He enrolled his name among the leaders of the patriotic

movements--became a member of several committees and conspicuous at

public meetings. In her colonial capacity Georgia was the last to come

to the rescue. Some of her noblest sons had become shining lights in the

glorious cause. Patriotism was extending--oppression increasing, eyes

opening, ears listening, minds working, hearts beating and those who

were perching on the pivot of uncertainty were fast losing their

balance. At length the cry of blood was heard from Lexington. The work

was done. Georgia started from her lethargy like a lion roused from his

lair and prepared for the conflict. Like green wood--she was slow to

take fire but gave a permanent heat when ignited.

On the 2d of February 1776 Mr. Gwinnett was appointed to the Continental

Congress and took his seat on the 20th of May ensuing. Although his

constituents were determined to maintain their rights at all hazards

most of them looked upon the plan of Independence as a project of

visionary fancy--ideal, not to be hoped for or attempted. It gained

strength by discussion and emerged from its embryo form. At this

juncture a colleague of Mr. Gwinnett, the Rev. Mr. Zubly with a Judas

heart, wrote a letter to the royal governor of Georgia, disclosing the

contemplated measure, a copy of which was in some way obtained and

placed in the hands of Mr. Chase who immediately denounced the traitor

on the floor of Congress. The Iscariot at first attempted a denial by

challenging the proof but finding that the betrayer had been betrayed he

fled precipitately for Georgia in order to place himself under the

protection of the governor who had just escaped from the enraged

patriots on board a British armed vessel in Savannah harbor and had

enough to do to protect himself without rendering aid or comfort to a

traitor. He was followed by Mr. Houston one of his colleagues. Swift was

the pursuit but swifter the flight. On the wings of guilt he flew too

rapidly to be overtaken.

When the proposition came before Congress for a final separation from

the mother country Mr. Gwinnett became a warm advocate for the measure.

When the trying hour arrived, big with consequences, he gave his

approving vote and affixed his name to the important document that

stands acknowledged by the civilized world the most lucid exposition of

human rights upon the records of history--the Declaration of American

Independence. In February 1777 he took a seat in the convention of his

own state convened to form a constitution under the new government. He

at once took a leading part and submitted the draft of a constitution

which was slightly amended and immediately adopted. Shortly after this

he was elevated to the Presidency of the Provincial Council, then the

first office in the state--rising in a single year from private life to

the pinnacle of power in Georgia. At this time an acrimonious jealousy

existed between the civil and military authorities. At the head of the

latter was Gen. McIntosh against whom Mr. Gwinnett had run the previous

year for Brig. General and was unsuccessful. His elevation and influence

annoyed the General. The civil power claimed the right to try military

officers for offences that Gen. McIntosh contended came only under the

jurisdiction of a court martial. Mr. Gwinnett had planned an expedition

against East Florida and contemplated having the command. Gen. McIntosh

conferred it upon a senior lieutenant-colonel. The expedition was a

failure. The General publicly exulted over his hated enemy and gloried

in the misfortune. Under the new constitution a governor was to be

elected on the first Monday of the ensuing May. Mr. Gwinnett became a

candidate. His competitor was a man far inferior to him in point of

talents and acquirements but was elected. Gen. McIntosh again publicly

exulted in the disappointments that were overwhelming his antagonist. A

challenge from Mr. Gwinnett ensued--they met on the blood stained field

of false honor--fought at four paces--both were wounded, Mr. Gwinnett

mortally and died on the 27th of May 1777, the very time he should have

been in Congress. Comment is needless--reflection is necessary.

Aside from this rash error the escutcheon of Mr. Gwinnett was without a

blot. He was a splendid figure, commanding in appearance, six feet in

height, open countenance, graceful in his manners and possessed of fine

feeling. He was a kind husband, an affectionate father, a good citizen

and an honest man.

LYMAN HALL.

Decision gives weight to character when tempered with prudence and

discretion. The individual who is uniformly perched on the pivot of

uncertainty and fluttering in the wind of indetermination can never gain

public confidence or exercise an extensive influence. To be truly

beneficial decision must receive its momentum from the pure fountain of

our own matured judgment and not depend upon others to point us to the

path of duty. When the child becomes a man he should think and act as a

man and draw freely from the resources of his own immortal mind. He may

enjoy the reflective light of others but should depend upon the focus of

his own, made more clear by reflectives. The man who pins his faith upon

the sleeve of another and does not keep the lamp of his own

understanding trimmed and burning, is a mere automaton in life and never

fills the vacuum designed by his creation. When he makes his final exit

from the stage of action he leaves no trace behind--no rich memento to

tell that he once lived, moved and had a being upon the earth or bore

the moral image of his God. The Sages and Heroes of the American

Revolution left bright examples of self-moving action and decision of

character.

Among those who were roused to exertion by the reflection of their own

minds was Lyman Hall, born in Connecticut 1731. He graduated in Yale

College at an early age, studied medicine, married a wife before he was

twenty-one, removed to Dorchester, S. C. in 1752 and commenced the

practice of medicine. After residing there a short time he joined a

company of some forty families, mostly New Englanders and removed to

Medway in the parish of St. John, Georgia. He became a successful

practitioner and was esteemed for his prudence, discretion, clearness

of perception, soundness of judgment--united with refinement of feeling,

urbanity of manners, a calm and equable mind and great benevolence. He

had only to be known to be appreciated. As years rolled peacefully along

Dr. Hall became extensively acquainted and greatly beloved. He took

great interest in the happiness of those around him and in the welfare

of the people at large. He was a close observer of men and

things--understood well the philosophy of human rights and the

principles of the tenure by which the mother country held jurisdiction

over the colonies. When the marked bounds of that jurisdiction were

passed he was one of the first to meet the aggressors and point his

countrymen to the innovations. As encroachments increased his patriotism

grew warmer--enthusiastic zeal followed, tempered by the purest

motives--guided by the soundest discretion. The indecision and

temporizing spirit of Georgia, for a time, was painful to her truly

patriotic sons who early espoused the cause of Liberty. It was extremely

annoying to Dr. Hall but only tended to increase his exertions in the

work of political regeneration. Over the people of his own district he

exercised an unlimited--a judicious influence. He attended the patriotic

meetings held at Savannah in 1774-5 and contributed much in promoting

the glorious cause just bursting into life. His immediate constituents

were with him in feeling and action. All the other colonies had united

in defence of their common country determined to resist the common

enemy. St. John being a frontier settlement and more exposed than any

other in the province, he prudently laid the subject before his people

and called upon them to choose whom they would serve. They promptly

decided against domination of royalty and declared for Liberty. They at

once separated from the other parishes--formed a distinct political

community--applied for admission into the confederation of the other

colonies--passed resolutions of non-intercourse with Savannah so long as

it remained under kingly authority except to obtain the absolute

necessaries of life and organized committees to carry these patriotic

and decisive measures into effect. Placed on such an eminence they were

welcomed into the general compact as men worthy of freedom. In March

1775 they elected Lyman Hall to the Continental Congress to represent

the parish of St. John that stood like an isolated island of granite in

the ocean regardless of the waves of fury that were foaming around it.

This example had a powerful influence on the other parishes. From this

lump of liberty-leaven the whole mass became rapidly impregnated--rose

beautifully and was admirably baked in freedom's oven and soon fit for

use. In July following Dr. Hall had the proud satisfaction of seeing

Georgia fully represented by men honest and true--always excepting Judas

Iscariot _alias_ Zubly. To Dr. Hall may be justly attributed the first

impetus given to the revolutionary ball in his district which was formed

into a new county in 1777 and named LIBERTY.

On taking his seat in Congress Dr. Hall was hailed with enthusiasm as

the nucleus of patriotism that would eventually draw to one common

centre the people of his province. He was a valuable acquisition to the

various committees on which he was placed and gained the esteem of all

around him. On the floor he was listened to with profound attention. He

reasoned closely and calmly, confining himself to the question under

consideration without any effort to shine as an orator. His known

patriotism, decision of character, purity of purpose and honesty of

heart--gave him a salutary influence that was sensibly felt, fully

acknowledged and judiciously exercised. In 1776 he again took his seat

in Congress and became decidedly in favor of cutting loose from the

mother country. He had induced his own district to present a miniature

example that stood approved by every patriot. He felt the justice of the

cause of Liberty. He believed Providence would direct a successful

result. He was fully convinced the set time had come to free the

colonies. With such feelings he hailed the birth day of our Independence

as the grand jubilee of LIBERTY. He cheerfully joined in passing the

mighty Rubicon--aided in preparing the sarcophagus of tyranny and signed

the certificate of freedom with a joyful heart.

He was continued in Congress up to 1780 when he took his final leave of

that body where he had rendered faithful and important service. In 1782

he returned to his own State and aided in rendering more perfect the

organization of her government. The enemy had destroyed his property and

wreaked a special vengeance on his district generally. His family had

been compelled to fly to the North and depend on the bounty of others

for support. In 1783 he was elected Governor of Georgia and contributed

largely in perfecting the superstructure of her civil institutions and

in placing her on the high road to peace and prosperity. This

accomplished he retired from public life under the broad banner of an

honest and well earned fame. He then settled in Burke County where he

was again permitted to pursue the even tenor of his ways and enjoy the

highest of all earthly pleasure--the domestic fireside with his own dear

family. Calmly and quietly he glided down the stream of time until 1790

when he closed his eyes upon the transitory scenes of earth--entered the

dark valley of death and disappeared from mortals to enjoy a blissful

immortality. He was deeply mourned by his relatives and numerous

acquaintances and by every patriot in our nation. His name is

perpetuated in Georgia by a county being named after him as a tribute of

respect for his valuable services.

Dr. Hall was among those who do good for the sake of goodness--not to be

seen of men and applauded by the world. In person his appearance was

prepossessing. He was full six feet in height with a graceful deportment

and benignant countenance. His examples are worthy of imitation. Without

the luminous talents that tower to the skies in a blaze of glory that

dazzles every eye--he rendered himself substantially and widely useful.

He was like a gentle stream that passes through a verdant field

producing irrigation in its course without overflowing and tearing up

its banks. Decision of character, prudence in action and discretion in

all things marked his whole career. Not a stain tarnishes the bright

lustre of his public fame or private character. He lived nobly and died

peacefully. With such men our UNION is safe.

JOHN HANCOCK.

The thrilling history of American Independence is ever a subject of deep

interest to the patriot and philanthropist. It has no parallel in the

history of nations. Its causes, progress and successful termination

combine to throw around it a sacred halo that fills the reader with

wonder and admiration. The noble spirits who planned and achieved it

command the profoundest respect over the civilized world. As time

advances that respect is ripening into veneration. The names of the

signers of the Declaration of Independence, like those of the twelve

Apostles, are surrounded with a refulgent glory--unfading and enduring

as the planetary system. Among them was John Hancock, born near Quincy,

Mass., in 1737. His father was a clergyman of eminent piety, highly

esteemed by his parishioners. He died when this son was an infant,

leaving him under the guardian care of an uncle, who bestowed upon him

all the attention and tenderness of a father. He graduated at Harvard

College in 1754, with great credit to himself and satisfaction to his

numerous friends.

