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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 + + +Title: Biographical Sketches + +Author: Nathaniel Hawthorne + + +Release Date: November, 2005 [EBook #9245] +First Posted: September 25, 2003 +Last Updated: April 3, 2013 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger and Al Haines. + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h4> + FANSHAWE AND OTHER PIECES<br /> + </h4> + <h3> + By Nathaniel Hawthorne<br /> + </h3> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + BIOGRAPHICAL STUDIES<br /> + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <p class="noindent"> + CONTENTS:<br /> <a href="#hutchinson">Mrs. Hutchinson</a><br /> <a + href="#phips">Sir William Phips</a><br /> <a href="#pepperell">Sir William + Pepperell</a><br /> <a href="#fessenden">Thomas Green Fessenden</a><br /> <a + href="#cilley">Jonathan Cilley</a><br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> <a name="hutchinson"></a> + </p> + <h3> + MRS. HUTCHINSON. + </h3> + <p> + The character of this female suggests a train of thought which will form + as natural an Introduction to her story, as most of the Prefaces to Gay's + Fables, or the tales of Prior; besides that, the general soundness of the + moral may excuse any want of present applicability. We will not look for a + living resemblance of Mrs. Hutchinson, though the search might not be + altogether fruitless. But there are portentous indications, changes + gradually taking place in the habits and feelings of the gentle sex, which + seem to threaten our posterity with many of those public women, whereof + one was a burden too grievous for our fathers. The press, however, is now + the medium through which feminine ambition chiefly manifests itself; and + we will not anticipate the period (trusting to be gone hence ere it + arrive) when fair orators shall be as numerous as the fair authors of our + own day. The hastiest glance may show how much of the texture and body of + cisatlantic literature is the work of those slender fingers from which + only a light and fanciful embroidery has heretofore been required, that + might sparkle upon the garment without enfeebling the web. Woman's + intellect should never give the tone to that of man; and even her morality + is not exactly the material for masculine virtue. A false liberality, + which mistakes the strong division-lines of Nature for arbitrary + distinctions, and a courtesy, which might polish criticism, but should + never soften it, have done their best to add a girlish feebleness to the + tottering infancy of our literature. The evil is likely to be a growing + one. As yet, the great body of American women are a domestic race; but + when a continuance of ill-judged incitements shall have turned their + hearts away from the fireside, there are obvious circumstances which will + render female pens more numerous and more prolific than those of men, + though but equally encouraged; and (limited, of course, by the scanty + support of the public, but increasing indefinitely within those limits) + the ink-stained Amazons will expel their rivals by actual pressure, and + petticoats wave triumphantly over all the field. But, allowing that such + forebodings are slightly exaggerated, is it good for woman's self that the + path of feverish hope, of tremulous success, of bitter and ignominious + disappointment, should be left wide open to her? Is the prize worth her + having, if she win it? Fame does not increase the peculiar respect which + men pay to female excellence, and there is a delicacy (even in rude + bosoms, where few would think to find it) that perceives, or fancies, a + sort of impropriety in the display of woman's natal mind to the gaze of + the world, with indications by which its inmost secrets may be searched + out. In fine, criticism should examine with a stricter, instead of a more + indulgent eye, the merits of females at its bar, because they are to + justify themselves for an irregularity which men do not commit in + appearing there; and woman, when she feels the impulse of genius like a + command of Heaven within her, should be aware that she is relinquishing a + part of the loveliness of her sex, and obey the inward voice with + sorrowing reluctance, like the Arabian maid who bewailed the gift of + prophecy. Hinting thus imperfectly at sentiments which may be developed on + a future occasion, we proceed to consider the celebrated subject of this + sketch. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Hutchinson was a woman of extraordinary talent and strong + imagination, whom the latter quality, following the general direction + taken by the enthusiasm of the times, prompted to stand forth as a + reformer in religion. In her native country, she had shown symptoms of + irregular and daring thought, but, chiefly by the influence of a favorite + pastor, was restrained from open indiscretion. On the removal of this + clergyman, becoming dissatisfied with the ministry under which she lived, + she was drawn in by the great tide of Puritan emigration, and visited + Massachusetts within a few years after its first settlement. But she bore + trouble in her own bosom, and could find no peace in this chosen land. She + soon began to promulgate strange and dangerous opinions, tending, in the + peculiar situation of the colony, and from the principles which were its + basis, and indispensable for its temporary support, to eat into its very + existence. We shall endeavor to give a more practical idea of this part of + her course. + </p> + <p> + It is a summer evening. The dusk has settled heavily upon the woods, the + waves, and the Trimountain peninsula, increasing that dismal aspect of the + embryo town, which was said to have drawn tears of despondency from Mrs. + Hutchinson, though she believed that her mission thither was divine. The + houses, straw thatched and lowly roofed, stand irregularly along streets + that are yet roughened by the roots of the trees, as if the forest, + departing at the approach of man, had left its reluctant footprints + behind. Most of the dwellings are lonely and silent: from a few we may + hear the reading of some sacred text, or the quiet voice of prayer; but + nearly all the sombre life of the scene is collected near the extremity of + the village. A crowd of hooded women, and of men in steeple-hats and + close-cropped hair, are assembled at the door and open windows of a house + newly built. An earnest expression glows in every face; and some press + inward, as if the bread of life were to be dealt forth, and they feared to + lose their share; while others would fain hold them back, but enter with + them, since they may not be restrained. We, also, will go in, edging + through the thronged doorway to an apartment which occupies the whole + breadth of the house. At the upper end, behind a table, on which are + placed the Scriptures and two glimmering lamps, we see a woman, plainly + attired, as befits her ripened years: her hair, complexion, and eyes are + dark, the latter somewhat dull and heavy, but kindling up with a gradual + brightness. Let us look round upon the hearers. At her right hand his + countenance suiting well with the gloomy light which discovers it, stands + Vane, the youthful governor, preferred by a hasty judgment of the people + over all the wise and hoary heads that had preceded him to New England. In + his mysterious eyes we may read a dark enthusiasm, akin to that of the + woman whose cause he has espoused, combined with a shrewd worldly + foresight, which tells him that her doctrines will be productive of change + and tumult, the elements of his power and delight. On her left, yet + slightly drawn back, so as to evince a less decided support, is Cotton, no + young and hot enthusiast, but a mild, grave man in the decline of life, + deep in all the learning of the age, and sanctified in heart, and made + venerable in feature, by the long exercise of his holy profession. He, + also, is deceived by the strange fire now laid upon the altar; and he + alone among his brethren is excepted in the denunciation of the new + apostle, as sealed and set apart by Heaven to the work of the ministry. + Others of the priesthood stand full in front of the woman, striving to + beat her down with brows of wrinkled iron, and whispering sternly and + significantly among themselves as she unfolds her seditious doctrines, and + grows warm in their support. Foremost is Hugh Peters, full of holy wrath, + and scarce containing himself from rushing forward to convict her of + damnable heresies. There, also, is Ward, meditating a reply of empty puns, + and quaint antitheses, and tinkling jests that puzzle us with nothing but + a sound. The audience are variously affected; but none are indifferent. On + the foreheads of the aged, the mature, and strong-minded, you may + generally read steadfast disapprobation, though here and there is one + whose faith seems shaken in those whom lie had trusted for years. The + females, on the other hand, are shuddering and weeping, and at times they + cast a desolate look of fear around them; while the young men lean + forward, fiery and impatient, fit instruments for whatever rash deed may + be suggested. And what is the eloquence that gives rise to all these + passions? The woman tells then (and cites texts from the Holy Book to + prove her words) that they have put their trust in unregenerated and + uncommissioned men, and have followed them into the wilderness for nought. + Therefore their hearts are turning from those whom they had chosen to lead + them to heaven; and they feel like children who have been enticed far from + home, and see the features of their guides change all at once, assuming a + fiendish shape in some frightful solitude. + </p> + <p> + These proceedings of Mrs. Hutchinson could not long be endured by the + provincial government. The present was a most remarkable case, in which + religious freedom was wholly inconsistent with public safety, and where + the principles of an illiberal age indicated the very course which must + have been pursued by worldly policy and enlightened wisdom. Unity of faith + was the star that had guided these people over the deep; and a diversity + of sects would either have scattered them from the land to which they had + as yet so few attachments, or, perhaps, have excited a diminutive civil + war among those who had come so far to worship together. The opposition to + what may be termed the Established Church had now lost its chief support + by the removal of Vane from office, and his departure for England; and Mr. + Cotton began to have that light in regard to his errors, which will + sometimes break in upon the wisest and most pious men, when their opinions + are unhappily discordant with those of the powers that be. A synod, the + first in New England, was speedily assembled, and pronounced its + condemnation of the obnoxious doctrines. Mrs. Hutchinson was next summoned + before the supreme civil tribunal, at which, however, the most eminent of + the clergy were present, and appear to have taken a very active part as + witnesses and advisers. We shall here resume the more picturesque style of + narration. + </p> + <p> + It is a place of humble aspect where the elders of the people are met, + sitting in judgment upon the disturber of Israel. The floor of the low and + narrow hall is laid with planks hewn by the axe; the beams of the roof + still wear the rugged bark with which they grew up in the forest; and the + hearth is formed of one broad, unhammered stone, heaped with logs that + roll their blaze and smoke up a chimney of wood and clay. A sleety shower + beats fitfully against the windows, driven by the November blast, which + comes howling onward from the northern desert, the boisterous and + unwelcome herald of a New England winter. Rude benches are arranged across + the apartment, and along its sides, occupied by men whose piety and + learning might have entitled them to seats in those high councils of the + ancient church, whence opinions were sent forth to confirm or supersede + the gospel in the belief of the whole world and of posterity. Here are + collected all those blessed fathers of the land, who rank in our + veneration next to the evangelists of Holy Writ; and here, also, are many, + unpurified from the fiercest errors of the age, and ready to propagate the + religion of peace by violence. In the highest place sits Winthrop,—a + man by whom the innocent and guilty might alike desire to be judged; the + first confiding in his integrity and wisdom, the latter hoping in his + mildness, Next is Endicott, who would stand with his drawn sword at