Fortunately for North Carolina the efficient and sagacious Greene with

his brave officers and half clad soldiers checked the triumphant and

murderous career of the British army. The operations of this brave

General were greatly accelerated by Mr. Penn. In 1780, when Lord

Cornwallis penetrated the western part of the state to Charlottetown,

the crisis became alarming and this bold patriot was placed at the helm

of public affairs with almost unlimited power. He was authorized to

seize supplies by force and do all things that he deemed necessary to

repel the invading foe. He proved equal to the emergency. He knew his

duty and performed it with such discretion and prudence that no

complaints of injustice were heard. The state was saved from a merciless

enemy--Tarleton was humbled--Ferguson killed and Cornwallis put on his

back track at double quick time.

After discharging the duties imposed by his own state Mr. Penn retired

to private life and the pursuit of his profession. In 1784 he was

appointed Receiver of Taxes for North Carolina--a high encomium upon his

reputation for integrity. Fatigued with public service he resigned this

office in a few months. He then bid a final farewell to the perplexing

duties of political life and took his exit from the public arena decked

with a civic wreath of unfading honor. He again entered into the

soul-cheering enjoyments of domestic felicity which were soon exchanged

for those of another and brighter world. In September 1788 he was

gathered to his fathers and laid in the silent tomb there to await the

resurrection of the great day. He was cut down just as he began to enjoy

the fruits of his labors--in the prime of life and left a vacuum in

society not readily filled. His grave was moistened with tears--a nation

mourned his loss.

In all the relations of private life and public action Mr. Penn was a

model of rare perfection. As a counsellor and advocate he stood on a

commanding eminence. His forensic eloquence was strongly pathetic. The

court and jury were often suffused with tears when listening to his

appeals. As a patriot and statesman he stood approved by his country.

His disposition was mild and benevolent--his purposes pure and firm. He

was a good and honest man. Let the young men who are just stepping on

the stage of action imitate John Penn in his successful efforts to be

useful. Banish the doctrine that power shall be monopolized by a few.

This principle should never gain credence in a republican government

where every individual is equally interested in the cardinal points of

freedom--_personal liberty equally secured--personal rights equally

enjoyed_. So long as these points are fully exemplified our UNION is

safe.

JOSIAH QUINCY.

The magic power of the press cannot be too highly appreciated nor its

abuses too deeply deprecated. The newspapers of the day have become the

controlling power of public opinion. No course of reading so fully

presents the present aspect of society. Were all our editors governed by

lofty patriotism, sound logic, strict justice, enlarged philanthropy,

universal charity, moral courage, sterling integrity and undeviating

courtesy--a harmonious tone would be given to community that would usher

in the day-spring of transporting harmony. But few of the editorial

corps seem to feel the high responsibility resting upon them. Too many

are the automatons of political parties and issue sheets not calculated

to improve the mind, correct the head or better the heart. The politics

of the present day have become disgusting to genuine patriots who deem

the good of their country paramount to party triumph. Demagogues discard

the old landmarks of '76. Many of our laws are based upon party

principles without reference to the good of our country--a very sandy

foundation. Let editors banish all party control and venality from the

press and send forth rays of living light that will purify our political

and moral atmosphere--then our government will be healthful, vigorous

and strong.

The silken cords of our Union have been strained to their utmost tension

several times. We have an accumulating mass of combustible materials in

our midst. Our bond of Union has been put at issue by the meddlesome and

sensitive--the fanaticism of the one part and the boiling passions of

the other are encouraged by demagogues--the virtue of the people can

alone preserve it. A little more steam upon the locomotive of

disunion--a little more fuel from the north and fire from the south may

burst the boiler and destroy the beautiful engine of our LIBERTY. More

than any other class--editors can insure the perpetuity of our UNION.

Let conductors of the public press soar above all selfish and demagogue

influences and become shining examples of purity in the broadest sense

of the term. Then our tree of LIBERTY will continue to rise in majesty

sublime and as it towers upward will send forth flashes of light upon

the oppressed millions of the old world who will yet rise in all the

might of their native dignity--demolish the thrones of monarchs--sing

the requiem of tyrants and strike for FREEDOM--the crowning glory of

man.

All the patriots of the American Revolution whose opinions we know,

deprecated the venality of the press. Among the pioneer sages was Josiah

Quincy who was born in Boston, Mass. in 1745. In childhood he manifested

unusual talents which were highly cultivated in Harvard College where he

graduated with high honors. He then read law and became an ornament to

the Boston bar. His eloquence was of that commanding kind that at once

rivets the attention of an audience. His logic was forcible, his

demonstrations clear, his arguments convincing, his conclusions happy,

his action captivating. A bright career was apparently before him which

gave promise of extensive usefulness to his country and honor to

himself.

He was among the first to espouse the cause of the oppressed Colonies.

He was one of the boldest champions of the people. He had their

confidence, esteem and admiration. Although surrounded and threatened by

the myrmidons of the crown he fearlessly and publicly opposed the

unrighteous pretensions of the British ministry. He lucidly pointed out

the various innovations upon chartered rights that had become sacred by

long enjoyment and repeatedly sanctioned by declaratory Acts of

Parliament. Had the colonists tamely surrendered them they would have

been unworthy of the rights of freemen. Thank God--they did not

surrender them. Anxious to maintain them peaceably, they sent Mr. Quincy

to England in 1774 for the purpose of reconciling, existing

difficulties. Among the people he found many who deprecated the course

of ministers--a respectable minority of the eminent British statesmen

considered the advisers of the king visionary in their

plans--unreasonable in their demands. Finding that mother Britain was

madly bent on ruin Mr. Quincy left for his native land. He reached Cape

Ann Harbor on the 25th of April 1775 and died the same day deeply

mourned by a nation just bursting into life.

His course was brilliant but transient. Like some rich flowers that

bloom at distant periods only for a short time--so bloomed this

distinguished patriot--then disappeared for ever from the human gaze. He

bloomed long enough to richly perfume the atmosphere of patriotism

around him and rouse those to action who inhaled the rich perfumes of

LIBERTY emitted from his noble soul. With such men as Josiah Quincy our

Press would be pure--our UNION safe.

GEORGE READ.

When an individual is presented with both horns of the dilemma--Liberty

or slavery--the one to be obtained with blood--the other a tame

submission to chains--if he is worthy the name of MAN--his mental and

physical powers are at once roused to action. He does not stop to

explore the avenues of obtuse metaphysics, speculative dogmas or

fastidious etiquette. He flies to first principles and strains his

reason and genius to their utmost tension to aid him. He puts forth his

mightiest efforts--boldest exertions--strongest energies to extricate

himself from surrounding difficulties--impending dangers. He performs

astonishing feats rather than become a serf and surmounts the

cloud-capped summit of an Alpine barrier that he would have never

reached under ordinary circumstances.

The same proposition may be extended to a nation. The history of the

American Revolution demonstrates it most clearly. The colonists were

placed upon the piercing horns of an awful dilemma--apparently doomed to

slavery or death. By their unparalleled efforts, crowned with the

blessing of God, they were ultimately delivered from their perilous

situation and survived the gores and bruises received in the unequal

conflict. This was effected by men of strong intellect, clear heads,

good hearts and sound judgments--men of strong moral courage who could

reason, plan, execute. The _flowers_ of literature were not then culled

to form a bouquet for legislative halls. Plain common sense, sterling

worth, useful knowledge, practical theorems, honesty of purpose, energy

of action--all based upon pure patriotism and love of LIBERTY were the

grand requisites to ensure popular favor.

All those were concentrated in George Read who was the son of John Read

a wealthy and respectable planter who came from Dublin, Ireland and

located in Cecil County, Maryland, where George was born in 1734. The

father subsequently removed to Newcastle County, Delaware and placed

this son in a school at Chester, Pennsylvania, where he received his

primary tuition. From there he was transferred to the seminary of Rev.

Dr. Allison who was eminently qualified to mould the mind for usefulness

by imparting correct and liberal principles, practical knowledge and

general intelligence fit for every day use--combining the whole with

refined classics and polite literature. Under this accomplished teacher

Mr. Read completed his education and at the age of seventeen commenced

the study of law under John Moland a distinguished member of the

Philadelphia bar. So astonishing was his proficiency that he was

admitted to the practice of his profession at the age of nineteen with a

better knowledge of the elements of law than some practitioners obtain

through life. He was also well prepared to enter upon the practice of

his profession, having had the entire charge of Mr. Moland's business

for several months. He was one of those rare geniuses that seemed

endowed with intuition.

He commenced a successful practice at Newcastle in 1754 and at once

grappled with old and experienced counsellors. His thorough knowledge of

the primary principles of law, his acuteness in pleading, his urbanity

of manners, his noble and courteous bearing in court, gained for him the

esteem and confidence of the judges, his senior brethren and of the

community. As a natural consequence his practice soon became lucrative.

His forte did not consist in a flowery show but in a deep-toned and

grave forensic eloquence that informs the understanding and carries

conviction to the mind. He rarely appealed to the passions of court or

jury--preferring to stand upon the legitimate basis of the law clearly

expounded--the testimony honestly stated.

On the 13th of April 1763 he was appointed Attorney General for the

three lower counties of Delaware and held the office until called to the

duties of legislation. The same year he led to the hymeneal altar an

amiable, pious and accomplished daughter of the Rev. George Ross of

Newcastle--thus adding largely to the stake he held in the welfare of

his country--enhancing his earthly joys and giving him an influence and

rank in society unknown to lonely bachelors. She fully supplied the

vacuum abhorred by nature and proved a consolation to him amidst the

toils, perils, pains and pleasures of subsequent life.