His uncle was a wealthy and thorough merchant and placed his nephew in

his counting house that he might add to his collegiate acquirements a

more important acquisition--a knowledge of men and things. In 1760 he

was sent to England--saw the mortal remains of George II. laid in the

tomb and the crown placed upon the head of his successor. He continued

in the employment of his uncle until 1761, who then died, leaving this

nephew his entire estate, supposed to be the largest of any one in the

province at that time.

John Hancock was long one of the Selectmen of Boston. In 1766 he was

elected to the General Assembly. He there exhibited talents of a high

order as a statesman, at once gaining the esteem and admiration of his

colleagues. He also gained the particular attention of a certain clique,

who determined to rule or ruin him. They placed him in the crucible of

slander, from which he came like gold seven times tried--triumphant and

unscathed.

In the Assembly he was uniformly chairman of the most important

committees. He was also elected speaker but the Governor, jealous of his

rising popularity and liberal principles, put his veto upon the

election.

He was a man of deep thought, general intelligence and strong mind. He

had thoroughly investigated the laws of God, of nature and of man. He

well understood that men are endowed by their Creator with certain

inherent privileges--that they are born equal and of right are and

should be free. He drank largely at the refreshing fountain of liberal

principles and was among the first to expose the blind and cruel policy

of the British ministers. He contributed largely in rousing his fellow

sufferers to a sense of impending danger.

Although deeply interested in commercial business and more exposed to

the wrath of kingly power than any individual in the province--he boldly

placed himself at the head of the association prohibiting the

importation of goods from Great Britain. The other provinces caught the

patriotic fire from these examples and became prepared to act their part

in the tragic scenes that resulted in the emancipation of the pilgrim

fathers from monarchical domination.

As a mark of special attention to this uncompromising patriot, the first

seizure that was made by the revenue officers under pretence of some

trivial violation of the laws was one of his vessels. So great was the

excitement produced by this impolitic transaction, that large numbers

were speedily collected to rescue the property. It was placed under the

guns of an armed ship ready to open a broadside upon any who should dare

to reclaim the vessel. The populace rose like a thunder cloud--rushed to

the onset--brought away the vessel--razed to the ground some of the

buildings occupied by the custom house officers and committed to the

flames the boat of the collector. For a time this fire was arrested by

the strong arm of power but it was never extinguished--it was the fire

of LIBERTY. It only required to be fanned by that ministerial oppression

that ultimately blew it into curling flames.

To prevent the recurrence of a popular outbreak several regiments of

British troops, with all their loathsome vices fresh upon them, were

quartered upon the inhabitants. This was like pouring bituminous coal

tar upon a lurid flame. The independent spirits of Boston were not to be

_awed_ into subjection. The consequences were tragical. On the evening

of 5th of March 1770, a party of these soldiers fired upon and killed

five and wounded others of the citizens who had collected to manifest

their indignation against those they _hated_ more than they _feared_.

Had the town been placed in the terrific cradle of an earthquake and its

foundations moved to the centre, the agitation could not have been

greater. Had it been melting before the burning lava of a volcano the

commotion could not have been increased. The tolling of bells--the

groans of the dying and wounded--the shrieks of mothers, widows and

orphans--the flight of soldiers--the rush of the inhabitants--the cry of

revenge--popular fury rising into a tornado of vengeance--all combined

to create a scene of consternation and horror at which imagination

recoils, description quails, sympathy trembles, humanity bleeds. It is a

commentary, eloquently strong, upon the gross impropriety of quartering

soldiers upon citizens--of enforcing civil law by military force--of

invading the sanctity of domestic peace and private enjoyment.

On the following day a meeting was called composed of the concentrated

talent and virtue of Boston. Strong but discreet resolutions were

passed. A committee was appointed to wait upon the governor to request

him to remove the troops from the town, at the head of which were Samuel

Adams and John Hancock. His excellency at first refused but finding that

discretion was the better part of valor, at once ordered the soldiers to

the castle. He also gave a pledge that the offenders should be arraigned

and tried and thus restored transient tranquillity.

The solemn and imposing ceremony of interring those who were killed was

then performed. Their bodies were deposited in the same grave. Tears of

sorrow, sympathy, regret and indignation were mingled with the clods as

they descended upon the butchered bodies of those victims of tyranny.

For many years the sad event was commemorated with deep and mournful

solemnity. A hymn was sung to their memory and the torch of Liberty

re-illumed at their tomb.

At one of these celebrations during the progress of the Revolution John

Hancock delivered the address. A few brief extracts will be read with

interest.

"Security to the persons and property of the governed is so evidently

the design of civil government that to attempt a logical demonstration

of it would be like burning a taper at noonday to assist the sun in

enlightening the world. It cannot be either virtuous or honorable to

attempt to support institutions of which this is not the principal

basis. Some boast of being friends to government. I also am a friend to

government--to a righteous government, founded upon the principles of

reason and justice--but I glory in avowing my eternal enmity to

tyranny."

He then portrayed vividly the wrongs inflicted by the mother country and

urged his fellow citizens to vindicate their injured rights. On speaking

of the massacre his language shows the emotions of his heaving

bosom--the feelings of his noble soul.

"I come reluctantly to the transactions of that dismal night, when, in

quick succession we felt the extremes of grief, astonishment and

rage--when Heaven, in anger, suffered hell to take the reins--when

Satan, with his chosen band opened the sluices of New England's blood

and sacrilegiously polluted her land, with the bodies of her guiltless

sons. Let this sad tale be told without a tear--let not the heaving

bosom cease to burn with a manly indignation at the relation of it

through the long tracts of future time--let every parent tell the story

to his listening children till the tears of pity glistens in their eyes

or boiling passion shakes their tender frames."

"Dark and designing knaves--murderous parricides! how dare you tread

upon the earth which has drunk the blood of slaughtered innocence shed

by your hands! How dare you breathe that air which wafted to the ear of

Heaven the groans of those who fell a sacrifice to your accursed

ambition!! But if the laboring earth doth not expand her jaws--if the

air you breathe is not commissioned to be the minister of death--yet

hear it and tremble! the eye of Heaven penetrates the darkest chambers

of the soul and you, though screened from human observation, must be

arraigned--must lift up your hands, red with the blood of those whose

death you have procured, at the tremendous bar of God."

So bold had Mr. Hancock become that the adherents of the crown put every

plan and artifice in operation that could be devised to injure him. His

worst enemy, the governor, nominated him to the Council, knowing that

his acceptance would turn the populace against him. The plan was just as

feasible as to think of baking griddle cakes on the moon. By a prompt

refusal he put his enemies to shame and increased the confidence the

patriots reposed in him. He was at this time Captain of the Governor's

Guard and was immediately removed. His company was composed of the first

citizens of Boston. As a testimony of respect to him the members

promptly dissolved.

The dread crisis finally came. The war car was put in motion on the

heights of Lexington. American blood was again shed by British soldiers.

The people heard the dread clarion of Revolution--multitudes rushed to

the conflict--the hireling troops fled in confusion--messengers of death

met them on the whole route--retribution pressed on them at every

corner--the trees and fences were illuminated with streams of fire from

the rusty muskets of the native yoemanry and many of Briton's proud sons

slumbered in their gore on that eventful day. The watchword was then

fixed--LIBERTY OR DEATH.

On the reception of this news the governor issued his proclamation in

the name of his most _Christian Majesty_, George the III. declaring the

Province in a state of rebellion but _graciously_ offering a pardon to

all returning penitents--_excepting_ John Hancock and Samuel Adams. A

secret attempt was made to arrest them but was foiled by information

sent by Gen. Warren. They were preserved to aid in the glorious cause

they had boldly and nobly espoused and to become shining lights in the

blue canopy of FREEDOM--bright examples of patriotism for future

generations. Their proscription by the royal governor endeared them

still more to the people and their personal friends. They asked no

pardon--desired no royal favor.

In 1774 Mr. Hancock was unanimously elected President of the

Massachusetts Provincial Congress and in 1775 he was called to preside

over the Continental Congress. It was with great diffidence he accepted

this high mark of esteem, many of its members possessing towering

talents and were much his seniors in age. He discharged the duties of

his station with fidelity, great ability and to the satisfaction of the

members and the country. His was the only name affixed to the

Declaration of Independence when first published and stands, in bold

relievo, at the head of the list of that noble band of fearless patriots

who bearded the British Lion in his den and drove him from Columbia's

soil--whose names are enrolled on the historic sunbeams of unfading

light, there to remain in living brightness to the remotest ages of

time.

Impaired in health and worn down by fatigue, Mr. Hancock resigned his

responsible station in Congress in October 1777, having presided over

that body for two and a half years with a credit highly gratifying to

his numerous friends and advantageous to the cause of human rights.

Soon after his return he was elected to the convention of his native

state to form a constitution for its government. His talents and

experience were of great service in aiding to produce a truly republican

instrument. In 1780 he was elected the first governor under the new

constitution and continued to fill the gubernatorial chair five years

when he resigned. At the expiration of two years he was again elected to

that office and continued to fill that important station during the

remainder of his life.

During his administration there were many difficulties to overcome--many

evils to suppress. The devastation of the war had paralyzed every kind

of business--reduced thousands from affluence to poverty--polluted the

morals of society and left a heavy debt to be liquidated. Conflicting

interests were to be reconciled--restless spirits subdued and visionary

theories exploded. A faction of 12,000 men threatened to annihilate the

new government. Riots were of frequent occurrence--the civil authority

was disregarded and it became necessary to call out the military to

enforce order. By the prudence, decision and wise conduct of the

Governor and those acting under him, all difficulties were adjusted--the

clamor of the people hushed--order restored and but few lives sacrificed

at the shrine of treason.

By his firm and determined course the Governor incurred the displeasure

of many prominent men for a time--but when reason resumed her station

and prosperity alleviated the burdens that had been so strongly felt,

their better judgment gained the ascendency, the sour feelings of party

spirit lost their rancor--admiration and esteem for his sterling virtues

and useful talents--the long and arduous services he had rendered his

State and country--disarmed his enemies of their resentment and produced

uniform love and respect. None but those who then lived can fully

appreciate the Alpine barriers the patriots had to surmount to preserve

the Independence they achieved and reduce to practice the long nursed

vision of a Republican government. To recount them would require a

volume. Let them slumber in the shades of oblivion.