the + gate of heaven, and resist to the death all pilgrims thither, except they + travelled his own path. The infant eyes of one in this assembly beheld the + fagots blazing round the martyrs in Bloody Mary's time: in later life he + dwelt long at Leyden, with the first who went from England for conscience' + sake; and now, in his weary age, it matters little where he lies down to + die. There are others whose hearts were smitten in the high meridian of + ambitious hope, and whose dreams still tempt them with the pomp of the Old + World and the din of its crowded cities, gleaming and echoing over the + deep. In the midst, and in the centre of all eyes, we see the woman. She + stands loftily before her judges with a determined brow; and, unknown to + herself, there is a flash of carnal pride half hidden in her eye, as she + surveys the many learned and famous men whom her doctrines have put in + fear. They question her; and her answers are ready and acute: she reasons + with them shrewdly, and brings Scripture in support of every argument. The + deepest controversialists of that scholastic day find here a woman, whom + all their trained and sharpened intellects are inadequate to foil. But, by + the excitement of the contest, her heart is made to rise and swell within + her, and she bursts forth into eloquence. She tells them of the long + unquietness which she had endured in England, perceiving the corruption of + the Church, and yearning for a purer and more perfect light, and how, in a + day of solitary prayer, that light was given. She claims for herself the + peculiar power of distinguishing between the chosen of man, and the sealed + of Heaven, and affirms that her gifted eye can see the glory round the + foreheads of saints, sojourning in their mortal state. She declares + herself commissioned to separate the true shepherds from the false, and + denounces present and future judgments on the laud, if she be disturbed in + her celestial errand. Thus the accusations are proved from her own mouth. + Her judges hesitate; and some speak faintly in her defence; but, with a + few dissenting voices, sentence is pronounced, bidding her go out from + among them, and trouble the land no more. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Hutchinson's adherents throughout the colony were now disarmed; and + she proceeded to Rhode Island, an accustomed refuge for the exiles of + Massachusetts in all seasons of persecution. Her enemies believed that the + anger of Heaven was following her, of which Governor Winthrop does not + disdain to record a notable instance, very interesting in a scientific + point of view, but fitter for his old and homely narrative than for modern + repetition. In a little time, also, she lost her husband, who is mentioned + in history only as attending her footsteps, and whom we may conclude to + have been (like most husbands of celebrated women) a mere insignificant + appendage of his mightier wife. She now grew uneasy away frown the Rhode + Island colonists, whose liberality towards her, at an era when liberality + was not esteemed a Christian virtue, probably arose from a comparative + insolicitude on religious matters, more distasteful to Mrs. Hutchinson + than even the uncompromising narrowness of the Puritans. Her final + movement was to lead her family within the limits of the Dutch + jurisdiction, where, having felled the trees of a virgin soil, she became + herself the virtual head, civil and ecclesiastical, of a little colony. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps here she found the repose hitherto so vainly sought. Secluded from + all whose faith she could not govern, surrounded by the dependants over + whom she held an unlimited influence, agitated by none of the tumultuous + billows which were left swelling behind her, we may suppose that, in the + stillness of Nature, her heart was stilled. But her impressive story was + to have an awful close. Her last scene is as difficult to be described as + a shipwreck, where the shrieks of the victims die unheard, along a + desolate sea, and a shapeless mass of agony is all that can be brought + home to the imagination. The savage foe was on the watch for blood. + Sixteen persons assembled at the evening prayer: in the deep midnight + their cry rang through the forest; and daylight dawned upon the lifeless + clay of all but one. It was a circumstance not to be unnoticed by our + stern ancestors, in considering the fate of her who had so troubled their + religion, that an infant daughter, the sole survivor amid the terrible + destruction of her mother's household, was bred in a barbarous faith, and + never learned the way to the Christian's heaven. Yet we will hope that + there the mother and child have met. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> <a name="phips"></a> + </p> + <h3> + SIR WILLIAM PHIPS. + </h3> + <p> + Few of the personages of past times (except such as have gained renown in + fireside legends as well as in written history) are anything more than + mere names to their successors. They seldom stand up in our imaginations + like men. The knowledge communicated by the historian and biographer is + analogous to that which we acquire of a country by the map,—minute, + perhaps, and accurate, and available for all necessary purposes, but cold + and naked, and wholly destitute of the mimic charm produced by + landscape-painting. These defects are partly remediable, and even without + an absolute violation of literal truth, although by methods rightfully + interdicted to professors of biographical exactness. A license must be + assumed in brightening the materials which time has rusted, and in tracing + out half-obliterated inscriptions on the columns of antiquity: Fancy must + throw her reviving light on the faded incidents that indicate character, + whence a ray will be reflected, more or less vividly, on the person to be + described. The portrait of the ancient governor whose name stands at the + head of this article will owe any interest it may possess, not to his + internal self, but to certain peculiarities of his fortune. These must be + briefly noticed. + </p> + <p> + The birth and early life of Sir William Phips were rather an extraordinary + prelude to his subsequent distinction. He was one of the twenty-six + children of a gunsmith, who exercised his trade—where hunting and + war must have given it a full encouragement—in a small frontier + settlement near the mouth of the river Kennebec. Within the boundaries of + the Puritan provinces, and wherever those governments extended an + effectual sway, no depth nor solitude of the wilderness could exclude + youth from all the common opportunities of moral, and far more than common + ones of religious education. Each settlement of the Pilgrims was a little + piece of the Old World inserted into the New. It was like Gideon's fleece, + unwet with dew: the desert wind that breathed over it left none of its + wild influences there. But the first settlers of Maine and New Hampshire + were led thither entirely by carnal motives: their governments were + feeble, uncertain, sometimes nominally annexed to their sister colonies, + and sometimes asserting a troubled independence. Their rulers might be + deemed, in more than one instance, lawless adventurers, who found that + security in the forest which they had forfeited in Europe. Their clergy + (unlike that revered band who acquired so singular a fame elsewhere in New + England) were too often destitute of the religious fervor which should + have kept them in the track of virtue, unaided by the restraints of human + law and the dread of worldly dishonor; and there are records of lamentable + lapses on the part of those holy men, which, if we may argue the disorder + of the sheep from the unfitness of the shepherd, tell a sad tale as to the + morality of the eastern provinces. In this state of society, the future + governor grew up; and many years after, sailing with a fleet and an army + to make war upon the French, he pointed out the very hills where he had + reached the age of manhood, unskilled even to read and write. The contrast + between the commencement and close of his life was the effect of casual + circumstances. During a considerable time, he was a mariner, at a period + when there was much license on the high-seas. After attaining to some rank + in the English navy, he heard of an ancient Spanish wreck off the coast of + Hispaniola, of such mighty value, that, according to the stories of the + day, the sunken gold might be seen to glisten, and the diamonds to flash, + as the triumphant billows tossed about their spoil. These treasures of the + deep (by the aid of certain noblemen, who claimed the lion's share) Sir + William Phips sought for, and recovered, and was sufficiently enriched, + even after an honest settlement with the partners of his adventure. That + the land might give him honor, as the sea had given him wealth, he + received knighthood from King James. Returning to New England, he + professed repentance of his sins (of which, from the nature both of his + early and more recent life, there could scarce fail to be some slight + accumulation), was baptized, and, on the accession of the Prince of Orange + to the throne, became the first governor under the second charter. And + now, having arranged these preliminaries, we shall attempt to picture + forth a day of Sir William's life, introducing no very remarkable events, + because history supplies us with none such convertible to our purpose. + </p> + <p> + It is the forenoon of a day in summer, shortly after the governor's + arrival; and he stands upon his doorsteps, preparatory to a walk through + the metropolis. Sir William is a stout man, an inch or two below the + middle size, and rather beyond the middle point of life. His dress is of + velvet,—a dark purple, broadly embroidered; and his sword-hilt and + the lion's head of his cane display specimens of the gold from the Spanish + wreck. On his head, in the fashion of the court of Louis XIV., is a superb + full-bottomed periwig, amid whose heap of ringlets his face shows like a + rough pebble in the setting that befits a diamond. Just emerging from the + door are two footmen,—one an African slave of shining ebony, the + other an English bond-servant, the property of the governor for a term of + years. As Sir William comes down the steps, he is met by three elderly + gentlemen in black, grave and solemn as three tombstones on a ramble from + the burying-ground. These are ministers of the town, among whom we + recognize Dr. Increase Mather, the late provincial agent at the English + court, the author of the present governor's appointment, and the right arm + of his administration. Here follow many bows and a deal of angular + politeness on both sides. Sir William professes his anxiety to re-enter + the house, and give audience to the reverend gentlemen: they, on the other + hand, cannot think of interrupting his walk; and the courteous dispute is + concluded by a junction of the parties; Sir William and Dr. Mather setting + forth side by side, the two other clergymen forming the centre of the + column, and the black and white footmen bringing up the rear. The business + in hand relates to the dealings of Satan in the town of Salem. Upon this + subject, the principal ministers of the province have been consulted; and + these three eminent persons are their deputies, commissioned to express a + doubtful opinion, implying, upon the whole, an exhortation to speedy and + vigorous measures against the accused. To such councils, Sir William, bred + in the forest and on the ocean, and tinctured with the superstition of + both, is well inclined to listen. + </p> + <p> + As the dignitaries of Church and State make their way beneath the + overhanging houses, the lattices are thrust ajar, and you may discern, + just in the boundaries of light and shade, the prim faces of the little + Puritan damsels, eying the magnificent governor, and envious of the bolder + curiosity of the men. Another object of almost equal interest now appears + in the middle of the way. It is a man clad in a hunting-shirt and Indian + stockings, and armed with a long gun. His feet have been wet with the + waters of many an inland lake and stream; and the leaves and twigs of the + tangled wilderness are intertwined with his garments: on his head he wears + a trophy which we would not venture to record without good evidence of the + fact,—a wig made of the long and straight black hair of his slain + savage enemies. This grim old heathen stands bewildered in the midst of + King Street. The governor regards him attentively, and, recognizing a + playmate of his