Mr. Read was a republican to the core. From the commencement to the

close of the Revolution he was a bold and unyielding advocate of equal

rights and liberal principles. When the questions in dispute assumed the

form of serious discussion between the two countries he at once resigned

the office of Attorney General held under the crown. In 1765 he was

elected a member of the Delaware Assembly and was instrumental in laying

deep the foundations of the superstructure of LIBERTY. He was prudent,

calm and discreet in all his actions--but firm, bold and resolute. He

was a member of the committee of the Delaware Assembly that so ably

addressed the king upon the subject of grievances and redress. He was in

favor of exhausting the magazine of petition and remonstrance--if to no

purpose then to replenish with powder and ball. He did not nor did any

of the Signers of the Declaration originally contemplate a dissolution

of the ties that bound the Colonies to the mother country. They could

not believe until "the death" forced the truth upon them--that ministers

would commit political suicide. This done, as Americans are proverbial

for humanity and decency the compound _felo de se_ was interred with a

calm dignified solemnity.

Mr. Read and his coadjutors understood the rights secured by Magna

Charta and the Constitution of England and knew that those rights were

trampled upon by the hirelings of the crown. To vindicate them was his

firm resolve. He knew and weighed well the superior physical powers of

the oppressors but he believed the majesty of eternal justice and the

kind aid of Heaven would be vouchsafed to sustain the patriots in their

struggle to sustain their inalienable rights. He believed the project of

taxation without representation to pamper royal corruption to be so

heinous that the scheme would be crushed by the blighting curse of an

offended Deity. Nor did he err in his reasonable conclusions. That curse

came with the force of a sweeping avalanche--British power was

annihilated in America.

On the 17th of August 1769 he published an appeal to his constituents,

calling upon them to resist the encroachments of tyranny. Its language

was bold and forcible, portraying in colors deep and strong their rights

and wrongs, pointing out the path of duty so plain that a tory need not

have erred therein. This talismanic production sealed the fate of

British power in patriotic Delaware--small in size but a giant in

action. The hirelings of the crown saw the writing upon many walls and

were suddenly attacked with a Belshazzar tremor and found no balance in

America to restore an equilibrium.

Mr. Read sanctioned the various non-importation resolutions passed by

his own and other Colonies. This was the first measure adopted to

negative the designs of ministers by refraining from the use of all

taxable articles whether of luxuries or daily consumption. Had the

colonists not presented so bold a front at the onset the non-importation

resolutions would have probably been paralyzed by an Act of Parliament

compelling them to use the taxable articles in quantities so large that

the accruing revenue would have enabled the cabinet to revel in

profligacy.

He was chairman of the committee of twelve appointed by the people of

Newcastle on the 29th of June 1774 to obtain subscriptions for the

Boston sufferers, then writhing under the lash of the infamous Port Bill

passed by Parliament for the purpose of chastising the refractory

"rebels" of that patriotic city. In February following he had the

exquisite pleasure of remitting nine hundred dollars to them. The

receipt was eloquently acknowledged by Samuel Adams who was one of his

faithful correspondents.

Mr. Read was a member of the Congress of 1774 and continued a member

during the Revolution. He was also President of the Convention that

formed the first Constitution of Delaware in 1776. He was a member of

the Delaware Assembly for twelve years in succession and a portion of

that time Vice President of the state. In the autumn of 1777 President

M'Kinley fell into the hands of the enemy which compelled Mr. Read to

leave Congress for a season and perform the duties of Chief Magistrate

of his state. On his way home with his family he was compelled to pass

through Jersey. In crossing the Delaware from Salem his boat was

discovered by those on board the British fleet then lying just below. An

armed barge was sent in pursuit. Mr. Read's boat stuck in the mud and

was soon overtaken. By effacing the marks upon his baggage before he was

boarded and having with him his wife and children he convinced those

from the fleet he was a country gentleman on his way to his farm and

solicited their assistance to put him and his family on shore. They

cheerfully complied with his request and landed him and his precious

charge safely on the Delaware side of the river. The open frankness and

calmness of himself and lady saved them from the horrors of a

prison-ship and probably him from an exhibition upon the yard-arm of a

man of war.

The duties of Chief Magistrate of his state were very imposing at that

time. Internal discussions were to be reconciled--an intercourse by many

of the inhabitants with the British fleet to be broken up--ways and

means for his own and the general government to be provided and some

plan devised to procure the release of the President. A conquering foe

was flushed with victory in all directions. In the midst of all these

perils he stood firmly at the helm and outrode every storm. He proved

equal to every emergency and added fresh lustre to his growing fame.

When the Declaration of Independence was under discussion he believed

the measure premature but when adopted he cheerfully placed his name on

this monument of fame. In 1779 ill health compelled him to retire from

the public arena for a year when he again resumed his legislative

duties. In 1782 he was appointed a judge of appeals in the Court of

Admiralty. In 1785 he was one of the commissioners to settle the

boundary line between New York and Massachusetts. The next year he was a

delegate to the convention of states convened at Annapolis to regulate

the Commerce of the Union. In 1787 he was one of that talented

convention that framed the Federal Constitution. He was a Senator in the

first Congress convened under that Constitution and served six years. He

was Chief Justice of Delaware from 1793 to the time of his death. Upon

the Bench he had few equals and no superior. In all these responsible

stations he acquitted himself nobly and did honor to his country and the

cause of rational freedom.

The person of Mr. Read was above the middle size, well formed with a

commanding and agreeable deportment. He was scrupulously honest, rigidly

just. When he arrived at his majority he assigned his portion of the

paternal estate to his brothers, deeming the expenses of his education

equivalent to his share. He was systematic even in the smallest concerns

of life. He abhorred vice of every kind. He enjoyed a good health in his

old age up to the autumn of 1798 when, after a sudden and short illness,

he closed his eyes on terrestrial scenes and resigned his spirit into

the hands of the wise Disposer of all events.

As a civilian, statesman, magistrate, patriot, philanthropist,

gentleman, husband, father, citizen and public benefactor--George Read

was a model worthy of all admiration and the exactest imitation. All who

imitate his noble career will go for the UNION forever.

CAESAR RODNEY.

Genealogy was once a kind of titular idol held in great veneration. The

biographer made it his first stepping-stone--one of the main pillars of

his superstructure. In countries where the iron sceptre of monarchy is

still swayed--where titles of honor create lineal dignity without regard

to merit--where blood is analyzed by political chemistry and all the

precipitants are rejected but the carbonate of noble and royal

pedigree--where the crown descends upon a _non compos mentis_ incumbent

with the same certainty that it reaches a man of good

intellect--genealogy is still measurably the criterion by which to

determine the importance and weight of character. As light and

intelligence shed their benignant rays upon mankind the deference paid

to this titular phantom will be diminished. Where rational liberty

reigns triumphant merit alone creates dignity. The man is measured by

his actions--not by the purple fluid in his veins or conduct of his

relations. In our free country genealogy is a matter of curiosity--not

of veneration. The son of a coal cracker or cobbler can rise to the

highest station within the gift of the people by the force of talent and

merit. I am aware that the aristocracy of wealth is a noxious weed that

spreads its deleterious branches through our cities and large towns but

not yet so widely and luxuriant as to prevent merit and genius from

acquiring a rapid and healthful growth. In times of danger and peril its

power will be lessened in the same ratio that these increase. In an

atmosphere purely republican it withers and dies.

But few families in these United States can trace their ancestors so far

back as the Rodneys of Delaware. They came into England with the Norman

queen Maud [Matilda] in 1141 and were among the bravest military

chieftains who led in the Norman conquest. At all subsequent periods

they were prominent in directing the destinies of Britain. To those who

are conversant with the history of the various periods of public

commotion in that kingdom--the name of Sir Walter de Rodney is familiar,

with many others of the same lineage. They were able in council and war.

They were conspicuous in the civil, military and naval departments and

received the highest honors that could be awarded to their rank by kings

and queens. They were marked for magnanimity and liberal views.

Under the auspices of William Penn William Rodney came to Philadelphia

who was a branch of this ancient family. He was the son of William

Rodney of England and settled in Kent, Delaware. His mother, Alice, was

the daughter of Sir Thomas Caesar a wealthy English merchant. William

Rodney left one son, Caesar, who was the father of the subject of this

biographette. This son was born at Dover, Kent county, Delaware in 1730.

He received a good education and inherited a large real estate from his

father. He possessed a strong and penetrating mind, firmness of purpose,

decision of character, an abundant share of keen wit and good humor, a

large stock of experimental intelligence and practical knowledge with

discretion to know how, when and where to bring these important

qualities into action. With endowment's like those Mr. Rodney spread his

canvass to the popular breeze and commenced his voyage of public life.

His cabin stores were purely republican and liberal in quantity.

In 1758 he became high sheriff of his native county and discharged his

duties in a manner that gained for him the confidence and esteem of the

citizens generally. At the expiration of his term he was appointed a

Justice of the Peace and a judge of the lower courts. In October 1762 he

took his seat in the Legislature at Newcastle and became an active and

influential member. He was one of the committee that prepared the answer

to the message of the governor and was on other important committees. At

the close of the session he was put in possession of the great seal to

be affixed to the laws that had been passed at that term.

When the rights of the Colonies were infringed by assumptions of

arrogated power on the part of mother Britain, Mr. Rodney was among the

first who took a bold stand in favor of justice. He was a member of the

Congress that convened at New York in 1765 to remonstrate against the

Stamp Act and other threatened innovations upon the privileges of the

Colonies that had been long enjoyed and were guarantied by the social

compact between the king of Great Britain and his "dutiful and most

loyal subjects in America." After the Stamp Act was repealed Messrs.

Rodney, M'Kean and Read were appointed a committee to prepare an address

to the king expressive of the joy produced throughout the Colony by this

event. It is substantially the same as those prepared by the other

Colonies and shows clearly the feelings of loyalty that pervaded the

people at that time. The following is the body of the address.