Gov. Hancock was strongly in favor of the adoption of the Federal

Constitution and left his sick bed in the last week of the session of

the Assembly and did much by his advice and influence to induce his

State to sanction that important instrument of confederation which has

thus far withstood the assaults of demagogues--the thunder gusts of

party spirit and held us in the bonds of Union, strength and power.

Paralyzed be that arm that would cut the smallest fibre of the--cord of

our UNION. Silenced be that voice that would whisper the word

_dissolution_ even to a zephyr. If we are true to ourselves we are

destined to become the greatest nation known to history. We are

appointed by the sages and heroes of the Revolution executors in

perpetual succession of the richest estate ever bequeathed to a

nation--LIBERTY in its pristine purity. Let us see well to its

preservation that when we meet the testators in the realms of bliss, we

may find our account approved and passed in the high court of heaven.

John Hancock lived to see prosperity shed the benignant rays of

happiness over the broad expanse of the infant republic. He saw her

institutions, laws, trade, manufactures, commerce, agriculture--all

based on the firm pillars of purchased freedom and eternal justice. His

Pierian vision was reduced to a happy reality--he could then die

peaceful and happy.

His ill health continued until the 8th of October 1793 when suddenly and

unexpectedly his soul left earth and returned to Him who gave it to join

the kindred spirits that had gone before and entered upon the untried

realities of the eternal world.

Governor Hancock was a man of elegant person and

accomplishments--amiable and pure in all the private relations of

life--highly honorable in all his actions--a polished gentleman in his

manners--fashionable in his dress and style of living--charitable and

liberal--a friend to the poor--a visitor of the widow and

orphan--diligent in business--open and frank in his disposition--a

faithful companion--a consistent patriot--an HONEST MAN.

BENJAMIN HARRISON.

Coolness, united with sound discretion, deep penetration, wisdom to plan

and energy to execute, is an important quality. In times of high

excitement it is indispensably necessary in those who wield the destiny

of a community. When the fires of passion, burning in the bosoms of an

enraged multitude, unite in one cyclopean volume, the mental rod of

cooling discretion is necessary to regulate, guide and direct it to a

proper destination. If all were alike charged with boiling desperation

in times when angry commotions disturb the public peace, the holiest

cause would lose its efficacy and be overwhelmed by the murky waters of

fell revenge. The cool deliberations of the first Continental Congress,

writhing under the lash of oppression, shed upon it a lustre that

attracted the admiration of a gazing world, the smiles of angels and the

approval of Heaven. The mother country was left without an excuse or

just reason for the continuation of her suicidal course. To the cool and

discreet conduct of the Sages and Heroes of the American Revolution we

may attribute the LIBERTY we now enjoy.

No one among them demonstrated more fully this quality combined with

firmness of purpose and boldness of action than Benjamin Harrison a

native of Berkley, Virginia, supposed to have been born about 1730, the

precise time not being a matter of record. His family descended from a

near relative of Gen. Harrison, a bold leader in the revolution of the

English Commonwealth who was sacrificed on the scaffold for his liberal

principles. This relative settled in Surrey, Virginia, about 1640. His

descendants sustained the high reputation of their ancestors and filled

many important stations in the colony. It is recorded of Benjamin

Harrison, son of the ancestor that located in Surrey, that "he did

justice, loved mercy and walked humbly with his God," leaving a memento

of character that forms the crowning excellence of human attainments.

Benjamin Harrison, the father of young Benjamin now under review, was

killed by lightning with two of his daughters. At that time this son was

prosecuting his studies at the college of William and Mary where he

finished his education at an early age. Before he arrived at his

majority he had the management of a large estate left him by his father.

As good sense dictated and as in duty bound, he shortly after married

Elizabeth, the accomplished daughter of Col. William Bassett and niece

to Lady Washington. She possessed all the high requisites of a wife.

Before he arrived at the age then required by law, he was elected to the

House of Burgesses and became a leading member. His talents were of the

peculiar kind calculated to lead without an apparent desire to command.

His magic wand was sound discretion coolly and firmly exercised,

enlivened by a good humor and sprightliness that mellowed his otherwise

stern qualities. Wielding a powerful influence, the creatures of the

crown were particularly courteous to him just previous to the revolution

and proposed to confer upon him the highest official dignity in the

colony--except governor--who must be a _native_ of the mother country.

Mr. Harrison was too republican and far seeing to be caught in the

silken web of ministerial intrigue or royal cunning. With all his wealth

and influence he was a plain common sense man opposed to the pomp of

courts and the flourish of high pretensions. He went for his country and

the people. He scorned to be the hireling or slave of a king. As early

as 1764 he was on the committee in the House of Burgesses that prepared

an address to the crown, a memorial to the House of Lords and a

remonstrance to the House of Commons of Great Britain predicated upon

the Virginia Resolutions anticipating the odious Stamp Act. These

documents as reported were then too hard metal in view of a majority in

the House and were transmuted to soft solder by the process of political

alchemy well understood by the creatures of the king. The time rolled on

rapidly when hard metal was made the order of the day. As British

oppression increased Virginia indignation kindled to a flame that

illuminated the old Dominion to its utmost bounds. Mr. Harrison was a

member of the convention that met at Williamsburg on the 1st of August

1774 and passed a series of strong resolutions in favor of equal

rights--sanctioned the measures of opposition adopted by New England and

appointed seven delegates to the general Congress, Mr. Harrison being

one. The benefits resulting from the labors of that Congress may not now

be apparent to many young readers as a deaf ear was turned to the

dignified proceedings by the mother country. They were twofold. 1. The

true position of the two countries was clearly defined and held up to

the world leaving England without an excuse for her subsequent course.

2. A personal acquaintance and free interchange of views served to

establish mutual confidence and produced a concert of action between the

colonies.

On the 20th of March 1775 Mr. Harrison was a member of the convention

that met at Richmond and passed the bold resolutions offered by Patrick

Henry. Many had the royal film removed from their eyes at that time and

came to the rescue. Anticipating the appointment of delegates to a

second Congress, Lord Dunmore issued his proclamation forbidding the

procedure affecting to treat the convention as a mere bagatelle. Royal

proclamations had lost their original efficacy. The delegates were

elected, among whom was Mr. Harrison. He repaired to his post which was

then more imposing than the year proceeding. A crisis had arrived big

with consequences. Amidst the flashes and roar of the gathering storm

cool deliberation pervaded his bosom. Mr. Randolph, the President of the

first Congress being absent, Mr. Hancock was elected to fill the

vacancy. When his name was announced he seemed overcome with a modest

diffidence and did not move. Mr. Harrison took him in his gigantic arms

and placed him in the chair saying--"We will show mother Britain how

little we care for her--by making a Massachusetts man our President whom

she has excluded from pardon by public proclamation."

Action--noble and god-like action became the order of that eventful

era. Each gale from the north brought tidings of fresh outrages and

increasing aggressions on the part of mother Britain. Congress prepared

for the worst although many of the members turned a willing ear to the

siren song of peace. Mr. Harrison was one of the committee appointed to

devise ways and means for defence and to organize the militia throughout

the colonies that were represented. After laboring arduously for a month

the plan of military operations was reported that carried the American

Colonies through the war. Mr. Harrison was the military man of Congress.

He had the unlimited confidence of Washington. In September of that year

he was one of the committee of three to consult with the

Commander-in-chief and with the authorities of the regenerated colonies

relative to a preparation for vigorous action. On the 29th of November

he was made chairman of the committee of five to take charge of the

foreign correspondence. On the 2d of December he was sent to Maryland to

aid in organizing a naval armament to repel the predatory warfare of

Lord Dunmore along the shores of the Chesapeake. On the 17th of January

1776 he laid before Congress a plan for the recruiting service which was

adopted. On the 21st of the same month he was placed upon the committee

to organize the War Department On the 23d he went to New York with

Messrs. Lynch and Allen to aid Gen. Lee in devising plans and means of

defence and for erecting fortifications upon the two confluent rivers.

On his return he was placed on the committee for organizing the military

departments of the middle and southern Colonies. On the 6th of March he

was placed on the Marine Standing Committee--bestowing on him labor in

proportion to his physical as well as mental powers. He was found equal

to the task imposed.

On the 26th of March 1776 Congress published a full preface to the

Declaration of Independence, setting forth the contempt with which the

petitions, remonstrances and appeals for relief had been

treated--portraying in lively colors the constitutional and chartered

rights of the American people and the manner they were trampled under

foot and steeped in blood by British hirelings. The same document

authorised the colonies to fit out vessels of war to meet the mistress

of the seas on her own element. Mr. Harrison was chairman of a committee

to select and have fortified one or more ports for the protection of

these vessels and such prizes as they might take. In May he was made

chairman of the committee on the Canada expedition. After consulting

Generals Washington, Gates and Mifflin, he laid a plan of operations

before Congress which was adopted. On the 26th of the same month he was

made chairman of a committee of fourteen to confer with the general

officers of the army relative to the plan of operations for the ensuing

campaign. When matured he laid it before Congress and during its

consideration was chairman of the committee of the whole. With slight

amendments the report was adopted. On the 15th of June he was made

chairman of the Board of War and continued in that important station

until he retired from Congress. In his discharge of its duties Judge

Peters remarks of him--"He was chairman when I entered upon the duties

assigned me in the War Department. This gave me an opportunity of

observing his firmness, good sense and usefulness in deliberation and in

critical situations and much use indeed was required of these qualities

when everything around was lowering and terrific."

Mr. Harrison became very popular as chairman of the committee of the

whole. If in the House he uniformly presided when important questions

were under consideration. He was in the chair during the discussion of

the Declaration of Independence. He presented the resolution that

recommended the formal preparation of that sacred document and on the

glorious 4th of July 1776 sealed his heart felt approval with his vote

and signature. At the thrilling moment when the members were signing

what many called their death warrant, as the slender Mr. Gerry finished

his signature Mr. Harrison pleasantly remarked to him "when the hanging

scene commences I shall have all the advantage over you. It will all be

over with me in a minute but you will be kicking in the air half an hour

after I am gone." During the protracted discussions upon the Articles of

Confederation Mr. Harrison was uniformly in the chair. From August to

the 5th of November he was engaged in the service of his own state in

the formation of the new government when he again returned to his place.

He was one of the committee to advise in the movements of the northern

army. When the members of Congress were compelled to fly from Baltimore

to Lancaster, where they remained but one day and from there to York,

Pa. he remained firm at his post. The enemies of Liberty predicted a

final dissolution but proved false prophets. They even reported that Mr.

Harrison was about to desert the American cause. His coolness and

deliberation were often made useful in softening down hasty and harsh

propositions. When the question was agitated relative to punishing the

Quakers he interfered in their behalf. In after life one of them often

remarked of him--"He saved us from persecution. He had talents to

perceive the right and firmness enough to pursue it however violently

opposed."

