the greatest question was decided that was ever debated in -America, and greater, perhaps, never was or will be decided among men. -A resolution passed without one dissenting colony—‘that these United -States are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states.’ The -day is passed. The fourth of July, 1776, will be a memorable epoch in -the history of America. I am apt to believe it will be celebrated by -succeeding generations, as the great anniversary festival. It ought to -be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion -to Almighty God. It ought to be solemnized with pomps, shows, games, -sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations, from one end of the -continent to the other, from this time forward and for ever. You will -think me transported with enthusiasm, but I am not. I am well aware of -the toil, and blood, and treasure, that it will cost to maintain this -declaration and support and defend these states; yet, through all the -gloom, I can see the rays of light and glory. I can see that the end -is worth more than all the means, and that posterity will triumph, -although you and I may rue, which I hope we shall not.” - -Early in the winter of 1776, Mr. Adams sketched a form of government -to be adopted by each colony, which was substantially the same as the -constitutions of the present time. It was in a letter to Richard Henry -Lee, by whom it was, by permission, published without a name, and may -be considered as the model of the constitutions now in force in the -different states. After the form he remarks, “A constitution founded on -these principles, introduces knowledge among the people and inspires -them with a conscious dignity becoming freemen. A general emulation -takes place which causes good humour, sociability, good manners and -good morals to be general. That elevation of sentiment inspired by -such a government, makes the common people brave and enterprising. -That ambition which is inspired by it makes them sober, industrious -and frugal. You will find among them some elegance perhaps, but -more solidity; a little pleasure but a great deal of business; some -politeness but more civility. If you compare such a country with the -regions of domination, whether monarchial or aristocratical, you will -fancy yourself in Arcadia or Elysium.” - -Here, upon the canvass of truth, is a complete picture, exhibiting -the blessings derived from a government like our own in its -_principles_—that these principles are not strictly adhered to by all -politicians, is a fact too fully and fearfully demonstrated. Among all -the great men of the last century of increasing intellectual light, -no one appears to have taken a more comprehensive and at the same -time minute view of human nature and of human government, than John -Adams. He traced causes and effects through all their labyrinthian -meanderings, and drew conclusions as if by inspiration. Many of his -predictions of the future bear the impress of prophecy, and show how -deeply he investigated and the clearness of his perception. - -On his return from Congress at the close of the session, he was chosen -a member of the council of Massachusetts under the new constitution, -and aided to organize a free government on a basis purely republican. -He was also appointed chief justice, but declined serving. - -In 1777, Mr. Adams resumed his seat in Congress, and engaged in a -course of labour unparalleled in the history of legislation. He was an -acting member of ninety committees, chairman of twenty-five, chairman -of the board of war and of appeals, discharged all those multifarious -duties promptly, besides participating in the debates of the house upon -all important questions. In December of that year he was appointed a -commissioner to France, and embarked on board of the frigate Boston -in February following, from his native town at the foot of Mount -Wollaston. During the voyage a British armed ship was discovered, -and, by the consent of Mr. Adams, Captain Tucker gave chase, strictly -enjoining the commissioner to keep out of danger. No sooner had the -action commenced than Mr. Adams seized a musket and gave the enemy -a well directed shot. The captain discovering him in his exposed -situation, said to him, “I am commanded by the Continental Congress to -carry you in safety to Europe, and I will do it,” and very pleasantly -removed him and placed him out of danger. - -On his arrival at France he had the satisfaction to learn that Dr. -Franklin and his colleagues had succeeded in concluding a treaty of -alliance with the French nation. He continued in Europe a little more -than a year and then returned home. Soon after his arrival he was -elected to a convention of his native state convened for the purpose -of perfecting a constitution for the more complete organization of its -government. He was upon the committee to prepare this document, and was -selected to make the draught. He produced an instrument similar to that -sketched for Richard Henry Lee in January 1776, which was sanctioned -and adopted. Before his duties had terminated in this convention he was -appointed by Congress “a minister plenipotentiary for negotiating a -treaty of peace and a treaty of commerce with Great Britain.” - -In October, 1779, he embarked from Boston for Europe, and after a long -and tedious passage, he arrived at Paris in February following. The -British ministry were not yet sufficiently humbled to do right, and -Mr. Adams had too much sagacity to be ensnared, and too much moral -courage to consent to any thing wrong. Anxious to benefit his country, -on hearing that Mr. Laurens, the American commissioner to Holland, had -been captured, he immediately repaired to that kingdom, and in August -received a commission from Congress to negotiate a loan and to conclude -a treaty of amity and commerce with the States General of Holland, with -instructions to accede to any treaty of neutral rights that might arise -from regulations to be made by a congress of the European states, then -in contemplation. In a few months he was completely overwhelmed with -diplomatic powers. He was minister plenipotentiary to Great Britain—to -the States General—to the prince of Orange—to all the European states -for pledging the faith of the United States to the armed neutrality, -with letters of credit to the Russian, Swedish and Danish envoys in -Holland, and a commissioner to negotiate a loan of ten millions of -dollars for the support of the home department and foreign embassies. -The duties thus devolving upon him, all of which he discharged with -approbation, will give the reader some idea of the gigantic mental -powers of John Adams. He had the same kind of intrigue to encounter -as that alluded to in the biography of Franklin, which he met at the -threshold and crushed whilst in embryo. - -In July, 1781, he received a summons from the court of France to repair -immediately to Versailles to deliberate upon a plan of peace with -England. On his arrival he had occasion for the exercise of that moral -courage that sustained him in every dilemma. The terms offered did -not fully recognise the rights of the United States as an independent -sovereign nation—peace was anxiously desired and ardently urged by the -Duke de Vergennes, who stood at the head of the French cabinet—Mr. -Adams desired it too, but only upon honourable and dignified terms. -The duke, who had uniformly showed a disposition to make the United -States at least _feel_ deeply a dependence upon France, undertook to -dictate to Mr. Adams, and placed him in the position of a subordinate -agent. In this project he was greatly mistaken. Mr. Adams recognised no -dictator but the Continental Congress and his own keen and penetrating -judgment. So chagrined was the French duke at the independence of the -American minister, that he wrote to the chevalier de la Luzerne, then -minister from France in America, to lay a formal complaint against Mr. -Adams before Congress. This he did in a very ingenious manner, but -without success. As a matter of deference to their new and important -ally, the members of Congress very partially modified the instructions -to their minister, but did not place him under the control of the duke -as requested. They knew the spirit of John Adams would never compromise -the dignity of the American name, and they reposed entire confidence -in his ability to perceive the right, and in his moral courage to -pursue it. It became evident that the motives of the French court in -giving assistance to the United States were based entirely on self. -Her objects were to humble her inveterate foe, and when that was -accomplished, to secure her own aggrandizement and that of Spain at the -expense of America. I speak of the _court_ of France, and not of the -good Lafayette and French patriots like him. - -Finding that his presence could be of no service at Versailles, Mr. -Adams returned to Amsterdam. Soon after this, so powerfully did the -French minister operate upon Congress, taking the advantage of the -reverses of the American arms, that he induced that body to add to -the commission of Mr. Adams, Dr. Franklin, Messrs. Jefferson, Jay and -Laurens, with the humiliating direction, “that they should govern -themselves by the advice and opinion of the ministers of the king of -France.” The duke de Vergennes now exulted in his power, having been -made by Congress virtually the sovereign minister of the United States -to Great Britain. But his exultation was delusive. Nothing could bend -Mr. Adams or Franklin, and the other commissioners became convinced of -the propriety of the bold stand assumed. Mr. Adams wrote to Congress -and exposed the plans of the duke and his coadjutors, and was the bold -medium of communication that opened the eyes of its members to see and -permit the commissioner to maintain their true dignity, which enabled -them to finally obtain an honourable peace. He also succeeded, after -surmounting many Alpine barriers, in negotiating a loan in Holland of -eight millions of guilders, in September, 1782. The benefits of this -loan were two-fold—it enabled the United States to prosecute the war -with more vigour, and had a direct influence upon England, inducing her -to make proposals of peace soon after this was known to lord Shelburne, -then at the head of the British administration, which secured to -the United States the great privileges insisted on by Mr. Adams. A -provisional treaty was signed at Paris on the thirtieth of November, -1782, and a definitive treaty was signed on the third of September, -1783. This step was taken without consulting the duke de Vergennes, -and completely thwarted his golden schemes of finesse. He addressed a -letter of reproach to the American commissioners, because they dared -to proceed without his approbation, which they did not condescend to -answer. The three grand points in the plan of the court of France -were—in securing to themselves the trade and fisheries of the Unites -States, and for Spain—the sole right of navigating the Mississippi -river. - -After the important work of concluding peace with England was -accomplished, Mr. Adams returned to Holland, where he remained a part -of the year 1784, when he returned to France and assumed the duties of -a commission, at the head of which he was placed, having Dr. Franklin -and Mr. Jefferson associated with him, forming a trio of combined, -various and exalted talent, never surpassed if ever equalled. They were -empowered to negotiate commercial treaties with all foreign nations -that desired such an arrangement with the United States. - -In 1785, Mr. Adams was appointed the first minister to Great Britain -after the acknowledgement of the independence of the United States -by that kingdom. He was received with marked attention and courtesy, -so far as courtly etiquette and ceremony were concerned, but found -the ministry morose and bitter in their feelings towards the new -republic. They were unwilling to enter into a commercial treaty, and -seemed to treat the peace as a mere truce between the two nations. -Mr. Adams performed the delicate duties of his mission with great -sagacity and wisdom, and patiently removed subsisting difficulties -between the two countries. Nor did he remain passive as to the internal -affairs of his country at home. To win independence he considered one -thing, to preserve it, was a different and more difficult matter. The -theories of a republican form of government that had been published -by Thurgot[H] and others, and freely circulated in America, he -considered wild and visionary, as the transient existence of the French -republic subsequently proved. To strip these delusive theories of -their sophistry, Mr. Adams published a learned and able disquisition -on republican constitutions, which operated as a polar light to his -own countrymen and had a powerful influence in correcting error and -allaying prejudices in England against the government of the United -States. His “Defence of the Constitutions” also placed him on a lofty -eminence in view of the literati of Europe. - - [H] Thurgot said of Franklin—“He first snatched the thunderbolt - from Jove, and then the sceptre from kings.” - -In 1788, he obtained permission to return home, and in the autumn -of the same year was elected the first vice-president of the United -States under the federal constitution, the duties of which station -he performed with dignity and great ability. He was a confidential -counsellor of Washington, who consulted him on all important questions. -He was re-elected in 1792, with but little opposition; and in 1796, -he was elected president of the republic, to establish which he had -perilled life, fortune and honour. At this time party spirit had -commenced its career of venality and his election was warmly contested. -His opponent, Mr. Jefferson, received sixty-eight votes and Mr. Adams -seventy-one. During all the effervescence of party feeling, which -arrayed father against son and cut asunder the long cherished ties of -friendship between thousands, these two great men remained personal -friends, showing at once the magnanimity of their minds and the folly -of low minded foaming partizans. It was then that the American press -first descended from its lofty and legitimate eminence and planted -it before unsullied feet in the obloquious quagmire of party spirit. -Since that time partisan presses have been sinking deeper and deeper, -until some of them, _pro et con._, have become so deeply planted in the -filth and scum of personal abuse and political slander, that, to use -a simile, Archimedes, with the mighty powers of his lever, could not -raise them to their pristine elevation in half a century. So far were -matters carried by his political friends against the public measures -of Mr. Adams in 1800, that Mr. Jefferson was compelled, from a sense -of duty, to rebuke the slanders that were uttered, in the following -emphatic language, which becomes more forcible from the fact that -his own private character had been shamefully attacked by those who -supported his political opponent. - -“Gentlemen, you do not know that man—there is not upon earth a more -perfectly honest man than John Adams. Concealment is no part of his -character—of that, he is utterly incapable. It is not in his nature -to meditate any thing that he would not publish to the world. The -measures of the general government are a fair subject for difference of -opinion—but do not found your opinions on the notion that there is the -smallest spice of dishonesty, moral or political, in the character of -John Adams, for I know him well, and I repeat—that a man more perfectly -honest never issued from the hands of his Creator.” - -Mr. Adams proceeded to the conscientious and independent discharge of -his presidential duties, prompted by the best motives for the glory -of his country. His administration, however, became unpopular, and -at the expiration of his term the democratic party triumphed, and -he retired to Quincy, to once more enjoy the long lost comforts of -retirement. Much has been written upon the causes that produced the -political overthrow of Mr. Adams. To my mind the solution is brief and -plain. His cabinet was not of his own choosing—he was too independent -to bend to party management—he opposed the humiliating demands of the -then self-styled democratic France—he advocated, most earnestly, the -augmentation of the navy of the United States, and recommended the law -for suppressing the venality of the press. In the two first points he -was impolitic as the head of a _party_—in the two next, he did what all -now acknowledge to be right—and in the last, he took the wrong method -to correct one of the most alarming evils of that day—an evil that -still hangs over our country like an incubus. The three last were the -strong points seized upon by partisans, and were rendered extremely -unpopular, and enabled his opponents to defeat his re-election. He -retired with a good grace, and remained the personal friend of his -rival until the day of his death. He supported the policy of Mr. -Jefferson towards England, and approved of the declaration of war in -1812. In writing to a friend, in July of that year, he remarked: - -“To your allusion to the war, I have nothing to say—but that it is with -surprise that I hear it pronounced, not only in the newspapers, but -by persons in authority, ecclesiastical and civil, and political and -military—that the declaration of it was altogether unexpected * * * -How it is possible that a rational, a social or a moral creature can -say the war is unjust, is to me utterly incomprehensible. How it can be -said to be unnecessary, is very mysterious. I have thought it necessary -for five or six years. How it can be said to be unexpected, is another -wonder. I have expected it more than five-and-twenty years, and have -great reason to be thankful that it has been postponed so long.” - -He attributed the opposition of the eastern states to the war to the -impolicy of the government in not cherishing the navy, and compared -them to Achilles, who, in consequence of his being deprived of Briseis, -withdrew from the Grecian confederacy. The augmentation of the navy -was the _ne plus ultra_ of his national policy, and had his views -upon this point been carried out by our government, our nation would -now have been mistress of the seas, instead of having scarcely armed -vessels enough to protect the expanding commerce of our enterprising -merchants—a fact that has become a by-word among other nations, and has -often crimsoned the cheeks of liberal minded Americans. - -Soon after his retirement he was offered the gubernatorial chair of -his native state, but declined the honour on account of his advanced -age—but continued to take a deep interest in the welfare of his -country, and wrote many essays and letters in favour of liberal -principles and American rights. After the retirement of Mr. Jefferson, -a most happy and interesting correspondence was continued between these -two great apostles of liberty. In 1815, Mr. Adams had the gratifying -pleasure of seeing his son at the head of the diplomatic commission -to conclude a second treaty with Great Britain, which carried his -mind back, with all the enthusiastic force of an old man’s memory, to -the scenes of 1782–3, when he had performed and executed a similar -mission. In 1817, he was placed at the head of the list of presidential -electors, and three years after was elected president of the convention -that revised the constitution he had written forty years previous. The -compliment was duly appreciated by him, but his infirmities did not -permit him to preside over the deliberations of that body, although he -imparted his counsels and aided greatly in the revision. This was the -last public act of this great man—the curtain of the political drama -then closed upon him for ever. Two years previous the partner of his -bosom had gone to her final rest, which was an affliction most keenly -felt by him. For more than half a century she had shared with him the -pains and pleasures of their eventful career, and had always met the -events of life with christian fortitude. Surrounded by friends who -delighted to honour him, his country prosperous and happy, enjoying -the full fruition of divine grace, which had produced the fruits of -unsophisticated piety through a long life, political animosities -buried in oblivion, his now frail bark glided smoothly down the stream -of time until the fiftieth anniversary of independence dawned upon -his beloved country. On the morning of the fourth of July, 1826, an -unexpected debility seized him, and he was unable to leave his bed, -but no one imagined he was standing on the last inch of his time. He -was asked for a sentiment, to be given for him at the celebration on -that day—“INDEPENDENCE FOR EVER,” burst from his dying lips, which were -the last words that he ever uttered, with a loud and animated voice. -About four o’clock in the afternoon he expired—without an apparent -pain, a groan, a murmur or a sigh, with a full assurance of a happy -reception in that brighter world, where sin and sorrow never cross the -peaceful path of the angelic throng. On the same day, and but a few -hours previous, the immortal spirit of the illustrious Jefferson had -left its prison of clay, thrown off its mortal coil, and perhaps took -its kindred in its flight, and they together “ascended in essence to -an ecstatic meeting with the friends they had loved and lost, and whom -they should still love and never lose,” there to enjoy, through the -rolling ages of eternity, the blissful scenes of angelic purity—the -smiles and favours of their Saviour and their God. - -This unparalleled combination of extraordinary circumstances produced -a deep and unusual sensation in the United States and in Europe. The -simultaneous departure of two of the noblest spirits that ever graced -the great theatre of human life, illuminating the world around them -with freedom—whose actions had resounded through the universe—whose -mighty deeds had been and will continue to be a theme of wonder and -admiration to the end of time—was an incident that seemed designed by -the great Jehovah, to impress their precepts, their examples and their -names upon the minds of men with all the force of god-like divinity. - -Mr. Adams was a plain man; low in stature, not graceful in his -movements, and was sometimes abrupt and repulsive. His manners were -rather austere and unbending in public, but in the social circle, with -his relatives and friends, he was familiar, pleasing and entertaining. -He was not partial to ceremonious etiquette, and was averse to -pedantry. Plain strong common sense he practised and admired. He spoke -his sentiments freely, and could never have been transformed into a -_technical_ politican, even had he enjoyed the magic advantages of -modern schools. His open frankness was proverbial, and he often alluded -to it as one of his failings. When once in Stewart’s room of paintings, -he fixed his eyes upon the portrait of Washington, and then upon his -own, and observing the compressed mouth of the former and the open -lips of the latter, facetiously remarked as he pointed to it—“Ah! that -fellow never could keep his mouth shut.” This circumstance alone did -much to enhance his unpopularity as a party politician. - -In the brilliant career of this great and good man the reader must -discover a higher and holier eulogy than language can express. For more -than fifty years he served his country ably and faithfully in a public -capacity, and continued to impart his counsels until the curtain of -death shut him from the world. In all the relations of private life he -stood upon a lofty eminence—beyond the reach of slander. The escutcheon -of his social name was too pure for the approach of the foulest of all -pestiferous atmospheres—that of party spirit. And now, as his ashes -rest in the peaceful grave, that hydra monster dare not impute to his -actions in life a spark of political dishonesty or impurity of motive, -however much he differed from other great men in his views, lest the -voice of Jefferson should proclaim to them from the tomb—AN HONESTER -MAN THAN JOHN ADAMS NEVER ISSUED FROM THE HANDS OF THE CREATOR. - - - - -GEORGE WASHINGTON. - - -This revered name stands associated with every amiable and noble -quality to which mortal man can attain on this dim revolving ball of -human action. A sacred halo encircles it, that renders it dear to every -philanthropist and respected by the whole civilized world. I am aware -that his merits cannot be enhanced by eulogy, nor could detraction -ever tarnish the glory of his fame. I am aware that the whole magazine -of language has been exhausted in his praise. I am aware that talents -of the highest order, hearts of the warmest devotion, imaginations of -the happiest conception, united with the most refined and thrilling -eloquence, have portrayed, in bold and glowing colours, the fair fame -of WASHINGTON. To delineate fully and clearly the virtues of this great -and good man, would require an angel’s pen dipped in etherial fire, and -an angel’s hand to guide it. His life cannot be too often reviewed; his -examples cannot be too closely imitated. Like some magnificent scenes -of nature, his history is - - “Ever charming, ever new, - The prospect never tires the view.” - -The lustre of his virtues was of that celestial character, that, -like the luminary of day, it is seen and felt, but cannot be fully -described. His picture is one on which we may gaze with increased -delight, and discover new beauties to the last. His memory should be -rehearsed by every print in our land; every new press and fount of -type should spread, in glowing capitals, the name of the beloved, the -illustrious WASHINGTON. The aged sire should impress it on the hearts -of the rising generation; the mother should teach it to her lisping -babe; the preceptor should point his pupils to this polar star of -virtue, goodness and magnanimity; and the friends of union, liberty and -order, should read often, carefully and attentively, the biography of -the father of our country. These are deemed reasons sufficiently strong -to prompt this humble effort to delineate the interesting career of the -man who was first in peace—terrible in war—the friend of humanity—the -HERO OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE—and the founder of our country’s glory. -To me, the subject possesses a peculiar zest, fraught with pleasure and -delight. - -GEORGE WASHINGTON was born in the county of Fairfax, Virginia, on the -22nd of February, 1732. He lost his father at an early age, and to the -wisdom of his mother he declared himself indebted for the correct -formation of his youthful mind. Matrons of America, if the mother of -Washington moulded _his_ mind with such beauty and greatness, how -much may _you_ do to perpetuate, through your sons, the prosperity -and happiness of your favoured country! Train their youthful minds -in wisdom’s ways; guide them in the paths of virtue and patriotism; -teach them to love their country and its liberty; and to prize, dearer -than life, the sacred boon of freedom that was nobly won and sacredly -transmitted by the sages and patriots of ’76. - -Washington, during his childhood and youth, exhibited a strong and -enquiring mind. His habits were those of industry, perseverance and -stability. He was assiduous in his studies and enriched his memory -with solid and useful knowledge. He possessed a large share of merit -and modesty, which gained for him the love and esteem of all who had -the pleasure of his acquaintance. He was frank, open, generous, humane -and honest. Nothing could induce him to utter a falsehood, practice -deceit, or disobey his fond mother. He soared above the vain and -trifling amusements that so often divert youth from wisdom’s ways. He -was designed to be a star of the first magnitude on the great theatre -of action; he studied well his part before he entered upon the stage, -and when the curtain rose, he was prepared for his audience, acquitted -himself nobly, and retired amidst the plaudits and cheers of astonished -and admiring millions. - -His talents and merit attracted the attention of Governor Dinwiddie, -who then presided over Virginia, the frontiers of which were greatly -annoyed by the French and Indians. It was deemed necessary to send -a messenger to them, demanding the reasons for their unprovoked -hostility, and, if possible, to induce them to evacuate their forts, -smoke the pipe of peace and disperse. Young Washington, then only -twenty-one years of age, was selected to perform this important -mission, which was fraught with dangers on every side. His path lay -through a dense wilderness for four hundred miles, inhabited by roving -Indians seeking for prey. He undertook the hazardous enterprise and -arrived at his place of destination in safety. Whilst the French -commandant was writing an answer to Governor Dinwiddie, Washington, -unobserved, took the dimensions of the fort and returned unmolested. -It was soon found necessary to raise a regiment of troops to arrest -the bloody career of the savages on the frontiers. Washington was -placed in command over them with the commission of colonel, and marched -towards the Great Meadows in April, 1754. On his way he surprised and -captured a body of the enemy. On his arrival at the Great Meadows -he erected a small stockade fort, very appropriately naming it Fort -Necessity. Here he was reinforced, swelling his little army to four -hundred men. He then made preparations to attack Fort Du Quesne (now -Pittsburgh,) but soon learned that the enemy was advancing upon him -to the number of 1500 men, commanded by M. de Villiers. The attack -was soon commenced with great fury, and continued for several hours, -when the French commander offered terms of capitulation and was glad -to permit the young champion to march away unmolested. This brilliant -and bold adventure placed the talents of Washington high on the scale -of eminence, as a bold, skilful and prudent officer. It occurred on -the 4th of July, a happy prelude to the glorious 4th of ’76, the grand -birthday of American Independence. - -The following year another expedition was sent against Fort Du Quesne -of about two thousand troops, under the command of the unfortunate -General Braddock, who had more courage than prudence, more self-conceit -than wisdom. He spurned the advice of the “beardless boy,” and rushed -into a snare, where he and nearly half of his army met the cold embrace -of death. The deliberate courage and superior skill of Washington, by -a judicious retreat, saved the remainder from the bloody tomahawk and -scalping-knife. He arrived with them safe at Fort Cumberland. By his -rashness, Braddock led his men into an ambuscade of about five hundred -French and Indians, who were secreted in three deep ravines forming a -triangle, secure from danger unless charged, where he remained with -them until he had five horses shot under him, nearly half of his men -cut down, himself mortally wounded, and not an enemy to be seen. One -hundred men headed by Washington, with fixed bayonets, would have -dispersed them in ten minutes. - -Washington, unwilling to witness again such waste of human life, -resigned his military command and retired to private life. But his -sterling talents were not suffered to remain long inactive. He was -elected to the legislature from Frederick, and subsequently from -Fairfax, and was highly respected as a wise, discerning legislator, -exhibiting a mind imbued with philanthropy and liberal principles, -guided by a clear judgment and a sound discretion, adorned by a -retiring modesty, too rare in men of talent. - -From this field of action, Washington entered one of greater magnitude -and importance, big with events, involving consequences of the deepest -interest to himself, to his country, and to the world. After serving -the mother country in the French war with blood and treasure, after -submitting to taxation, oppression, and insult for years, the colonists -resolved to burst the chains of slavery, throw off the shackles of -tyranny, and assume their native dignity. Every source of redress -had been exhausted; every avenue of conciliation had been explored; -more than reason could demand had been offered; all that was clearly -_right_, and much that was clearly _wrong_, the pilgrims had submitted -to, and still their ungracious, their unfeeling, their blinded mother, -cried give—give—give. They had not dreamed of independence; they had -only demanded sheer justice; this being denied, they resorted to the -last, the only alternative. Instead of submitting to taxation, without -representation—instead of yielding obedience to the pernicious stamp -act, they stamped their names with unfading glory, their country with -lasting fame. In the autumn of 1774, the first great Congress of the -American nation assembled at Philadelphia, of which Washington was a -member. The solemnities of that thrilling scene have been repeatedly -alluded to as of the most imposing character. No one felt them more -deeply than the father of our country. When the proceedings were opened -by prayer, Washington alone was upon his knees. His mind, on all -occasions, seems to have reached to heaven, his soul seemed to dwell -in the bosom of his God. Devoted, unsophisticated and humble piety -marked his whole life—a piety sincere in its motives and consistent in -all its exhibitions. But Washington was not to remain in the hall of -the Continental Congress. A mighty work was in store for him. On the -memorable 19th of April, 1775, on the heights of Lexington, American -blood was spilt by order of Major Pitcairn. Justice looked at the -purple current as it flowed, and sighed; mercy carried the sad news to -the etherial skies; the eagle of liberty caught the mournful sound, -descended in a stream of liquid fire, planted the torch of freedom in -the serum of the bleeding patriots and bid eternal defiance to the -British lion. - -The effect was electrical. The alarm spread with the rapidity of -lightning. It was sounded from church-bells and signal-guns; echo -carried it from hills to dales, from sire to son. Vengeance was roused -from its lair; the hardy yeomanry left their ploughs in the furrow; the -merchant forsook his counting-house; the professional man his office; -the minister his pulpit; and with powder-horn and slug, shouldered -their rusty muskets, hastened to the scene of action determined to -avenge their injured rights, defend their bleeding country, or perish -in the attempt. The implements of husbandry were exchanged for those -of war; the mechanic shop, the bar, the desk and the forum, were -exchanged for the dangers and fatigues of the army. A band of veterans -arose, with “hearts of oak and nerves of steel,” headed by that bright -luminary the illustrious WASHINGTON, who stood forth the champions -of LIBERTY, the advocates of FREEDOM; resolved upon emancipation or -death; pledging their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honours -in defence of their common country; looking to Heaven for strength, -guidance and support. Illustrious heroes! disinterested patriots! yours -exceeded all Greek, all Roman fame. - -In June following, Washington was appointed by the unanimous voice of -the Continental Congress commander-in-chief of the American armies. -This appointment he accepted with diffidence and reluctance, feeling -that it involved responsibilities, consequences and results too mighty -for him to assume, too vast for him to encounter. - -He did not view it as the field of glory, of conquest, of ambition, or -of fame. He did not thirst for human blood or exult in the profession -of arms. Love of country, of liberty, of human rights, of liberal -principles, and the oppressive chains of tyranny, prompted him to -action. - -Before his arrival at Cambridge, to enter upon the important duties of -his command, the fortress of Crown Point and Ticonderoga had fallen -into the hands of the colonists. - -The sanguinary battle of Bunker Hill had been fought, which convinced -the British that men contending for their just rights, their dearest -interests, their bosoms fired with indignation and patriotism, could -not be made to yield to the glittering arms of a haughty monarch -without a bold and daring effort to maintain that liberty which they -had received at their birth from the hands of their Creator. - -War now assumed a serious aspect, the bloody toils of the revolution -commenced. England poured in her legions by thousands, and, to cap -the climax of the terrific scene, called to her aid the blood-thirsty -Indian with his tomahawk and scalping-knife. The welkin rang with the -savage war-whoop and the expiring groans of mothers and babes. The -contest seemed to be that of an infant with a giant, a lamb with a -lion. The dark clouds blackened as they rose, charged with the fury of -demons and the lightning of revenge. - -Washington viewed their fiery aspect with calm serenity, heard their -portentous roar without a tremor. With a soul reaching to heaven, he -met the awful crisis with firmness and wisdom before unknown; his -gigantic mind soared above the highest pinnacle difficulty could -rear; his course was onward towards the goal of LIBERTY; beneath his -conquering arm monarchy trembled, tottered and fell. - -His whole energy was now directed to the organization of the army and -a preparation for future action. An important expedition was planned -against Canada, which was attended with great hardship, boldness and -perseverance. It was entrusted to Generals Montgomery and Schuyler, -who were subsequently followed by Arnold. It was crowned with success, -until an unfortunate attack was made upon Quebec, where the brave -Montgomery fell with many other valuable officers and soldiers. The -ensuing spring the American army evacuated Canada. The royal governors -in some of the colonies, by the aid of the king’s troops, still -maintained the authority of the crown, but they were soon compelled -to flee on board of the British ships of war, where they issued their -proclamations with about as much effect as the puffing of a porpoise. - -Early in March, 1776, Washington appeared before Boston, where lord -Howe had concentrated his army, and took a position that induced the -English general to evacuate the town on the 17th of the same month. In -July, the fort on Sullivan’s Island was attacked by General Clinton -and Sir Peter Parker, and after an action of ten hours, Sir Peter -was compelled to retire with his silk breeches disfigured by the -rudeness of a cannon ball, his ships badly torn to pieces by the rebel -artillery, and two hundred of his men killed and wounded. The fort -was defended by Colonel Moultrie with about five hundred men, with -twenty-six nine and eighteen pounders. Sir Peter had two fifty gun -ships, four frigates and several small vessels, with three thousand -veteran troops. There was so much elasticity in the southern climate -on this occasion, that the royalists did not venture there again for -nearly two years. - -On the 7th of June, Richard Henry Lee, a member from Virginia, made a -motion in Congress to break off all allegiance with the mother country, -and assume the rightful dignity of a free and independent nation. This -resulted in the appointment of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin -Franklin, Roger Sherman and Philip Livingston, a committee to draft a -declaration of independence; and, on the 4th of July, they arose in -all the majesty of greatness, and in view of an admiring heaven and an -astonished world, published that master-piece of composition which gave -us national birth, absolved us from kingly power, planted the tree of -liberty deep in our soil, and showed to anxious and gazing millions, -that a nation could be born in a day and live. Language can never -express, and none but those who witnessed the thrilling scene can fully -conceive with what enthusiastic joy this declaration was received by -the people. The bells sounded a requiem and funeral knell for monarchy; -illuminations and roaring artillery quickly conveyed the glad news from -the central arch of the union to its remotest bounds; the blazing torch -of liberty rose, like a pillar of fire, to guide the patriots in their -onward march; on the wings of thanksgiving and praise the happy tidings -ascended to the throne of heaven, received the sanction of Jehovah’s -high authority, and were recorded by the hand of justice, with an -angel’s pen, in the book of everlasting fame. Kindred hearts mingled in -joy and gratitude, and every FREEMAN shouted a hearty response—a loud -AMEN. - -On the 2nd of July, Admiral and General Howe landed near the narrows, -nine miles below the city of New York, with twenty-four thousand men. -They sent an insulting communication to Washington, which he very -properly refused to receive. That part of the American army stationed -at Brooklyn, under the command of General Sullivan, was attacked and -defeated with great loss, on the 27th of August; and Generals Sullivan, -Sterling and Woodhull were taken prisoners. Two days after, Washington -planned and effected a retreat, and landed the troops from Long -Island safely in New York, before the movement was discovered by the -enemy. Chagrined and mortified at the loss of their prey, the British -prepared to attack the city, which induced the Americans to evacuate -it and retire to White Plains. Here they were attacked on the 28th of -September; the British were repulsed, a considerable loss was sustained -on both sides, neither party gaining a decided advantage. The disasters -of the patriots multiplied rapidly; fort Washington and fort Lee fell -into the hands of the English, and the American army was flying before -a barbarous and conquering foe. - -Washington crossed the Hudson, and retreated through New Jersey into -Pennsylvania, with Lord Cornwallis pressing on his rear. His army was -now reduced to three thousand men, who were destitute of almost every -comfort of life; they could be tracked by blood from their naked feet -on the frozen ground; disaster had chilled the zeal of many leading -men who at first espoused the cause of liberty; a cloud of fiery -indignation hung over the bleeding colonies, ready to devour them. But -in the archives of heaven their FREEDOM was recorded; guardian angels -directed their destiny; the bold career of the lion was arrested; this -Spartan band was crowned with victory, and the red coats, in their -turn, beat a retreat. - -On the night of the 25th of December, Washington recrossed the Delaware -amidst the floating ice, surprised and took one thousand of the enemy -prisoners