"We cannot help glorying in being the subjects of a king that has made

the preservation of the civil and religious rights of his people and the

established constitution the foundation and constant rule of government

and the safety, ease and prosperity of his people his chiefest care--of

a king whose mild and equal administration is sensibly fell and enjoyed

in the remotest part of his dominions. The clouds which lately hung over

America are dissipated. Our complaints have been heard and our

grievances redressed--trade and commerce again flourish. Our hearts are

animated with the warmest wishes for the prosperity of the mother

country for which our affection is unbounded and your faithful subjects

here are transported with joy and gratitude. Such are the blessings we

may justly expect will ever attend the measures of your Majesty pursuing

steadily the united and true interests of all your people throughout

your wide extended empire assisted with the advice and support of a

British Parliament and a virtuous and wise ministry. We most humbly

beseech your Majesty graciously to accept the strongest assurances that

having the justest sense of the many favors we have received from your

royal benevolence during the course of your majesty's reign and how much

of our present happiness is owing to your paternal love and care for

your people. We will at all times most cheerfully contribute to your

majesty's service to the utmost of our abilities when your royal

requisitions, as heretofore, shall be made known--that your majesty will

always find such returns of duty and gratitude from us as the best of

kings may expect from the most loyal subjects and that we will

demonstrate to all the world that the support of your majesty's

government and the honor and interests of the British nation are our

chief care and concern, desiring nothing more than the continuance of

your wise and excellent constitution in the same happy, firm and envied

situation in which it was delivered to us from our ancestors and your

majesty's predecessors."

With the feelings expressed in this address the conclusion is

irresistible that nothing but the most cruel oppressions could have

driven the American people to a revolution. A similar expression of

feeling was sent to the king from all the Colonies.

"Whom the gods would destroy they first make mad."

So with the British ministry--they were madly bent on reducing their

American brethren to unconditional subjection and after a short interval

commenced a system of oppression upon a broader, bolder scale. Again the

people appealed to their king--but appealed in vain. Mr. Rodney was upon

the committee that prepared a second address to his majesty just before

the Revolution in the following language:

"The sense of our deplorable condition will, we hope, plead with your

majesty in our behalf for the freedom we take in dutifully remonstrating

against the proceedings of a British Parliament--confessedly the wisest

and greatest assembly upon earth. But if our fellow subjects of Great

Britain, who derive no authority from us, who cannot, in our humble

opinion, represent us and to whom we will not yield in loyalty and

affection to your majesty, can, at their will and pleasure, of right

give and grant away our property--if they can enforce an implicit

obedience to every order or act of theirs for that purpose and deprive

all or any of the Assemblies on this continent of the power of

legislation for differing with them in opinion in matters which

intimately affect their rights and interests and everything that is dear

and valuable to Englishmen--we cannot imagine a case more miserable--we

cannot think we shall have the shadow of Liberty left. We conceive it to

be an inherent right in your majesty's subjects, derived to them from

God and nature--handed down by their ancestors--confirmed by your royal

predecessors and the constitution, in person or by their

representatives, to give and to grant to their sovereign those things

which their own labor and their own cares have acquired and saved and in

such proportions and at such times as the national honor and interest

may require. Your majesty's faithful subjects of this government have

enjoyed this inestimable privilege uninterrupted, from its first

existence till of late. They have at all times cheerfully contributed to

the utmost of their abilities for your majesty's service as often as

your royal requisition was made known and they cannot, but with the

greatest uneasiness and distress of mind, part with the power of

demonstrating their loyalty and affection for their beloved king."

Addresses similar to this were laid before the king from all the

Colonies and from the Congress of 1774. The struggle between loyal

affection and a submission to wrongs was truly agonizing. This affection

and the physical weakness of the Colonies are proof strong as holy writ

that British oppression was raised to the zenith of cruelty. The history

of the American Revolution should be a striking lesson in all future

time to those in power not to draw the cords of authority too tightly.

It affords a cheering example to all persons to resist every

encroachment upon their liberty.

In 1769 Mr. Rodney was chosen speaker of the Assembly of Delaware and

continued to fill the chair for several years with honor and dignity.

Among other things he introduced an amendment to a bill relative to

slaves, prohibiting their importation into the Colony. So ably did he

advocate this humane proposition that it was lost only by two votes. The

same philanthropic feeling was increasing through the states until

England, by her emissary Dr. Thompson, sowed the seeds of abolition

broadcast in our country for the express purpose of dissolving our UNION

and of destroying the only republic Europe fears. Digging around the

roots of a decaying tree often revives it. Honest men may err.

As the specks of war began to concentrate Mr. Rodney became one of the

most active opposers of British tyranny. Excepting a short interval he

was a member of Congress from 1774 to 1776 and took a conspicuous part

in the general business and discussions of that august body. In his own

province he had much to do. The royal attachments were deeply rooted. It

required greater exertions to thwart the intrigues of foes within than

to repel the attacks of enemies without. In addition to his duties of

speaker of the Delaware Assembly and member of Congress those of

brigadier-general of militia devolved on him. His numerous messages to

his legislature and letters to his officers urging them to decisive

action manifested great industry, clearness of perception, firmness of

purpose and patriotic zeal. He was in favor of the Declaration of

Independence from its first inception. The day previous to the final

decision upon this important measure he was in Delaware devising means

to arrest the career of certain Tories in the lower end of the province.

Mr. McKean informed him by express of the approaching crisis. He

immediately mounted his horse and arrived at Philadelphia just in time

to dismount and enter the hall of Congress and give his vote for LIBERTY

and affix his name to that bold instrument that dissolved allegiance to

England's king and created a compact of freemen.

In the autumn of 1776 the Tories defeated his election to Congress. With

increasing zeal he entered the field of military operations. He repaired

to Princeton soon after the brave Haslet and Mercer fell, fighting for

the cause of justice and freedom. He remained with the army two months

and received the approval of Washington expressed in the following

letter written from Morristown, N. J. on the 18th of February 1777.

"The readiness with which you took the field at the period most critical

to our affairs--the industry you used in bringing out the militia of

Delaware State and the alertness observed by you in forwarding troops to

Trenton--reflect the highest honor on your character and place your

attachment to the cause in the most distinguished point of view. They

claim my sincerest thanks and I am happy in this opportunity in giving

them to you."

On his return he was appointed a judge of the Supreme Court organized

under the new order of things. He declined serving believing he could be

more useful in some other sphere. About that time an open insurrection

broke out in Sussex County in his State. He immediately repaired to the

scene of insubordination and quelled it with only the appearance of

force. At the time the British were preparing to march from the

Chesapeake to the Brandywine he was stationed south of the American army

for the purpose of throwing his force between the enemy and their

shipping. In the field and in the legislative hall he was alike active.

In December 1777 he was again elected to Congress. The legislature of

his State being in session he concluded to remain until it rose. Before

its adjournment he was elected President of Delaware which prevented him

from serving in the national legislature. His services in his new

station were of great importance. His exertions in raising supplies for

the army were of the most vigorous character--especially during the

winter and spring of 1779 when the troops were often on half allowance

and the magazines so bare that it seemed impossible to sustain the army

a single week. During the four years he directed the destinies of

Delaware he had many refractory spirits to manage--many difficult

questions to decide that brought into useful action his prudence, wisdom

and firmness. Upon his own matured judgment he relied. So well did he

balance the scales of justice that he gained the admiration of his

friends and the approval of his enemies. The affairs of the State were

never in better hands.

Mr. Rodney was remarkably fond of a good joke if inoffensive and chaste.

He often exhibited brilliant displays of wit but was extremely careful

of personal feelings. When in Congress Mr. Harrison had often called

Virginia the Dominion of the Colonies. When threatened with invasion by

the enemy he asked immediate aid to protect her from the approaching

foe. When he sat down Mr. Rodney rose with assumed gravity and apparent

sympathy and assured the gentleman that the _powerful Dominion_ should

be protected--"Let her be of good cheer--she has a friend in

need--_Delaware_ will take her under protection and insure her safety."

The portly Harrison and the skeleton Rodney both enjoyed the hit which

convulsed the other members with laughter.

In view of the great amount of business performed by Mr. Rodney and his

proverbial cheerfulness and playful good humor the reader will be

astonished to learn that he was afflicted with a cancer upon his nose

from his youth which spread over one side of his face and compelled him

to wear a bandage over it for many years before his death. It so reduced

his flesh that he was a walking skeleton. It terminated his active and

useful life in 1783. He met death with calm submission and Christian

fortitude and died rejoicing in the bright prospects that were dawning

upon the country he dearly loved and had faithfully served.

Mr. Rodney was naturally of a slender form with an animated countenance,

easy and polished manners and very agreeable and gentlemanly in his

intercourse. From his writings he appears to have held religion in high

veneration and practised the purest morals--producing the fruits of

righteousness in richer abundance than many who make loud pretensions to

piety but do not prove their faith by their works. He was liberal, kind,

benevolent and so strongly sympathetic that he was obliged to avoid

scenes of physical suffering if possible. He could not endure to be in

the room of a dying friend or relative. The poor, the widow, the orphan,

his relatives and friends, his country--all deeply mourned the loss of

CAESAR RODNEY.

GEORGE ROSS.