At the close of 1777 Mr. Harrison resigned his seat in Congress and

returned to the bosom of his family. No one member had performed more

labor than him--no one was more highly esteemed and honored. He was

emphatically a working man--a colossus in the cause of liberty and human

rights. He returned home to enjoy repose. This was of but short

duration. He was immediately elected to the Virginia Legislature and

made Speaker, which station he ably filled for five consecutive years.

During that period the revolutionary storm spent its fury upon the Old

Dominion. The traitor Arnold and the tyrant Cornwallis were tinging its

streams and saturating its soil with the blood of its noble sons. Fire,

sword, murder, rapine, ruin and destruction marked their savage course.

Her legislature was driven from Richmond to Charlotteville--to

Staunton--to the Warm Springs and found but a transient rest at either

place. During these rapid removes Mr. Harrison remained cool, collected

and firm and was prolific in the best measures to ward off impending

dangers. He did much to rouse the people to action and dispel the

terrors of their minds. He knew no "fugitive fear"--the assertion of

another writer to the contrary notwithstanding and without any

foundation in fact, for the purpose of raising his own hero above his

proper level by climbing upon the shoulders of the towering reputation

of Mr. Harrison. This fictitious capital will not answer even at this

late day. Records speak for the dead in a voice that paralyzes the

slanderer like the hand writing that shook the sturdy frame of

Belshazzar.

In 1782 Mr. Harrison was elected Governor of Virginia and assumed a

herculean task. The recent devastations of the British army aided by

tories who remained on the soil, had thrown everything into one chaotic

mass. He entered upon the discharge of his duties with an energy that

showed no "fugitive fear" and became one of the most popular chief

magistrates that ever filled the gubernatorial chair of the Old

Dominion. He was re-elected twice and was then inelligible by the

constitution and once more sought retirement. Without his knowledge or

consent he was immediately after nominated for the legislature and for

the first time defeated. This was effected by a cunning device of his

opponent. When Governor he had ordered the militia to level the

embankments at Yorktown which was the first and last unpopular act of

his life. This was the political hobby-horse on which his opponent

gained the race. Mr. Harrison removed into the adjoining county of

Surrey and was returned to the same Legislature with his successful

competitor. To add to the chagrin of his opponents he was elected

Speaker of the House. Before the year expired he was urged to return to

his former residence. Old age and declining health induced him to

permanently retire from public life.

In 1788 he was a member of the Convention of his State to which the

Federal Constitution was submitted and was chairman of the first

committee--that of privileges and elections. He opposed the document in

some of its details as being too indefinite in defining the powers of

the General and State Governments but approved it as a whole with

certain amendments that were returned with it. So strong was the

opposition to its adoption by nearly half of the delegates that this

large minority held a private meeting in the night for the purpose of

adopting plans of opposition that were calculated to produce the most

fatal consequences. Fortunately this cool and deliberate patriarch of

Liberty gained admittance and prevailed upon them to submit to the

majority of nine and pursue the legal remedy for obtaining amendments

after it became the law of the land. This noble and patriotic act formed

the crowning glory of his public career.

In 1790 he was nominated for Governor but declined serving and used his

utmost influence in favor of Mr. Randolph and induced his own son to

vote against him who was a member of the House which elected the Chief

Magistrate. Mr. Randolph was unpopular with some of the members who were

confident of defeating him could they prevail upon Mr. Harrison to

consent to be used as a party man. His Roman integrity and influence

prevailed and Mr. Randolph was made Governor.

During the next year his health declined rapidly. Shortly after his

unanimous election to the Legislature he was prostrated by a severe

attack of the gout which terminated his long and useful life in April

1791, leaving a large family of children to mourn the loss of a kind

father--his country to lament the exit of a favorite son and noble

patriot. He was the father of the late President Harrison who survived

just one month after his inauguration.

Mr. Harrison was a man of great muscular power--above the middle height,

graceful but plain in his manners with an intelligent countenance

indicating strength of mind and decision of character. During the latter

part of his life he became quite corpulent in consequence of a quiet

mind and good dinners. His private character was above reproach. His wit

and humor made him a pleasant companion--his intelligence and good sense

made him an instructive one. His cool head, good heart, sound judgment

and agreeable temperament made him an important public servant just

suited to the times in which he lived. Were all our legislators of the

present day like him--fanaticism and ultraism could not flourish--our

UNION would be safe.

JOHN HART.

No occupation is so well calculated to rivet upon the heart a love of

country as that of agriculture. No profession is more honorable--but few

are as conducive to health and above all others it insures peace,

tranquillity and happiness. A calling independent in its nature--it is

calculated to produce an innate love of Liberty. The farmer stands upon

a lofty eminence and looks upon the bustle of mechanism, the din of

commerce and the multiform perplexities of the various literary

professions, with feelings of personal freedom unknown to them. He

acknowledges the skill and indispensable necessity of the first--the

enterprise and usefulness of the second--the wide spread benefits of the

last--then turns his mind to the pristine quiet of his agrarian domain

and covets not the fame that clusters around them all. His opportunities

for intellectual improvement are superior to the two first and in many

respects not inferior to the last. Constantly surrounded by the varied

beauties of nature and the never ceasing harmonious operation of her

laws--his mind is led to contemplate the wisdom of the great Architect

of worlds. The philosophy of the universe is constantly presenting new

phases to his enraptured view. Aloof from the commoving arena of public

life but made acquainted with what is passing there through the medium

of the magic PRESS--he is able to form deliberate opinions upon the

various topics that concern the good and glory of his country. In his

retired domicil he is less exposed to that corrupt and corrupting party

spirit that is raised by the whirlwind of selfish ambition and often

rides on the tornado of faction. Before he is roused to a participation

in violent commotions he hears much, reflects deeply, resolves nobly.

When the oppression of rulers becomes so intolerable as to induce the

yeomanry of a country to leave their ploughs and peaceful firesides and

draw the avenging sword--let them beware and know the day of retribution

is at hand.

Thus it was at the commencement of the American Revolution. When the

implements of husbandry were exchanged for those of war and the farmers

joined in the glorious cause of Liberty, the fate of England's power

over the Colonies was hermetically sealed. The concentrated phalanx of

commingling professions was irresistible as an avalanche in the full

plenipotence of force.

Among the patriots of that eventful era who left their ploughs and

rushed to the rescue was John Hart, born at Hopewell, Hunterdon County,

N. J. about the year 1715. The precise time of his birth is not a

matter of record--his acts in the cause of Liberty are. He was the son

of Edward Hart, a brave and efficient officer who aided the mother

country in the conquest of Canada and participated in the epic laurels

that were gained by Wolfe on the heights of Abraham. He raised a

volunteer corps under the cognomen of Jersey Blues--an appellation still

the pride of Jerseymen. He fought valiantly and was recompensed with

praise--not the gold of the mother country. John Hart was an extensive

farmer, a man of strong mind improved by reading and reflection, ever

ambitious to excel in his profession. In Deborah Scudder he found an

amiable and faithful wife. In the affections and good conduct of a

liberal number of sons and daughters he found an enjoyment which

bachelors may affect to disdain but for which they often sigh. Eden's

fair bowers were dreary until Heaven's first best gift to man was there.

Known as a man of sound judgment, clear perception, liberal views and

pure motives, John Hart was called to aid in public business long before

the Revolution. For twenty years he had served in various stations and

was often a member of the legislature. He took a deep interest in the

local improvements necessary in a new country. He was a warm advocate

for education, was liberal in donations to seminaries of learning. He

was a friend to social order and did much to produce an equilibrium in

the scales of justice. In organizing the municipal government of his

county he rendered essential service. He looked on public business as a

duty to be performed when required--not as a political hobby-horse to

ride upon. The public men of that day said but little. They despatched

business promptly with an eye single to the general good. Sinecures were

unknown--office hunters few and far between. Industry, frugality and

economy in public and private matters were marked characteristics of the

pilgrim fathers. Golden days! when will ye return in the majesty of your

innocence and banish from our land the enervating follies, the poisonous

weeds, the impugning evils that augur the destruction of our far famed

Republic.

Mr. Hart was quick to discern the encroachments of the British ministry

upon the chartered and constitutional rights of the colonies and prompt

to resist them. The passage of the Stamp Act on the 22d of March 1765

was followed by a commotion that indicated a slender tenure of kingly

power in America. This odious Act was repealed on the 18th of March

1776. But the ministerial alchemists were madly bent on new experiments.

The colonists had borne the yoke of artful and increasing restrictions

upon their trade and industry for fifty years. It was presumed their

necks were hardened so as to bear a heavier burden. Deluded

alchemists--they little understood the kind of metal put in their

crucible. Direct taxation without representation was no part of the

English constitution. This violation could not be tamely submitted to.

The second edition of the revenue plan revised and stereotyped in 1767

by Charles Townshend, Chancellor of the Exchequer, imposing a duty on

glass, paper, pasteboard, tea and painters' colors--kindled a flame in

the Colonies that no earthly power could quench. Public meetings against

the measure--resolutions of the deepest censure, remonstrances of the

strongest character, arguments of the most conclusive logic were hurled

back upon the ministry. Boston harbor was converted into a teapot and

all the tea afloat used at one drawing. Non-importation agreements,

committees of safety, preparations for defence, non-intercourse,

bloodshed, war and Independence followed. In all these movements Mr.

Hart concurred and firmly opposed the encroachments of the crown.

In 1774 he was elected to Congress and entered upon the high duties of

his station with a deep sense of the responsibilities that rested upon

that body at that particular time. Mild, deliberate, cautious, discreet

and firm in his purposes--he became an important member in carrying out

the measures then contemplated--reconciliation and a restoration of

amity. On the 10th of May 1775 he again took his place in Congress. The

cry of blood, shed on the 19th of the preceding April at Lexington, had

infused a spirit among the members widely different from that which

pervaded their minds at the previous meeting. It was then that the cool

deliberation of such men as Mr. Hart was indispensable. The ardor and

impetuosity of youth had passed away--propositions and arguments were

placed in the balance of reason. Causes, effects, objects, ends, plans,

means, consequences--all were put in the scales of justice and honestly

weighed. In this manner every act was performed with clean hands, the

cause of Liberty honored, prospered and crowned with triumphant success.

At this time Mr. Hart was a member and Vice President of the Assembly of

New Jersey and shortly after had the proud satisfaction of aiding in the

funeral obsequies of the old government and joined in the festivities of

forming a new one upon the broad platform of republicanism.

On the 14th of February 1776 he was again elected to the Continental

Congress and when the Chart of Liberty was presented he carefully

examined its bold physiognomy--pronounced its points, features,

landmarks, delineations and entire combinations worthy of freemen gave

it his vote, his signature and his benediction. At the close of the

session he retired from public life and declined a re-election. As he

anticipated, the British drove away his family, destroyed his property

and after he returned hunted him from place to place and several times

had him so nearly cornered that his escape seemed impossible. His

exposure in eluding the pursuit of the relentless foe brought on illness

that terminated his life in 1780. He was a worthy member of the Baptist

church--a devoted Christian--an HONEST MAN.