youth, accosts him with a gracious smile, inquires as to + the prosperity of their birthplace, and the life or death of their ancient + neighbors, and makes appropriate remarks on the different stations + allotted by fortune to two individuals born and bred beside the same wild + river. Finally he puts into his hand, at parting, a shilling of the + Massachusetts coinage, stamped with the figure of a stubbed pine-tree, + mistaken by King Charles for the oak which saved his royal life. Then all + the people praise the humility and bountifulness of the good governor, who + struts onward flourishing his gold-headed cane; while the gentleman in the + straight black wig is left with a pretty accurate idea of the distance + between himself and his old companion. Meantime, Sir William steers his + course towards the town dock. A gallant figure is seen approaching on the + opposite side of the street, in a naval uniform profusely laced, and with + a cutlass swinging by his side. This is Captain Short, the commander of a + frigate in the service of the English king, now lying in the harbor. Sir + William bristles up at sight of him, and crosses the street with a + lowering front, unmindful of the hints of Dr. Mather, who is aware of an + unsettled dispute between the captain and the governor, relative to the + authority of the latter over a king's ship on the provincial station. Into + this thorny subject, Sir William plunges headlong. The captain makes + answer with less deference than the dignity of the potentate requires: the + affair grows hot; and the clergymen endeavor to interfere in the blessed + capacity of peacemakers. The governor lifts his cane; and the captain lays + his hand upon his sword, but is prevented from drawing by the zealous + exertions of Dr. Mather. There is a furious stamping of feet, and a mighty + uproar from every mouth, in the midst of which his Excellency inflicts + several very sufficient whacks on the head of the unhappy Short. Having + thus avenged himself by manual force, as befits a woodman and a mariner, + he vindicates the insulted majesty of the governor by committing his + antagonist to prison. This done, Sir William removes his periwig, wipes + away the sweat of the encounter, and gradually composes himself, giving + vent, to a few oaths, like the subsiding ebullitions of a pot that has + boiled over. + </p> + <p> + It being now near twelve o'clock, the three ministers are bidden to dinner + at the governor's table, where the party is completed by a few Old Charter + senators,—men reared at the feet of the Pilgrims, and who remember + the days when Cromwell was a nursing-father to New England. Sir William + presides with commendable decorum till grace is said, and the cloth + removed. Then, as the grape-juice glides warm into the ventricles of his + heart, it produces a change, like that of a running stream upon enchanted + shapes; and the rude man of the sea and wilderness appears in the very + chair where the stately governor sat down. He overflows with jovial tales + of the forecastle and of his father's hut, and stares to see the gravity + of his guests become more and more portentous in exact proportion as his + own merriment increases. A noise of drum and fife fortunately breaks up + the session. + </p> + <p> + The governor and his guests go forth, like men bound upon some grave + business, to inspect the trainbands of the town. A great crowd of people + is collected on the common, composed of whole families, from the hoary + grandsire to the child of three years. All ages and both sexes look with + interest on the array of their defenders; and here and there stand a few + dark Indians in their blankets, dull spectators of the strength that has + swept away their race. The soldiers wear a proud and martial mien, + conscious that beauty will reward them with her approving glances; not to + mention that there are a few less influential motives to contribute to + keep up an heroic spirit, such as the dread of being made to "ride the + wooden horse" (a very disagreeable mode of equestrian exercise,—hard + riding, in the strictest sense), or of being "laid neck and heels," in a + position of more compendiousness than comfort. Sir William perceives some + error in their tactics, and places himself with drawn sword at their head. + After a variety of weary evolutions, evening begins to fall, like the veil + of gray and misty years that have rolled betwixt that warlike band and us. + They are drawn into a hollow square, the officers in the centre; and the + governor (for John Dunton's authority will bear us out in this particular) + leans his hands upon his sword-hilt, and closes the exercises of the day + with a prayer. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> <a name="pepperell"></a> + </p> + <h3> + SIR WILLIAM PEPPERELL. + </h3> + <p> + The mighty man of Kittery has a double claim to remembrance. He was a + famous general, the most prominent military character in our + ante-Revolutionary annals; and he may be taken as the representative of a + class of warriors peculiar to their age and country,—true + citizen-soldiers, who diversified a life of commerce or agriculture by the + episode of a city sacked, or a battle won, and, having stamped their names + on the page of history, went back to the routine of peaceful occupation. + Sir William Pepperell's letters, written at the most critical period of + his career, and his conduct then and at other times, indicate a man of + plain good sense, with a large share of quiet resolution, and but little + of an enterprising spirit, unless aroused by external circumstances. The + Methodistic principles, with which he was slightly tinctured, instead of + impelling him to extravagance, assimilated themselves to his orderly + habits of thought and action. Thus respectably endowed, we find him, when + near the age of fifty, a merchant of weight in foreign and domestic trade, + a provincial counsellor, and colonel of the York County militia, filling a + large space in the eyes of his generation, but likely to gain no other + posthumous memorial than the letters on his tombstone, because + undistinguished from the many worshipful gentlemen who had lived + prosperously and died peacefully before him. But in the year 1745, an + expedition was projected against Louisburg, a walled city of the French in + the island of Cape Breton. The idea of reducing this strong fortress was + conceived by William Vaughan, a bold, energetic, and imaginative + adventurer, and adopted by Governor Shirley, the most bustling, though not + the wisest ruler, that ever presided over Massachusetts. His influence at + its utmost stretch carried the measure by a majority of only one vote in + the legislature: the other New England provinces consented to lend their + assistance; and the next point was to select a commander from among the + gentlemen of the country, none of whom had the least particle of + scientific soldiership, although some were experienced in the irregular + warfare of the frontiers. In the absence of the usual qualifications for + military rank, the choice was guided by other motives, and fell upon + Colonel Pepperell, who, as a landed proprietor in three provinces, and + popular with all classes of people, might draw the greatest number of + recruits to his banner. When this doubtful speculation was proposed to the + prudent merchant, he sought advice from the celebrated Whitefield, then an + itinerant preacher in the country, and an object of vast antipathy to many + of the settled ministers. The response of the apostle of Methodism, though + dark as those of the Oracle of Delphos, intimating that the blood of the + slain would be laid to Colonel Pepperell's charge, in case of failure, and + that the envy of the living would persecute him, if victorious, decided + him to gird on his armor. That the French might be taken unawares, the + legislature had been laid under an oath of secrecy while their + deliberations should continue; this precaution, however, was nullified by + the pious perjury of a country member of the lower house, who, in the + performance of domestic worship at his lodgings, broke into a fervent and + involuntary petition for the success of the enterprise against Louisburg. + We of the present generation, whose hearts have never been heated and + amalgamated by one universal passion, and who are, perhaps, less excitable + in the mass than our fathers, cannot easily conceive the enthusiasm with + which the people seized upon the project. A desire to prove in the eyes of + England the courage of her provinces; the real necessity for the + destruction of this Dunkirk of America; the hope of private advantage; a + remnant of the old Puritan detestation of Papist idolatry; a strong + hereditary hatred of the French, who, for half a hundred years, had shed + the blood of the English settlers in concert with the savages; the natural + proneness of the New-Englanders to engage in temporary undertakings, even + though doubtful and hazardous, such were some of the motives which soon + drew together a host, comprehending nearly all the effective force of the + country. The officers were grave deacons, justices of the peace, and other + similar dignitaries; and in the ranks were many warm householders, sons of + rich farmers, mechanics in thriving business, husbands weary of their + wives, and bachelors disconsolate for want of them. The disciples of + Whitefield also turned their excited imaginations in this direction, and + increased the resemblance borne by the provincial army to the motley + assemblages of the first crusaders. A part of the peculiarities of the + affair may be grouped in one picture, by selecting the moment of General + Pepperell's embarkation. + </p> + <p> + It is a bright and breezy day of March; and about twenty small white + clouds are scudding seaward before the wind, airy forerunners of the fleet + of privateers and transports that spread their sails to the sunshine in + the harbor. The tide is at its height; and the gunwale of a barge + alternately rises above the wharf, and then sinks from view, as it lies + rocking on the waves in readiness to convey the general and his suite on + board the Shirley galley. In the background, the dark wooden dwellings of + the town have poured forth their inhabitants; and this way rolls an + earnest throng, with the great man of the day walking in the midst. Before + him struts a guard of honor, selected from the yeomanry of his own + neighborhood, and stout young rustics in their Sunday clothes; next appear + six figures who demand our more minute attention. He in the centre is the + general, a well-proportioned man with a slight hoar-frost of age just + visible upon him; he views the fleet in which lie is about to embark, with + no stronger expression than a calm anxiety, as if he were sending a + freight of his own merchandise to Europe. A scarlet British uniform, made + of the best of broadcloth, because imported by himself, adorns his person; + and in the left pocket of a large buff waistcoat, near the pommel of his + sword, we see the square protuberance of a small Bible, which certainly + may benefit his pious soul, and, perchance, may keep a bullet from his + body. The middle-aged gentleman at his right hand, to whom he pays such + grave attention, in silk, gold, and velvet, and with a pair of spectacles + thrust above his forehead, is Governor Shirley. The quick motion of his + small eyes in their puckered sockets, his grasp on one of the general's + bright military buttons, the gesticulation of his forefinger, keeping time + with the earnest rapidity of his words, have all something characteristic. + His mind is calculated to fill up the wild conceptions of other men with + its own minute ingenuities; and he seeks, as it were, to climb up to the + moon by piling pebble-stones, one upon another. He is now impressing on + the general's recollection the voluminous details of a plan for surprising + Louisburg in the depth of midnight, and thus to finish the campaign within + twelve hours after the arrival of the troops. On the left, forming a + striking contrast with the unruffled deportment of Pepperell, and the + fidgety vehemence of Shirley, is the martial figure of Vaughan: with one + hand he has seized the general's arm; and he points the other to the sails + of the vessel fluttering in the breeze, while the fire of his inward + enthusiasm glows through his dark complexion, and flashes in tips of flame + from his eyes. Another pale and emaciated person, in neglected and + scarcely decent attire, and distinguished by the abstracted fervor of his + manner, presses through the crowd, and attempts to