Idleness is the tomb of a living man--the progenitor of want, the

substratum of misery--the fountain of crime. It was scarcely known and

never countenanced by the pilgrim fathers or revolutionary patriots. We

now have many among us who had rather be pinched with hunger and shine

in rags than labor. A more numerous and dangerous class is composed of

gentlemen idlers who pass down the stream of time at the expense of

those who constantly pull at the oar. They live upon the best, dress

finely by borrowing and spunging and when these fail they take to

swindling, stealing, gambling, robbing and often pass on for years

before justice overtakes them. So long as they can keep up fashionable

appearances and elude the kind hearted police whose good will they

generally have, they are received into the company of the upper ten

exquisites with marked complacency. By virtue of a fine coat, lily hand

and graceful bow, which cover more sins than modern Christian charity,

many an idle knave has been received into fashionable circles with eclat

and walked rough-shod over a worthy young clerk, mechanic or farmer who

had too much good sense to act the monkey flirtations of an itinerant

dandy. When the counting-house, the mechanic shop, the plough and the

kitchen fall into disrepute and are submerged by vain show, pomp and

parade--the sun of our country's glory will set to rise no more. When

the republican simplicity of Greece and Rome receded before imported

fashions, luxuries and rules of etiquette--when they ceased to call men

from the shop and the plough to the cabinet and the field--when the

women exchanged the kitchen for the drawing-room and plainness for

extravagance of dress--corruption supplanted virtue--the genius of

LIBERTY veiled her face and fled--dissolution followed--RUIN closed the

dreadful scene.

Industry and plainness were marked characteristics of the Sages and

Heroes of the American Revolution. Among them George Ross stood

conspicuous. He was born at Newcastle, Delaware, in 1730. He was the son

of Rev. George Ross, pastor of the Episcopal church at that ancient

town. Under the instruction of his father the strong native talents of

George unfolded their richness. At the age of eighteen he was a good

classical scholar. He then commenced the study of law in Philadelphia

with an elder brother, John Ross, where he was admitted to the Bar in

1751. To have elbow room he located at Lancaster, Pennsylvania--then on

the confines of civilization bordering on the far west. Noble in his

disposition, plain and agreeable in his manners, learned and diligent in

his profession, candid, honest and just in his course--he gained the

confidence and love of the people and a lucrative practice. To plant

himself more firmly in his new location and give additional proof of his

good sense, he married Ann Lawler a highly esteemed lady who proved an

affectionate and worthy companion.

He built his legal fame on the genuine basis--close application to his

professional business unconnected with public politics. Unfortunately

for themselves many young lawyers enter the political arena for the

purpose of obtaining professional notoriety and business. This error has

prevented many talented young men from rising to legal eminence in

modern times. The Revolution was a different matter. Liberty or death

was then the issue. Now it is a feigned one. If a young attorney becomes

pledged to a political party he has not a _client_ but a _master_ that

exacts the most abject, humiliating services with a contingent promise

to pay in bogus coin. Either his legitimate business or that of the

party must be neglected. Reflecting men know this. Aware that it

requires close application to become learned in the law they keep aloof

from young political lawyers. A few high toned partisans, whose tools

they are, may employ them in small cases but when _they_ have an

important one--the studious industrious counsellor who has not inhaled

the corrupting atmosphere of modern politics is the one employed. A word

to the wise should be sufficient.

It was not until long after his location at Lancaster that Mr. Ross

entered upon his legislative course. The time had arrived when the

people began to feel the smart of British oppression and became more

particular in selecting men of known worth and talents to guard their

interests against the machinations of an avaricious and designing

ministry. He was elected to the Colonial Assembly in 1768. His

reputation stood high as an able lawyer and a man of liberal views,

sound judgment and decision of character. His influence was sensibly

felt--his labors highly appreciated. At that time the legislative body

replied to the message of the governor _in extenso_. At his first

session Mr. Ross was appointed to reply to this document. In respectful

but bold language he objected to every proposition that he considered

impolitic or in opposition to the best interests of the people. He was a

fearless sentinel, a powerful champion in the cause of Liberty. In every

leading measure in favour of freedom he was a leading man. He was

continued in the Assembly until he took his seat in Congress in 1774. He

was upon the committee that reported in favor of sending delegates and

the man who prepared the instructions of the Assembly to the

congressional delegates. As these are substantially the same as those

that were given to all instructed delegates I insert them that the

reader may see that redress of grievances was all that was asked or then

anticipated.

"The trust reposed in you is of such a nature and the modes of executing

it may be so diversified in the course of your deliberations, that it is

scarcely possible to give you particular instructions respecting it. We

shall therefore only in general direct--that you are to meet in Congress

the committees of the several British Colonies at such time and place

as shall be generally agreed on, to consult together on the present

critical and alarming situation and state of the Colonies and that you,

with them, exert your utmost endeavors to form and adopt a plan which

shall afford the best prospect of obtaining redress of American

grievances, ascertaining American rights and establishing that union and

harmony which is most essential to the welfare and happiness of both

countries. And in doing this you are strictly charged to avoid

everything indecent or disrespectful to the mother state."

Under instructions like these the first general Congress convened and

acted. The Colonies used all honorable means to restore harmony--more

than the British Constitution and common justice required. Nothing but

an infatuation that makes men blind, deaf and dumb could have resisted

the appeals and unanswerable arguments in favor of chartered rights,

showing their violations--that were poured upon the king, Parliament and

people of Great Britain from the deep translucent fountain of

intelligence concentrated in the Congress of 1774. The members were

determined to clear their own skirts of blood and not draw the bow of

physical opposition until their arrows were barbed with divine wisdom

and dipped in the refining fire of eternal justice.

Mr. Ross was continued in Congress until 1777 when ill health compelled

him to retire. He had rendered great service on numerous committees and

was listened to with marked attention when he spoke in debate. When he

could be spared from his place he served in the legislature of his State

where his salutary influence was strongly felt. For some time the royal

governor and his friends presented a formidable opposition. Mr. Ross put

his whole weight on the people's end of the political lever with his

popularity for a fulcrum and greatly aided in hoisting the tree of

monarchy from its deep bed of alluvial corruption. He was a member of

the convention of his State that commenced the new government and on the

committee that prepared the declaration of rights. He was chairman of

the committee that organized the government and of the one that prepared

the declaratory ordinance defining high treason and misprision of

treason and the kind and measure of punishment to be inflicted. His high

legal knowledge rendered him an important member upon such committees.

Immediately after he closed his legislative career the citizens of

Lancaster County passed the two following resolutions with great

unanimity.

"Resolved--That the sum of one hundred and fifty pounds out of the

county stock be forthwith transmitted to George Ross ['_Honorable_' was

not then republican] one of the members of the Assembly for this county

and one of the delegates for this Colony in the Continental Congress and

that he be requested to accept the same as a testimony from this county

of their sense of his attendance on public business to his great private

loss and of their approbation of his conduct.

"Resolved--That if it be more agreeable, Mr. Ross purchase with part of

the said money a genteel piece of plate, ornamented as he thinks proper,

to remain with him as a testimony of the esteem this county has for him

by reason of his patriotic conduct in the great struggle for American

Liberty."

Here is old fashioned republican simplicity in language and sentiment

flowing from its native fountain--gratitude strongly felt and plainly

expressed. It forms a rebuking contrast with the fulsome, hypocritical,

heartless flattery of modern times showered upon our statesmen by

fawning sycophants whose gratitude is based alone upon the loaves and

fishes of favor and office. Mr. Ross declined accepting the gift,

assuring the committee that waited upon him that he had performed no

more than his duty and that at such a period all were bound to exert

their noblest energies to secure that Liberty which would afford a

reward more precious than gold--more valuable than diamonds.

On the 19th of July 1779 Mr. Ross was appointed Judge of the Court of

Admiralty for Pennsylvania. He continued to discharge his duties ably

until confined by a sudden and excruciating attack of the gout which

terminated in death the same year he was appointed judge. In the full

career of life and usefulness--rising on the wings of fame--flushed with

hopes of Liberty for his country--pressing right onward toward the goal

of freedom--an arrow from the quiver of death pierced his patriotic

heart and consigned him to the insatiate tomb near the close of 1779.

His dust reposes in peace whilst the lustre of his living examples will

continue to shine and enlighten millions yet unborn.

In private as in public life Judge Ross stood approved, admired and

beloved. No blemish rests upon the fair escutcheon of his name. He

soared above the vanities of this world and dignified his bright career

with purity of motive, firmness of purpose, wisdom in action and

usefulness to his fellow men and beloved country. Could the lofty

patriotism that impelled him to enter the thorny arena of politics be

imparted to _all_ the public men of the present day--the Federal

Constitution would be venerated--our government safe--our UNION

preserved.

BENJAMIN RUSH.

Benevolence is a celestial quality imparting consolation to its

possessor and the recipient of benefits bestowed. It renders its favors

valuable by the delicacy with which they are conveyed. Those who most

merit the aid of the benevolent are usually possessed of fine feeling.

The subjects of real misfortune--they are the keenly sensitive and dread

the approach of those who carry a speaking trumpet or a public scroll to

proclaim to the world the alms they have bestowed.

Pure benevolence falls upon its object like the dew on drooping

flowers--not at the blaze of noon day but in the stillness of night. Its

refreshing effects are felt, seen and admired--not the hand that

distilled It. It flows from a good heart and looks beyond the skies for

an approving smile. It never opens but seeks to heal the wounds of

misfortune. It never ruffles but seeks to calm the troubled mind. Like

their Lord and Master--the truly benevolent go about doing good. No

parade--no trumpet to sound their charities--no press to chronicle their

acts. The gratitude of the donee is a rich recompense to the

donor--purity of motive refines the joys of each. Angels smile on such

benevolence. It is the attribute of Deity--the moving cause of every

blessing we enjoy.

So thought Benjamin Rush, a native of Bristol, Bucks County, Penn. born

on the 24th of Dec. 1745. His ancestors came to this country under the

auspices of William Penn in 1683. His father was a respectable farmer

and died when this son was a child. At the age of nine years Benjamin

was placed under the tuition of his maternal uncle, Rev. Dr. Samuel

Finley. He continued under his instruction five years when he entered

Princeton College, then under the direction of President Davis. Like an

expanding flower courting the increasing warmth of spring the talents of

this young freshman rapidly unfolded their rich and varied hues as they

were brought into mellow life by the genial rays of the sun of science.

At the end of the first year he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts.