at Trenton, pushed on to Princeton, killed sixty more, took -three hundred prisoners, and spread consternation in the ranks of the -British army. These successes removed much of the gloom and despondency -that hung over the cause. Washington retired to Morristown for the -winter; the English occupied Brunswick. In the spring of 1777, the army -of Washington amounted to about seven thousand men. No action occurred -between the main armies until in August, when the British landed in -Maryland with the intention of capturing Philadelphia. - -On the 11th of September the two armies met at Brandywine; a desperate -battle ensued, and partial victory attended the English army. On the -approach of the enemy Philadelphia was abandoned and Congress retired -to Lancaster. Another severe battle was fought at Germantown on the 4th -of October, which proved disastrous to Washington, owing to a thick -fog, by which his troops became separated and thrown into confusion. -These keen misfortunes were much alleviated by the capture of the -whole British army in the north under Burgoyne, by General Gates, on -the 17th of October. The surrender of Burgoyne had a happy effect at -home and abroad. France, on the reception of this news, recognised the -independence of the United States, entered into a treaty of alliance, -and furnished important aid in advancing the glorious cause, and sent -many of her bravest sons to the rescue. - -The treaty of alliance between the United States and France, and -the loss of their northern army, induced the English to evacuate -Philadelphia in the spring of 1778, and retreat to New York. From there -they made frequent descents upon various places, burning and destroying -property, murdering the inhabitants, and spreading desolation wherever -they went. - -An expedition was sent to Georgia which proved successful, and the -south now became the principal theatre of action. Many feats of bravery -were performed, but no decisive battle occurred between the main -armies. The same mode of warfare characterized the campaign of 1779, -the British seeming to aim more at predatory excursions than pitched -battles, which they performed with a savage barbarity, disgraceful to -themselves and heart-rending to humanity. - -The exertions of Washington were almost paralyzed for the want of men -and money; the French Admiral, D’Estaing, was unfortunate in all his -movements, and the British lion was prowling through the land in all -the majesty of cruelty. The anchor of hope could scarcely keep the -shattered bark of liberty to its moorings; the cable of exertion lost -thread after thread, until a small band of sages and heroes, who formed -the nucleus, were left to contend with the fury of the storm that -rolled its fiery and foaming surges over them. - -The campaign of 1780 opened favourably to the royal arms, but more -exertion was used on the part of the Americans. General Sumpter gave -the British much trouble in the south, and a considerable force from -the north was on its march to avenge the blood of slaughtered victims. -The cruelties of the enemy had re-illumined the cause of freedom, and -the people once more rallied around her sacred banner, determined on -death or victory. - -The southern army was now put under the command of General Gates, -the hero of Saratoga—fresh aid arrived from France and the conflict -was renewed with fury and desperation. On the 18th of August the two -armies met near Camden, S. C.,—a decided advantage was gained by Lord -Cornwallis. But defeat and misfortune no longer disheartened the -friends of liberty. In the midst of adversity they rose like a phœnix -from ashes, and hurled, with the fury of Mars, the thunderbolts of -vengeance amongst their enemies. - -The battle of the Cowpens, on the 17th of January, 1781, shed new -lustre on the American arms. General Morgan there met the high-toned -Colonel Tarleton, killed rising of one hundred men, wounded two -hundred, took five hundred prisoners, two pieces of cannon, twelve -standards, eight hundred muskets, thirty-five baggage wagons, one -hundred dragoon horses, with a loss of only twelve killed and sixty -wounded. His force amounted to only five hundred militia and a few -regulars—that of Tarleton to over one thousand regulars, the flower of -the British army. - -Morgan now effected a junction with General Green, who had succeeded -General Gates, and on the 8th of March they met the forces of Lord -Cornwallis at Guilford court-house, where an obstinate battle was -fought and the Americans compelled to leave the field. On the 9th of -April General Green again put his troops in motion—on the 25th the two -armies once more measured arms,—Green was compelled to retreat—not -before a pursuing foe, but towards the British garrison Ninety-Six, -which he reached and besieged on the 22nd of May, and gave it a -hearty salute; but on the approach of Lord Rawdon with a large force, -he modestly retired to the Santee hills to spend the hot and sickly -season. In the meantime the English army encamped at Eutaw Springs, -where Green renewed the attack on the 8th of September, and after -a hard fought action, in which neither gained a decided victory, -the enemy retired to Charleston, with a loss in killed, wounded and -prisoners, of eleven hundred men. The Americans lost five hundred and -fifty-five. - -Although General Green had not gained any decided victory, he had -gained many advantages and greatly weakened the enemy. Generals Lee -and Wayne had been more successful, and the British were annoyed and -harassed in every quarter—volunteers flocked around their beloved -Washington, and the tide of war turned in his favour. - -The patriotic Lafayette was now in the field. Morgan, Wayne, Greene -and Lee were at their posts. Count de Grasse was co-operating with his -fleet; and, in their turn, the English lords, admirals and generals, -found themselves surrounded with impending danger. An awful crisis -awaited them—retribution stared them in the face—their deeds of blood -haunted their guilty souls, and consternation seized their troubled -minds. Lord Cornwallis hastened to concentrate his forces at Yorktown, -which he fortified in the best possible manner. - -On the 6th of October the combined forces of Washington and Rochambeau -commenced a siege upon this place, which surrendered on the 19th of -the same month. The grand Rubicon was now passed, the colonies were -free—the work was finished. This was the dying struggle of British -monarchy in America. The last expiring hope of conquering the colonies -now fled for ever. Heaven had decreed they should be free—that decree -was now consummated. The eagle of liberty, like Jordan’s dove, -descended—pronounced a benediction upon the conquering heroes—snatched -the laurels from Britain’s brow and placed them triumphantly upon the -CHAMPIONS OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE. To the friends of FREEDOM the scene -was grand and joyful—to the enemies of LIBERTY, it was painful and -humiliating. - -The result of this victory was hailed with joy, and placed Washington -on the lofty summit of immortal fame—gave freedom to his bleeding -country—sealed the foundations of our republic, now towering to the -skies—prepared an asylum for the oppressed, and planted deep in -Columbia’s soil the long nursed tree of LIBERTY. - -On the 30th of September, 1783, a definitive treaty was signed at Paris -by Mr. Fitzherbert and Mr. Oswald, on the part of Great Britain, and by -John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Jay and Henry Laurens, on the part -of the United States. - -On the second of November, Washington issued his farewell orders to -his army, in terms of affectionate eloquence and parental solicitude. -On the 3d, the troops were disbanded by Congress, and, with mingling -tears of joy and gratitude, they once more repaired to their homes to -meet the warm embrace of friends, and reap the fruit of their toils -and fatigues—no longer embittered by the iron scourge of despotism. -On the 23d of December, Washington appeared in the hall of Congress -and resigned his commission. This last act was one of grandeur and -thrilling interest. The past, the present and the future, were all -in the mind of this great and good man, as he invoked the blessings -of Heaven to descend and guide the destinies of his beloved, his -emancipated country. Every heart beat quicker and higher—his commission -was laid upon the table—a burst of applause rent the air, a flood of -tears closed the scene. - -The people of the United States, no longer under the paternal -care of their old mother, were now left to try the experiment -of self-government. Difficulties arose from local jealousies -and interests—a debt of forty millions of dollars had been -contracted—government paper became greatly depreciated—the public -credit could not be sustained, and the liberty that the patriots had -fought and bled to obtain, seemed doomed to a premature dissolution and -to be lost in the whirlpool of anarchy and confusion. In view of these -accumulating difficulties, commissioners from every state, except Rhode -Island, convened at Philadelphia, for the purpose of devising means to -preserve and perfect that freedom which had cost millions of treasure -and fountains of noble blood. Washington was unanimously elected -president of this august body. After long deliberation, the labours of -the delegates resulted in the production of the federal constitution, -one of the brightest specimens of legislation on record. It is the -polar star of freedom, the great palladium of our liberty, the golden -chain that connects our union, the grand rallying point of republicans, -a shield against innovation and corruption, a terror to tyrants, a -shining light to patriots, and stamps with immortal and lasting fame -the names of its illustrious authors. - -This was reported to Congress on the 17th of September, received their -warm approbation, and was immediately sent to the several states for -their consideration, all of which gave it their sanction, except -North Carolina and Rhode Island—the former of which acceded to it in -1789, the latter in 1790. A degree of confidence was then restored, -and from that time down to the present our nation has rolled on in -the full tide of successful experiment, and enjoyed an increasing and -towering prosperity without a parallel in the annals of history. The -star-spangled banner waves on every sea, and is respected by every -nation in the civilized world: our improvements at home have marched -in advance of the boldest views of the most visionary projector, the -fondest anticipations of their most ardent friends. - -By the unanimous voice of a free and grateful people, Washington was -elected the first president of the new republic, and, with the same -modest diffidence that had marked his whole career, he took the oath -of office on the 30th of April, 1789, in the city of New York, in the -presence of the first Congress under the new constitution, and in the -presence of a crowded assembly, who deeply felt and strongly expressed -their love and gratitude to him. He then entered upon the important -duties that devolved upon him. - -A revenue was to be raised, the judiciary system to be organized, its -officers to be appointed, a cabinet to be formed and every department -of government to be established on a basis at once firm, impartial, -just and humane. In performing these various and arduous duties he -exhibited great wisdom, a sound discretion, a clear head and good -heart. In the cabinet, as in the field, prudence and deliberation -guided his every action. He was found equal to every emergency and -duty that his country demanded at his hands—he acted up to, but never -exceeded the bounds of delegated authority—an angel could do no -more—Washington did no less. During his administration of eight years -he put forth the noblest energies of his lucid mind to advance the -prosperity of his country—meliorate the condition of those who were -suffering from the effects of a protracted war—improve the state of -society, arts, science, agriculture and commerce—disseminate general -intelligence—allay local difficulties—and render the infant republic as -happy and glorious as it was free and independent. - -His exertions were crowned with success; his fondest anticipations were -realized; he finished the work his country had called him to perform; -the government stood on a basis firm as the rock of ages, and, on the -4th of March, 1797, he resigned his power to the sovereign people, -retired from public life, honoured and loved by his fellow-citizens, -respected and admired by a gazing world, and crowned with an unsullied -fame that will endure unimpaired the revolutions of time. - -He then retired to Mount Vernon to enjoy once more the felicity of -domestic retirement and the sweets of his own fireside. He had served -his country long and ably; he could look back upon a life well and -nobly spent in the cause of human rights, liberal principles and -universal philanthropy. - -For his arduous services during the revolution Washington took no -compensation, and virtually paid about three-fourths of his own -expenses. He only charged his actual disbursements, for each item of -which he produced a written voucher. He made a book entry of every -business transaction with as much system as if he had enjoyed the quiet -of a counting-room. A fac simile of his journal is now before me, which -has been politely furnished by Timothy Caldwell, Esq. of the city of -Philadelphia, one of the few survivors of “the times that tried men’s -souls.” - -The first entry is dated the 22nd of June, 1775, and marked No. 1. -£239. It commences with the outfit of the commander-in-chief and his -staff at Philadelphia, and the expenses of the journey to Cambridge, -immediately after his appointment by Congress, amounting to £466 2_s._ -10_d._ lawful money. But £3 of this amount was drawn from government at -that time. The balance was furnished from his own pocket and credit, -having received from Thomas Mifflin, Esq., £129 8_s._ 2_d._ The account -current which is before me runs through a period of eight years, at -the end of which time a balance was due to him of £1972 9_s._ 4_d._ -His expenses for the eight years amounted to £16311 17_s._ 1_d._ He -received $104,364 paper money, after March 1780, and passed it to the -credit of the United States at forty for one, agreeably to the scale of -depreciation, for which he did not obtain one for a hundred, by reason -of which a large proportion of his expenses were actually paid with his -own private money, for which he refused any remuneration. His expenses -during his presidential terms exceeded his salary over five thousand -dollars a year, which he paid from his private funds. - -Had I time and power to trace the fair lines of Washington’s private -worth and routine of life, I would present the picture of a man graced -with native dignity, reducing all things around him to as perfect -a system of order, economy, harmony and peace, as was ever devised -by man. It should be chastened with sterling merit and magnanimity, -and mellowed with benevolence and charity. It should be enlivened by -the richest colours of virtue and consistency, and finished with the -finest touches of a master’s hand. I would crown it with an amaranthine -bouquet, richer and sweeter than the epic or civic wreath that decked -his brow in the public view of an admiring world. He was a pattern of -all that was great and good—the widow’s solace, the orphan’s father, -the bountiful benefactor, the faithful friend, the kind husband, the -true patriot, the humble christian, the worthy citizen and the honest -man. - -With the exception of his appointment to preside over the American army -in 1798, when France threatened an invasion, Washington was relieved -from any further participation in public affairs. He continued to live -at Vernon’s sacred mount until the 14th of December, 1799, when his -immortal spirit left its tenement of clay, soared aloft on angel’s -wings to realms of ceaseless bliss, there to receive a crown of -unfading glory, as the reward of a spotless life spent in the service -of his country and his God. - -His body was deposited in the family tomb, where its ashes slumber in -peace, amidst the groves of his loved retreat.[I] This hallowed spot -is visited yearly by large numbers, who approach it with veneration, -gratitude and awe. Foreigners are proud to say they have visited the -tomb of Washington—all nations revere his memory, unborn millions will -perpetuate his praise. - - [I] Since writing this sketch I have been informed, that when - the remains of Washington were placed in the sarcophagus - prepared for their reception, in the autumn of 1837, his - face retained its fleshy appearance and was but slightly - changed—a fact as remarkable as the history of his life. - -_His_ history, like that of our nation, is without a parallel. -Unblemished virtue marked his whole career, philanthropy his whole -course, justice and integrity his every action. A calm resignation, to -the will of God, under the most trying circumstances and under every -dispensation, added a brilliant lustre to all his amiable qualities. -His course was not tarnished with bold strides of misguided ambition, -or base attempts at self-aggrandizement. He was consistent to the last. -His character, like a blazing luminary, outdazzles the surrounding -stars, and illuminates, with meridian splendour, the horizon of -biography. His brilliant achievements were not stained with that -unnecessary effusion of human blood which characterized the ambitious -Cæsar, the conquering Alexander and the disappointed Bonaparte. His -fame is beyond the reach of slander or the attacks of malice. He has -left an example of human conduct worthy the contemplation and imitation -of all who move in the private walks of life or figure on the stage -of public action. His sacred memory will live through the rolling -ages of time, until the wreck of worlds and the dissolution of nature -shall close the drama of human action, Gabriel’s dread clarion rend -the vaulted tomb, awake the sleeping dead, and proclaim to astonished -millions—TIME SHALL BE NO LONGER. - - - - -PATRICK HENRY. - - -This distinguished name stands conspicuous upon the pages of the -history of our country, and shines with peculiar brilliancy amidst the -constellations of the revolution. Time and the critic’s pen have not -detracted from the lustre of its fame—the patriot delights to dwell -upon the bright and bold career of PATRICK HENRY. - -He was a native of Studley, Hanover county, Virginia, born on the -29th of May, 1736. His father was a highly respectable man, of Scotch -descent; his mother was the sister of Judge Winston, who was justly -celebrated as an eloquent and forcible orator. - -During his childhood and youth Patrick Henry was remarkable for -indolence and a love of recreation—consequently, he arrived at manhood -with a limited education and unaccustomed to industry. His native -talents were not developed, his mind was not cultivated, nor his genius -expanded, until after he was a husband and a father. His friends -endeavoured in vain to direct his course to a close application to -business by setting him up in the mercantile line. In this he soon -failed, preferring his fishing rod and gun to the business of his -store. After finding himself a bankrupt, he concluded that the toils -of life and the troubles of his pilgrimage were too much to bear -alone, and accordingly married a wife, the daughter of a respectable -planter, and became a tiller of the ground. Unacquainted with this -new vocation, he soon found himself in the quagmire of adversity, and -again tacked about and entered into the mercantile business. Still -he was unfortunate, and poverty claimed him as one of her favourite -children. An increasing family needed increased means of support, -creditors became clamorous, duns showered in upon him, and in a short -time Patrick Henry was reduced to misery and want. At last he was -driven to his books, and resolved on the study of law. He now felt -most keenly the misspent time of his childhood and youth, and saw many -of his age who had already ascended high on the ladder of fame, whose -native powers of mind he knew to be inferior to his. He accordingly -commenced the study he had chosen, and in six weeks after, at the age -of twenty-four, he was admitted to the bar, more as a compliment to -his respectable connexions and his destitute situation, than from the -knowledge he had obtained of this lucid but laborious science during -the brief period he had been engaged in its investigation.