PATRICK HENRY.

Genius is one of the indefinable attributes of man. We may think, see,

talk and write upon this noble quality, rehearse its triumphant

achievements, its magic wonders, its untiring efforts--but what _is_

genius? that's the question--one that none but pedants will attempt to

answer. The thing, the moving cause, the _modus operandi_ can no more be

comprehended and reduced to materiality than the spirit that animates

our bodies. The man who can do this can analyze the tornado, put the

thunder cloud in his breeches pocket and quaff lightning for a beverage.

Metaphysicians, physiologists and craniologists may put on their robes

of mystery, arm each eye with a microscope, each finger with the acutest

phrenological sensibility, whet up all their mental powers to the finest

keenness, strain their imagination to its utmost tension, tax

speculation one hundred per cent, and then call to their aid the

brightest specimens of this occult power--the combined force could not

weave a web and label it GENIUS that would not be an insult to common

sense. Genius is the essential oil of mental power. No frost can freeze

it, no fog can mildew it, no heat can paralyze it, no potentate can

crush it. In all countries and climes it springs up spontaneously but

flourishes most luxuriantly and attains a more perfect symmetry and

greater strength when nurtured by intelligence and freedom. So versatile

is this concentrated essence of mental power that we can form no rule to

pre-determine its personal locality, its time of development, its

measure of strength or the extent of its orbit. Like a blazing

meteor--it bursts suddenly upon us as in the darkness of night,

illuminating the world and like the lightning thunder bolt--shivers

every obstacle that stands in its way.

Thus it was with Patrick Henry born at Studley, Hanover County,

Virginia, on the 29th of May 1736. His father was a highly reputable man

of Scotch descent--his mother was the sister of Judge Winston who was

justly celebrated as an eloquent speaker. During his childhood and

youth Patrick was remarkable for indolence and a love of recreation. He

arrived at manhood with a limited education and ignorant of all

occupations. His mind was not cultivated, his native talents were not

developed, his genius was not awakened until after he was a husband and

a father. His friends vainly endeavored to put him on a course of

application to business by setting him up in the mercantile line.

Preferring his fishing rod and gun to measuring tape he soon failed.

Finding himself bankrupt he concluded that the increasing troubles of

his pilgrimage were too numerous to bear alone. He married the daughter

of a respectable planter and became a tiller of the ground. Unacquainted

with this new vocation he soon swamped in the quagmire of adversity. He

then gibed, put his helm hard up and tacked to the mercantile business.

Still he was unfortunate. Poverty claimed him as a favorite son and

bestowed upon him special attention. An increasing family needed

increased means of support. Creditors had the assurance to shower duns

upon him and cruelly reduced him to misery and want. He then conceived

the idea of studying law. For the first time he felt most keenly the

waste of time in his childhood and youth. He saw many of his age who had

ascended high on the ladder of fame whose native powers of mind he knew

to be inferior to his. He bent his whole energies to study and in six

weeks after he commenced was admitted to the Bar, more as a compliment

to his respectable connexions and his destitute situation than from the

knowledge he had obtained of the abstruse science of law during the

brief period he had been engaged in its investigation. Folded in the

coils of extreme want for the three ensuing years he made but slight

advances in his profession. He obtained the necessaries of life by

aiding his father-in-law at a _tavern_ bar instead of being at the Bar

of the court. He was still ardently attached to his gun. He often look

his knapsack of provisions and remained in the woods several days and

nights. On his return he would enter the court in his coarse and blood

stained hunting dress--take up his causes--carry them through with

astonishing adroitness and finally gained a popular reputation as an

advocate.

In 1764 he was employed in a case of contested election tried at

Richmond, which introduced him among the fashionable and gay whose dress

and manners formed a great contrast with his. He made no preparation to

meet his learned and polished adversaries. As he moved awkwardly among

them, some, who were squinting at him and his coarse apparel, supposed

him _non compos mentis_. When the case was tried the audience and court

were electrified by his torrent of native eloquence and lucid logic.

Judges Tyler and Winston who were upon the bench declared they had never

before witnessed so happy and powerful an effort in point of sublime

rhetoric and conclusive argument. The towering genius of Patrick Henry

then burst from embryo into blooming life. From that time his fame

spread its expansive wings and soared far above those of gayer plumage

but of less strength. A lucrative practice banished want, sunshine

friends returned and flashed around him, he leaped upon the flood tide

of prosperity. From his childhood he had been a close observer of human

nature--the only germ of genius visible in his juvenile character. He

had studiously cultivated this important attribute which was of great

advantage to him through life. So familiar had he become with the

propensities and operations of the mind that he comprehended all its

intricacies, impulses and variations. This gave him a great advantage

over many of his professional brethren who had studied Greek and Latin

more but human nature less than this self-made man. He took a deep and

comprehensive view of the causes that impel men to action and of the

results produced by the multifarious influences that control them. He

grasped the designs of creation, the duty of man to his fellow and his

God, the laws of nature, reason and revelation and became a bold

advocate for liberty of conscience, equal rights and universal freedom.

From the expansive view he had taken of the rights of man, the different

forms of government, the oppression of kings, the policy pursued by the

mother country towards the American colonies, he was fully convinced

that to be great and happy a nation must be free and independent. With

the eye of a statesman he had viewed the increasing oppression of the

crown. They had reached his noble soul and roused that soul to action.

Patrick Henry first charged the revolutionary ball with patriotic fire

in Virginia and gave it an impetus that gathered force as it rolled

onward.

In 1765 he was elected to the Assembly and at once took a bold decisive

stand against British oppression. He introduced resolutions against the

Stamp Act that were so pointed and bold as to alarm many of the older

members although they admitted the truth and justice of the sentiments

expressed. They had not his genius to design or his moral courage to

execute. To impart a share of these to them and allay the palpitations

of their trembling hearts was the province of this young champion of

freedom. In this he succeeded--his resolutions were passed. Each was

drawn from the translucent fountain of eternal justice--based upon

equity and law and within the orbit of Magna Charta that had been the

polar star of the English government ever since the 19th of June 1215.

Read them and judge.

"Resolved--That the first adventurers and settlers of this his majesty's

colony and dominion brought with them and transmitted to their posterity

and all other his majesty's subjects since inhabiting in this his

majesty's said colony--all the privileges, franchises and immunities

that have at any time been held, enjoyed and possessed by the people of

Great Britain.

"Resolved--That by two royal charters granted by King James I. the

colonies aforesaid are declared entitled to all the privileges,

liberties and immunities of denizens and natural born subjects to all

intents and purposes as if they had been born and abiding within the

realm of England.

"Resolved--That the taxation of the people by themselves or by persons

chosen by themselves to represent them who can only know what taxes the

people are able to bear and the easiest mode of raising them and are

equally affected by such taxes themselves, is the distinguishing

characteristic of British freedom and without which the ancient

constitution cannot subsist.

"Resolved--That his majesty's liege people of this most ancient colony

have uninterruptedly enjoyed the right of being thus governed by their

own Assembly in the article of their taxes and internal police and that

the same hath never been forfeited or in any other way given up but hath

been constantly recognized by the king's people of Great Britain.

"Resolved therefore--That the General Assembly of this colony has the

sole right and power to lay taxes and impositions upon the inhabitants

of this colony and that any attempt to vest such power in any person or

persons whosoever other than the General Assembly aforesaid has a

manifest tendency to destroy British as well as American freedom."

The cringing sycophants of a corrupt and corrupting ministry could

not--_dare_ not deny the correctness of these resolutions. They were

hailed by every patriot as the firm pillars of American liberty. They

were based upon the well defined principles of the English constitution

and confined within the limits of the ancient landmarks of that sacred

instrument. They were enforced by the overwhelming eloquence and logic

of Mr. Henry and seconded by the cool deep calculating Johnson, who

sustained them by arguments and conclusions that carried conviction and

conversion to the minds of many who were poising on the agonizing pivot

of hesitation a few moments before. Some members opposed them who

subsequently espoused the cause of equal rights with great vigor. This

opposition brought out in fuller, richer foliage the genius of the

mover. He stood among the great in all the sublimity of his towering

intellect the acknowledged champion of that legislative hall which he

had but recently entered. Astonishment and delight held his electrified

audience captive as he painted the increasing infringements of the

hirelings of the crown in bold and glowing colors. He presented in

perspective the torrents of blood and seas of trouble through which the

colonists had waded to plant themselves in the new world. With his

paralyzing finger he pointed to the chains forged by tyranny already

clanking upon every ear with a terrific sound. To be free or slaves was

the momentous question. He was prepared and determined to unfold the

banner of LIBERTY--drive from his native soil the task-masters of mother

Britain or perish in the attempt. His opponents were astounded and found

it impossible to stem the mighty current of popular feeling put in

motion by the gigantic powers of this bold advocate of right. The

resolutions passed amidst cries of _treason_ from the tories--_Liberty

or death_ from the patriots. The seeds of freedom were deeply planted on

that day and Old Virginia proved a congenial soil for their growth. From

that time Patrick Henry was hailed as one of the great advocates of

human rights and rational liberty. He stood on the loftiest pinnacle of

fame, unmoved and unscathed by the fire of persecution calmly surveying

the raging elements of the revolutionary storm in boiling commotion

around him.

In August 1774 a Convention met at Williamsburg and passed a series of

resolutions pledging support to the eastern Colonies in the common cause

against the common enemy. Peyton Randolph, Richard Henry Lee, George

Washington, Richard Bland, Benjamin Harrison, Edmund Pendleton and

Patrick Henry were appointed delegates to the general Congress. On the

4th of September this august assembly of patriotic sages met in

Carpenter's Hall at the city of Philadelphia. The object for which they

had met was one of imposing and thrilling interest, big with events,

absorbing in character and vast in importance. The eyes of gazing

millions were turned upon them--the burning wrath of the king was

flashing before them--the anathema of the ministers was pronounced

against them. But they still resolved to go on. The hallowed cause of

freedom impelled them to action. After an address to the God of Hosts

imploring his guidance the proceedings opened by appointing Peyton

Randolph of Virginia President. A deep and solemn silence ensued. Each

member seemed to appeal to Heaven for aid and direction. At length

Patrick Henry rose in all the majesty of his greatness. Echo lingered to

catch a sound. Like a colossal statue there he stood and surveyed the

master spirits around him--his countenance solemn as eternity. O, my

God! what a moment of agonizing suspense! His lips opened--his

stentorian voice broke the painful silence--respiration regained its

freedom--the hall was illuminated with patriotic fire. With the

eloquence of Demosthenes, the philosophy of Socrates, the justice of

Aristides and the patriotism of Cincinnatus he took a bold, broad,

impartial and comprehensive view of the past, present and future--held

up to the light the relations between the mother country and the

Colonies--unveiled the dark designs of the corrupt unprincipled

ministry--exposed their unholy claims to wield an iron sceptre over

America--demonstrated clearly that their ulterior object was the slavery

of the people and extortion of money and painted a nation's rights and a

nation's wrongs in flaming colors of lurid brightness. The dignity and

calmness of his manner, the clearness of his logic, the force of his

arguments, the power of his eloquence, the solemnity of his countenance

and voice--combined to inspire an awe and deep toned feeling until then

unknown to the astonished audience. His elevation of thought seemed

supernatural and purified by divinity. He seemed commissioned by the

great Jehovah to rouse his countrymen to a sense of impending danger. He

sat down amidst repeated bursts of applause the acknowledged Demosthenes

of the new world--the most powerful orator of America.