During his brief stay at Princeton he was highly esteemed and was

considered one of the most eloquent speakers among the students. At the

age of sixteen he closed his collegiate studies and commenced reading

medicine with Dr. John Redman, then one of the most eminent

practitioners in the city of Philadelphia. The same industry that had

marked his previous course made him a favorite son of AEsculapius. The

same urbanity and modesty that had made him a welcome guest in every

circle in other places, gained for him good and influential friends in

his new location.

After pursuing his studies with great industry for six years under Dr.

Redman he entered the Medical University at Edinburgh, Scotland, where

he reaped the full benefit of the lectures of the celebrated Munro,

Cullen, Black and Gregory. In 1768 he received the degree of M.D. having

toiled severely for _seven_ years to prepare himself to take in charge

human life. As in the study of law, theology and most of the professions

and trades--how great the change in numerous instances. I have known so

called doctors made in a month--lawyers in six months and preachers in a

single night--sprouts of quackology to be sure--but they pass in these

days of humbuggery and often distance the man of acquirements and real

merit who is too modest to make a bragadocia dash. Self-assurance and

brazen impudence are performing wonders in this enlightened age. As

elementary and practical books increase terms of study decrease. When

Cheselden's Anatomy and Cullen's Materia Medica stood almost alone in

this country, students were longer at their studies. The lectures you

may reply have shortened the term. True--but why so few Rushes, Physics,

&c. among the flood of modern M.D.'s?

On receiving his diploma he went to London and was admitted to practise

in the hospitals of that city where he remained nearly a year and became

eminent as a bold and successful operator--a skilful and judicious

physician. He then visited the hospitals of Paris and returned to

Philadelphia in the spring of 1769, where he met the warm embrace of his

connections and friends and commenced his useful career in that city.

His professional fame had preceded him and his superior acquirements

were immediately had in requisition. In addition to a rapidly increasing

practice he performed the labors of a Professor in the Medical School

that had been recently organized by Drs. Bond, Kuhn, Morgan and Shippen.

He was elected to that important station a few months after his return.

Upon a substantial basis he continued to build an honest and enduring

fame--participating in all the passing events that concerned the good

and glory of his country and his fellow men.

Although a close student of medicine and surgery, it was soon discovered

that he well understood the relative situation of the mother country and

the American Colonies. He had closely examined the unwarranted

pretensions of the former and the aggravated grievances of the latter.

His benevolent soul was touched by the sufferings of oppressed humanity

and warmed by the patriotic fire of FREEDOM. He at once became a bold

and able advocate in the cause of LIBERTY--a firm and fearless opposer

of British tyranny--a strong and energetic supporter of equal rights.

Mingling with all classes through the medium of his profession, his

influence was as extensive and multiform as it was useful and salutary.

The Independence of his country was the _ultimatum_ of his desires. To

see her regenerated and free was the anxious wish of his heart. So

conspicuous was he in the glorious cause, that he was elected a member

of the Congress of 1776 and had the proud pleasure of placing his name

upon the chart of FREEDOM.

The year following he was appointed Surgeon General of the Military

Hospital for the middle department and rendered himself extensively

useful during the entire period of the Revolution. He was ever ready to

go where duty called and exerted his noblest powers in the glorious

cause he had espoused until he saw the star spangled banner wave in

triumph over the land of the brave and free and the incense of LIBERTY

ascending to Heaven in cerulean clouds from the altar of FREEDOM.

The Independence of his country secured--he desired no occupation but

that of his profession. For a time his services were diverted from this

channel in the Convention of his state to take into consideration the

adoption of the Federal Constitution. Having carefully read the

published arguments as they progressed in the National Convention, he

was fully prepared to enter warmly into the advocacy of the adoption of

that instrument. When this was adopted by the states, the measure of his

political ambition was filled and hermetically sealed. He retired from

that arena of turmoil crowned with the evergreen laurels of fame that

will bloom with living freshness until patriotism shall be lost in

anarchy and the last vestige of LIBERTY be swept away by the tornado of

faction. The only station he ever consented to fill under government

subsequently was Cashier of the U. S. Mint.

During the remainder of his life his time and talents were devoted to

his profession, the improvement of medical science and the amelioration

of the ills of afflicted humanity. In 1789 he was elected Professor of

the Theory and Practice of Physic. In 1791 he was appointed Professor of

the Institutes of Medicine and Clinical Practice. In 1806 he was honored

with the united Professorships of the Theory and Practice of Physic and

Clinical Medicine, the duties of which he ably discharged until sickness

and death closed his useful career.

Besides the multiform duties already enumerated he was an efficient

member of various benevolent associations. He was President of the

American Association for the Abolition of Slavery--Vice President of the

Philadelphia Bible Society--President of the Philadelphia Medical

Society--a Vice President of the American Philosophical Society and a

member of several other philanthropic institutions in this country and

in Europe. For many years he was a physician of the Pennsylvania

Hospital and did much to promote its prosperity. He was ever anxious to

be useful in counsel, influence and action. To soothe the troubled bosom

heaving with anguish--to alleviate the suffering patient writhing under

pain--to aid the poor and needy sinking under misfortunes--to visit the

widow and the fatherless in their distress--afforded Dr. Rush a richer

pleasure than to have reached the loftiest pinnacle of political fame--a

holier joy than to have been the triumphant chieftain of a conquered

world.

Although his duties were onerous and various he arranged his time with

such system and order that a harmonious routine was produced. His

professional duties, his books, his pen each had their specific time. He

wrote numerous literary, moral and philosophical essays--several volumes

on medical science among which were his "Medical Inquiries and

Observations" and a "History of the Yellow Fever." He spent much time in

the investigation of that alarming disease--endeavoring to arrive at the

best mode of treatment. In this, as in many other cases of disease--the

lancet was his anchor of hope. His theory and practice of medicine have

virtually turned a somerset within the last half century in the regular

departments of the science--to say nothing of the locust swarms of

mycologists who are making awful havoc on the foliage of human life.

During the prevalence of any disease his exertions to arrest its

progress and alleviate distress were unremitting. He obeyed the calls of

the poor as promptly as those of the rich. He was particularly attentive

to those in adverse circumstances who had employed him when in

affluence. He put a veto on sunshine friends by precept and example. A

pious and consistent Christian--he often cheered the desponding heart

where medicine failed to save the body from the grave. His counsels were

full of wisdom and benevolence and saved many a frail bark from

shipwreck. His enlivening presence and soul-cheering advice drove

despair from many an agonized mind--imparting fresh vigor by

administering the elixir of hope and the tonic of fortitude. This is an

important talent in a physician--often more potent than any chemical.

Blessed with a vigorous constitution--Dr. Rush was active until a short

time previous to the 19th of April 1813, when he rested from his labors

and was numbered with the dead. As the news of his death spread, a

universal sorrow pervaded all classes--funeral sermons were

preached--eulogies pronounced and processions formed throughout the

United States as a just tribute to the memory of the departed sage,

patriot, scholar and philanthropist. His goodness had decked his name

with the rich garniture of profound esteem.

When the sad tidings reached England and France, the same demonstrations

of respect were manifested there. The tears of sympathy suffused many

European eyes. In the halls of science on both sides of the Atlantic,

Dr. Rush was well known and highly appreciated. By our own country his

loss was most keenly felt--by the civilized world deeply lamented. The

graves of but few men have been moistened by as many tears from the rich

and poor--high and low--as that of Dr. Rush. His fame is based upon

substantial merit. His name is engraved in deep and indelible traces on

the hearts of our countrymen. His untarnished reputation is written on

the monument of history in letters of gold by the pan of justice dipped

in the font of gratitude and will endure, unimpaired, until the last

trump shall proclaim to the astonished millions on this whirling

planet--TIME SHALL BE NO LONGER!!!

The private character of this great and good man was as unsullied and

pure as his career was brilliant and useful. His heart overflowed with

the milk of human kindness--his benevolence often carried him beyond his

professional income. He was temperate in his habits--neat in his person

and dress--social and gentlemanly in his intercourse--urbane and

courteous in his manners--interesting and instructive in his

conversation--modest and unassuming in his deportment. He was a warm and

affectionate companion--the widows' friend and the orphans' father.

He was a little above the middle height--rather slender but a good

figure. His mouth and chin were well formed--his nose aquiline--his eyes

blue and animated--his forehead high and prominent. The diameter of his

head from back to front was unusually large. His combined features were

commanding and prepossessing, his physiognomy indicating a gigantic

intellect.

When attacked by the disease which terminated his life he was aware a

rapid dissolution awaited him. He was fully prepared to enter upon the

untried scenes of the other and brighter world. He could look back upon

a life well spent. He had run a noble race--was ready to finish his

course--resign his tabernacle of clay to its mother dust--his immortal

soul to Him who gave it.

In the history of this great and good man we see nothing to censure but

much to admire. To be useful and do all the good in his power was his

constant aim. No blanks appear on the record for the apologist to fill

up. But few men have performed as much--no one performed more in the

same time. If such examples as his, spread out in bold _relievo_ on the

historic page, will not exercise a salutary influence on the reader--if

his devotion to his country--benevolence and unsurpassed virtues do not

mellow your heart--you cannot be a patriot or a philanthropist--you do

not realize the priceless value of our UNION.

EDWARD RUTLEDGE.

The name of every patriot, sage and hero who aided in gaining the

Liberty we now enjoy, is repeated with veneration and respect. But a few

of those noble spirits who breasted the storm of the Revolution are

lingering on earth. All who were prominent leaders have paid the debt of

nature and gone to their permanent and final home. A particular

veneration is felt for those whose names are enrolled on that bold and

soul-stirring production--the Declaration of Independence. Their names,

with many others, will glide down the stream of time on the peaceful

waves of admiration and gratitude until merged in the consummation of

this whirling planet--"the wreck of matter and the crush of worlds."

Among the names of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, is

that of Edward Rutledge, born in Charleston S. C. in November 1749. He

was the son of Dr. Rutledge, a native of Ireland, who married Sarah

West, a lady of refined accomplishments, piety and good sense.