—The ensuing -three years, folded in the coil of extreme want, he made but slow -advances in his profession, and obtained the necessaries of life by -assisting his father-in-law at a _tavern_ bar, instead of shining at -the bar of the court. He was still ardently attached to his gun, and -often carried his knapsack of provisions and remained several days -and nights in the woods. On his return, he would enter the court in -his coarse and blood-stained hunting dress, when he would take up his -causes, carry them through with astonishing adroitness and skill, and -finally succeeded in gaining a popular reputation as an advocate. - -In 1764, he was employed as counsel in a case of contested election -to be tried at the seat of the government of his native state, which -introduced him among the fashionable and gay, whose exterior appearance -and manners formed a great contrast with his. He made no preparation -for meeting his learned and polished adversaries, and as he moved -awkwardly around among them, was looked upon by some who were gazing -at his coarse habiliments and his eccentric actions, as _non compos -mentis_. When the case came up for trial, the astonished audience and -the court were completely electrified by his bursts of native eloquence -and the cogency of his logic. Judges Tyler and Winston who tried the -case, declared they had never before witnessed so happy and triumphant -an effort, in point of sublime rhetoric and conclusive argument, by -any man. From that time forward the fame of Patrick Henry spread its -expansive wings, and he was enabled to banish want and misery from his -door by a lucrative and increasing practice. From his childhood he had -been a close observer of human nature; the only remarkable trait in -favour of his juvenile character. He had always cultivated and improved -this advantageous propensity, which was of great use to him in after -life. So well versed had he become with the nature, propensities, and -operations of the human mind, that he seemed to comprehend and divine, -at a single glance, all its intricacies, impulses and variations. This -gave him a great advantage over many of his professional brethren, -who had studied Latin and Greek _more_, but human nature _less_, than -this self-made man. He took a deep and comprehensive view of the -causes that impel men to action, and of the results produced by the -multifarious influences that control and direct them. He investigated -the designs of creation, the duty of man to his fellow and his God, -the laws of nature, reason and revelation, and became a bold advocate -for liberty of conscience, equal rights and universal freedom. Nor did -he bury these principles of philanthropy in his own bosom. In the -expansive view he had taken of the rights of man, of the different -modes of government, of the oppression of kings, of the policy pursued -by the mother country towards the American colonies, he came to the -conclusion, that any nation to be great and happy, must be free and -independent. - -He had viewed, with a statesman’s eye, the growing oppressions of the -crown; they had reached his very soul, and roused that soul to action. -In Virginia, Patrick Henry first charged the revolutionary ball with -patriotic fire, and gave it an impetus that increased and gathered new -force as it rolled along. Had not the mighty theme of freedom engaged -the mind of this bold and elevated patriot, he might have closed his -career with its gigantic powers half unspent, and left his noblest -qualities of soul to expire in embryo. Nature had so moulded him, that -the ordinary concerns of life never roused him to vigorous action. It -required occasions of deep and thrilling interest to awaken and put in -motion his stronger energies. The exciting cause of the revolution was -exactly calculated to bring him out in all the majesty of his native -greatness. - -In 1765, he was chosen a member of the Virginia Assembly, and at -once took a bold and decisive stand against British oppression. He -introduced resolutions against the stamp act that were so bold and -independent as to alarm the older members, who, although they approved -and applauded the principles and liberal views of this young champion -of liberty, wanted his moral courage to design and execute. To impart -this to them, and stamp the impress of his own upon their trembling -hearts, was now the great business of Patrick Henry. In this he -succeeded, and his resolutions were passed. Each resolution was drawn -from the translucent fountain of eternal justice, equity and law, and -was based upon the principles of Magna Charta, which had been the polar -star of England for centuries. The following is a correct copy: - -“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 subjects, 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. - -“Resolved, That by two royal charters granted by King James I., 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 ancient -colony, have uninterruptedly 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 in any other -way given up, but hath been constantly recognised by the King and -people of Great Britain. - -“Resolved therefore, that the general assembly of this colony has the -sole right and power to lay taxes and impositions upon the inhabitants -of this colony: and that every attempt to vest such power in any person -or persons whosoever, other than the general assembly aforesaid, has a -manifest tendency to destroy British as well as American freedom!” - -The justice of these resolutions, based as they were upon the well -known principles of the English constitution, confined within the -limits of the ancient landmarks of that sacred instrument, could not be -denied by the cringing sycophants of a corrupt and corrupting ministry, -and were hailed by every patriot as the firm pillars of the temple of -American liberty. They were enforced by the overwhelming eloquence and -logic of the mover, and seconded by Mr. Johnston, who sustained them -by arguments and conclusions that imparted new strength and courage to -many a bosom that was, a few moments before, poising on the agonizing -pivot of hesitation. They were strongly opposed by several members, -who subsequently espoused the cause of equal rights, and affixed their -names to the great charter of our independence. This opposition brought -forth, for the first time, the gigantic powers of Patrick Henry. In -all the sublimity of his towering genius, he stood among the great, -the acknowledged champion of that legislative hall which he had but -recently entered. Astonishment and admiration held his electrified -audience in deep suspense as he painted, in bold and glowing colours, -the increasing infringements of the hirelings of the crown upon the -chartered rights and privileges of the colonists, who had waded through -torrents of blood and seas of trouble and toil, to plant themselves -in the new world. He pointed to the chains forged by the hands of -tyranny, already clanking, with terrific sound, upon every ear. To be -free or slaves, was the great, the momentous question. He, for one, -was prepared and determined to unfurl the banner of freedom, drive -from his native soil the task masters of oppression, or perish in the -glorious attempt. His opponents were completely astounded, and found it -impossible to stem the strong current of popular feeling put in motion -by the proceedings of that eventful crisis. Seconded and supported by -the cool and deep calculating Johnston, the resolutions passed amidst -the cry of “_treason_,” from the tories, and “_liberty or death_,” from -the patriots. - -The seeds of freedom were deeply planted on that glorious day, and old -Virginia proved a congenial soil for the promotion of their future -growth. From that time forward, Patrick Henry was hailed as the -great advocate of human rights and rational liberty. He stood on the -loftiest pinnacle fame could rear, unmoved and unscathed by the fire of -persecution, calmly surveying the raging elements of the revolutionary -storm, already in commotion around him. - -In August, 1774, the Virginia convention met at Williamsburg, and -passed a series of resolutions, pledging themselves to sustain -their eastern brethren in the common cause of their common country. -As delegates to the first colonial Congress they appointed Peyton -Randolph, Richard Henry Lee, George Washington, Richard Bland, Patrick -Henry, Benjamin Harrison and Edmund Pendleton. - -On the 4th of September following, this august assembly of patriotic -sages and heroes met in Carpenters’ Hall, at the city of Philadelphia. -The object for which they had convened was one of imposing and -thrilling interest, big with events, absorbing in character and full -of importance. The eyes of gazing millions were turned upon them, the -kindling wrath of the crown was flashing before them, the anathemas of -tyranny were pronounced against them. But they still resolved to go on. -Liberty or death had become the watchword—the hallowed fire of freedom -had warmed their bosoms and impelled them to action. After an address -to the throne of grace, they commenced their proceedings by appointing -Peyton Randolph, of Virginia, president of their body. A deep and -solemn silence ensued, as if each member was appealing to Heaven for -aid and direction. At length Patrick Henry rose, as echo lingered to -catch a sound. With the eloquence of a Demosthenes, the philosophy of -a Socrates, the justice of an Aristides, and the wisdom of a Solon, he -took a broad, impartial and expansive view of the past, the present and -the future; exhibited, in their true light, the relations between the -mother country and her distant colonies; unveiled the designs of the -base and unprincipled ministry that claimed the high and unwarranted -prerogative of wielding an iron sceptre over America, and of reducing -her sons to unconditional submission, and painted, in the most vivid -and lively colours, a nation’s rights and a nation’s wrongs. The -dignity and calmness of his manner, the clearness of his logic, the -force of his eloquence and the solemnity of his voice and countenance -combined to inspire an admiration and awe until then unknown to the -astonished audience. On that occasion his powers of thought seemed -supernatural; he seemed commissioned by Heaven to rouse his countrymen -to a sense of approaching danger. He sat down amidst repeated bursts -of applause, the acknowledged Demosthenes of the new world, the most -powerful orator of his day and generation. - -The succeeding year he was a member of the convention of Virginia that -convened at Richmond, where he proposed immediate measures of defence, -sufficient to repel any invasion from the mother country. In this he -was strenuously opposed by several of the most influential members, who -still felt a disposition to cringe to royal power. - -That power, based as it was upon wrongs and injury, Patrick Henry held -in utter contempt. His dauntless soul soared above the trappings of a -crown, backed by military pomp and show, and looked for rest only in -the goal of liberty. - -The following extract from his speech in that convention will best -convey a correct idea of his feelings and emotions, deeply felt and -strongly told. - -“Mr. President, it is natural for 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 transforms us into beasts. Is this -the part of wise men engaged in a great and arduous struggle for -liberty! Are we disposed to be of the number of those, who, having eyes -see not, and having ears hear not the things that so nearly concern -their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it -may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth—to know the worst and -provide for it. - -“I have but one lamp to guide my feet, and that is the lamp of -experience. I know of no way of judging the future but by the past. -Judging from the past, I wish to know what there has been in the -conduct of the British ministry for the last ten years to justify those -hopes with which gentlemen are pleased to solace themselves and the -house? Is it that insidious smile with which our petition has lately -been received? Trust it not, sir; it will prove a snare to your feet. -Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed by a kiss. Ask yourselves how -this gracious reception of our petition comports with those warlike -preparations that 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 gentlemen -assign any other possible motive for it? Has Great Britain 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 are 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. We have held the subject up in every -light of which it is capable, but it has been all in vain. Shall we -resort to entreaty and humble supplication? What terms shall we find -which have not already been exhausted? Let us not, I beseech you, sir, -deceive 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 have 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 remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult, our -supplications have been disregarded, and we have been spurned with -contempt from the foot 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 inestimable 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 contest shall be obtained, _we must fight_! I repeat it, -sir, _we must fight_! An appeal to arms and the God of Hosts is all -that is left us! It is vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen -may cry peace, peace; but there is no peace. The war is actually begun. -The next gale that comes from the north, will bring to our ears the -clash of resounding arms! Our brethren 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, _give me liberty or death_!” - -The effect of this speech was electrical. The cry, “_to arms_,” burst -from every quarter—“_liberty or death_,” resounded and rang through -every ear and was responded by every patriot. The resolutions were -seconded and supported by Richard Henry Lee, and were adopted without -further opposition. A committee was immediately appointed to carry them -into effect. From that time forward, the old dominion was renewed, -regenerated, and free. Her richest blood was poured out freely in the -cause of liberty and equal rights. - -Soon after this convention had adjourned, Lord Dunmore removed a part -of the powder from the magazine at Williamsburg on board of one of his -majesty’s ships. On being informed of this transaction, Patrick Henry -collected a military force in Hanover and King William counties, and -repaired to the seat of government, demanding the restoration of the -powder or its equivalent in cash. An order for the amount in money was -received, and no blood shed. A proclamation was issued against these -daring rebels, which only seemed to unite the people more strongly in -favour of their orator and soldier, whose conduct they highly approved -at several public meetings convened on the occasion. - -In August, 1775, Mr. Henry was again chosen a delegate to the -Continental Congress, and in June of the following year, governor of -his native state. He held this important office during that and the -ensuing year, but declined serving the third year, although unanimously -re-elected. His zeal in the glorious cause he had espoused did not -languish or grow cold. In 1780 he took his seat in the assembly of his -state, and manifested all the activity and vigour that characterized -the commencement of his bold and useful career. In 1788 he was a -member of the Virginia convention convened for the consideration of -the constitution of the United States, then submitted for approval or -rejection. To that instrument Mr. Henry was then strongly opposed, -because, as he contended, it consolidated the states into one -government, thereby destroying the sovereignty of each. His eloquence -on that occasion was raised to its highest pitch, but could not -prevail. His resolution against it was lost. His closing speech on -that now revered instrument, was said to have surpassed either of his -former efforts, and operated so powerfully, that but a small majority -voted for the new constitution. During his remarks an incident occurred -which enabled him to almost paralyze his audience. After describing -the magnitude of the question, on the determination of which hung the -happiness or woe of the present generation, and millions yet unborn, -with a voice and countenance solemn as eternity, and his eyes raised -upwards, he appealed to the God of heaven and to angels then hovering -over their heads, to witness the thrilling scene, and invoked their aid -in the mighty work before him. At that moment a sudden thunder gust -commenced its fury and shook the very earth. Upon the wings of the -tempest his stentorian voice continued to rise—he figuratively seized -the artillery of the elements as by supernatural power, hurled the -liquid lightning at the heads of his opponents, and seemed commissioned -by the great Jehovah to execute a deed of vengeance. The scene was -awfully sublime, the effect tremendous. The purple current rushed back -upon the fountain of life, every countenance was pale, every eye was -fixed, every muscle was electrified, every vein was contracted, every -heart was agonized, the scene became insupportable, the members rushed -from their seats in confusion and left the house without the formality -of an adjournment. - -He remained in the assembly until 1791, when he declined a re-election, -and expressed a strong desire to retire from public life. He had toiled -long, faithfully and successfully, and wished for that repose found -only in the bosom of our families. - -In 1795, president Washington, for whom he had an unbounded veneration, -offered him the high station of secretary of state. With becoming -gratitude to his friend and the father of his country, he declined the -proffered honour, and chose to remain in retirement. The following -year he was again elected governor of his native state, but declined -serving. In 1799 he was appointed by president Adams an envoy to France -in conjunction with Messrs. Murray and Ellsworth. His declining health -would not permit him to accept of this last appointment with which he -was honoured. Disease was fast consummating the work of death, and -destroying rapidly the hardy constitution and athletic frame that had -enabled him to perform his duty so nobly during the trying scenes of -the revolution. He was aware that the work of dissolution was going -on, and awaited his final exit with calm submission and Christian -fortitude. On the 6th of June, 1799, he resigned his spirit to Him who -gave it, threw off the mortal coil and was numbered with the dead, -aged but 61 years. His loss was deeply mourned by the American nation, -and most strongly felt by those who knew him best. The following -affectionate tribute is from the pen of one who knew him well. - -“Mourn, Virginia, mourn! your Henry is gone. Ye friends to liberty -in every clime, drop a tear. No more will his social feelings spread -delight through his happy house. No more will his edifying example -dictate to his numerous offspring the sweetness of virtue and the -majesty of patriotism. No more will his sage advice, guided by zeal -for the common happiness, impart light and 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 long as our -rivers flow, or mountains stand, so long will your excellence and worth -be the theme of our homage and endearment; and Virginia, bearing in -mind her loss, will say to rising generations—imitate my Henry.” - -In reviewing the character of this truly great man from the -commencement of his public career, his examples in public and private -life are worthy of veneration and the closest imitation. The rust of -his youth was soon removed, and he became in all respects a brilliant -and polished man. His habits were rigidly temperate, his conduct, as -a gentleman, a public functionary, an amiable citizen and a devoted -christian, was beyond reproach. Although when he believed himself in -the right, he maintained his position with great zeal and ardour, he -was always open to conviction. Although he opposed the adoption of the -federal constitution when it was under consideration, he subsequently -became convinced of its utility, and highly approved of its form and -substance. - -As a husband, a father, a master, a neighbour and a friend, he had no -superior. As an advocate, an orator, a statesman and a patriot, his -fame stands in all its glory, uneclipsed and unsurpassed. As Grattan -said of Pitt, there was something in Patrick Henry that could create, -subvert, or reform; an understanding, a spirit, an eloquence to summon -mankind to society, or to break the bonds of slavery asunder, and to -rule the wilderness of free minds with unbounded authority; something -that could establish or overwhelm empire, and strike a blow in the -world that should resound through the universe. - -He was twice married and the father of fifteen children. The closing -paragraph of his will is worthy of record, and shows the veneration he -felt for the religion of the Cross. - -“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.” This short paragraph, coming from -one of the most gigantic minds that ever investigated the truths of -revelation, speaks volumes in favour of that religion which is despised -by some—neglected by millions—and is the one thing needful to fit us -for heaven and prepare us for the - - “Great day for which all other days were made, - For which earth rose from chaos,—man from earth, - And an eternity—the date of gods, - Descended on poor earth-created man!” - - - - -APPENDIX. - - - - -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 resolution 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 assured, 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 situation 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 uniform 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 disregard, to return to that retirement from which -I had been reluctantly drawn. The strength of my inclination to do -this, 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 abandon the idea. - -I rejoice that the state of your concerns, external as well as -internal, no longer renders the pursuit of inclination incompatible -with the sentiment of duty or propriety; and am persuaded, 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 discharge of this trust I will -only say, that I have with good intentions contributed towards the -organization and administration 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 -prudence invite me to quit the political scene, patriotism does not -forbid it. - -In looking forward to the moment which is intended to terminate the -career of my public life, my feelings do not permit me to suspend -the deep acknowledgement of that debt of gratitude which I owe to -my beloved country, for the many honours it has conferred upon me; -still more for the steadfast confidence with which it has supported -me; and for the opportunities 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 remembered 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 constancy 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 beneficence; that your union and brotherly affection may -be perpetual! 