In March 1775 he was a member of the Virginia Convention that convened

at Richmond, where he proposed resolutions to adopt immediate measures

of defence sufficient to repel any invasion by the mother country. In

these he was strongly opposed by several influential members who were

still disposed to cringe to royal power. Reeking with wrongs and

insolence as it was, _he_ held that power in utter contempt. His

dauntless soul soared above the trappings of a crown backed by bayonets

and sought for rest only in the goal of freedom. The following extract

from his speech on that thrilling occasion will best convey the tone of

his emotions--deeply felt and strongly told. His overwhelming eloquence

we can but faintly imagine.

"Mr. President--It is natural for man to indulge in the illusions of

hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth and listen to

the songs of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the

part of wise men engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty?

Are we disposed to be of the number of those, who, having eyes see not

and having ears hear not the things that so nearly concern their

temporal salvation? For my part whatever anguish of spirit it may cost,

I am willing to know the whole truth--to know the worst and provide for

it. I have but one lamp to guide my feet and that is the lamp of

experience. I know of no way of judging the future but by the past. I

wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the British ministry

for the last ten years to justify those hopes with which gentlemen are

pleased to solace themselves and the House? Is it that insidious smile

with which our petition has lately been received? Trust it not sir--it

will prove a snare to your feet. Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed by

a kiss. Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of your petition

comports with those warlike preparations that cover our waters and

darken our land. Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and

reconciliation? Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled

that force must be called in to win back our love? Let us not deceive

ourselves sir. These are the implements of war and subjugation--the last

arguments to which kings resort. I ask gentlemen, sir, what means this

mortal array if its purpose be not to force us to submission? Can

gentlemen assign any other possible motive for it? Has Great Britain any

enemy in this quarter of the world to call for all this accumulation of

navies and armies? No sir--she has none. They are meant for _us_, they

can be meant for no other. They are sent over to bind and rivet upon us

those chains which the British ministry have been so long forging. And

what have we to oppose to them? Shall we try argument? Sir, we have been

trying that for the last ten years. Have we anything new to offer upon

the subject? Nothing. We have held the subject up in every light of

which it is capable but it has been all in vain. Shall we resort to

entreaty and humble supplication? What terms shall we find that have not

already been exhausted? Let us not, I beseech you sir, deceive ourselves

longer. Sir, we have done everything that could be done to avert the

storm that is coming on. We have petitioned--we have remonstrated, we

have supplicated, we have prostrated ourselves before the throne and

have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the

ministry and Parliament. Our petitions have been slighted, our

remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult, our

supplications have been disregarded and we have been spurned with

contempt from the foot of the throne.

"In vain after these things may we indulge the fond hope of peace and

reconciliation. _There is no longer room for hope._ If we wish to be

free--if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for

which we have been so long contending--if we mean not basely to abandon

the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged and which we

have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of

our contest shall be obtained--_we must fight_! I repeat it sir--_we

must fight_!! An appeal to arms and the God of Hosts is all that is left

us. It is vain sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry--_peace_!

_peace_!--but there is no peace. The war is actually begun. The next

gale that comes from the north will bring to our ears the clash of

resounding arms. Our brethren are already in the field. What is it

gentlemen wish? What would they have? Why stand we here idle? Is life so

dear and peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and

slavery? _Forbid it Almighty God!_ I know not what course others may

take but as for _me--give me Liberty or Death_!!!" See the resolutions

to which he thus spoke in the life of Nelson.

The effect of this speech was electrical. It insulated nearly every

heart with the liquid fire of patriotism. The cry _to arms--Liberty or

death_ resounded from every quarter, rang through every ear and was

responded by every patriot. The resolutions were seconded by Richard

Henry Lee and adopted without further opposition and a committee

appointed to carry them into effect. From that time the Old Dominion was

renewed, regenerated and free. Her noble sons rushed to the rescue and

cheerfully poured out their blood and treasure in the cause of rational

liberty. Soon after, the convention adjourned to August. About that time

Lord Dunmore removed a quantity of powder from the magazine at

Williamsburg on board the armed ship to which he had retreated. On

learning this fact Mr. Henry collected a military force and demanded the

restoration of the specific article or its equivalent in money. The

needful was paid and no claret drawn. A royal proclamation was issued

against these daring rebels which united the people more strongly in

favor of their orator and soldiers whose conduct they sanctioned in

several public meetings.

In August when the Convention met Mr. Henry was again elected to the

Continental Congress and remained one of the boldest champions of right

and justice. In June 1776 he was elected governor of his native state.

He served faithfully for two years and although unanimously re-elected

declined serving longer. In 1780 he was a member of the legislature of

his state and manifested an unabating zeal in the cause he had nobly

espoused and essentially advanced. In 1788 he was a member of the

Virginia Convention convened to consider the Federal Constitution. To

that instrument he was strongly opposed because he believed it

consolidated the states into one government destroying the sovereignty

of each. His eloquence on that occasion is believed to have reached its

zenith for the first time. His closing speech surpassed all former

efforts and operated so powerfully that only a small majority voted for

the adoption of the Constitution. During his remarks an incident

occurred that enabled him almost to paralyze his audience. After

describing the magnitude of the measure on which hung the happiness or

misery of the present generation and millions yet unborn--with a voice

and countenance solemn as the tomb--his eyes raised upward, he appealed

to the God of Heaven and to angels then hovering over them to witness

the thrilling scene and invoked their aid in the mighty work before him.

At that moment a sudden thunder storm commenced its fury and shook the

very earth. Upon the roar of the tempest his stentorian voice continued

to rise--he figuratively seized the artillery of the elements as by

supernatural power--enveloped his opponents in a blaze of liquid

lightning--hurled the crashing thunderbolts at their heads and seemed

commissioned by the great Jehovah to execute a deed of vengeance. The

scene was fearfully sublime--the effect tremendous. The purple current

rushed back upon the aching heart--every countenance was pale, every eye

was fixed, every muscle electrified, every vein contracted, every mind

agonized--the sensation became insupportable--the members rushed from

their seats in confusion and left the room without a formal adjournment.

Mr. Henry remained in the legislature of his state until 1791 when he

retired from public life. He had toiled long, faithfully and

successfully for his country and his state. He anxiously desired and

sought that felicity and repose found only in the family circle. In 1795

his revered friend, President Washington, tendered him the important

office of Secretary of State. With a deep feeling of gratitude he

declined the proffered honor. In 1794 he was again elected governor of

Virginia but was in too poor health to serve. In 1799 President Adams

appointed him Envoy to France in conjunction with Messrs. Murray and

Ellsworth. His rapidly declining health would not permit him to accept

this last of his appointments. Disease was fast consummating the work of

death and consuming the iron constitution and athletic frame that had

enabled him to perform his duty so nobly during the toils of the

Revolution. He was sensible that the work of dissolution was nearly

completed and looked to his final exit with calm submission and

Christian fortitude. On the 6th of June 1799 he bowed to the only

monarch that could conquer him--the death king. With a full assurance of

a crown of unfading glory in Heaven he threw off the mortal coil and was

numbered with the dead. His loss was deeply mourned by the American

nation and most strongly felt by those who knew him best. The following

affectionate tribute is from one who knew him well.

"Mourn, Virginia, mourn! your Henry is gone. Ye friends to liberty in

every clime drop a tear. No more will his social feelings spread

delight through his house. No more will his edifying example dictate to

his numerous offsprings the sweetness of virtue and the majesty of

patriotism. No more will his sage advice, guided by zeal for the common

happiness, impart light and utility to his caressing neighbors. No more

will he illuminate the public councils with sentiments drawn from the

cabinet of his own mind ever directed to his country's good and clothed

in eloquence sublime, delightful and commanding. Farewell--first rate

patriot--farewell! As long as our rivers flow or mountains stand--so

long will your excellence and worth be the theme of our homage and

endearment and Virginia, bearing in mind her loss, will say to rising

generations--IMITATE MY HENRY!"

In tracing the character of this great and good man his examples in

public and private life are found worthy of imitation. As by magic he

threw off the cumbrous mass that so long confined his mighty genius and

at once became a gigantic and brilliant intellectual man. Nature had so

moulded him that the ordinary concerns of life never roused him. Had not

the momentous subject of freedom engaged the mind of this bold and noble

patriot he might have closed his career with its strongest powers

unspent and left his loftiest talents to expire beneath the surface of

the quarry from which they sublimely rose in peerless majesty. It

required occasions of deep and thrilling interest to bring his latent

energies into action. The exciting causes of the revolution were exactly

calculated to bring him out in all the grandeur of his native greatness.

As an advocate, orator, patriot and statesman--he was the colossus of

his time. As Grattan said of Pitt--there was something in Patrick Henry

that could create, subvert or reform--an understanding, a spirit, an

eloquence to summon mankind to society or break the bonds of slavery

asunder and rule the wilderness of free minds with unbounded

authority--something that could establish or overwhelm empires and

strike a blow in the world that should resound through the universe. He

maintained his opinions with great zeal but held himself open to

conviction of error. When under discussion he opposed the Federal

Constitution but subsequently approved its form and substance.

His private character was as pure as his public career was glorious. He

was twice married and the father of fifteen children. As a husband,

father, friend, citizen and neighbor he had no superior. The closing

paragraph of his will is worthy of record, showing a profound veneration

for religion. "I have now disposed of all my property to my family.

There is one thing more I wish I could give them and that is the

Christian religion. If they had this and I had not given them one

shilling they would be rich and if they had not that and I had given

them all the world they would be poor."

Coming from one of the clearest minds that ever investigated the truths

of revelation this short paragraph speaks volumes in favour of that

religion which is despised by some--neglected by millions and is the one

thing needful to prepare us for a blissful immortality beyond the

confines of the whirling planet on which we live, move and have a

transient being. Ponder it well, dear reader and govern yourself

accordingly.

JOSEPH HEWES.