lay hold of Pepperell's + skirt. He has spent years in wild and shadowy studies, and has searched + the crucible of the alchemist for gold, and wasted the life allotted him, + in a weary effort to render it immortal. The din of warlike preparation + has broken in upon his solitude; and he comes forth with a fancy of his + half-maddened brain,—the model of a flying bridge,—by which + the army is to be transported into the heart of the hostile fortress with + the celerity of magic. But who is this, of the mild and venerable + countenance shaded by locks of a hallowed whiteness, looking like Peace + with its gentle thoughts in the midst of uproar and stern designs? It is + the minister of an inland parish, who, after much prayer and fasting, + advised by the elders of the church and the wife of his bosom, has taken + his staff, and journeyed townward. The benevolent old man would fair + solicit the general's attention to a method of avoiding danger from the + explosion of mines, and of overcoming the city without bloodshed of friend + or enemy. We start as we turn from this picture of Christian love to the + dark enthusiast close beside him,—a preacher of the new sect, in + every wrinkled line of whose visage we can read the stormy passions that + have chosen religion for their outlet. Woe to the wretch that shall seek + mercy there! At his back is slung an axe, wherewith he goes to hew down + the carved altars and idolatrous images in the Popish churches; and over + his head he rears a banner, which, as the wind unfolds it, displays the + motto given by Whitefield,—Christo Duce,—in letters red as + blood. But the tide is now ebbing; and the general makes his adieus to the + governor, and enters the boat: it bounds swiftly over the waves, the holy + banner fluttering in the bows: a huzza from the fleet comes riotously to + the shore; and the people thunder hack their many-voiced reply. + </p> + <p> + When the expedition sailed, the projectors could not reasonably rely on + assistance from the mother-country. At Canso, however, the fleet was + strengthened by a squadron of British ships-of-the-lice and frigates, + under Commodore Warren; and this circumstance undoubtedly prevented a + discomfiture, although the active business, and all the dangers of the + siege, fell to the share of the provincials. If we had any confidence that + it could be done with half so much pleasure to the reader as to ourself, + we would present, a whole gallery of pictures from these rich and fresh + historic scenes. Never, certainly, since man first indulged his + instinctive appetite for war, did a queerer and less manageable host sit + down before a hostile city. The officers, drawn from the same. class of + citizens with the rank and file, had neither the power to institute an + awful discipline, nor enough of the trained soldier's spirit to attempt + it. Of headlong valor, when occasion offered, there was no lack, nor of a + readiness to encounter severe fatigue; but, with few intermissions, the + provincial army made the siege one long day of frolic and disorder. + Conscious that no military virtues of their own deserved the prosperous + result which followed, they insisted that Heaven had fought as manifestly + on their side as ever on that of Israel in the battles of the Old + Testament. We, however, if we consider the events of after-years, and + confine our view to a period short of the Revolution, might doubt whether + the victory was granted to our fathers as a blessing or as a judgment. + Most of the young men who had left their paternal firesides, sound in + constitution, and pure in morals, if they returned at all, returned with + ruined health, and with minds so broken up by the interval of riot, that + they never after could resume the habits of good citizenship. A lust for + military glory was also awakened in the country; and France and England + gratified it with enough of slaughter; the former seeking to recover what + she had lost, the latter to complete the conquest which the colonists had + begun. There was a brief season of repose, and then a fiercer contest, + raging almost from end to end of North America. Some went forth, and met + the red men of the wilderness; and when years had rolled, and the settler + came in peace where they had come in war, there he found their unburied + bones among the fallen boughs and withered leaves of many autumns. Others + were foremost in the battles of the Canadas, till, in the day that saw the + downfall of the French dominion, they poured their blood with Wolfe on the + Heights of Abraham. Through all this troubled time, the flower of the + youth were cut down by the sword, or died of physical diseases, or became + unprofitable citizens by moral ones contracted in the camp and field. Dr. + Douglass, a shrewd Scotch physician of the last century, who died before + war had gathered in half its harvest, computes that many thousand blooming + damsels, capable and well inclined to serve the state as wives and + mothers, were compelled to lead lives of barren celibacy by the + consequences of the successful siege of Louisburg. But we will not sadden + ourselves with these doleful thoughts, when we are to witness the + triumphal entry of the victors into the surrendered town. + </p> + <p> + The thundering of drums, irregularly beaten, grows more and more distinct, + and the shattered strength of the western wall of Louisburg stretches out + before the eye, forty feet in height, and far overtopped by a rock built + citadel. In yonder breach the broken timber, fractured stones, and + crumbling earth prove the effect of the provincial cannon. The drawbridge + is down over the wide moat; the gate is open; and the general and British + commodore are received by the French authorities beneath the dark and + lofty portal arch. Through the massive gloom of this deep avenue there is + a vista of the main street, bordered by high peaked houses, in the fashion + of old France; the view is terminated by the centre square of the city, in + the midst of which rises a stone cross; and shaven monks, and women with + their children, are kneeling at its foot. A confused sobbing and + half-stifled shrieks are heard, as the tumultuous advance of the + conquering army becomes audible to those within the walls. By the light + which falls through the archway, we perceive that a few months have + somewhat changed the general's mien, giving it the freedom of one + acquainted with peril, and accustomed to command; nor, amid hopes of more + solid reward, does he appear insensible to the thought that posterity will + remember his name among those renowned in arms. Sir Peter Warren, who + receives with him the enemy's submission, is a rough and haughty English + seaman, greedy of fame, but despising those who have won it for him. + Pressing forward to the portal, sword in hand, comes a comical figure in a + brown suit, and blue yarn stockings, with a huge frill sticking forth from + his bosom, to which the whole man seems an appendage this is that famous + worthy of Plymouth County, who went to the war with two plain shirts and a + ruffled one, and is now about to solicit the post of governor in + Louisburg. In close vicinity stands Vaughan, worn down with toil and + exposure, the effect of which has fallen upon him at once in the moment of + accomplished hope. The group is filled up by several British officers, who + fold their arms, and look with scornful merriment at the provincial army, + as it stretches far behind in garments of every hue, resembling an immense + strip of patchwork carpeting thrown down over the uneven ground. In the + nearer ranks we may discern the variety of ingredients that compose the + mass. Here advance a row of stern, unmitigable-fanatics, each of whom + clinches his teeth, and grasps his weapon with a fist of iron, at sight of + the temples of the ancient faith, with the sunlight glittering on their + cross-crowned spires. Others examine the surrounding country, and send + scrutinizing glances through the gateway, anxious to select a spot, + whither the good woman and her little ones in the Bay Province may be + advantageously transported. Some, who drag their diseased limbs forward in + weariness and pain, have made the wretched exchange of health or life for + what share of fleeting glory may fall to them among four thousand men. But + these are all exceptions, and the exulting feelings of the general host + combine in an expression like that of a broad laugh on an honest + countenance. They roll onward riotously, flourishing their muskets above + their heads, shuffling their heavy heels into an instinctive dance, and + roaring out some holy verse from the New England Psalmody, or those harsh + old warlike stanzas which tell the story of "Lovell's Fight." Thus they + pour along, till the battered town and the rabble of its conquerors, and + the shouts, the drums, the singing, and the laughter, grow dim, and die + away from Fancy's eye and ear. + </p> + <p> + The arms of Great Britain were not crowned by a more brilliant achievement + during that unprosperous war; and, in adjusting the terms of a subsequent + peace, Louisburg was an equivalent for many losses nearer home. The + English, with very pardonable vanity, attributed the conquest chiefly to + the valor of the naval force. On the continent of Europe, our fathers met + with greater justice, and Voltaire has ranked this enterprise of the + husbandmen of New England among the most remarkable events in the reign of + Louis XV. The ostensible leaders did not fail of reward. Shirley, + originally a lawyer, was commissioned in the regular army, and rose to the + supreme military command in America. Warren, also, received honors and + professional rank, and arrogated to himself, without scruple, the whole + crop of laurels gathered at Louisburg. Pepperell was placed at the head of + a royal regiment, and, first of his countrymen, was distinguished by the + title of baronet. Vaughan alone, who had been soul of the deed from its + adventurous conception till the triumphant close, and in every danger and + every hardship had exhibited a rare union of ardor and perseverance,—Vaughan + was entirely neglected, and died in London, whither he had gone to make + known his claims. After the great era of his life, Sir William Pepperell + did not distinguish himself either as a warrior or a statesman. He spent + the remainder of his days in all the pomp of a colonial grandee, and laid + down his aristocratic head among the humbler ashes of his fathers, just + before the commencement of the earliest troubles between England and + America. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> <a name="fessenden"></a> + </p> + <h3> + THOMAS GREEN FESSENDEN. + </h3> + <p> + Thomas Green Fessenden was the eldest of nine children of the Rev. Thomas + Fessenden. He was born on the 22d of April, 1771, at Walpole, in New + Hampshire, where his father, a man of learning and talent, was long + settled in the ministry. On the maternal side, likewise, he was of + clerical extraction; his mother, whose piety and amiable qualities are + remembered by her descendants, being the daughter of the Rev. Samuel + Kendal of New Salem. The early education of Thomas Green was chiefly at + the common school of his native place, under the tuition of students from + the college at Hanover; and such was his progress, that he became himself + the instructor of a school in New Salem at the age of sixteen. He spent + most of his youthful days, however, in bodily labor upon the farm, thus + contributing to the support of a numerous family; and the practical + knowledge of agriculture which he then obtained was long afterwards + applied to the service of the public. Opportunities for cultivating his + mind were afforded him, not only in his father's library, but by the more + miscellaneous contents of a large bookstore. He had passed the age of + twenty-one when his inclination for mental pursuits determined him to + become a student at Dartmouth College. His father being able to give but + little assistance, his chief resources at, college consisted in his wages + as teacher of a village school during the vacations. At times, also, he + gave instruction to an evening class in psalmody. + </p> + <p> + From his childhood upward, Mr. Fessenden had shown symptoms of that + humorous turn which afterwards so strongly marked his writings; but his + first effort in verse, as he himself told me, was made during his + residence at college. The themes, or exercises, of his fellow students in + English composition, whether prose or rhyme, were well characterized by + the lack of native thought and feeling, the cold pedantry, the mimicry of + classic models, common to all such productions. Mr. Fessenden had the good + taste to disapprove of these vapid and spiritless performances, and + resolved to strike out a new course for himself. On one occasion, when his + classmates had gone through with their customary round of verbiage and + threadbare sentiment, he electrified them and their instructor, President + Wheelock, by reading "<i>Jonathan's Courtship</i>." There has never, to + this day, been produced by any of our countrymen a more original and truly + Yankee effusion. He had caught the rare art of sketching familiar manners, + and of throwing into verse the very spirit of society as it existed around + him; and he had imbued each line with a peculiar yet perfectly natural and + homely humor. This excellent ballad compels me to regret, that, instead of + becoming a satirist in politics and science, and wasting his strength on + temporary and evanescent topics, he had not continued to be a rural poet. + A volume of such sketches as "Jonathan's Courtship," describing various + aspects of life among the yeomanry of New England, could not have failed + to gain a permanent place in American literature. The effort in question + met with unexampled success: it ran through the newspapers of the day, + reappeared on the other side of the Atlantic, and was warmly applauded by + the English critics; nor has it yet lost its popularity. New editions may + be found every year at the ballad-stalls; and I saw last summer, on the + veteran author's table, a broadside copy of his maiden poem, which he had + himself bought in the street. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Fessenden passed through college with a fair reputation for + scholarship, and took his degree in 1796. It had been his father's wish + that he should imitate the example of sonic of his ancestors on both + sides, by devoting himself to the ministry. He, however, preferred the + law, and commenced the study of that profession at Rutland, in Vermont, + with Nathaniel Chipman, then the most eminent practitioner in the State. + After his admission to the bar, Mr. Chipman received him into partnership. + But Mr. Fessenden was ill qualified to succeed in the profession of law, + by his simplicity of character, and his utter inability to acquire an + ordinary share of shrewdness and worldly wisdom. Moreover, the success of + "<i>Jonathan's Courtship</i>," and other poetical effusions, had turned + his thoughts from law to literature, and had procured him the acquaintance + of several literary luminaries of those days; none of whose names, + probably, have survived to our own generation, save that of Joseph Dennie, + once esteemed the finest writer in America. His intercourse with these + people tempted Mr. Fessenden to spend much time in writing for newspapers + and periodicals. A taste for scientific pursuits still further diverted + him from his legal studies, and soon engaged him in an affair which + influenced the complexion of all his after-life. + </p> + <p> + A Mr. Langdon had brought forward a newly invented hydraulic machine, + which was supposed to possess the power of raising water to a greater + height than had hitherto been considered possible. A company of mechanics + and others became interested in this machine, and appointed Mr. Fessenden + their agent for the purpose of obtaining a patent in London. He was, + likewise, a member of the company. Mr. Fessenden was urged to hasten his + departure, in consequence of a report that certain persons had acquired + the secret of the invention, and were determined to anticipate the + proprietors in securing a patent. Scarcely time was allowed for testing + the efficacy of the machine by a few hasty experiments, which, however, + appeared satisfactory. Taking passage immediately, Mr. Fessenden arrived + in London on the 4th of July, 1801, and waited on Mr. King, then our + minister, by whom he was introduced to Mr. Nicholson, a gentleman of + eminent scientific reputation. After thoroughly examining the invention, + Mr. Nicholson gave an opinion unfavorable to its merits; and the question + was soon settled by a letter from one of the Vermont proprietors to Mr. + Fessenden, informing him that the apparent advantages of the machine had + been found altogether deceptive. In short, Mr. Fessenden had been lured + from his profession and country by as empty a bubble as that of the + perpetual motion. Yet it is creditable both to his ability and energy, + that, laying hold of what was really valuable in Langdon's contrivance; he + constructed the model of a machine for raising water from coal-mines, and + other great depths, by means of what he termed the "renovated pressure of + the atmosphere." On communicating this invention to Mr. Nicholson and + other eminent mechanicians, they acknowledged its originality and + ingenuity, and thought that, in some situations, it might be useful. But + the expenses of a patent in England, the difficulty of obtaining patronage + for such a project, and the uncertainty of the result, were obstacles too + weighty to be overcome. Mr. Fessenden threw aside the scheme, and, after a + two months' residence in London, was preparing to return home, when a new + and characteristic adventure arrested him. + </p> + <p> + He received a visit, at his lodging in the Strand, from a person whom he + had never before seen, but who introduced himself to his good-will as + being likewise an American. His business was of a nature well calculated + to excite Mr. Fessenden's interest. He produced the model of an ingenious + contrivance for grinding corn. A patent had already been obtained; and a + company, with the lord-mayor of London at its head, was associated for the + construction of mills upon this new principle. The inventor, according to + his own story, had disposed of one-fourth part of his patent for five + hundred pounds, and was willing to accommodate his countryman with another + fourth. After some inquiry into the stranger's character and the accuracy + of his statements, Mr. Fessenden became a purchaser of the share that was + offered him; on what terms is not stated, but probably such as to involve + his whole property in the adventure. The result was disastrous. The + lord-mayor soon withdrew his countenance from the project. It ultimately + appeared that Mr. Fessenden was the only real purchaser of any part of the + patent; and, as the original patentee shortly afterwards quitted the + concern, the former was left to manage the business as he best could. With + a perseverance not less characteristic than his credulity, he associated + himself with four partners, and undertook to superintend the construction + of one of these patent-mills upon the Thanes. But his associates, who were + men of no respectability, thwarted his plans; and after much toil of body, + as well as distress of mind, he found himself utterly ruined, friendless + and penniless, in the midst of London. No other event could have been + anticipated, when a man so devoid of guile was thrown among a set of + crafty adventurers. + </p> + <p> + Being now in the situation in which many a literary man before him had + been, he remembered the success of his fugitive poems, and betook himself + to the pen as his most natural resource. A subject was offered him, in + which no other poet would have found a theme for the Muse. It seemed to be + his fatality to form connections with schemers of all sorts; and he had + become acquainted with Benjamin Douglas Perkins, the patentee of the + famous metallic tractors. These implements were then in great vogue for + the cure of inflammatory diseases, by removing the superfluous + electricity. Perkinism, as the doctrine of metallic tractors was styled, + had some converts among scientific men, and many among the people but was + violently opposed by the regular corps of physicians and surgeons. Mr. + Fessenden, as might be expected, was a believer in the efficacy of the + tractors, and, at the request of Perkins, consented to make them the + subject of a poem in Hudibrastic verse, the satire of which was to be + levelled against their opponents. "Terrible Tractoration" was the result. + It professes to be a poetical petition from Dr. Christopher Caustic, a + medical gentleman who has been ruined by the success of the metallic + tractors, and who applies to the Royal College of Physicians for relief + and redress. The wits of the poor doctor have been somewhat shattered by + his misfortunes; and, with crazy ingenuity, he contrives to heap ridicule + on his medical brethren, under pretence of railing against Perkinism. The + poem is in four cantos, the first of which is the best, and the most + characteristic of the author. It is occupied with Dr. Caustic's + description of his mechanical and scientific contrivances, embracing all + sorts of possible and impossible projects; every one of which, however, + has a ridiculous plausibility. The inexhaustible variety in which they + flow forth proves the author's invention unrivalled in its way. It shows + what had been the nature of Mr. Fessenden's mental toil during his + residence in London, continually brooding over the miracles of mechanism + and science, his enthusiasm for which had cost him so dear. Long + afterwards, speaking of the first conception of this poem, the author told + me that he had shaped it out during a solitary day's ramble in the + outskirts of London; and the character of Dr. Caustic so strongly + impressed itself on his mind, that, as he walked homeward through the + crowded streets, he burst into frequent fits of laughter. + </p> + <p> + The truth is, that, in the sketch of this wild projector, Mr. Fessenden + had caricatured some of his own features; and, when he laughed so + heartily, it was at the perception of the resemblance. + </p> + <p> + "Terrible Tractoration" is a work of strange and grotesque ideas aptly + expressed: its rhymes are of a most singular character, yet fitting each + to each as accurately as echoes. As in all Mr. Fessenden's productions, + there is great exactness in the language; the author's thoughts being + thrown off as distinctly as impressions from a type. In regard to the + pleasure to be derived from reading this poem, there is room for diversity + of taste; but, that it is all original and remarkable work, no person + competent to pass judgment on a literary question will deny. It was first + published early in the year 1803, in an octavo pamphlet of above fifty + pages. Being highly applauded by the principal reviews, and eagerly + purchased by the public, a new edition appeared at the end of two months, + in a volume of nearly two hundred pages, illustrated with engravings. It + received the praise of Gifford, the severest of English critics. Its + continued success encouraged the author to publish a volume of "Original + Poems," consisting chiefly of his fugitive pieces from the American + newspapers. This, also, was favorably received. He was now, what so few of + his countrymen have ever been, a popular author in London; and, in the + midst of his triumphs, he bethought himself of his native land. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Fessenden returned to America in 1804. He came back poorer than he + went, but with an honorable reputation, and with unstained integrity, + although his evil fortune had connected him with men far unlike himself. + His fame had preceded him across the Atlantic. Shortly before his arrival, + an edition of "Terrible Tractoration" had been published at Philadelphia, + with a prefatory memoir of the author, the tone of which proves that the + American people felt themselves honored in the literary success of their + countryman. Another edition appeared in New York, in 1806, considerably + enlarged, with a new satire on the topics of the day. It is symptomatic of + the course which the author had now adopted, that much of this new satire + was directed against Democratic principles and the prominent upholders of + them. This was soon followed by "Democracy Unveiled," a more elaborate + attack on the same political party. + </p> + <p> + In "Democracy Unveiled," our friend Dr. Caustic appears as a citizen of + the United States, and pours out six cantos of vituperative verse, with + copious notes of the same tenor, on the heads of President Jefferson and + his supporters. Much of the satire is unpardonably coarse. The literary + merits of the work are inferior to those of "Terrible Tractoration "; but + it is no less original and peculiar. Even where the matter is a mere + versification of newspaper slander, Dr. Caustic's manner gives it an + individuality not to be mistaken. The book passed through three editions + in the course of a few months. Its most pungent portions were copied into + all the opposition prints; its strange, jog-trot stanzas were familiar to + every ear; and Mr. Fessenden may fairly be allowed the credit of having + given expression to the feelings of the great Federal party. + </p> + <p> + On the 30th of August, 1806, Mr. Fessenden commenced the publication, at + New York, of "<i>The Weekly Inspector</i>," a paper at first of eight, and + afterwards of sixteen, octavo pages. It appeared every Saturday. The + character of this journal was mainly political; but there are also a few + flowers and sweet-scented twigs of literature intermixed among the nettles + and burs, which alone flourish in the arena of party strife. Its columns + are profusely enriched with scraps of satirical verse in which Dr. + Caustic, in his capacity of ballad-maker to the Federal faction, spared + not to celebrate every man or measure of government that was anywise + susceptible of ridicule. Many of his prose articles are carefully and ably + written, attacking not men so much as principles and measures; and his + deeply felt anxiety for the welfare of his country sometimes gives an + impressive dignity to his thoughts and style. The dread of French + domination seems to have haunted him like a nightmare. But, in spite of + the editor's satirical reputation, "<i>The Weekly Inspector</i>" was too + conscientious a paper, too sparingly spiced with the red pepper of + personal abuse, to succeed in those outrageous times. The publication + continued but for a single year, at the end of which we find Mr. + Fessenden's valedictory to his leaders. Its tone is despondent both as to + the prospects of the country and his own private fortunes. The next token + of his labors that has come under my notice is a small volume of verse, + published at Philadelphia in 1809, and alliteratively entitled "Pills, + Poetical, Political, and Philosophical; prescribed for the Purpose of + purging the Public of Piddling Philosophers, Penny Poetasters, of Paltry + Politicians, and Petty Partisans. By Peter Pepper-Box, Poet and + Physician." This satire had been written during the embargo, but, not + making its appearance till after the repeal of that measure, met with less + success than "Democracy Unveiled." + </p> + <p> + Everybody who has known Mr. Fessenden must have wondered how the kindest + hearted man in all the world could have likewise been the most noted + satirist of his day. For my part, I have tried in vain to form a + conception of my venerable and peaceful friend as a champion in the stormy + strife of party, flinging mud full in the faces of his foes, and shouting + forth the bitter laughter that rang from border to border of the land; and + I can hardly believe, though well assured of it, that his antagonists + should ever have meditated personal violence against the gentlest of human + creatures. I am sure, at least, that Nature never meant him for a + satirist. On careful examination of his works, I do not find in any of + them the ferocity of the true bloodhound of literature,—such as + Swift, or Churchill, or Cobbett,—which fastens upon the throat of + its victim, and would fain drink his lifeblood. In my opinion, Mr. + Fessenden never felt the slightest personal ill-will against the objects + of his satire, except, indeed, they had endeavored to detract from his + literary reputation,—an offence which he resented with a poet's + sensibility, and seldom failed to punish. With such exceptions, his works + are not properly satirical, but the offspring of a mind inexhaustibly + fertile in ludicrous ideas, which it appended to any topic in hand. At + times, doubtless, the all-pervading frenzy of the times inspired him with + a bitterness not his own. But, in the least defensible of his writings, he + was influenced by an honest zeal for the public good. There was nothing + mercenary in his connection with politics. To an antagonist who had + taunted him with being poor, he calmly replied, that he "need not have + been accused of the crime of poverty, could he have prostituted his + principles to party purposes, and become the hireling assassin of the + dominant faction." Nor can there be a doubt that the administration would + gladly have purchased the pen of so popular a writer. + </p> + <p> + I have gained hardly any information of Mr. Fessenden's life between the + years 1807 and 1812; at which latter period, and probably some time + previous, he was settled at the village of Bellows Falls, on Connecticut + River, in the practice of the law. In May of that year, he had the good + fortune to become acquainted with Miss Lydia Tuttle, daughter of Mr. John + Tuttle, an independent and intelligent farmer at Littleton, Mass. She was + then on a visit in Vermont. After her return home, a correspondence ensued + between this lady and Mr. Fessenden, and was continued till their + marriage, in September, 1813. She was considerably younger than himself, + but endowed with the qualities most desirable in the wife of such a man; + and it would not be easy to overestimate how much his prosperity and + happiness were increased by this union. Mrs. Fessenden could appreciate + what was excellent in her husband, and supply what was deficient. In her + affectionate good sense he found a substitute for the worldly sagacity + which he did not possess, and could not learn. To her he intrusted the + pecuniary cares, always so burdensome to a literary man. Her influence + restrained him from such imprudent enterprises as had caused the + misfortunes of his earlier years. She smoothed his path of life, and made + it pleasant to him, and lengthened it; for, as he once told me (I believe + it was while advising me to take, betimes, a similar treasure to myself), + he would have been in his grave long ago, but for her care. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Fessenden continued to practise law at Bellows Falls till 1815, when + he removed to Brattleborough, and assumed the editorship of "The + Brattleborough Reporter," a political newspaper. The following year, in + compliance with a pressing invitation from the inhabitants, he returned to + Bellows Falls, and edited, with much success, a literary and political + paper, called "<i>The Intelligencer</i>." He held this employment till the + year 1822, at the same time practising law, and composing a volume of + poetry, "<i>The Ladies' Monitor</i>," besides compiling several works in + law, the arts, and agriculture. During this part of his life, he usually + spent sixteen hours of the twenty-four in study. In 1822 he came to Boston + as editor of "<i>The New England Farmer</i>," a weekly journal, the first + established, and devoted principally to the diffusion of agricultural + knowledge. + </p> + <p> + His management of the Farmer met unreserved approbation. Having been bred + upon a farm, and passed much of his later life in the country, and being + thoroughly conversant with the writers on rural economy, he was admirably + qualified to conduct such a journal. It was extensively circulated + throughout New England, and may be said to have fertilized the soil like + rain from heaven. Numerous papers on the same plan sprung up in various + parts of the country; but none attained the standard of their prototype. + Besides his editorial labors, Mr. Fessenden published, from time to time, + various compilations on agricultural subjects, or adaptations of English + treatises to the use of the American husbandman. Verse he no longer wrote, + except, now and then, an ode or song for some agricultural festivity. His + poems, being connected with topics of temporary interest, ceased to be + read, now that the metallic tractors were thrown aside, and that the + blending and merging of parties had created an entire change of political + aspects, since the days of "Democracy Unveiled." The poetic laurel + withered among his gray hairs, and dropped away, leaf by leaf. His name, + once the most familiar, was forgotten in the list of American bards. I + know not that this oblivion was to be regretted. Mr. Fessenden, if my + observation of his temperament be correct, was peculiarly sensitive and + nervous in regard to the trials of authorship: a little censure did him + more harm than much praise could do him good; and methinks the repose of + total neglect was better for him than a feverish notoriety. Were it worth + while to imagine any other course for the latter part of his life, which + he made so useful and so honorable, it might be wished that he could have + devoted himself entirely to scientific research. He had a strong taste for + studies of that kind, and sometimes used to lament that his daily drudgery + afforded him no leisure to compose a work on caloric, which subject he had + thoroughly investigated. + </p> + <p> + In January, 1836, I became, and continued for a few months, an inmate of + Mr. Fessenden's family. It was my first acquaintance with him. His image + is before my mind's eye at this moment; slowly approaching me with a lamp + in his hand, his hair gray, his face solemn and pale, his tall and portly + figure bent with heavier infirmity than befitted his years. His dress, + though he had improved in this particular since middle life, was marked by + a truly scholastic negligence. He greeted me kindly, and with plain, + old-fashioned courtesy; though I fancied that he somewhat regretted the + interruption of his evening studies. After a few moments' talk, he invited + me to accompany him to his study, and give my opinion on some passages of + satirical verse, which were to be inserted in a new edition of "Terrible + Tractoration." Years before, I had lighted on an illustrated copy of this + poem, bestrewn with venerable dust, in a corner of a college library; and + it seemed strange and whimsical that I should find it still in progress of + composition, and be consulted about it by Dr. Caustic himself. While Mr. + Fessenden read, I had leisure to glance around at his study, which was + very characteristic of the man and his occupations. The table, and great + part of the floor, were covered with books and pamphlets on agricultural + subjects, newspapers from all quarters, manuscript articles for "<i>The + New England Farmer</i>," and manuscript stanzas for "Terrible + Tractoration." There was such a litter as always gathers around a literary + man. It bespoke, at once, Mr. Fessenden's amiable temper and his + abstracted habits, that several members of the family, old and young, were + sitting in the room, and engaged in conversation, apparently without + giving him the least disturbance. A specimen of Dr. Caustic's inventive + genius was seen in the "Patent Steam and Hot-Water Stove," which heated + the apartment, and kept up a pleasant singing sound, like that of a + teakettle, thereby making the fireside more cheerful. It appears to me, + that, having no children of flesh and blood, Mr. Fessenden had contracted + a fatherly fondness for this stove, as being his mental progeny; and it + must be owned that the stove well deserved his affection, and repaid it + with much warmth. + </p> + <p> + The new edition of "Tractoration" came out not long afterwards. It was + noticed with great kindness by the press, but was not warmly received by + the public. Mr. Fessenden imputed the failure, in part, to the + illiberality of the "trade," and avenged himself by a little poem, in his + best style, entitled "Wooden Booksellers"; so that the last blow of his + satirical scourge was given in the good old cause of authors against + publishers. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding a wide difference of age, and many more points of + dissimilarity than of resemblance, Mr. Fessenden and myself soon became + friends. His partiality seemed not to be the result of any nice + discrimination of my good and evil qualities (for he had no acuteness in + that way), but to be given instinctively, like the affection of a child. + On my part, I loved the old man because his heart was as transparent as a + fountain; and I could see nothing in it but integrity and purity, and + simple faith in his fellow-men, and good-will towards all the world. His + character was so open, that I did not need to correct my original + conception of it. He never seemed to me like a new acquaintance, but as + one with whom I had been familiar from my infancy. Yet he was a rare man, + such as few meet with in the course of a lifetime. It is remarkable, that, + with such kindly affections, Mr. Fessenden was so deeply absorbed in + thought and study as scarcely to allow himself time for domestic and + social enjoyment. During the winter when I first knew him, his mental + drudgery was almost continual. Besides "<i>The New England Farmer</i>," + lie had the editorial charge of two other journals,—"<i>The + Horticultural Register</i>," and "<i>The Silk Manual</i>"; in addition to + which employment, he was a member of the State legislature, and took some + share in the debates. The new matter of "Terrible Tractoration" likewise + cost him intense thought. Sometimes I used to meet him in the street, + making his way onward apparently by a sort of instinct; while his eyes + took note of nothing, and would, perhaps, pass over my face without sign + of recognition. He confessed to me that he was apt to go astray when + intent on rhyme. With so much to abstract him from outward life, he could + hardly be said to live in the world that was bustling around him. Almost + the only relaxation that he allowed himself was an occasional performance + on a bass-viol which stood in the corner of his study, and from which he + loved to elicit some old-fashioned tune of soothing potency. At + meal-times, however, dragged down and harassed as his spirits were, he + brightened up, and generally gladdened the whole table with a flash of Dr. + Caustic's honor. + </p> + <p> + Had I anticipated being Mr. Fessenden's biographer, I might have drawn + from him many details that would have been well worth remembering. But he + had not the tendency of most men in advanced life, to be copious in + personal reminiscences; nor did he often speak of the noted writers and + politicians with whom the chances of earlier years had associated him. + Indeed, lacking a turn for observation of character, his former companions + had passed before him like images in a mirror, giving him little knowledge + of their inner nature. Moreover, till his latest day, he was more inclined + to form prospects for the future than to dwell upon the past. I remember + the last time, save one, that we ever met—I found him on the bed, + suffering with a dizziness of the brain. He roused himself, however, and + grew very cheerful; talking, with a youthful glow of fancy, about + emigrating to Illinois, where he possessed a farm, and picturing a new + life for both of us in that Western region. It has since come to my + memory, that, while he spoke, there was a purple flush across his brow,—the + harbinger of death. + </p> + <p> + I saw him but once more alive. On the thirteenth day of November last, + while on my way to Boston, expecting shortly to take him by the hand, a + letter met me with an invitation to his funeral—he had been struck + with apoplexy on Friday evening, three days before, and had lain + insensible till Saturday night, when he expired. The burial took place at + Mount Auburn on the ensuing Tuesday. It was a gloomy day; for the first + snowstorm of the season had been drifting through the air since morning; + and the "Garden of Graves" looked the dreariest spot on earth. The snow + came down so fast, that it covered the coffin in its passage from the + hearse to the sepulchre. The few male friends who had followed to the + cemetery descended into the tomb; and it was there that I took my last + glance at the features of a man who will hold a place in my remembrance + apart from other men. He was like no other. In his long pathway through + life, from his cradle to the place where we had now laid him, he had come, + a man indeed in intellect and achievement, but, in guileless simplicity, a + child. Dark would have been the hour, if, when we closed the door of the + tomb upon his perishing mortality, we had believed that our friend was + there. + </p> + <p> + It is contemplated to erect a monument, by subscription, to Mr. + Fessenden's memory. It is right that he should be thus honored. Mount + Auburn will long remain a desert, barren of consecrated marbles, if worth + like his be yielded to oblivion. Let his grave be marked out, that the + yeomen of New England may know where he sleeps; for he was their familiar + friend, and has visited them at all their firesides. He has toiled for + them at seed-time and harvest: he has scattered the good grain in every + field; and they have garnered the increase. Mark out his grave as that of + one worthy to be remembered both in the literary and political annals of + our country, and let the laurel be carved on his memorial stone; for it + will cover the ashes of a man of genius. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> <a name="cilley"></a> + </p> + <h3> + JONATHAN CILLEY. + </h3> + <p> + The subject of this brief memorial had barely begun to be an actor in the + great scenes where his part could not have failed to be a prominent one. + The nation did not have time to recognize him. His death, aside from the + shock with which the manner of it has thrilled every bosom, is looked upon + merely as causing a vacancy in the delegation of his State, which a new + member may fill as creditably as the departed. It will, perhaps, be deemed + praise enough to say of Cilley, that he would have proved himself an + active and efficient partisan. But those who knew him longest and most + intimately, conscious of his high talents and rare qualities, his energy + of mind and force of character, must claim much more than such a meed for + their lost friend. They feel that not merely a party nor a section, but + our collective country, has lost a man who had the heart and the ability + to serve her well. It would be doing injustice to the hopes which lie + withered upon his untimely grave, if, in paying a farewell tribute to his + memory, we were to ask a narrower sympathy than that of the people at + large. May no bitterness of party prejudices influence him who writes, nor + those, of whatever political opinions, who may read! + </p> + <p> + Jonathan Cilley was born at Nottingham, N. H., on the 2d of July, 1802. + His grandfather, Colonel Joseph Cilley, commanded a New Hampshire regiment + during the Revolutionary War, and established a character for energy and + intrepidity, of which more than one of his descendants have proved + themselves the inheritors. Greenleaf Cilley, son of the preceding, died in + 1808, leaving a family of four sons and three daughters. The aged mother + of this family, and the three daughters, are still living. Of the sons, + the only survivor is Joseph Cilley, who was an officer in the late war, + and served with great distinction on the Canadian frontier. Jonathan, + being desirous of a liberal education, commenced his studies at Atkinson + Academy, at about the age of seventeen, and became a member of the + freshman class of Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Me., in 1821. Inheriting but + little property from his father, he adopted the usual expedient of a young + New-Englander in similar circumstances, and gained a small income by + teaching a country school during the winter months both before and, after + his entrance at college. + </p> + <p> + Cilley's character and standing at college afforded high promise of + usefulness and distinction in after-life. Though not the foremost scholar + of his class, he stood in the front rank, and probably derived all the + real benefit from the prescribed course of study that it could bestow on + so practical a mind. His true education consisted in the exercise of those + faculties which fitted him to be a popular leader. His influence among his + fellow-students was probably greater than that of any other individual; + and he had already made himself powerful in that limited sphere, by a free + and natural eloquence, a flow of pertinent ideas in language of unstudied + appropriateness, which seemed always to accomplish precisely the result on + which he had calculated. This gift was sometimes displayed in class + meetings, when measures important to those concerned were under + discussion; sometimes in mock trials at law, when judge, jury, lawyers, + prisoner, and witnesses were personated by the students, and Cilley played + the part of a fervid and successful advocate; and, besides these + exhibitions of power, he regularly trained himself in the forensic debates + of a literary society, of which he afterwards became president. Nothing + could be less artificial than his style of oratory. After filling his mind + with the necessary information, he trusted everything else to his mental + warmth and the inspiration of the moment, and poured himself out with an + earnest and irresistible simplicity. There was a singular contrast between + the flow of thought from his lips, and the coldness and restraint with + which he wrote; and though, in maturer life, he acquired a considerable + facility in exercising the pen, he always felt the tongue to be his + peculiar instrument. + </p> + <p> + In private intercourse, Cilley possessed a remarkable fascination. It was + impossible not to regard him with the kindliest feelings, because his + companions were intuitively certain of a like kindliness on his part. He + had a power of sympathy which enabled him to understand every character, + and hold communion with human nature in all its varieties. He never shrank + from the intercourse of man with man; and it was to his freedom in this + particular that he owed much of his subsequent popularity among a people + who are accustomed to take a personal interest in the men whom they + elevate to office. In few words, let us characterize him at the outset of + life as a young man of quick and powerful intellect, endowed with sagacity + and tact, yet frank and free in his mode of action, ambitious of good + influence, earnest, active, and persevering, with an elasticity and + cheerful strength of mind which made difficulties easy, and the struggle + with them a pleasure. Mingled with the amiable qualities that were like + sunshine to his friends, there were harsher and sterner traits, which + fitted him to make head against an adverse world; but it was only at the + moment of need that the iron framework of his character became + perceptible. + </p> + <p> + Immediately on quitting college, Mr. Cilley took up his residence in + Thomaston, and began the study of law in the office of John Ruggles, Esq., + now a senator in Congress. Mr. Ruggles being then a prominent member of + the Democratic party, it was natural that the pupil should lend his aid to + promote the political views of his instructor, especially as he would thus + uphold the principles which he had cherished from boyhood. From year to + year, the election of Mr. Ruggles to the State legislature was strongly + opposed. Cilley's services in overcoming this opposition were too valuable + to be dispensed with; and thus, at a period when most young men still + stand aloof from the world, he had already taken his post as a leading + politician. He afterwards found cause to regret that so much time had been + abstracted from his professional studies; nor did the absorbing and + exciting nature of his political career afford him any subsequent + opportunity to supply the defects of his legal education. He was admitted + an attorney-at-law in 1829, and in April of the same year was married to + Miss Deborah Prince, daughter of Hon. Hezekiah Prince of Thomaston, where + Mr. Cilley continued to reside, and entered upon the practice of his + profession. + </p> + <p> + In 1831, Mr. Ruggles having been appointed a judge of the court of common + pleas, it became necessary to send a new representative from Thomaston to + the legislature of the State. Mr. Cilley was brought forward as the + Democratic candidate, obtained his election, and took his seat in January, + 1832. But in the course of this year the friendly relations between Judge + Ruggles and Mr. Cilley were broken off. Time former gentleman, it appears, + had imbibed the idea that his political aspirations (which were then + directed towards a seat in the Senate of the United States) did not + receive all the aid which he was disposed to claim from the influence of + his late pupil. When, therefore, Mr. Cilley was held up as a candidate for + re-election to the legislature, the whole strength of Judge Ruggles and + his adherents was exerted against him. This was the first act and + declaration of a political hostility, which was too warm and earnest not + to become, in some degree, personal, and which rendered Mr. Cilley's + subsequent career a continual struggle with those to whom he might + naturally have looked for friendship and support. It sets his abilities + and force of character in the strongest light, to view him, at the very + outset of public life, without the aid of powerful connections, an + isolated young man, forced into a position of hostility, not merely with + the