Edward lost his father at an early age and like those of many great and

good men, his mind was happily moulded by his accomplished mother. After

passing through the usual routine of an education he commenced the study

of law with an elder brother who stood high at the Charleston bar. As a

relaxation from Coke and Bacon he occasionally entered the bowers of

elocution. In 1769 he went to England, became a student at the

temple--made himself familiar with the courts, rules of parliament, the

policy, designs and feelings of the British ministry and cultivated an

acquaintance with the celebrated orators and statesmen--Chatham,

Mansfield and others. He returned in 1773, richly laden with stock for

future use.

He commenced a successful practice--uniting an expressive countenance, a

good voice, a rich imagination, elegance of action, an honorable mind

and a good heart--with strong native talent improved by superior

advantages and great industry. He soon acquired a well earned eminence

as a bold, discreet and able advocate. He was ever ready--the spur of

the moment made him shine most conspicuously. His lamp was always

trimmed and burning. With true Irish zeal he was always ready to enter

the arena where duty called--especially if it was to defend the

weak--aid the oppressed or relieve the distressed.

It was self-evident that with a soul and talents like his, he could not

remain an idle spectator of the elements of revolution that were in

motion. He was the kind of man to rouse the popular fury when

circumstances would justify and required it. Warm-hearted, zealous, bold

and daring--he was a necessary part in the political machine of that

time to put the more sluggish parts in motion. He was an admirable

fireman, a safe engineer, a good pilot and a popular captain. Liberal in

his views, republican in his principles, a stickler for equal rights--he

was among the first to strike for Liberty.

He was elected a member of the first Congress in 1774. None but men of

superior merit, known fortitude and pure patriotism were selected to

represent their country's rights and repel the wrongs of monarchy. Such

a man was Mr. Rutledge. His open frankness and bold exposure of the

corruptions of the British ministry--preying upon the Colonies like

canker worms, rendered him obnoxious to the adherents of the crown--the

very thing to rouse such a man to determined action. Opposition seemed

to kindle in his manly bosom a brighter flame of patriotic fire which he

imparted to the friends of freedom without stint or measure.

With his ardor and zeal he united prudence and discretion--was a friend

to order and cool deliberation. He acted from enlightened

principles--aiming to build every superstructure on the firm basis of

reason and justice. To this nobleness of design--conceived and adhered

to by all the signers of the Declaration, may be attributed that lofty

dignity which pervades that unique document.

Revolution is a tornado rarely chastened by prudence or discretion to

neutralize its baneful effects. Up to the time of the American

Revolution history claims no body of men to compare with those who

constituted the Continental Congress--men who commanded the whirlwind of

passion to stay its fury--who conducted the lightning of revenge by the

silken thread of reason to the goal of deliberation.

Mr. Rutledge was made a member of several important committees. He was

appointed, in conjunction with Benjamin Franklin and John Adams to meet

Lord Howe when he came to offer terms of ministerial peace. They were

received with marked attention and respect by the royal messenger. He

only had power to pardon repenting rebels--these were not to be found.

His insulting proposition was repelled with indignation. The committee

disclaimed all allegiance to the crown--it had been sacrificed at the

shrine of an ambitious and oppressive ministry. FREEDOM was their

motto--LIBERTY their watchword--their terms--INDEPENDENCE OR DEATH. They

had nobly resolved "to do or die."

As a sound, judicious and able statesman, Mr. Rutledge was highly

appreciated. He had also earned laurels in the battle field. He had long

commanded a company in the ancient battalion of artillery. When the

British landed at Port Royal in 1779, he led his company to the attack

with the skill and courage of a veteran. At no Revolutionary battle was

more personal bravery displayed than at this--nor was the enemy at any

time more chagrined at a total defeat by raw militia. It was a mystery

to them to find in the same man the statesman and the hero. He was

subsequently elected colonel. During the investment of Charleston on

1780, he was again on military duty--taken prisoner--sent to St.

Augustine and was not exchanged for nearly a year. Before his return the

dark clouds began to recede before the rays of rising hope and the day

star of Liberty.

He returned to his native state and aided in restoring the civil

government to order and systematic arrangement He was a member of the

enraged Assembly at Jacksonborough in 1782. With his recent personal

injuries pressing upon him and those of his friends bleeding fresh

before him, he was induced to sanction the bill of pains and penalties,

which, under other circumstances he would have opposed. During the time

it remained in force he smoothed its roughness as much as possible.

Among those who had been tortured by persecution was his venerable

mother who had been taken from her quiet home in the country and

confined in Charleston then occupied by the British--because she was the

mother of one of the rebels who had signed that burning instrument--the

Declaration of Independence--a high compliment to her talents and

patriotism--placing her on the list of fame with the noble matrons of

Greece and Rome.

During the entire period of the unequal struggle with Great Britain, Mr.

Rutledge rendered all the aid in his power to his injured country. At

the final termination of hostilities--in a free land and with a free

heart he returned to the bosom of his friends and the labors of his

profession. His private worth, urbanity of manners and persevering

industry in business, gained for him the confidence and esteem of

community.

In the organization of the government of the state he took a conspicuous

and useful part. Many difficulties were to be surmounted--clashing local

interests reconciled and laws adopted to restore to order and harmonious

system the confusion consequent upon a change of government. A great

commotion existed between debtors and creditors. Specie was not to be

had--the paper currency was nearly annihilated--many who had periled

life for Liberty and shaken off the foreign yoke felt that they were

again in cruel bondage. Many avaricious creditors were as destitute of

mercy as the pirate is of compassion. Such bipeds still live, move and

have a being--but thanks to the philanthropy and good sense of our

legislatures, they are disarmed in many of the states from the most

barbarous feature of their power--that of thrusting a poor debtor into

prison for the crime of poverty. I am pained to own that there are

instances on record in our country where veterans, who bled for our

boasted freedom, have been incarcerated by the cold inquisitorial

creditor for a sum so trifling that the miser would blush to name it.

As a panacea for this malady a law was passed making land a lawful

tender for debts--a law purely republican but obnoxious to avarice and

aristocracy. Mr. Rutledge did much to effect the adoption of this

measure, imperiously demanded by the then existing circumstances of the

community. He also advocated the instalment law and used his best

exertions to ameliorate the condition of the poor and do justice to the

rich by salutary and humane legislation. He took an active part in the

public business generally. When the Federal Constitution was presented

to his state for consideration he was in favor of its adoption although

it contained some objectionable features in his mind. He was always

opposed to slavery deeming it a national curse entailed by England.

If slavery did not exist in the South and the people knew its evils as

_they_ only can know and feel them, a very large majority would oppose

its introduction. I have recently travelled in most of the southern

states and speak from the record. Two-fifths of the white population of

those states do not own a slave. The institution is one of a domestic

nature to be governed and regulated by themselves. But for the

unfortunate interference of our northern brethren, many, but not _all_

of them prompted by philanthropic motives, gradual emancipation would

have commenced years ago and left no food for demagogues and

disorganizers to gorge themselves upon. Should the South interfere with

any of the domestic concerns of the North, resistance would be

instantaneous. I am no advocate of slavery--but understanding its

origin, progress, present condition and practical operation and the

feelings of the South--I repeat, that the interference of the North is a

misfortune to the slave and the peace of our common country. But for

this, four of the slave states would now be free. This Bohun Upas was

dying a natural death--digging around it has renewed its age fifty

years. The plan was conceived and put in operation by England through

her emissary Dr. Thompson, as a _dernier_ resort to destroy the only

republic hated and feared by the crowned heads of Europe. Let the South

alone to correct their own evils. Let the subject be consigned to the

capulet tombs rather than it should for a moment disturb the harmony of

our glorious UNION. To the slave--sudden emancipation would be an

irreparable injury. The question is one of _fact_ rather than _law_--of

imperious expediency rather than abstract reasoning. The slaves of the

South are better bred, fed and clothed and more intelligent than the

great majority of free negroes in free states.

Although partial to the French, when difficulties arose between that

nation and England, Mr. Rutledge strongly censured the conduct of M.

Genet and the French Directory for the stringent measures adopted. He

was a moderate--not an ultra party man and always acted from a sense of

duty and a pure desire for the good of the whole. His was a stern

unflinching moderation--calculated to awe a mob, paralyze a faction and

preserve pure and undefiled that lofty patriotism which commands esteem

and respect and leads to peace and safety.

In 1798 Mr. Rutledge was elected governor of his native state. Soon

after he entered upon the imposing duties of his office, disease

suddenly seized and handed him over to the King of Terrors in the bright

career of his gubernatorial term. During the legislative session of

1800, his health failed so rapidly that he felt a full assurance that

his dissolution was fast approaching. He was anxious to return to

Charleston that he might yield up his breath where he first inhaled the

atmosphere. The constitution required the presence of the governor

during the session of that body and so scrupulous was he to fulfil its

letter, that he determined to remain unless both branches passed a

resolution sanctioning his absence. The subject was submitted and

becoming a matter of debate he at once withdrew it and remained until

the adjournment. He was barely able to reach home when he laid down upon

the sick bed and yielded to the only power that could conquer

him--Death--on the 23d of January 1800. The same fortitude that had

characterized his whole life was fully exemplified during his illness

and dying hour. His loss was keenly felt and deeply mourned by the

entire community of the state and by the friends of freedom throughout

the nation. South Carolina had lost one of her brightest ornaments--one

of her noblest sons.