Charity, like the patriotism of '76, is more admired than used--more

preached than practised. It descended from heaven to soften the hearts

of the human family--mellow the asperities of human nature. It is the

substratum of philanthropy, the main pillar of earthly felicity, the

brightest star in the Christian's diadem, the connecting link between

man and his Creator, the golden chain that reaches from earth to

mansions of enduring bliss. It spurns the scrofula of green-eyed

jealousy, the canker of self-tormenting envy, the tortures of

heart-burning malice, the typhoid of boiling revenge, the cholera of

damning ingratitude. It tames the fierce passions of man, prepares him

for that brighter world where this crowning attribute of Deity reigns

triumphant. Could its benign influence reach the hearts of all mankind

the partition walls of sectarianism would be lost in pure philanthropy,

individual and universal happiness would be immeasurably advanced, many

of the dark clouds of human misery would vanish before its heart

cheering soul reviving rays like a morning fog before the rising sun. It

is an impartial mirror set in the frame of love embossed with equity and

justice. Let broad and universal charity pervade the family of man with

its sunbeams of living light--then a blow will be struck for the KING of

kings that will resound through the wilderness of mind and cause it to

bud and blossom as the rose. Then the human race will be rapidly

evangelized and made free in the fraternizing gospel of the WORD--a

gospel untrammelled by the inventions and dogmas of men--a gospel

crowned with all the glory of original simplicity and heavenly love.

These practical remarks are induced from a review of the life of Joseph

Hewes whose father was one of the persecuted Quakers of New England and

was compelled to fly from Connecticut in consequence of his religions

tenets. A marked inconsistency has often been fearfully exemplified by

those who have fled from religious persecution. The moment they obtained

the reigns of power they have become the relentless persecutors of all

who would not succumb to their authority and dogmatical dictation. In

the biography of Charles Carroll the reader has one example. Under the

administration of the Saybrook and Cambridge platforms a sterner policy

was pursued towards the Quakers of New England than against the Roman

Catholics of Maryland. Before these platforms were systematically

dovetailed together the Baptist denomination was banished from the old

settlements. Roger Williams came from Wales to Massachusetts in 1631 and

preached the Baptist doctrine at Salem and Plymouth until 1636 when he

and his flock were banished for their religious opinions. He and his

adherents removed into the wilderness of Rhode Island and commenced the

town of Providence. They formed the first church in New England where

undisturbed freedom of conscience was enjoyed with a republican form of

church government. The frame-work of the Cambridge platform was

commenced by an ecclesiastical convention in 1646 and the superstructure

completed in 1648. On this platform the municipal and legislative

proceedings of Massachusetts were based for sixty years. In 1656 the

legislature passed a law prohibiting any master of a vessel from

bringing a Quaker into the Colony under a penalty of one hundred pounds.

The next year a law was passed inflicting the most barbarous cruelties

upon the members of this peace-loving sect--such as cutting off their

ears, boring their tongues with a hot iron, unless they would desist

from their mode of worship and doff their straight coats and ugly

bonnets. In 1669 a law was passed banishing them on pain of death. Four

of them who refused to go were executed. Some historians have had the

effrontery to excuse this cruelty because the Quakers promulged their

doctrines too boldly and thus provoked the Cambridge authorities. This

sophistical apology is too far fetched. It shrinks from the mellow touch

of charity and the fair scrutiny of justice. The cruelty admits of no

palliation until we can convert the baser passions into virtues. By

recurring to the bigotry and fanaticism of that period we can readily

learn _why_ such a course was pursued. This affords no healing balm for

the mind of a true philanthropist. We can only regret the past and

rejoice that charity and liberty have so far triumphed in our now free

and happy country as to dispel religious darkness and restore man to a

degree of reason that has paralyzed persecution unto blood for

opinion's sake--the brightest luminary in the constellation of a free

government.

To avoid the penalties imposed, Adam Hewes, the father of Joseph, fled

from Connecticut with his wife Providence and located near Kingston, New

Jersey, where they lived peacefully and died happily. When they crossed

the Housatonic river in their flight they were so closely pursued by the

Indians that Providence was severely wounded in the neck by a ball from

one of their guns. Joseph Hewes was born at the new residence of his

parents in 1730. After receiving a good education in the Princeton

school he commenced a commercial apprenticeship in Philadelphia. On

completing this he entered into a successful mercantile business. For

several years he spent his time in New York and Philadelphia and engaged

largely in the shipping business. He was of a cheerful turn, had a

penetrating mind, a sound judgment, a good heart and was persevering in

all his undertakings. He was fond of social intercourse, convivial

parties and sometimes exhibited the light fantastic toe. He entered into

the full fruition of rational enjoyment without abusing it.

In 1760 he located at Edenton, North Carolina. He was soon after elected

to the Assembly of that province and became a substantial and useful

member. He made no pretensions to public speaking, was a faithful

working man, a correct voter and punctually in his place. When the

revolutionary storm commenced he faced its fury without the umbrella of

doubt or the overcoat of fear. He was among those who pledged their

lives, fortunes and sacred honors in the cause of Independence. He was a

member of the Congress of 1774 and one of the committee that reported

the rights of the American Colonies--the manner they had been violated

and the proposed means for obtaining redress. From this circumstance we

may infer that Joseph Hewes was a man of cool deliberation, clearness of

perception and understood well the principles of constitutional law and

chartered rights. The report of this committee is a lucid and elaborate

document. By referring to the Declaration of Independence the reader

will have the features of the first part portraying the rights of the

colonies. By reading the instructions from the primary convention of

Pennsylvania in the biography of James Smith the second part will be

seen pointing out the violations. The third part proposing the

preliminary means for obtaining redress are fully set forth in the

following extract. After relating the injuries of the mother country the

report proceeds--

"Therefore we do, for ourselves and the inhabitants of the several

colonies whom we represent, firmly agree and associate under the sacred

ties of virtue, honor and love of our country as follows--

"_First._ That from and after the first day of December next we will not

import into British America from Great Britain or Ireland, any goods,

wares or merchandize whatsoever or from any other place any such goods,

wares or merchandize as shall have been exported from Great Britain or

Ireland--nor will we, after that day, import any East India tea from any

part of the world nor any molasses, syrups, coffee or pimento from the

British plantations or from Dominico nor wine from Madeira or the West

Indies nor foreign indigo.

"_Second._ We will neither import nor purchase any slaves imported after

the first day of December next, after which time we will wholly

discontinue the slave trade and will neither be concerned in it

ourselves nor will we hire our vessels nor sell our commodities or

manufactures to those who are concerned in it."

"_Third._ As a non-consumption agreement, strictly adhered to, will be

an effectual security for the observation of the non-importation, we as

above solemnly agree and associate, that from this day we will not

purchase or use any tea imported on account of the East India Company or

any on which a duty has been or shall be paid and from the first day of

March next we will not purchase or use any East India tea whatever--nor

will we nor shall any person for or under us purchase or use any of

these goods, wares or merchandize we have agreed not to import which we

shall know or have cause to suspect were imported after the first day of

December, except such as come under the rules and directions of the

tenth article hereafter mentioned.

"_Fourth._ The earnest desire we have not to injure our fellow subjects

in Great Britain, Ireland or the West Indies, induces us to suspend a

non-importation until the 10th day of September 1775 at which time, if

the said Acts and parts of Acts of the British Parliament therein

mentioned [see them in the life of James Smith] are not repealed, we

will not directly or indirectly export any merchandize or commodities

whatsoever to Great Britain, Ireland or the West Indies except rice to

Europe.

"_Fifth._ Such as are merchants and in the British and Irish trade will

give orders as soon as possible, to their factors, agents and

correspondents in Great Britain and Ireland not to ship any goods to

them on any pretence whatever as they cannot be received in America and

if any merchants residing in Great Britain or Ireland shall directly or

indirectly ship any goods, wares or merchandize for America in order to

break the said non-importation agreement or in any manner contravene

the same, on such unworthy conduct being well tested it ought to be made

public and on the same being so done we will not from henceforth have

any commercial connection with such merchants.

"_Sixth._ That such as are owners of vessels will give positive orders

to their captains or masters not to receive on board their vessels any

goods prohibited by the said non-importation agreement on pain of

immediate dismission from service.

"_Seventh._ We will use our best endeavors to improve the breed of sheep

and increase their number to the greatest extent and to that end we will

kill them as seldom as may be, especially those of the most profitable

kind nor will we export any to the West Indies or elsewhere and those of

us who are or may become overstocked with or can conveniently spare any

sheep will dispose of them to our neighbors, especially to the poorer

sort, on moderate terms.

"_Eighth._ We will in our several stations encourage frugality, economy

and industry and promote agriculture, arts and the manufactures of this

country especially that of wool and will discountenance and discourage

every species of extravagance and dissipation, especially all

horse-racing and all kinds of gaming, cock-fighting, exhibitions of

shows, plays and other expensive diversions and entertainments and on

the death of any relation or friend, none of us or any of our family

will go into any further mourning dress than a black crape or ribbon on

the arm or hat for gentlemen and a black ribbon and necklace for ladies

and that we will discontinue the giving of gloves and scarfs at

funerals.

"_Ninth._ Such as are venders of goods and merchandize will not take the

advantage of the scarcity of goods that may be occasioned by this

association but will sell the same at the rate we have been respectively

accustomed or merchandize shall sell any such goods on higher terms or

shall in any manner or by any device whatsoever depart from this

agreement, no person ought nor will any of us deal with any such person

or his or her factor or agent at any time hereafter for any commodity

whatever.

"_Tenth._ In case any merchant, trader or other persons shall import any

goods or merchandize after the first day of December and before the

first day of February next, the same ought forthwith, at the election of

the owners, to be either re-shipped or delivered up to the committee of

the county or town wherein they shall be imported, to be stored at the

risk of the importer until the non-importation agreement shall cease or

be sold under the direction of the committee aforesaid--and in the last

mentioned case the owner or owners of such goods shall be reimbursed

out of the sales the first cost and charges, the profits, if any, to be

applied towards relieving and employing such poor inhabitants of the

town of Boston as are the immediate sufferers by the Boston Port Bill

and a particular account of all goods so returned, stored or sold, to be

inserted in the public paper and if any goods or merchandize shall be

imported after the first day of February the same ought forthwith to be

sent back again without breaking any of the packages thereof.

"_Eleventh._ That a committee be chosen in every county, city and town

by those who are qualified to vote for representatives in the

legislatures whose business it shall be attentively to observe the

conduct of all persons touching the association and when it shall be

made to appear to the satisfaction of a majority of any such committee

that any person within the limits of their appointment has violated this

association, that such majority do forthwith cause the truth of the case

to be published in the Gazette to the end that all such foes to the

rights of British America may be publicly known and universally

condemned as the enemies of American liberty and henceforth we

respectively will break off all dealings with him or her.