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 affection and the adoption of every nation which is yet a -stranger to it. - -Here, perhaps, I ought to stop. But a solicitude for your welfare, -which cannot end but with my life, and the apprehension of danger, -natural to that solicitude, urge me, on an occasion like the present, -to offer to your solemn contemplation, and to recommend to your -frequent review, some sentiments, which are the result of much -reflection, of no inconsiderable 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 reception of my sentiments on a -former, and not dissimilar occasion. - -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 pillar 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 insidiously) 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 immovable attachment to it; -accustoming yourselves to think and speak of it as of the Palladium of -your political safety and prosperity; watching for its preservation -with jealous anxiety; discountenancing whatever 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 the rest, or to enfeeble the sacred ties -which now link together the various parts. - -For this you have every inducement of sympathy and interest. -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 -discrimination.—With slight shades of difference, you have the same -religion, manners, habits and political principles. You have, in a -common 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 motives 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 intercourse benefitting by the agency of the NORTH, -sees its agriculture grow, and its commerce expand. Turning partly -into its own channels the seamen of the North, it finds its particular -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 -communications, by land and water, will more and more find a valuable -vent for the commodities which it brings from abroad, or manufactures -at home. The WEST derives from the EAST supplies requisite to its -growth and comfort; and what is, perhaps, of still greater consequence, -it must of necessity owe the secure enjoyment of indispensable outlets -for its own production, 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 intrinsically precarious. - -While then every part of our country thus feels an immediate and -particular interest in union, all the parties combined cannot fail -to find, in the united mass of means and efforts, greater strength, -greater resource, proportionably greater security 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 afflict neighbouring countries, not tied together by the -same government; which their own rivalships alone would be sufficient -to produce, but which opposite foreign alliances, attachments and -intrigues, would stimulate and embitter. Hence, likewise, they will -avoid the necessity of those overgrown military 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 in 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 speculation, in such a case, were criminal. We are -authorized to hope that a proper organization of the whole, with the -auxiliary 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 GEOGRAPHICAL discriminations; NORTHERN -and SOUTHERN; ATLANTIC and WESTERN; whence designing men may endeavour -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 yourselves too much against the jealousies -and heart burnings which spring from these misrepresentations; they -tend to render alien to each other those who ought to be bound together -by fraternal affection. The inhabitants of our western country have -lately had a useful lesson on this head; they have seen, in the -negotiation by the executive, and in the unanimous ratification by the -senate of the treaty with Spain, and in the universal satisfaction at -that event throughout the United States, a decisive proof how unfounded -were the suspicions 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 witnesses to the formation -of two treaties: that with Great Britain 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 be 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 government 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 deliberation, completely free in its -principles, in the distribution of its powers, uniting security with -energy, and containing within itself a provision for its own amendment, -has a just claim to your confidence and your support. Respect for its -authority, compliance with its laws, acquiescence in its measures, are -duties enjoined by the fundamental maxims of true liberty. 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 sacredly 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 government. - -All obstructions to the execution of the laws, all combinations 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 tendency. They serve to organize -faction; to give it an artificial and extraordinary force; to put in -the place of the delegated will of the nation, the will of a party, -often a small, but artful and enterprising minority of the community; -and, according to the alternate triumphs of different parties, to -make the public administration the mirror of the ill-concerted and -incongruous projects of faction, rather than the organ of consistent -and wholesome plans, digested by common counsels, and modified by -mutual interests. - -However combinations or associations of the above description 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 enabled 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 unjust dominion. - -Towards the preservation of your government, and the permanency 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 necessary 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, -especially, 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 government, 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 limits 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 the 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 manner 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 popular form, it is seen in its -greatest rankness, and is truly their worst enemy. - -The alternate dominion of one faction over another, sharpened 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 result, 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 enfeeble the -public administration. It agitates the community with ill founded -jealousies and false alarms; kindles the animosity 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 government 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 character, 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 purpose. -And there being constant danger of excess, the effort ought to be, by -force of public opinion, to mitigate and assuage it. A fire not to be -quenched, it demands a uniform vigilance 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 respective -constitutional spheres, avoiding, in the exercise of the power 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 -predominates in the human heart, is sufficient to satisfy us of the -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 guardian 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 -constitutional powers be in any particular wrong, let it be corrected -by an amendment in the way which the constitution designates. 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 permanent 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 happiness, 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 felicity. Let it be -simply asked, where is the security for property, for reputation, 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 -forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of -religious principle. It is substantially true, that virtue or morality -is a necessary spring of popular government. The rule indeed extends -with more or less force to every species of free government. Who that -is a sincere friend to it can look with indifference upon attempts to -shake the foundation of the fabric? - -Promote, then, as an object of primary importance, institutions 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, cherish 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 disbursements to _prepare_ for danger -frequently prevent much greater disbursements to repel it; avoiding -likewise the accumulation 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 ungenerously -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 revenue; 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 candid construction of the conduct of -the government in making it, and for a spirit of acquiescence in the -measures for obtaining revenue, which the public exigencies may at any -time dictate. - -Observe good faith and justice towards all nations; cultivate peace -and harmony with all. Religion and morality enjoin 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 providence 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 particular nations, and -passionate attachment for others, should be excluded; and that in place -of them, just and amicable feelings towards all should be cultivated. -The nation, which indulges towards another an habitual hatred, or -an habitual fondness, is in some degree a slave. It is a slave to -its animosity or to its affections, either of which is sufficient -to lead it astray from its duty and its interest. Antipathy in one -nation against another, disposes each more readily to offer insult 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, obstinate, envenomed and bloody contests. -The nation, prompted by ill-will and resentment, sometimes impels to -war the government, 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 another produces a variety of evils. Sympathy for the favourite -nation, facilitating the illusion of an imaginary common interest, -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 favourite 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 privileges are -withheld: and it gives to ambitious, corrupted, or deluded citizens, -(who devote themselves to the favourite nation,) 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 obligations, commendable deference for public opinion, or a laudable -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 enlightened 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 former 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 people ought to -be CONSTANTLY awake; since history and experience prove that foreign -influence is one of the most baneful 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 excessive -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 resist the intrigues of the -favourite, are liable to become suspected and odious; while its tools -and dupes usurp the applause and confidence of the people, to surrender -their interests. - -The great rule of conduct for us, in regard to foreign nations, is, -in extending our commercial relations, to have with them as little -_political_ connection 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 government, 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 resolve 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 justice, 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 applicable -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 suitable establishments, 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 preferences; consulting the natural course of -things; diffusing and diversifying by gentle means the streams of -commerce, but 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 present circumstances and mutual -opinion will permit, but temporary, 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 -disinterested favours from another; that it must pay with a portion -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 calculate upon real favours from nation to nation. It is an -illusion 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 occasional 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 patriotism; this -hope will be a full recompense for the solicitude 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 public 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 guided by them. - -In relation to the still subsisting war in Europe, my proclamation of -the 22nd of April, 1793, is the index to my plan. Sanctioned by your -approving voice, and by that of your representatives in both houses -of Congress, the spirit of that measure has continually governed me, -uninfluenced by any attempts to deter or divert me from it. - -After a deliberate examination, with the aid of the best lights I -could obtain, I was well satisfied that our country, under all the -circumstances of the case, had a right to take, and was bound in -duty and interest, to take a neutral position. Having taken it, I -determined, as far as should depend upon me, to maintain it with -moderation, perseverance and firmness. 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 speaking, 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 mansions -of rest. - -Relying on its kindness in this as in other things, and actuated by -that fervent love towards it which is so natural to a man who views -in it the native soil of himself and his progenitors 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 favourite 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._ - - - - -IN CONGRESS, PHILADELPHIA, JULY 5, 1775. - -A DECLARATION - - BY THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED COLONIES OF NORTH AMERICA, - SETTING FORTH THE CAUSES AND NECESSITY OF THEIR TAKING UP ARMS. - -_Directed to be published by General Washington, upon his arrival -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 humanity 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 -administered 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 kingdom, 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 assembly may be, by -their intemperate rage for unlimited domination, 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. - -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 intercourse 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 contending, 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 emoluments of statuteable -plunder. The uninterrupted tenor of their peaceable and respectful -behaviour from the beginning of colonization, their dutiful, zealous -and useful services during 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 pernicious 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 without our consent, though we have ever exercised an exclusive -right to dispose of our own property; statutes have been passed for -extending the jurisdiction of courts of admiralty and vice-admiralty -beyond their ancient limits; for depriving us 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 commerce to the capital of another; and for -altering, fundamentally, the form of government established by charter, -and secured 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 existence; and for quartering soldiers -upon the colonists in time of profound peace. It has also been resolved -in parliament that colonists, charged with committing certain offences, -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 control or influence; but, on the -contrary, they are all of them exempt from the operation of such -laws, and an American 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 incessantly -and ineffectually besieged the throne as supplicants; we reasoned, we -remonstrated with parliament in the most mild and decent language. - -The administration, sensible that we should regard these oppressive -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 virtuous, loyal and affectionate people. -A Congress of delegates from the united colonies was assembled at -Philadelphia on 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 proceeded to break off our -commercial intercourse with our fellow subjects, as the last peaceable -admonition, that our attachment 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 shown 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 was a decent -one, and that his majesty had been pleased to receive it graciously, -and to promise laying it before his parliament, was huddled into both -houses among a bundle 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 province of -Massachusetts Bay; and that those concerned in it had been countenanced -and encouraged by unlawful combinations 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 due obedience to the laws and authority -of the supreme 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 hurried 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 -manœuvre calculated to divide us, to establish a perpetual auction -of taxations, where colony should bid against colony, all of them -uninformed what ransom would redeem their lives; and thus to extort -from us, at the point of the bayonet, the unknown sums that would be -sufficient to gratify, if possible to gratify, ministerial rapacity, -with the miserable indulgence left to us of raising, in our own mode, -the prescribed tribute. What terms more rigid and humiliating could -have been dictated by remorseless victors to conquered enemies? In our -circumstances 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 province of Massachusetts Bay, -and still occupied it as a garrison, 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 inhabitants of the same province, killing -several and wounding more, until compelled to retreat by the country -people suddenly assembled to repel this cruel aggression. Hostilities, -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 stipulated 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 delivered up -their arms; but, in open violation of honour, in defiance of the -obligation of treaties, which even savage nations 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 elegance, 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 falsehoods 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 and 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 necessary supplies of -provisions are intercepted, and he is exerting his utmost power to -spread destruction and devastation around him. - -We have received certain intelligence, that general Carleton, 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 formed 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 submission to the tyranny -of irritated ministers, or resistance by force. _The latter is our -choice. We have counted the cost of this contest, and find nothing so -dreadful as voluntary slavery._ Honour, 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 signal instance of the divine favour -towards us, that his providence would not permit us to be called -into this severe controversy 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 utmost 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 assure 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 spectacle of a people attacked by unprovoked -enemies, without any imputation 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 -birthright, and which we ever enjoyed till the late violation 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 devoutly implore his divine -goodness to protect us happily through this great conflict, to dispose -our adversaries to reconciliation on reasonable terms, and thereby to -relieve the empire from the calamities of civil war. - - - - -ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION. - - IN CONGRESS, JULY 8, 1778. - -ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION AND PERPETUAL UNION - - _Between the States of New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode - Island and Providence Plantations, Connecticut, New York, New - Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North - Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia._ - - -ARTICLE 1. The style of this confederacy shall be, “_The United States -of America_.” - -Art. 2. Each state retains its sovereignty, freedom, and independence, -and every power, jurisdiction, and right, which is not by this -confederation expressly delegated to the United States, in Congress -assembled. - -Art. 3. The said states hereby severally enter into a firm league of -friendship with each