Governor Rutledge stood high as an orator. He was familiar with the

machinery of human nature--knew when to address the judgment and when

the passions. In exciting the sympathy of a jury he had no equal at the

Charleston Bar. He knew how, when and where to be logical and what is

all important in public and private life--he knew how, when and where to

speak and what to say and stopped when done. His private worth and

public services were an honor to himself, gratifying to his friends and

beneficial to his country. His usefulness continued to the close of

life--his fame is untarnished with error--his examples are worthy of

imitation--his life had no blank. He married for his first wife,

Harriet, daughter of Edward Middleton his colleague in the Continental

Congress. By her he had a son and daughter--the latter settled in

Charleston--the former, Maj. Henry M. Rutledge, was one of the pioneers

of Tennessee. God grant that his descendants may imitate the virtues of

their ancestor and fill the blank occasioned by the death of the wise,

judicious, benevolent, patriotic and high-minded EDWARD RUTLEDGE.

ROGER SHERMAN.

The man who has been rocked in the cradle of letters from his

childhood--who has become familiar with general science, the classics

and the philosophy of the schools--who has had a wealthy father to aid

and doting mother to caress--who has enjoyed an uninterrupted course in

some far-famed college and the most refined society--such a man is

expected to mount the ladder of fame and become a shining light to those

whose advantages have been limited to a primary school or no school. If,

with all these advantages lavished upon him he sinks into obscurity, the

fond anticipations of his doting parents and anxious friends set in

gloom. Such has often been the case.

When we see a man whose opportunities of acquiring an education during

childhood and youth carried him not far beyond the spelling-book--a man

who had no father to aid him by wealth--warn him against the quicksands

of error or point him to the temple of science--his intellect encased in

the rude quarry of nature at the age of twenty--when we see such a man

bursting the fetters that bind his mental powers-throwing off the dark

mantle of ignorance--by a mighty effort unveiling his dormant talents

and shining in all the beauty of intelligence and greatness, we are

filled with admiration and delight.

Such a man was Roger Sherman, the great grandson of Capt. John Sherman,

who came from England to Watertown, Mass, in 1635. Roger was the son of

William Sherman, born in Newton, Mass. on the 19th of April 1721. His

father was a respectable farmer with means too limited to educate his

son and bound him an apprentice to a shoemaker. At the age of nineteen

he left his master to seek his fortune. His genius had become restless

in embryo and pressed for enlargement. No shop could confine--no

obstacle deter, no impediment prevent its expansion. The course of his

mind was onward and upward like a blazing star, illuminating the horizon

of his intellect as it rose. Nature designed him to be great and

good--he obeyed her kind commands.

He went to New Milford, Conn. where he followed his trade for three

years, devoting every leisure moment to his books, often having one open

before him when using his lap-stone. Every obstacle to the pursuit of

knowledge was removed by his untiring industry--he ascended the hill of

science with a steady pace. He lived within the strictest rules of

economy, appropriating a part of his earnings to the support of a

widowed mother with a family of small children. The education of these

children also received his attention.

In June 1743 he removed his mother and children to New Milford ad

entered into the mercantile business, still improving every leisure hour

in the acquisition of an education. He rapidly stored his mind with a

fund of useful information that ultimately enabled him to commence a

public career of usefulness. He also became a member of the church and

adorned his profession through life. In 1745 he was appointed surveyor

of Litchfield County, having mastered mathematics. Like his cotemporary

and friend Benjamin Franklin, he made the calculation for an almanac for

several years for a publisher in New York.

At the age of twenty-eight he married Elizabeth Hartwell of Staughton,

Mass. who died in 1780 leaving seven children. He subsequently married

Rebecca Prescott who had eight children. His fifteen children were

carefully trained in the paths of wisdom and virtue. He also supported

his mother and a maiden sister until death relieved them from the toils

of life.

In the prosecution of his literary pursuits he turned his attention to

the study of law in which he made astonishing proficiency. In 1754 he

was admitted to the bar, better prepared to enter into this arduous

profession and do justice to his clients than many who are ushered into

notice with great _eclat_ under the high floating banner of a collegiate

diploma.

The following year he was elected a member of the colonial Assembly and

remained in that body during the remainder of his residence at New

Milford. He had the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens which

enabled him to exercise a salutary influence upon those around him. His

reputation as a lawyer and statesman stood high. For industry, prudence,

discretion and sound logic--he was unrivalled in the Colony. Strong

common sense, the safety valve of human action, marked his whole career.

He was a philanthropist of the highest order--a patriot of the first

water--rendering himself substantially useful to his fellow men and

common country.

In 1759 he was appointed a judge of the county court of Litchfield,

discharging his duties with great faithfulness and

impartiality--correcting vice and promoting virtue.

In 1761 he removed to New Haven where he was appointed justice of the

peace--elected to the Assembly and in 1765 was placed upon the judicial

bench of the county court. He received the degree of Master of Arts from

Yale College, of which he was treasurer for many years, fulfilling the

trust with scrupulous honesty and fidelity.

In 1766 he was elected to the Executive Council which was hailed as an

auspicious event by the friends of liberal principles. The mother

country had manifested a disposition to impose unjust taxation upon the

Colonies. It required discretion, experience, nerve and decision to

comprehend and expose the corrupt plans of an avaricious and reckless

ministry. The Colonies had borne the great burden of the French war in

which they had sacrificed large sums of money and fountains of their

richest blood. After years of incessant toil the foe had been

conquered--an honorable peace obtained for England--the frontier

settlements measurably relieved from danger and the soldier had again

become the citizen. Whilst their rejoicings on that occasion were yet on

the lips of echo, oppression from the crown threatened to blast their

fond anticipations of happiness and repose and bind them in chains more

to be dreaded than the tomahawk and scalping knife.

His Colony had furnished more money and men and lost more of her brave

sons in the French war than any other with the same population. Mr.

Sherman had been an active member of the Assembly during the period of

its prosecution and remembered well the sacrifices that had been made to

oblige the king. He understood well the rights of his own country and

those of the crown. He was eminently prepared to discover approaching

danger and sound a timely alarm. He was fully competent to probe the

intrigues and venality of designing men although the broad Atlantic

rolled between him and them.

Mr. Grenville was the master spirit of the British ministry. He

determined to put in practice his long cherished theory of taxing the

American Colonies. The alarm was soon spread from the north to the

south. Appeals for redress, petitions and remonstrances, numerously

signed, were forwarded to Parliament. These were passed by like the idle

wind. Reason, justice, mercy--all were banished from the bosoms of the

ruling power. The rack of oppression was put in motion--screw after

screw was turned--the sinews of affection for the mother country began

to snap--the purple current rushed from its fountain with increased

velocity--indignation was roused in millions of bosoms. In humble

imitation of the ancient inquisitors, the screws of the infernal machine

were relaxed to give the subjects a confessing respite. The tax upon

glass, paper, &c. was repealed. But the main screw was not turned back.

The tax on tea was still enforced. This exception was death to the

colonial power of England--to America--FREEDOM. The indignation of woman

was roused. Her high toned chords were touched--the reverberation

electrified the mass as with vivid lightning. Tea was banished by every

female patriot and with it all British luxuries and taxed articles.

Mr. Sherman remained undaunted at his post calmly watching the moving

elements. Although elevated to the bench of the Superior Court he

remained in the Executive Council, a firm and consistent advocate of his

country's rights--a bold expounder of Britain's wrongs. He viewed the

gathering clouds as they rolled up from the horizon--he saw the streams

of lurid fire with which they were charged and calmly waited the crash

of thunder that should usher on the terrific storm. The British lion

prowled in anger--the Albion Goliah buckled on his armor--the shining

steel dazzled in the sun--American blood flowed--popular fury was

roused--the sword of vengeance was drawn--allegiance was dissolved--the

Colonies were FREE.

Judge Sherman was a member of the first Continental Congress and

remained firm and unwavering at his post during the heart rending scenes

of the Revolution, the formation of the new government and the adoption

of the Federal Constitution. With a mind of iron strength enlarged and

improved by close study--inured to the toils and intricacies of

legislation--the history of his country and of nations stamped upon his

memory--the ingratitude and insults of a foreign ministry preying upon

his soul--all these combined to press him onward to deeds of noble

daring. His capacity was equal to every emergency. He omitted no duty,

moving, with the mathematical precision of a planet, within the orbit of

sound discretion. He was familiar with all the avenues of men and

things--scanned the deep recesses of human nature--traced causes and

results to their source and probed to the bottom the springs of human

action. The arcana of economies was open before him--solving problems,

demonstrating principles and placing them in the full blaze of

illustration--clear as light, intelligible as Euclid--irresistible as

truth. Youth and young mechanics of our country such was the self-taught

self-made Roger Sherman. Read the history of his life closely. Ponder

it well and firmly resolve to make him your model.

The Congressional session of 1775 was one of great labor, anxiety and

embarrassment. It required veterans in patriotism to sustain the

tremendous shock, the fearful onset. An army was to be raised and

organized, military stores provided, fortifications erected, rules of

government adopted, plans of operation matured, internal foes to be

encountered and legions of hireling soldiers to be repelled. To meet

these pressing emergencies the members of Congress had hearts full of

courage but an empty treasury. A forlorn hope was before them--a

merciless foe on their shores. The torch of hope shed but a dim light.

In the name of high Heaven they resolved on _Liberty or Death_. Nor did

they "split on the rock of resolves and re-resolves, where thousands

live and die the same." They met the fury of the king with a firmness,

wisdom and patriotism before unknown. Their course was onward towards

the goal of FREEDOM. No threats of vengeance dismayed them--the shafts

of terror fell harmless at their feet--the vials of ministerial wrath

were poured out in vain.

In 1776, the Colonies bleeding, reverses rolling frightfully upon them,

a conquering army sweeping over their land like a tornado, the streams

red with the blood of their kinsmen--the cries of widows and orphans

ringing in their ears, the sky illumined with the curling flames of

their towns--this band of patriots conceived the bold and sublime plan

of INDEPENDENCE--a plan that wreathed its projectors with laurels of

unfading freshness.