"_Twelfth._ That the committee of correspondence in the respective

Colonies do frequently inspect the entries of the custom house and

inform each other from time to time of the true state thereof and of

every other material circumstance that may occur relative to the

association.

"_Thirteenth._ That all manufactures of this country be sold at

reasonable prices so that no undue advantage be taken of a future

scarcity of goods.

"_Fourteenth._ And we do further agree and resolve that we will have no

trade, commerce, dealings or intercourse whatsoever with any colony or

province in North America which shall not accede to or which shall

hereafter violate this association but will hold them unworthy the

rights of freemen and inimical to the rights of their country.

"And we do solemnly bind ourselves and our constituents under the ties

aforesaid to adhere to this association until such parts of the several

Acts of Parliament passed since the close of the [French] war as impose

or continue duties on tea, wine, molasses, syrups, coffee, sugar,

pimento, indigo, foreign paper, glass, painter's colors imported into

America and extend the powers of the Admiralty Courts beyond their

ancient limits, deprive the American subjects of trial by jury,

authorize the judge's certificate to indemnify the prosecutor from

damages that he might otherwise be liable to from a trial by his peers,

require oppressive security from a claimant of ships or goods before he

shall be allowed to defend his property are repealed. And we recommend

it to the Provincial Conventions and to the committee in the respective

Colonies to establish such further regulations as they may think proper

for carrying into execution this association."

Upon this report all the subsequent proceedings of Congress were

predicated. It is a reasonable conclusion that nothing but the most

aggravated violations of their rights could induce such men as composed

the first general Congress to enter into a solemn agreement like the one

here recited. By every true patriot it was adhered to with the most

scrupulous fidelity. The spirit of liberty was infused through the whole

mass of patriots--men, women and children. The oppression had become

intolerable.

After a session of about two months Congress adjourned to the ensuing

May when Joseph Hewes again took his seat with the venerable sages of

the nation. He was an important member of committees. He was continued

at his post the next year and hailed with joy the proposition to cut the

gordian knot that bound the Colonies to mother Britain. When the set

time arrived to strike the final blow for liberty he sanctioned the

procedure with his vote and signature. His industry, accurate knowledge

of business, his systematic mode of performing every duty, gained for

him the admiration and esteem of all the members, one of whom remarked

of his duties upon the secret committee--"Mr. Hewes was remarkable for a

devotedness to the business of this committee as even the most

industrious merchant was to his counting house." He was upon several of

the most important committees. Upon the one for fitting out a naval

armament he stood in the front rank. He was virtually the first

Secretary of the Navy. With scanty funds he speedily fitted out eight

armed vessels. He was very active in raising supplies in his own state

to strengthen the sinews of war and oil the wheels of the general

government. In 1777 when the enemy threatened vengeance on his state he

declined his seat in Congress and gave his services specially to her

until 1779 when he resumed his place in the national legislature. He was

then worn down with labor and in poor health. He attempted active duty

but disease had prostrated his physical powers and sown the seeds of

death. He continued to attend in the House when able until the 29th day

of October when he left the Hall for the last time. On the 10th of

November 1779 his immortal spirit left its earthy tabernacle and

returned to Him who gave it. His premature death was deeply lamented and

sincerely mourned. Congress passed the usual resolutions--the members

and officers wore the badge of mourning for thirty days. His remains

were buried in Christ Church yard, Philadelphia, followed by the

members and officers of Congress, the General Assembly and Supreme

Executive Council of Pennsylvania, the French minister, the military and

a large concourse of other persons all anxious to pay their last

respects to one whom they esteemed in life and whose memory they

delighted to honor after death. The funeral ceremony was performed by

Bishop White, then chaplain of Congress. His dust has ever since reposed

in peace undisturbed by malice or slander. His name is recorded on the

Magna Charta of our Liberty--his fame will live until the last vestige

of American history shall be blotted from the world. Not a blemish rests

upon his private character or public reputation. In all things he was an

honest man.

The person of Joseph Hewes was elegant, his countenance open and

intelligent, his manners pleasing and polished, his whole course

honorable and just. He would have been a good man had there been no

Heaven to gain or misery to shun. He practised virtue for its intrinsic

worth--not to gain the applause of men. It was not a cloak for him--it

emanated from the inmost recesses of his pure heart. With such men to

guide our ship of state our UNION is safe.

THOMAS HEYWARD.

Man, to understand and correctly estimate the magnitude and design, of

his creation, must become familiar with the thousand springs of the

undying spirit within him. The labyrinthian mazes of the immortal mind

must be explored and traced from earth to native heaven. The depths of

human nature must be sounded and its channels clearly marked.

Upon the axis of reason revolving thought performs its endless circuit

with mathematical precision guided by the centripetal force of sound

discretion--or it is projected from its legitimate orbit by the

centrifugal power of random folly into the regions of senseless vacuity

or visionary sophistry. Its ceaseless motion is as perpetual as the

purple stream of our arteries--its momentum is inconceivable--its

tenure--ETERNITY. It travels through space with more celerity than

lightning--its earthly career can be arrested only by death.

To reflect, investigate, reason, analyze--is the province of our

intellectual powers. To comprehend the grand and harmonious organic

structure of nature--the wisdom of the great Architect of universal

worlds--the relation man bears to his God and his fellow man--is to

learn that human beings are endowed by their Creator with equal and

inalienable rights and that they are in duty bound to maintain them.

Justice marks out the golden path, reason leads the way--patriotism

impels to action. The man whose mind is cast in the mould of wisdom by

the almighty hand of the great Jehovah--if he brings into proper

exercise the combined powers of intellectual and physical force, can

never be made a pliant slave. As his soul is expanded by the genial rays

of intelligence he duly appreciates his native dignity, becomes

enraptured with the blessings of LIBERTY--resolves to be free. If he is

groaning under the oppressions of tyranny and wears the galling chains

of servility--as light shines upon him he will be roused to a mighty

effort to burst the ignominious thongs that bind him--assert his

inherent rights--assume his proper sphere.

Thus acted the patriots of the American Revolution with whom Thomas

Heyward was associated during that eventful period. He was the eldest

son of Col. Daniel Heyward a wealthy and respectable planter and was

born in the parish of St. Luke, S. C. in 1746. His opportunities for

obtaining a liberal education were freely afforded by the father and

faithfully improved by the son. He became ardently attached to the Greek

and Roman classics and was enraptured with the history of old Republican

Freedom with all its corruptions clustering around it. The principles of

rational Liberty became deeply rooted in his mind at an early age. As

manhood dawned upon him they were thoroughly matured.

On completing his collegiate education he commenced the study of law

under Mr. Parsons. His proficiency in that intricate branch of science

was rapid--substantial. He possessed an analyzing mind and never passed

over a subject superficially. He was a close student--explored the vast

fields of civil and common law with a zeal and rapidity as rare as it is

necessary and commendable. When he became familiar with the principles

laid down by Blackstone and understood fully the rights secured to

persons and property by Magna Charta and the British Constitution and

compared them with the iron rod of restriction held over the Colonies by

the mother country--he was roused to a just indignation--more than

_prima facie_ evidence of a clear head and sound common sense.

After completing his course with Mr. Parsons he went to England and

entered the Middle Temple where he became a finished lawyer--a polished

gentleman. Although amply supplied with money he was not led astray by

the fascinating allurements of pleasures that flatter to seduce--then

ruin and destroy. To enrich his mind with science, legal lore and useful

knowledge, was the _ultimatum_ of his soul. He mingled with what was

termed _refined_ society in London which formed a striking contrast

with the republican simplicity of the same grade in his own country. The

fastidious hauteur of English etiquette was far from being congenial to

his mind and did not accord with his ideas of social life. He there met

claims of superiority over native Americans that he knew were based

alone on vain pride or wilful ignorance. His feelings were often wounded

by indignities cast upon his countrymen. This riveted his affections

more strongly upon his native land. They served as fuel to replenish the

glowing fire of patriotism already burning in his bosom. The pomp of

royalty and the empty splendor of the court had no charms for him. The

awful distance between the haughty monarch and the honest peasant--the

towering throne and the worthy yeomanry, operated on his mind like a

talisman and gave his soul a fresh impetus towards the goal of Liberty.

The more he saw of practical monarchy, the more he became opposed to its

iron sway. The more he saw of the action of ministers the more he was

convinced the king was a mere automaton and did not exercise common

volition. Officially he was a marble Colossus--impervious to all

feeling--only to be gazed at. As a human being he was not to be

consulted or troubled with complaints from his subjects but to act as

directed by those whose tool he was.

After closing his course in the law temple he made the tour of Europe

and returned to the warm embrace of his relatives and friends richly

laden with legal attainments and experimental knowledge. He had become

familiar with the theories of monarchical government and their practical

demonstration. He understood well the policy of the mother country

toward the American Colonies. He had seen her political artificers

engaged at the forge of despotism preparing chains for his beloved

countrymen. He had seen her coffers yawning to receive the ill gotten

treasures wrested from his fellow citizens by the hireling tax

gatherers. His own estate had been laid under contribution to swell the

unholy fund. His neighbors were writhing under the lash of British

oppression. To enlighten their minds, to make them fully understand

their danger, their interests and their duty, became the business of

this zealous patriot. Possessed of a bold and fearless mind directed by

a clear head, an honest heart, a sound judgment and a rich store of

useful intelligence--his exertions were crowned with auspicious success.

His salutary influence was extensively felt--his sterling worth was duly

appreciated.

Mr. Heyward was a member of the first Assembly of South Carolina that

set British power at defiance. He was also a member of the council of

safety. He discharged his duties with firmness, prudence and zeal. No

fugitive fear disturbed his mind--no threatened vengeance moved his

purposes. His eyes were fixed on the temple of freedom, his soul was

insulated by the electric fluid of patriotism, he was resolved on

liberty or death. His life, property and sacred honor were freely

pledged in the glorious cause. He was elected to the Continental

Congress in 1775 but declined serving because so young. A large

delegation of his constituents subsequently waited upon him and

persuaded him to take his seat in the Congress of 1776. He was a warm

advocate for the adoption of the Declaration of Independence--the

revered instrument that shed new lustre on the intellect of man. By his

signature he confirmed the sincerity of his soul in all he had said in

its favor. His conscience, his country and his God approved the act.

Under the new form of government he was appointed a Judge of the civil

and criminal courts. In that capacity he was called to perform a painful

but imperious duty. Several persons were arraigned before the court

charged with treasonable correspondence with the enemy. They were tried,

found guilty and condemned to be hung in sight of the British lines at

Charleston. With feelings of deep sympathy and humanity but with the

firmness of a Roman he performed his duty with great dignity and

delicacy. He knew they had immortal souls and soared above the cold

indifference--the keen invective that sometimes _have_ but _never_

should be resorted to.