other, for their common defence, the security -of their liberties, and their mutual and general welfare, binding -themselves to assist each other against all force offered to, or -attacks made upon them, or any of them, on account of religion, -sovereignty, trade, or any other pretence whatever. - -Art. 4. § 1. The better to secure and perpetuate mutual friendship and -intercourse among the people of the different states in this union, -the free inhabitants of each of these states, paupers, vagabonds, and -fugitives from justice excepted, shall be entitled to all privileges -and immunities of free citizens in the several states; and the people -of each state shall have free ingress and regress to and from any -other state, and shall enjoy therein all the privileges of trade and -commerce, subject to the same duties, impositions, and restrictions, as -the inhabitants thereof respectively; provided that such restrictions -shall not extend so far as to prevent the removal of property -imported into any state, to any other state, of which the owner is an -inhabitant; provided also, that no imposition, duties, or restriction, -shall be laid by any state on the property of the United States, or -either of them. - -§ 2. If any person guilty of, or charged with, treason, felony, or -other high misdemeanor in any state, shall flee from justice, and -be found in any of the United States, he shall, upon the demand of -the governor or executive power of the state from which he fled, be -delivered up, and removed to the state having jurisdiction of his -offence. - -§ 3. Full faith and credit shall be given, in each of these states, -to the records, acts, and judicial proceedings of the courts and -magistrates of every other state. - -Art. 5. § 1. For the more convenient management of the general -interests of the United States, delegates shall be annually appointed -in such a manner as the legislature of each state shall direct, to meet -in Congress on the first Monday in November, in every year, with a -power reserved to each state to recall its delegates, or any of them, -at any time within the year, and to send others in their stead, for the -remainder of the year. - -§ 2. No state shall be represented in Congress by less than two, nor -more than seven members: and no person shall be capable of being a -delegate for more than three years, in any term of six years; nor shall -any person, being a delegate, be capable of holding any office under -the United States, for which he, or any other for his benefit, receives -any salary, fees, or emolument of any kind. - -§ 3. Each state shall maintain its own delegates in a meeting of the -states, and while they act as members of the committee of these states. - -§ 4. In determining questions in the United States in Congress -assembled, each state shall have one vote. - -§ 5. Freedom of speech and debate in Congress shall not be impeached -or questioned in any court or place out of Congress, and the members -of Congress shall be protected in their persons from arrests and -imprisonments during the time of their going to and from, and -attendance on, Congress, except for treason, felony, or breach of the -peace. - -Art. 6. § 1. No state, without the consent of the United States, -in Congress assembled, shall send any embassy to, or receive any -embassy from, or enter into any conference, agreement, alliance, or -treaty, with any king, prince, or state; nor shall any person holding -any office of profit or trust under the United States, or any of -them, accept of any present, emolument, office, or title of any kind -whatever, from any king, prince, or foreign state; nor shall the United -States, in Congress assembled, or any of them, grant any title of -nobility. - -§ 2. No two or more states shall enter into any treaty, confederation, -or alliance whatever, between them, without the consent of the United -States, in Congress assembled, specifying accurately the purposes for -which the same is to be entered into, and how long it shall continue. - -§ 3. No state shall lay any imposts or duties which may interfere with -any stipulations in treaties entered into by the United States, in -Congress assembled, with any king, prince, or state, in pursuance of -any treaties already proposed by Congress to the courts of France and -Spain. - -§ 4. No vessels of war shall be kept up in time of peace, by any -state, except such number only as shall be deemed necessary by the -United States, in Congress assembled, for the defence of such state, -or its trade: nor shall any body of forces be kept up, by any state, -in time of peace, except such number only as, in the judgment of the -United States, in Congress assembled, shall be deemed requisite to -garrison the forts necessary for the defence of such state; but every -state shall always keep up a regular and well disciplined militia, -sufficiently armed and accoutred, and shall provide and constantly -have ready for use, in public stores, a due number of field pieces and -tents, and a proper quantity of arms, ammunition, and camp equipage. - -§ 5. No state shall engage in any war without the consent of the United -States, in Congress assembled, unless such state be actually invaded -by enemies, or shall have received certain advice of a resolution -being formed by some nation of Indians to invade such state, and the -danger is so imminent as not to admit of delay till the United States, -in Congress assembled, can be consulted; nor shall any state grant -commissions to any ships or vessels of war, nor letters of marque or -reprisal, except it be after a declaration of war by the United States, -in Congress assembled, and then only against a kingdom or state, and -the subjects thereof, against which war has been so declared, and -under such regulations as shall be established by the United States, -in Congress assembled, unless such state be infested by pirates, in -which case vessels of war may be fitted out for that occasion, and kept -so long as the danger shall continue, or until the United States, in -Congress assembled, shall determine otherwise. - -Art. 7. When land forces are raised by any state for the common -defence, all officers of, or under the rank of colonel, shall be -appointed by the legislature of each state respectively by whom such -forces shall be raised, or in such manner as such state shall direct, -and all vacancies shall be filled up by the state which first made the -appointment. - -Art. 8. All charges of war, and all other expenses that shall be -incurred for the common defence or general welfare, and allowed by the -United States, in Congress assembled, shall be defrayed out of a common -treasury, which shall be supplied by the several states, in proportion -to the value of all land within each state, granted to, or surveyed -for, any person, as such land and the buildings and improvements -thereon shall be estimated, according to such mode as the United -States, in Congress assembled, shall, from time to time, direct and -appoint. The taxes for paying that proportion shall be laid and levied -by the authority and direction of the legislatures of the several -states, within the time agreed upon by the United States, in Congress -assembled. - -Art. 9. § 1. The United States, in Congress assembled, shall have the -sole and exclusive right and power of determining on peace and war, -except in the cases mentioned in the sixth article, of sending and -receiving ambassadors, entering into treaties and alliances, provided -that no treaty of commerce shall be made, whereby the legislative -power of the respective states shall be restrained from imposing such -imposts and duties on foreigners, as their own people are subjected to, -or from prohibiting the exportation or importation of any species of -goods or commodities whatsoever; of establishing rules for deciding, -in all cases, what captures on land or water shall be legal, and in -what manner prizes taken by land or naval forces in the service of the -United States, shall be divided or appropriated; of granting letters of -marque and reprisal in times of peace; appointing courts for the trial -of piracies and felonies committed on the high seas; and establishing -courts for receiving and determining finally appeals in all cases of -captures; provided that no member of Congress shall be appointed a -judge of any of the said courts. - -§ 2. The United States, in Congress assembled, shall also be the last -resort on appeal, in all disputes and differences now subsisting, -or that hereafter may arise between two or more states concerning -boundary, jurisdiction or any other cause whatever, which authority -shall always be exercised in the manner following: Whenever the -legislative or executive authority, or lawful agent of any state in -controversy with another, shall present a petition to Congress stating -the matter in question, and praying for a hearing, notice thereof -shall be given by order of Congress to the legislative or executive -authority of the other state in controversy, and a day assigned for -the appearance of the parties by their lawful agents, who shall then -be directed to appoint, by joint consent, commissioners or judges to -constitute a court for hearing and determining the matter in question; -but if they cannot agree, Congress shall name three persons out of each -of the United States, and from the list of such persons each party -shall alternately strike out one, the petitioners beginning, until the -number shall be reduced to thirteen; and from that number not less than -seven, nor more than nine names, as Congress shall direct, shall, in -the presence of Congress, be drawn out by lot; and the persons whose -names shall be so drawn, or any five of them, shall be commissioners -or judges, to hear and finally determine the controversy, so always -as a major part of the judges, who shall hear the cause, shall agree -in the determination; and if either party shall neglect to attend at -the day appointed, without showing reasons which Congress shall judge -sufficient, or being present, shall refuse to strike, the Congress -shall proceed to nominate three persons out of each state, and the -secretary of Congress shall strike in behalf of such party absent or -refusing; and the judgment and sentence of the court, to be appointed -in the manner before prescribed, shall be final and conclusive; and -if any of the parties shall refuse to submit to the authority of such -court, or to appear or defend their claim or cause, the court shall -nevertheless proceed to pronounce sentence or judgment, which shall in -like manner be final and decisive; the judgment or sentence and other -proceedings being in either case transmitted to Congress, and lodged -among the acts of Congress, for the security of the parties concerned; -provided, that every commissioner, before he sits in judgment, shall -take an oath, to be administered by one of the judges of the supreme -or superior court of the state where the cause shall be tried, “well -and truly to hear and determine the matter in question, according to -the best of his judgment, without favour, affection or hope of reward.” -Provided also, that no state shall be deprived of territory for the -benefit of the United States. - -§ 3. All controversies concerning the private right of soil claimed -under different grants of two or more states, whose jurisdiction, as -they may respect such lands, and the states which passed such grants -are adjusted, the said grants or either of them being at the same -time claimed to have originated antecedent to such settlement of -jurisdiction, shall, on the petition of either party to the Congress -of the United States, be finally determined, as near as may be, in the -same manner as is before prescribed for deciding disputes respecting -territorial jurisdiction between different states. - -§ 4. The United States, in Congress assembled, shall also have the sole -and exclusive right and power of regulating the alloy and value of coin -struck by their own authority, or by that of the respective states; -fixing the standard of weights and measures throughout the United -States; regulating the trade and managing all affairs with the Indians, -not members of any of the states; provided that the legislative right -of any state, within its own limits, be not infringed or violated; -establishing and regulating post offices from one state to another, -throughout all the United States, and exacting such postage on the -papers passing through the same as may be requisite to defray the -expenses of the said office; appointing all officers of the land forces -in the service of the United States, excepting regimental officers; -appointing all the officers of the naval forces, and commissioning all -officers whatever in the service of the United States; making rules for -the government and regulation of the said land and naval forces, and -directing their operations. - -§ 5. The United States, in Congress assembled, shall have authority -to appoint a committee, to sit in the recess of Congress, to be -denominated, “_A Committee of the States_,” and to consist of one -delegate from each state; and to appoint such other committees and -civil officers as may be necessary for managing the general affairs -of the United States under their direction; to appoint one of their -number to preside; provided that no person be allowed to serve in the -office of president more than one year in any term of three years; to -ascertain the necessary sums of money to be raised for the service of -the United States, and to appropriate and apply the same for defraying -the public expenses; to borrow money or emit bills on the credit of -the United States, transmitting every half year to the respective -states an account of the sums of money so borrowed or emitted; to -build and equip a navy; to agree upon the number of land forces, and -to make requisitions from each state for its quota, in proportion to -the number of white inhabitants in such state, which requisition shall -be binding; and thereupon the legislature of each state shall appoint -the regimental officers, raise the men, clothe, arm, and equip them, -in a soldier-like manner, at the expense of the United States; and the -officers and men so clothed, armed, and equipped, shall march to the -place appointed, and within the time agreed on by the United States, in -Congress assembled; but if the United States, in Congress assembled, -shall, on consideration of circumstances, judge proper that any state -should not raise men, or should raise a smaller number than its quota, -and that any other state should raise a greater number of men than the -quota thereof, such extra number shall be raised, officered, clothed, -armed, and equipped in the same manner as the quota of such state, -unless the legislature of such state shall judge that such extra number -cannot be safely spared out of the same, in which case they shall -raise, officer, clothe, arm, and equip as many of such extra number as -they judge can be safely spared, and the officers and men so clothed, -armed, and equipped, shall march to the place appointed, and within the -time agreed on by the United States in Congress assembled. - -§ 6. The United States, in Congress assembled, shall never engage in -a war, nor grant letters of marque and reprisal in time of peace, nor -enter into any treaties or alliances, nor coin money, nor regulate -the value thereof, nor ascertain the sums and expenses necessary for -the defence and welfare of the United States, or any of them, nor -emit bills, nor borrow money on the credit of the United States, nor -appropriate money, nor agree upon the number of vessels of war to be -built or purchased, or the number of land or sea forces to be raised, -nor appoint a commander-in-chief of the army or navy, unless nine -states assent to the same, nor shall a question on any other point, -except for adjourning from day to day, be determined, unless by the -votes of a majority of the United States in Congress assembled. - -§ 7. The Congress of the United States shall have power to adjourn to -any time within the year, and to any place within the United States, -so that no period of adjournment be for a longer duration than the -space of six months, and shall publish the journal of their proceedings -monthly, except such parts thereof relating to treaties, alliances, -or military operations, as in their judgment require secrecy; and the -yeas and nays of the delegates of each state, on any question shall be -entered on the journal, when it is desired by any delegate; and the -delegates of a state, or any of them, at his or their request, shall -be furnished with a transcript of the said journal, except such parts -as are above excepted, to lay before the legislatures of the several -states. - -Art. 10. The committee of the states, or any nine of them, shall be -authorized to execute, in the recess of Congress, such of the powers of -Congress as the United States, in Congress assembled, by the consent -of nine states, shall, from time to time, think expedient to vest them -with; provided that no power be delegated to the said committee, for -the exercise of which, by the articles of confederation, the voice -of nine states, in the Congress of the United States assembled, is -requisite. - -Art. 11. Canada acceding to this confederation, and joining in the -measures of the United States, shall be admitted into, and entitled to -all the advantages of this Union: but no other colony shall be admitted -into the same, unless such admission be agreed to by nine states. - -Art. 12. All bills of credit emitted, moneys borrowed, and debts -contracted by or under the authority of Congress, before the assembling -of the United States, in pursuance of the present confederation, shall -be deemed and considered as a charge against the United States, for -payment and satisfaction whereof the said United States and the public -faith are hereby solemnly pledged. - -Art. 13. Every state shall abide by the determination of the United -States, in Congress assembled, in all questions which, by this -confederation, are submitted to them. And the articles of this -confederation shall be inviolably observed by every state, and the -Union shall be perpetual; nor shall any alteration at any time -hereafter be made in any of them, unless such alteration be agreed to -in a Congress of the United States, and be afterwards confirmed by the -legislature of every state. - -And whereas it hath pleased the Great Governor of the world to incline -the hearts of the legislatures we respectively represent in Congress, -to approve of, and to authorize us to ratify the said articles of -confederation and perpetual union, Know ye, that we, the undersigned -delegates, by virtue of the power and authority to us given for that -purpose, do, by these presents, in the name and in behalf of our -respective constituents, fully and entirely ratify and confirm each -and every of the said articles of confederation and perpetual union, -and all and singular the matters and things therein contained. And -we do further solemnly plight and engage the faith of our respective -constituents, that they shall abide by the determination of the United -States, in Congress assembled, in all questions which by the said -confederation are submitted to them; and that the articles thereof -shall be inviolably observed by the states we respectively represent, -and that the Union shall be perpetual. In witness whereof, we have -hereunto set our hands, in Congress. - - _Done at Philadelphia, in the State of Pennsylvania, the 9th day of - July, in the year of our Lord, 1778, and in the third year of the - Independence of America._ - - NEW HAMPSHIRE. - - Josiah Bartlett, - John Wentworth, Jr. - -MASSACHUSETTS BAY. - - John Hancock, - Samuel Adams, - Elbridge Gerry, - Francis Dana, - James Lovel, - Samuel Holten. - -RHODE ISLAND, &c. - - William Ellery, - Henry Marchant, - John Collins. - -CONNECTICUT. - - Roger Sherman, - Samuel Huntingdon, - Oliver Wolcott, - Titus Hosmer, - Andrew Adams. - -NEW YORK. - - Jas. Duane, - Fra. Lewis, - Wm. Duer, - Gouv. Morris. - -NEW JERSEY. - - Jno. Witherspoon, - Nath. Scudder. - -PENNSYLVANIA. - - Robert Morris, - Daniel Roberdeau, - Jona. Bayard Smith, - William Clingan, - Joseph Reed. - -DELAWARE. - - Thos. M’Kean, - John Dickinson, - Nicholas Van Dyke. - -MARYLAND. - - John Hanson, - Daniel Carroll. - -VIRGINIA. - - Richard Henry Lee, - John Bannister, - Thomas Adams, - John Harris, - Francis Lightfoot Lee. - -NORTH CAROLINA. - - John Penn, - Cons. Harnett, - Jno. Williams. - -SOUTH CAROLINA. - - Henry Laurens, - William Henry Drayton, - Jno. Matthews, - Richard Hutson, - Thomas Heyward, Jr. - -GEORGIA. - - Jno. Walton, - Edwd. Telfair, - Edwd. Langworthy. - - - - -CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. - - -PREAMBLE. - -We, the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect -union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquillity, provide for the -common defence, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings -of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this -constitution for the United States of America. - - -ARTICLE I. - -_Of the Legislature._ - -SECTION I. - -1. All legislative powers herein granted, shall be vested in a congress -of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of -Representatives. - -SECTION II. - -1. The House of Representatives shall be composed of members chosen -every second year by the people of the several states; and the electors -in each state shall have the qualifications requisite for electors of -the most numerous branch of the state legislature. - -2. No person shall be a representative who shall not have attained to -the age of twenty-five years, and been seven years a citizen of the -United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an inhabitant of -that state in which he shall be chosen. - -3. Representatives and direct taxes shall be apportioned among the -several states which may be included within this union, according to -their respective numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the -whole number of free persons, including those bound to service for -a term of years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three-fifths of -all other persons. The actual enumeration shall be made within three -years after the first meeting of the Congress of the United States, -and within every subsequent term of ten years, in such manner as they -shall by law direct. The number of representatives shall not exceed -one for every thirty thousand, but each state shall have at least one -representative; and until such enumeration shall be made, the state -of _New Hampshire_ shall be entitled to choose three; _Massachusetts_ -eight; _Rhode Island and Providence Plantations_ one; _Connecticut_ -five; _New York_ six; _New Jersey_ four; _Pennsylvania_ eight; -_Delaware_ one; _Maryland_ six; _Virginia_ ten; _North Carolina_ five; -_South Carolina_ five; and _Georgia_ three. - -4. When vacancies happen in the representation from any state, the -executive authority thereof shall issue writs of election to fill up -such vacancies. - -5. The House of Representatives shall choose their speaker and other -officers, and shall have the sole power of impeachment. - -SECTION III. - -1. The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two senators -from each state, chosen by the legislature thereof, for six years; and -each senator shall have one vote. - -2. Immediately after they shall be assembled in consequence of the -first election, they shall be divided, as equally as may be, into three -classes. The seats of the senators of the first class shall be vacated -at the expiration of the second year, of the second class at the -expiration of the fourth year, and of the third class at the expiration -of the sixth year, so that one third may be chosen every second year; -and if vacancies happen, by resignation or otherwise, during the -recess of the legislature of any state, the executive thereof may make -temporary appointments until the next meeting of the legislature, which -shall then fill such vacancies. - -3. No person shall be a senator who shall not have attained to the age -of thirty years, and been nine years a citizen of the United States, -and who shall not, when elected, be an inhabitant of that state for -which he shall be chosen. - -4. The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the -Senate, but shall have no vote, unless they be equally divided. - -5. The Senate shall choose their other officers, and also a president -pro tempore, in the absence of the Vice President, or when he shall -exercise the office of President of the United States. - -6. The Senate shall have the sole power to try all impeachments. When -sitting for that purpose, they shall be on oath or affirmation. When -the President of the United States is tried, the chief justice shall -preside; and no person shall be convicted without the concurrence of -two-thirds of the members present. - -7. Judgment in case of impeachment shall not extend further than to -removal from office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office -of honour, trust, or profit, under the United States; but the party -convicted shall, nevertheless, be liable and subject to indictment, -trial, judgment, and punishment according to law. - -SECTION IV. - -1. The times, places, and manner of holding elections for senators and -representatives, shall be prescribed in each state by the legislature -thereof; but the Congress may at any time, by law, make or alter such -regulations, except as to the place of choosing senators. - -2. The Congress shall assemble at least once in every year, and such -meeting shall be on the first Monday in December, unless they shall by -law appoint a different day. - -SECTION V. - -1. Each House shall be the judge of the elections, returns, and -qualifications of its own members; and a majority of each shall -constitute a quorum to do business; but a smaller number may adjourn -from day to day, and may be authorized to compel the attendance of -absent members, in such manner and under such penalties as each House -may provide. - -2. Each House may determine the rule of its proceedings, punish -its members for disorderly behaviour, and, with the concurrence of -two-thirds, expel a member. - -3. Each House shall keep a journal of its proceedings, and from time to -time publish the same, excepting such parts as may in their judgment -require secrecy; and the yeas and nays of the members of either House, -on any question, shall, at the desire of one-fifth of those present, be -entered on the journal. - -4. Neither House during the session of Congress shall, without the -consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any -other place than that in which the two houses shall be sitting. - -SECTION VI. - -1. The senators and representatives shall receive a compensation for -their services, to be ascertained by law, and paid out of the treasury -of the United States. They shall in all cases, except treason, felony, -and breach of the peace, be privileged from arrest during their -attendance at the session of their respective Houses, and in going to -or returning from the same; and for any speech or debate in either -House, they shall not be questioned in any other place. - -2. No senator or representative shall, during the time for which he was -elected, be appointed to any civil office under the authority of the -United States which shall have been created, or the emoluments whereof -shall have been increased, during such time; and no person holding any -office under the United States shall be a member of either House during -his continuance in office. - -SECTION VII. - -1. All bills for raising revenue shall originate in the House of -Representatives; but the Senate may propose or concur with amendments, -as on other bills. - -2. Every bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and -the Senate shall, before it become a law, be presented to the President -of the United States; if he approve, he shall sign it; but if not, -he shall return it, with his objections, to that House in which it -shall have originated, who shall enter the objection at large on their -journal, and proceed to reconsider it. If, after such reconsideration, -two-thirds of that House shall agree to pass the bill, it shall be -sent, together with the objections, to the other House, by which it -shall likewise be reconsidered, and if approved by two-thirds of that -House, it shall become a law. But in all such cases the votes of both -Houses shall be determined by yeas and nays, and the names of the -persons voting for and against the bill shall be entered on the Journal -of each House respectively. If any bill shall not be returned by the -President within ten days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been -presented to him, the same shall be a law in like manner as if he had -signed it, unless the Congress by their adjournment prevent its return, -in which case it shall not be a law. - -3. Every order, resolution, or vote to which the concurrence of the -Senate and House of Representatives may be necessary, (except a -question of adjournment,) shall be presented to the President of the -United States; and before the same shall take effect, shall be approved -by him, or being disapproved by him, shall be repassed by two-thirds -of the Senate and House of Representatives, according to the rules and -limitations prescribed in the case of a bill. - -SECTION VIII. - -The Congress shall have power— - -1. To lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises, to pay the -debts and provide for the common defence and general welfare of the -United States; but all duties, imposts, and excises shall be uniform -throughout the United States: - -2. To borrow money on the credit of the United States: - -3. To regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several -states, and with the Indian tribes: - -4. To establish a uniform rule of naturalization, and uniform laws on -the subject of bankruptcies, throughout the United States: - -5. To coin money, regulate the value thereof, and of foreign coin, and -fix the standard of weights and measures: - -6. To provide for the punishment of counterfeiting the securities and -current coin of the United States: - -7. To establish post offices and post roads: - -8. To promote the progress of science and useful arts, by securing for -limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive right to their -respective writings and discoveries: - -9. To constitute tribunals inferior to the supreme court: - -10. To define and punish piracies and felonies committed on the high -seas, and offences against the law of nations: - -11. To declare war, grant letters of marque and reprisal, and make -rules concerning captures on land and water: - -12. To raise and support armies; but no appropriation of money to that -use shall be for a longer term than two years: - -13. To provide and maintain a navy: - -14. To make rules for the government and regulation of the land and -naval forces: - -15. To provide for calling forth the militia to execute the laws of the -Union, suppress insurrections, and repel invasions: - -16. To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining the militia, -and for governing such part of them as may be employed in the service -of the United States, reserving to the states respectively the -appointment of the officers and the authority of training the militia -according to the discipline prescribed by Congress: - -17. To exercise exclusive legislation, in all cases whatsoever, over -such district (not exceeding ten miles square,) as may, by cession of -particular states and the acceptance of Congress, become the seat of -government of the United States, and to exercise like authority over -all places purchased, by the consent of the legislature of the state -in which the same shall be, for the erection of forts, magazines, -arsenals, dock-yards, and other needful buildings: and - -18. To make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying -into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by -this constitution in the government of the United States, or any -department or officer thereof. - -SECTION IX. - -1. The migration or importation of such persons as any of the states -now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by -the Congress prior to the year one thousand eight hundred and eight, -but a tax or duty may be imposed on such importation, not exceeding ten -dollars for each person. - -2. The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended -unless when, in case of rebellion or invasion, the public safety may -require it. - -3. No bill of attainder, or ex-post-facto law, shall be passed. - -4. No capitation or other direct tax shall be laid, unless in -proportion to the census or enumeration hereinbefore directed to be -taken. - -5. No tax or duty shall be laid on articles exported from any state. -No preference shall be given by any regulation of commerce or revenue -to the ports of one state over those of another; nor shall vessels -bound to or from one state be obliged to enter, clear, or pay duties in -another. - -6. No money shall be drawn from the treasury but in consequence of -appropriations made by law; and a regular statement and account of the -receipts and expenditures of all public money shall be published from -time to time. - -7. No title of nobility shall be granted by the United States, and no -person holding any office of profit or trust under them shall, without -the consent of Congress, accept of any present, emolument, office, or -title of any kind whatever, from any king, prince, or foreign state. - -SECTION X. - -1. No state shall enter into any treaty, alliance, or confederation; -grant letters of marque and reprisal; coin money; emit bills of credit; -make any thing but gold and silver coin a tender in payment of debts; -pass any bill of attainder, ex-post-facto law, or law impairing the -obligation of contracts; or grant any title of nobility. - -2. No state shall, without the consent of Congress, lay any imposts or -duties on imports or exports, except what may be absolutely necessary -for executing its inspection laws; and the nett produce of all duties -and imposts laid by any state on imports or exports shall be for the -use of the treasury of the United States, and all such laws shall -be subject to the revision and control of Congress. No state shall, -without the consent of Congress, lay any duty on tonnage, keep troops -or ships of war in time of peace, enter into any agreement or compact -with another state, or with a foreign power, or engage in war, unless -actually invaded, or in such imminent danger as will not admit of delay. - - -ARTICLE II. - -_Of the Executive._ - -SECTION I. - -1. The executive power shall be vested in a President of the United -States of America. He shall hold his office during the term of four -years, and, together with the Vice President, chosen for the same term, -be elected as follows:— - -2. Each state shall appoint, in such manner as the legislature thereof -may direct, a number of electors, equal to the whole number of senators -and representatives to which the state may be entitled in Congress; but -no senator or representative, or person holding any office of trust or -profit under the United States, shall be appointed an elector. - -3. The electors shall meet in their respective states, and vote by -ballot for two persons, of whom one at least shall not be an inhabitant -of the same state with themselves. And they shall make a list of all -the persons voted for, and of the number of votes for each; which -list they shall sign and certify, and transmit sealed to the seat of -the government of the United States, directed to the President of the -Senate. The President of the Senate shall, in the presence of the -Senate and House of Representatives, open all the certificates, and -the votes shall then be counted. The person having the greatest number -of votes shall be the President, if such number be a majority of the -whole number of electors appointed; and if there be more than one who -have such majority, and have an equal number of votes, then the House -of Representatives shall immediately choose by ballot one of them for -President; and if no person have a majority, then, from the five -highest on the list, the said House shall in like manner choose the -President. But in choosing the President, the votes shall be taken by -states, the representation from each state having one vote; a quorum -for this purpose shall consist of a member or members from two-thirds -of the states, and a majority of all the states shall be necessary to -a choice. In every case after the choice of the President, the person -having the greatest number of votes of the electors shall be Vice -President. But if there should remain two or more who have equal votes, -the Senate shall choose from them by ballot the Vice President. - -4. The Congress may determine the time of choosing the electors and the -day on which they shall give their votes, which day shall be the same -throughout the United States. - -5. No person except a natural-born citizen, or a citizen of the -United States at the time of the adoption of this constitution, shall -be eligible to the office of President; neither shall any person be -eligible to that office who shall not have attained to the age of -thirty-five years, and been fourteen years a resident within the United -States. - -6. In case of the removal of the President from office, or of his -death, resignation, or inability to discharge the powers and duties -of the said office, the same shall devolve on the Vice President; -and the Congress may by law provide for the case of removal, death, -resignation, or inability, both of the President and Vice President, -declaring what officer shall then act as President; and such officer -shall act accordingly, until the disability be removed or a President -shall be elected. - -7. The President shall, at stated times, receive for his services a -compensation, which shall neither be increased nor diminished during -the period for which he shall have been elected, and he shall not -receive within that period any other emolument from the United States, -or any of them. - -8. Before he enter on the execution of his office, he shall take the -following oath or affirmation:— - -“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the -office of President of the United States, and will, to the best of my -ability, preserve, protect, and defend the constitution of the United -States.” - -SECTION II. - -1. The President shall be commander-in-chief of the army and navy -of the United States and of the militia of the several states, when -called into the actual service of the United States; he may require -the opinion in writing of the principal officer in each of the -executive departments, upon any subject relating to the duties of -their respective offices; and he shall have power to grant reprieves -and pardons for offences against the United States, except in cases of -impeachment. - -2. He shall have power, by and with the advice and consent of the -Senate, to make treaties, provided two-thirds of the senators present, -concur: and he shall nominate, and by and with the advice and consent -of the Senate, shall appoint ambassadors, other public ministers and -consuls, judges of the supreme court, and all other officers of the -United States, whose appointments are not herein otherwise provided -for, and which shall be established by law. But the Congress may by law -vest the appointment of such inferior officers as they think proper -in the President alone, in the courts of law, or in the heads of -departments. - -3. The President shall have power to fill up all vacancies that may -happen during the recess of the Senate, by granting commissions, which -shall expire at the end of the next session. - -SECTION III. - -1. He shall, from time to time, give to Congress information of the -state of the Union, and recommend to their consideration such measures -as he shall judge necessary and expedient; he may, on extraordinary -occasions, convene both Houses, or either of them; and in case of -disagreement between them, with respect to the time of adjournment, -he may adjourn them to such time as he shall think proper; he shall -receive ambassadors and other public ministers; he shall take care that -the laws be faithfully executed; and shall commission all the officers -of the United States. - -SECTION IV. - -1. The President, Vice President, and all civil officers of the United -States, shall be removed from office on impeachment for and conviction -of treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors. - - -ARTICLE III. - -_Of the Judiciary._ - -SECTION I. - -1. The judicial power of the United States shall be vested in one -Supreme Court, and in such inferior courts as Congress may, from time -to time order and establish. The judges, both of the supreme and -inferior courts, shall hold their offices during good behaviour; and -shall, at stated times, receive for their services a compensation, -which shall not be diminished during their continuance in office. - -SECTION II. - -1. The judicial power shall extend to all cases in law and equity -arising under this Constitution, the laws of the United States, and -treaties made, or which shall be made, under their authority; to all -cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers, and consuls; to -all cases of admiralty and maritime jurisdiction; to controversies to -which the United States shall be a party; to controversies between two -or more states; between a state and citizens of another state; between -citizens of different states; between citizens of the same state -claiming lands under grants of different states; and between a state, -or the citizens thereof and foreign states, citizens, or subjects. - -2. In all cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers, and -consuls, and those in which a state shall be a party, the Supreme -Court shall have original jurisdiction. In all the other cases before -mentioned the Supreme Court shall have appellate jurisdiction, both as -to law and fact, with such exceptions, and under such regulations as -Congress shall make. - -3. The trial of all crimes, except in cases of impeachment, shall be by -jury, and such trial shall be held in the state where the said crimes -shall have been committed; but when not committed within any state, -the trial shall be at such place or places as Congress may by law have -directed. - -SECTION III. - -1. Treason against the