enemies of his party, but likewise with a large body of its adherents, + even accused of treachery to its principles, yet gaining triumph after + triumph, and making his way steadily onward. Surely his was a mental and + moral energy which death alone could have laid prostrate. + </p> + <p> + We have the testimony of those who knew Mr. Cilley well, that his own + feelings were never so embittered by those conflicts as to prevent him + from interchanging the courtesies of society with his most violent + opponents. While their resentments rendered his very presence intolerable + to them, he could address them with as much ease and composure as if their + mutual relations had been those of perfect harmony. There was no + affectation in this: it was the good-natured consciousness of his own + strength that enabled him to keep his temper: it was the same chivalrous + sentiment which impels hostile warriors to shake hands in the intervals of + battle. Mr. Cilley was slow to withdraw his confidence from any man whom + he deemed a friend; and it has been mentioned as almost his only weak + point, that he was too apt to suffer himself to be betrayed before he + would condescend to suspect. His prejudices, however, when once adopted, + partook of the depth and strength of his character, and could not be + readily overcome. He loved to subdue his foes; but no man could use a + triumph more generously than he. + </p> + <p> + Let us resume our narrative. In spite of the opposition of Judge Ruggles + and his friends, combined with that of the Whigs, Mr. Cilley was + re-elected to the legislature of 1833, and was equally successful in each + of the succeeding years, until his election to Congress. He was five + successive years the representative of Thomaston. In 1834, when Mr. Dunlap + was nominated as the Democratic candidate for governor, Mr. Cilley gave + his support to Governor Smith, in the belief that the substitution of a + new candidate had been unfairly effected. He considered it a stratagem + intended to promote the election of Judge Ruggles to the Senate of the + United States. Early in the legislative session of the same year, the + Ruggles party obtained a temporary triumph over Mr. Cilley, effected his + expulsion from the Democratic caucuses, and attempted to stigmatize him as + a traitor to his political friends. But Mr. Cilley's high and honorable + course was erelong understood and appreciated by his party and the people. + He told them, openly and boldly, that they might undertake to expel him + from their caucuses; but they could not expel him from the Democratic + party: they might stigmatize him with any appellation they might choose; + but they could not reach the height on which he stood, nor shake his + position with the people. But a few weeks had elapsed, and Mr. Cilley was + the acknowledged head and leader of that party in the legislature. During + the same session, Mr. Speaker Clifford (one of the friends of Judge + Ruggles) being appointed attorney-general, the Ruggles party were desirous + of securing the election of another of their adherents to the chair; but, + as it was obvious that Mr. Cilley's popularity would gain him the place, + the incumbent was induced to delay his resignation till the end of the + term. At the session of 1835, Messrs. Cilley, Davee, and McCrote being + candidates for the chair, Mr. Cilley withdrew in favor of Mr. Davee. That + gentleman was accordingly elected; but, being soon afterwards appointed + sheriff of Somerset County, Mr. Cilley succeeded him as speaker, and + filled the same office during the session of 1836. All parties awarded him + the praise of being the best presiding officer that the house ever had. + </p> + <p> + In 1836, he was nominated by a large portion of the Democratic electors of + the Lincoln Congressional District as their candidate for Congress. That + district has recently shown itself to possess a decided Whig majority; and + this would have been equally the case in 1836, had any other man than Mr. + Cilley appeared on the Democratic side. He had likewise to contend, as in + all the former scenes of his political life, with that portion of his own + party which adhered to Mr. Ruggles. There was still another formidable + obstacle, in the high character of Judge Bailey, who then represented the + district, and was a candidate for re-election. All these difficulties, + however, served only to protract the contest, but could not snatch the + victory from Mr. Cilley, who obtained a majority of votes at the third + trial. It was a fatal triumph. + </p> + <p> + In the summer of 1837, a few months after his election to Congress, I met + Mr. Cilley for the first time since early youth, when he had been to me + almost as an elder brother. The two or three days which I spent in his + neighborhood enabled us to renew our former intimacy. In his person there + was very little change, and that little was for the better. He had an + impending brow, deep-set eyes, and a thin and thoughtful countenance, + which, in his abstracted moments, seemed almost stern; but, in the + intercourse of society, it was brightened with a kindly smile, that will + live in the recollection of all who knew him. His manners had not a + fastidious polish, but were characterized by the simplicity of one who had + dwelt remote from cities, holding free companionship with the yeomen of + the land. I thought him as true a representative of the people as ever + theory could portray. His earlier and later habits of life, his feelings, + partialities, and prejudices, were those of the people: the strong and + shrewd sense which constituted so marked a feature of his mind was but a + higher degree of the popular intellect. He loved the people and respected + them, and was prouder of nothing than of his brotherhood with those who + had intrusted their public interests to his care. His continual struggles + in the political arena had strengthened his bones and sinews: opposition + had kept him ardent; while success had cherished the generous warmth of + his nature, and assisted the growth both of his powers and sympathies. + Disappointment might have soured and contracted him; but it appeared to me + that his triumphant warfare had been no less beneficial to his heart than + to his mind. I was aware, indeed, that his harsher traits had grown apace + with his milder ones; that he possessed iron resolution, indomitable + perseverance, and an almost terrible energy; but these features had + imparted no hardness to his character in private intercourse. In the hour + of public need, these strong qualities would have shown themselves the + most prominent ones, and would have encouraged his countrymen to rally + round him as one of their natural leaders. + </p> + <p> + In his private and domestic relations, Mr. Cilley was most exemplary; and + he enjoyed no less happiness than he conferred. He had been the father of + four children, two of whom were in the grave, leaving, I thought, a more + abiding impression of tenderness and regret than the death of infants + usually makes on the masculine mind. Two boys—the elder, seven or + eight years of age; and the younger, two—still remained to him; and + the fondness of these children for their father, their evident enjoyment + of his society, was proof enough of his gentle and amiable character + within the precincts of his family. In that bereaved household, there is + now another child, whom the father never saw. Mr. Cilley's domestic habits + were simple and primitive to a degree unusual, in most parts of our + country, among men of so eminent a station as he had attained. It made me + smile, though with anything but scorn, in contrast to the aristocratic + stateliness which I have witnessed elsewhere, to see him driving home his + own cow after a long search for her through the village. That trait alone + would have marked him as a man whose greatness lay within himself. He + appeared to take much interest in the cultivation of his garden, and was + very fond of flowers. He kept bees, and told me that he loved to sit for + whole hours by the hives, watching the labors of the insects, and soothed + by the hum with which they filled the air. I glance at these minute + particulars of his daily life, because they form so strange a contrast + with the circumstances of his death. Who could have believed, that, with + his thoroughly New England character, in so short a time after I had seen + him in that peaceful and happy home, among those simple occupations and + pure enjoyments, he would be stretched in his own blood, slain for an + almost impalpable punctilio! + </p> + <p> + It is not my purpose to dwell upon Mr. Cilley's brief career in Congress. + Brief as it was, his character and talents had more than begun to be felt, + and would soon have linked his name with the history of every important + measure, and have borne it onward with the progress of the principles + which he supported. He was not eager to seize opportunities of thrusting + himself into notice; but, when time and the occasion summoned him, he came + forward, and poured forth his ready and natural eloquence with as much + effect in the councils of the nation as he had done in those of his own + State. With every effort that he made, the hopes of his party rested more + decidedly upon him, as one who would hereafter be found in the vanguard of + many a Democratic victory. Let me spare myself the details of the awful + catastrophe by which all those proud hopes perished; for I write with a + blunted pen and a head benumbed, and am the less able to express my + feelings as they lie deep at heart, and inexhaustible. + </p> + <p> + On the 23d of February last, Mr. Cilley received a challenge from Mr. + Graves of Kentucky, through the hands of Mr. Wise of Virginia. This + measure, as is declared in the challenge itself, was grounded on Mr. + Cilley's refusal to receive a message, of which Mr. Graves had been the + bearer, from a person of disputed respectability; although no exception to + that person's character had been expressed by Mr. Cilley; nor need such + inference have been drawn, unless Mr. Graves were conscious that public + opinion held his friend in a doubtful light. The challenge was accepted, + and the parties met on the following day. They exchanged two shots with + rifles. After each shot, a conference was held between the friends of both + parties, and the most generous avowals of respect and kindly feeling were + made on the part of Cilley towards his antagonist, but without avail. A + third shot was exchanged; and Mr. Cilley fell dead into the arms of one of + his friends. While I write, a Committee of Investigation is sitting upon + this affair: but the public has not waited for its award; and the writer, + in accordance with the public, has formed his opinion on the official + statement of Messrs. Wise and Jones. A challenge was never given on a more + shadowy pretext; a duel was never pressed to a fatal close in the face of + such open kindness as was expressed by Mr. Cilley: and the conclusion is + inevitable, that Mr. Graves and his principal second, Mr. Wise, have gone + further than their own dreadful code will warrant them, and overstepped + the imaginary distinction, which, on their own principles, separates + manslaughter from murder. + </p> + <p> + Alas that over the grave of a dear friend, my sorrow for the bereavement + must be mingled with another grief,—that he threw away such a life + in so miserable a cause! Why, as he was true to the Northern character in + all things else, did be swerve from his Northern principles in this final + scene? But his error was a generous one, since he fought for what he + deemed the honor of New England; and, now that death has paid the forfeit, + the most rigid may forgive him. If that dark pitfall—that bloody + grave—had not lain in the midst of his path, whither, whither might + it not have led him! It has ended there: yet so strong was my conception + of his energies, so like destiny did it appear that he should achieve + everything at which he aimed, that even now my fancy will not dwell upon + his grave, but pictures him still amid the struggles and triumphs of the + present and the future. + </p> + <p class="noindent"> + 1838. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Biographical Sketches, by Nathaniel Hawthorne + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES *** + +***** This file should be named 9245-h.htm or 9245-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/9/2/4/9245/ + +Produced by David Widger and Al Haines. + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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