United States shall consist only in levying -war against them, or in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid -and comfort. No person shall be convicted of treason, unless on the -testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or confession in open -court. - -2. Congress shall have power to declare the punishment of treason; but -no attainder of treason shall work corruption of blood, or forfeiture, -except during the life of the person attainted. - - -ARTICLE IV. - -_Miscellaneous._ - -SECTION I. - -1. Full faith and credit shall be given in each state to the public -acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state. And -Congress may, by general laws, prescribe the manner in which such acts, -records, and proceedings shall be proved, and the effect thereof. - -SECTION II. - -1. The citizens of each state shall be entitled to all the privileges -and immunities of citizens in the several states. - -2. A person charged in any state with treason, felony, or other crime, -who shall flee from justice and be found in another state, shall, on -demand of the executive authority of the state from which he fled, be -delivered up, to be removed to the state having jurisdiction of the -crime. - -3. No person held to service or labour in one state, under the laws -thereof, escaping into another shall, in consequence of any law or -regulation therein, be discharged from such service or labour; but -shall be delivered up on claim of the party to whom such service or -labour may be due. - -SECTION III. - -1. New states may be admitted by Congress into this union; but no new -state shall be formed or erected within the jurisdiction of any other -state, nor any state be formed by the junction of two or more states, -or parts of states, without the consent of the legislatures of the -states concerned, as well as of Congress. - -2. Congress shall have power to dispose of, and make all needful rules -and regulations respecting the territory, or other property belonging -to the United States; and nothing in this constitution shall be so -construed as to prejudice any claims of the United States or of any -particular state. - -SECTION IV. - -1. The United States shall guarantee to every state in this union a -republican form of government, and shall protect each of them against -invasion; and, on application of the legislature, or of the executive -(when the legislature cannot be convened), against domestic violence. - - -ARTICLE V. - -_Of Amendments._ - -1. Congress, whenever two-thirds of both houses shall deem it -necessary, shall propose amendments to this constitution; or, on the -application of the legislatures of two-thirds of the several states, -shall call a convention for proposing amendments, which, in either -case, shall be valid to all intents and purposes, as part of this -constitution, when ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of -the several states, or by conventions in three-fourths thereof, as the -one or the other mode of ratification may be proposed by Congress; -provided, that no amendment which may be made prior to the year one -thousand eight hundred and eight, shall in any manner affect the first -and fourth clauses in the ninth section of the first article; and that -no state, without its consent, shall be deprived of its equal suffrage -in the senate. - - -ARTICLE VI. - -_Miscellaneous._ - -1. All debts contracted, and engagements entered into, before the -adoption of this constitution, shall be as valid against the United -States under this constitution, as under the confederation. - -2. This constitution, and the laws of the United States which shall be -made in pursuance thereof, and all treaties made, or which shall be -made, under the authority of the United States, shall be the supreme -law of the land; and the judges in every state shall be bound thereby, -any thing in the constitution or laws of any state to the contrary -notwithstanding. - -3. The senators and representatives before mentioned, and the members -of the several state legislatures, and all executive and judicial -officers, both of the United States and of the several states, shall -be bound by oath or affirmation to support this constitution: but no -religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office, -or public trust, under the United States. - - -ARTICLE VII. - -_Of the Ratification._ - -1. The ratification of the conventions of nine states shall be -sufficient for the establishment of this constitution between the -states so ratifying the same. - - Done in Convention, by the unanimous consent of the states present, - the seventeenth day of September, in the year of our Lord one - thousand seven hundred and eighty-seven, and of the independence - of the United States of America the twelfth. In witness whereof, - we have hereunto subscribed our names. - - GEORGE WASHINGTON, - _President, and Deputy from Virginia_. - -NEW HAMPSHIRE. - - John Langdon, - Nicholas Gilman. - -MASSACHUSETTS. - - Nathaniel Gorman, - Rufus King. - -NEW JERSEY. - - William Livingston, - David Brearly, - William Patterson, - Jonathan Dayton. - -PENNSYLVANIA. - - Benjamin Franklin, - Thomas Mifflin, - Robert Morris, - George Clymer, - Thomas Fitzsimmons, - Jared Ingersoll, - James Wilson, - Governeur Morris. - -DELAWARE. - - George Read, - Gunning Bedford, jun. - John Dickinson, - Richard Bassett, - Jacob Broom. - -CONNECTICUT. - - William Samuel Johnson, - Roger Sherman. - -NEW YORK. - - Alexander Hamilton. - -MARYLAND. - - James M’Henry, - Daniel of St. Tho. Jenifer, - Daniel Carroll. - -VIRGINIA. - - John Blair, - James Madison, jun. - -NORTH CAROLINA. - - William Blount, - Richard Dobbs Spaight, - Hugh Williamson. - - -SOUTH CAROLINA. - - John Rutledge, - Chas. Cotesworth Pinckney, - Charles Pinckney, - Pierce Butler. - -GEORGIA. - - William Few, - Abraham Baldwin. - - _Attest_, WILLIAM JACKSON, _Secretary_. - - - - -AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION. - - -Art. 1. Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of -religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the -freedom of speech or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably -to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. - -Art. 2. A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a -free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be -infringed. - -Art. 3. No soldier shall, in time of peace, be quartered in any house -without the consent of the owner; nor in time of war, but in a manner -to be prescribed by law. - -Art. 4. The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, -papers and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall -not be violated; and no warrants shall issue but upon probable cause, -supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place -to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized. - -Art. 5. No person shall be held to answer for a capital or otherwise -infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, -except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia -when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any -person be subject for the same offence to be put twice in jeopardy -of life or limb; nor shall be compelled, in any criminal case, to be -witness against himself; nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, -without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for -public use without just compensation. - -Art. 6. In all criminal prosecutions the accused shall enjoy the right -to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and -district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district -shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed -of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with -the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining -witnesses in his favour; and to have the assistance of counsel for his -defence. - -Art. 7. In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall -exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved; -and no fact tried by jury shall be otherwise re-examined in any court -of the United States than according to the rules of the common law. - -Art. 8. Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines -imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. - -Art. 9. The enumeration in the constitution of certain rights, shall -not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people. - -Art. 10. The powers not delegated to the United States by the -constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the -states respectively or to the people. - -Art. 11. The judicial power of the United States shall not be construed -to extend to any suit in law or equity commenced or prosecuted against -one of the United States by citizens of another state, or by citizens -or subjects of another state, or by citizens or subjects of any foreign -state. - -Art. 12. § 1. The electors shall meet in their respective states, -and vote by ballot for president and vice-president, one of whom, at -least, shall not be an inhabitant of the same state with themselves; -they shall name in their ballots the person voted for as president, -and in distinct ballots the person voted for as vice-president; and -they shall make distinct lists of all persons voted for as president -and of all persons voted for as vice-president, and of the number of -votes for each, which list they shall sign and certify, and transmit -sealed to the seat of the government of the United States, directed -to the president of the senate; the president of the senate shall, in -the presence of the senate and house of representatives, open all the -certificates, and the votes shall then be counted; the person having -the greatest number of votes for president shall be the president, if -such number be a majority of the whole number of electors appointed; -and if no person have such a majority, then from the persons having the -highest numbers, not exceeding three, on the list of those voted for -as president, the house of representatives shall choose immediately by -ballot the president. But in choosing the president, the votes shall -be taken by states, the representation from each state having one -vote; a quorum for this purpose shall consist of a member or members -from two-thirds of the states, and a majority of all the states shall -be necessary to a choice. And if the house of representatives shall -not choose a president whenever the right of choice shall devolve -upon them, before the fourth day of March next following, then the -vice-president shall act as president, as in the case of the death or -other constitutional disability of the president. - -2. The person having the greatest number of votes as vice-president -shall be the vice-president, if such number be a majority of the whole -number of electors appointed; and if no person have a majority, then -from the two highest numbers on the list the senate shall choose the -vice-president: a quorum for the purpose shall consist of two-thirds of -the whole number of senators, and a majority of the whole number shall -be necessary to a choice. - -3. But no person constitutionally ineligible to the office of president -shall be eligible to that of vice-president of the United States. - - - - - _The following is the original copy of the Declaration of - Independence as written by Thomas Jefferson. The part printed - with quotations was erased by Congress and the words in brackets - supplied._ - - -A DECLARATION BY THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IN -GENERAL CONGRESS ASSEMBLED. - -When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people -to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, -and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal -station to which the laws of nature and of nature’s God entitle them, -a decent respect 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] “inherent -and” unalienable rights; that amongst 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 institute a new government, laying its foundation on such -principles, and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall -seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness. Prudence, -indeed, will dictate, that governments long established, should not be -changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience -hath shown, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are -sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which -they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, -“begun at a distinguished period and” 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 to their future security. Such has been the patient -sufferance of these colonies; and such is now the necessity which -constrains them to [alter] “expunge” their former systems of government. - -The history of the present king of Great Britain is a history of -[repeated] “unremitting” injuries and usurpations, “among which appears -no solitary fact to contradict the uniform tenor of the rest; but all -have” [all having,] in direct object, the establishment of an absolute -tyranny over these states. To prove this, let facts be submitted to a -candid world, “for the truth of which we pledge a faith yet unsullied -by falsehood.” - -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 representation 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 depository of their public records, -for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his -measures. - -He has dissolved representative houses repeatedly “and continually,” -for opposing 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 danger of -invasion from without, and convulsions within. - -He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these states; for that -purpose obstructing the laws for naturalization of foreigners, refusing -to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the -conditions of new appropriations of lands. - -He has “suffered” [obstructed] the administration of justice “totally -to cease in some of these states,” [by] refusing his assent to laws for -establishing judiciary powers. - -He has made “our” 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, “by a self-assumed power,” -and sent hither swarms of officers to harass our people and eat out -their substance. - -He has kept among us in times of peace standing armies, “and ships of -war,” 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 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 neighbouring -province, establishing therein an arbitrary government, and enlarging -its boundaries, so as to render it at once an example and fit -instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these “states” -[colonies:] - -For taking away our charters, abolishing our most valuable laws, and -altering fundamentally the forms of our governments: - -For suspending our own legislatures, and declaring themselves invested -with power to legislate for us, in all cases whatever: - -He has abdicated government here “withdrawing his governors, and” -[by] declaring us out of his [allegiance] 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 mercenaries to -complete the works of death, desolation, and tyranny, already begun -with circumstances of cruelty and perfidy, [scarcely paralleled in the -most barbarous ages, and] totally unworthy the head of a civilized -nation. - -The three next paragraphs in the original draught, were as follows: - -“He 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 of -existence. - -“He has incited treasonable insurrections of our fellow-citizens, with -the allurements of forfeiture and confiscation of our property. - -“He has constrained others, taken captives on the high seas, to bear -arms against their country, to become the executioners of their friends -and brethren, or to fall themselves by their hands.” - -In place of the three paragraphs erased, the two following were -introduced: - -[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 themselves 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.] - -The next paragraph, which related to the slave trade, was entirely -erased. It was as follows: - -“He has waged cruel war against human nature itself, violating its most -sacred rights of life and liberty in the persons of a distant people, -who never offended him, captivating and carrying them into slavery, in -another hemisphere, or to incur miserable death in their transportation -thither. This piratical warfare, the opprobrium of infidel powers, is -the warfare of a Christian king of Great Britain. Determined to keep -open a market where =MEN= should be bought and sold, he has prostituted -his negative for suppressing every legislative attempt to prohibit or -restrain this execrable commerce; and that this assemblage of horrors -might want no fact of distinguished dye, he is now exciting those -very people to rise in arms among us, and to purchase that liberty of -which he has deprived them, by murdering the people upon whom he also -obtruded them; thus paying off former crimes committed against the -liberties of one people, with crimes which he urges them to commit -against the lives of another.” - -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 character is thus marked by every -act which may define a tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a [free] -people “who mean to be free. Future ages will scarce believe that the -hardiness of one man adventured within the short compass of twelve -years only, to build a foundation so broad and undisguised, for tyranny -over a people fostered and fixed in principles of freedom.” - -Nor have we been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We -have warned them from time to time, of attempts by their legislature -“to extend a jurisdiction over these our states,” [to extend an -unwarrantable jurisdiction over us.] We have reminded them of the -circumstances of our emigration and settlement here, “no one of which -could warrant so strange a pretension: that these were effected at -the expense of our own blood and treasure, unassisted by the wealth -or the strength of Great Britain: that in constituting indeed our -several forms of government, we had adopted one common king, thereby -laying a foundation for perpetual league and amity with them: but that -submission to their parliament was no part of our constitution, nor -ever in idea, if history may be credited; and” we [have] appealed to -their native justice and magnanimity, “as well as to” [and we have -assured them by] the ties of our common kindred, to disavow these -usurpations, which “were likely to” [would inevitably] interrupt our -connexions and correspondence. They too, have been deaf to the voice -of justice and of consanguinity; “and when occasions have been given -them by the regular course of their laws, of removing from their -councils, the disturbers of our harmony, they have by their free -election re-established them in power. At this very time too, they -are permitting their chief magistrate to send over not only soldiers -of our common blood, but [Scotch and] foreign mercenaries to invade -and destroy us. These facts have given the last stab to agonizing -affection; and manly spirit bids us to renounce forever these unfeeling -brethren. We must endeavour to forget our former love for them, and -to hold them as we hold the rest of mankind, enemies in war, in peace -friends. We might have been a free and a great people together; but -a communication of grandeur and of freedom it seems, is below their -dignity. Be it so, since they will have it. The road to happiness and -to glory is open to us too: we will climb it apart from them, and -acquiesce in the necessity which denounces our eternal separation.” -[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 intentions] do, in the name, and by -authority of the good people of these “states [colonies,] reject and -renounce all allegiance and subjection to the kings of Great Britain, -and all others, who may hereafter claim by, through, or under them; -we utterly dissolve all political connexion which may heretofore have -subsisted between us and the parliament of Great Britain; and finally -we do assert” [solemnly publish and declare] That these United Colonies -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,] and that as free and independent -states, they have full power to levy war, conclude peace, contract -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 Divine Providence,] we mutually -pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honour. - - -THE END. - - - - -Transcriber’s Notes - - -Punctuation, hyphenation, and spelling were made consistent when a -predominant preference was found in this book; otherwise they were not -changed; spelling variants were not changed. - -Simple typographical errors were corrected; occasional unbalanced -quotation marks retained. - -Ambiguous hyphens at the ends of lines were retained. - -Page 185: the dates “1663” and “1773” must refer to two different -people. - -Page 330: “IN CONGRESS, JULY 8, “1778” was misprinted as 1788”; -corrected here. Some apparently incorrect dates on other pages of the -original book have not been noted or corrected. - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Biography of the Signers of the -Declaration of Independence, and , by L. 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