Early in the summer Messrs. Sherman, John Adams, Franklin, Livingston

and Jefferson were appointed a committee to draft a Declaration of

Rights. It was prepared with much deliberation--reported and on the

memorable 4th of July 1776 received the hearty sanction of the

Continental Congress amidst the transporting joys of FREEMEN who hailed

it as the bright morning star--to them a prelude to future bliss--to

tyrants, a blazing meteor of devouring fire.

Illustrious in all their actions the signers of the Declaration of

Independence were pre-eminently so--when, assuming their native dignity,

they rose in all the majesty of greatness--bursting their servile

chains--cutting asunder the cords of forfeited allegiance--sublimely

passing the grand Rubicon and in the eyes of an approving God and an

admiring world--declared their country FREE AND INDEPENDENT. The era was

one of refulgent glory, sacred to the cause of human rights--enduring as

genuine patriotism--cheering as the oasis of the desert.

No member of the Continental Congress had studied more closely and

understood more clearly political economy and finance than Mr. Sherman.

His mind was moulded in system. He was a practical man and conversant

with every department of government. He was an efficient member of the

board of war, ordnance and the treasury. He served on important

committees during the whole time of the Revolution. His plans for

replenishing the public funds, regulating expenditures and disbursing

moneys, were based on rules of frugality and economy corresponding with

the embarrassments of that trying period. Fraudulent contractors quailed

before his scrutiny--speculations and peculations on government were

often paralyzed by his torpedo touch. He guarded, with an Argus eye and

parental care the interests of the young Republic.

In the estimation of his colleagues and of our nation, Roger Sherman was

second to no one in that bright constellation of sages for sterling

integrity and substantial usefulness. At that time honesty and modesty

were attributes of merit. It required no stump speeches or bar-room

harangues to gain popular favor. Foaming bragadocia--bullying

gasconade--personal crimination and a violation of the sanctity of the

domestic circle were not then current coin. No bogus politicians were

found among the patriots of the Revolution. _Principles_--not _men_ were

the political landmarks--not the seven principles of five loaves and two

fishes but the heaven-born principles of eternal justice, truth,

honesty, equality, freedom, love of country, patriotism, humanity,

universal charity and pure benevolence--all harmoniously growing in rich

clusters upon the tree of LIBERTY.

That was also a time of labor. Inglorious ease was not known to

legislators. Long written speeches were not read to the speaker and the

walls to be printed for party effect among constituents. Turmoil and

billingsgate slang were unknown in the halls of legislation. The

business of the nation was performed promptly, faithfully and

effectually. Posts of honor were then posts of duty--not of profit. No

demagogue bipeds were permitted to fatten at the public crib--no droning

sinecures were lounging under the mantle of government. How changed the

scene--how fearful the contrast at the present writing! Awake! patriots

of my beloved country to a sense of our true interests. Throw off the

incubus of ultra party spirit--think, know and act for yourselves--avoid

the paralyzing touch of reckless demagogues and purge our land from

political corruption.

By his fellow citizens at home Mr. Sherman was held in high esteem. He

was continued in the Council during the Revolution. When the city of

New Haven was chartered in 1784 he was elected the first mayor--filling

the office with great dignity to the close of his life.

When peace was restored Judges Sherman and Law were appointed to revise

the judicial code of Connecticut which duty they performed with great

ability and satisfaction to all concerned. Mr. Sherman was a member of

the convention that framed the Federal Constitution. From a manuscript

found among his papers it appears that this instrument received many of

its bright features from him. To his conceptive mind and practical

wisdom we are much indebted for the towering greatness and unparalleled

prosperity we so eminently enjoy and which will increase and endure so

long as the people protect their own interests and are true to

themselves. Intimately acquainted with all the local conflicting

interests of the Colonies, he was enabled to exercise a salutary

influence among the members in reconciling differences between them,

which, for a time, threatened to hurl back the elements of government

into original chaos and prostrate the fair fabric of Liberty. By

examining the earnest discussions, the variety of opinions, the

multifarious interests, the intense anxiety, the agony of soul and

sacrifice of private views that characterized the formation of the

Federal Constitution--we discover wisdom, discretion, charity and

patriotism of the loftiest kind shining in all the grandeur of self

sacrifice. Based upon the Declaration of Rights--it forms a

superstructure, towering in sublimity above all others--radiating its

heart cheering influence over our increasing millions of

freemen--revered by all patriots at home--respected abroad--unrivalled

in the annals of legislation.

Judge Sherman did much to remove the objections made to this important

document by the people of his own and adjoining States. He demonstrated

to them clearly and convinced them fully--that to effect and perpetuate

the UNION, private feeling and interest must yield to public necessity

to procure public good and that each State should strive to produce an

equilibrium of the general government, forming a grand centre towards

which it should ever tend with harmonious and fraternal

gravitation--immovable as the perpetual hills.

Judge Sherman was elected a member of the first Congress under the new

Constitution and resigned his judicial station which he had so long

adorned with the ermine of impartiality and equal justice. His influence

was beneficially felt in the national legislature. He used his noblest

exertions to promote the wide spread interests of the new-fledged

Republic. Traces of his magnanimous propositions and prophetic policy

are upon the journals and many of them incorporated in the Acts of that

period. When members differed and exhibited the least acrimony, they

were sure to find the peaceful wand of Judge Sherman fanning their

heated feelings into a healthful coolness.

At the expiration of his representative term he was elected to the

United States Senate of which he was a member when he closed his useful

career--bade a long adieu--a final farewell to earth and its toils. He

died on the 23d of July 1793 in the full enjoyment of that religion he

had honored and practised and which had been a consolation and support

amidst the changing scenes of his eventful pilgrimage. He had lived the

life of a good man--he died calm, serene and happy. Through faith he

triumphed over death and the grave and pressed upward to receive the

enduring prize of unfading glory. He could approach the dread tribunal

of the great Jehovah--smiling and smiled upon and enter into all the

realities of heavenly bliss--enduring as the rolling ages of eternity.

Thus lived and thus died Roger Sherman.

He had been a faithful public servant nearly forty years. He had

participated in all the trying scenes of the Revolution--he had seen his

country burst the fetters of tyranny and become a nation of freemen. He

had aided in the consolidation of the general government--she was

prosperous and happy. In all the important measures of the state of his

adoption and of the American nation, he had acted an important part from

the commencement of the French war to the time of his departure to "that

country from whose bourne no traveller returns."

As a Christian he was esteemed by all denominations for his consistent

piety and expansive charity. With him sectarianism was not religion--for

him it had no charms. His philanthropy was broad as the human family--it

reached from earth to heaven. He was familiar with the abstruse branches

of theology and corresponded with several eminent divines. The Bible was

his creed--not the dogmas of men.

In the history of Roger Sherman we have one of nature's sheets of purest

white covered with all the sublime delineations that dignify a man and

assimilate him to his Creator. His life was crowned with unfading

evergreen produced by the rich soil of genuine worth and substantial

merit. No ephemeral roses decked his venerable brow. A chaplet of

amaranthine flowers surmounts his well earned fame. The mementos of his

examples are a rich boon to posterity through all time. Whilst

patriotism, religion and social order survive--the virtues of this great

and good man will shine in all the majesty of light. His private

character was as pure as his public career was illustrious.

Roger Sherman clearly demonstrated that man is the architect of his own

fortune. By industry and perseverance in the use of books--now

accessible to all, apprentices and mechanics may surmount every barrier

and reach the summit of science and take their stations, with superior

advantage, by the side of those who have been enervated within the walls

of a college. No one in our land of intelligence is excusable for

remaining under the dark mantle of ignorance. The sun of science has

risen--all who will can be warmed by its genial rays. The means of

acquiring knowledge are far superior to those enjoyed by Sherman and

Franklin. Let their brilliant examples be imitated by Columbia's

sons--our far famed Republic will then be as enduring as time. Let

ignorance, corruption, ultra party spirit and fanaticism

predominate--then the fair fabric of our FREEDOM, reared by the valor

and cemented by the blood of the Revolutionary patriots--will tremble,

totter and fall. Chaos will mount the car of discord--sound the dread

clarion of the dissolution of our UNION and LIBERTY will expire amidst

the smoking ruins of her own citadel. Forbid it patriotism--forbid it

philanthropy--forbid it Almighty God! O! my country men! remember that

with us is deposited the rich behest of LIBERTY--let us guard it with

god-like care and transmit it to our posterity in all the loveliness of

native purity.

JAMES SMITH.

Men sometimes forsake the path designed for them by their Creator in

their manner of speaking, acting and writing. They vainly strive to

imitate some noble personage of a higher order by nature and cultivation

than themselves and become poor specimens of the Ape. Some young men of

respectable talents and acquirements--when they mount the rostrum,

endeavor to imitate some orator of notoriety instead of acting out free

and unvarnished nature. Originality alone gives beauty and force to

eloquence in all its varied forms. Like a piece of marble under the

skill of the statuary--a more systematic form may be produced by art but

the native material cannot be improved in beauty by the finest art--the

brightest paint. Originality must form the base or the richness is lost.

No ingenuity can remould the work of nature and retain the full strength

of the grand original. We should profit by the wisdom and virtues of

great and good men--improve by their precepts and examples--our _manner_

in public speaking, our _language_, our _style_ of writing--all _must_

be original to render them forcible and interesting. Affectation in

anything is disgusting to sensible men. It is a coin that cannot be

palmed upon the discerning for genuine. Of all counterfeits this is the

most readily detected. Away with this worthless trash. If you have not

gold, use silver--if neither, use copper--if you have only _brass_ you

need no urging to use that.

James Smith was a fine specimen of originality and pleasing

eccentricity. He was born in Ireland in 1713. His father came to this

country when James was a boy and settled on the west side of the

Susquehanna river nearly opposite Columbia in Pennsylvania. James

acquired a good classical education under Dr. Allison and retained a

great partiality for authors of antiquity to the end of his life. He

delighted in mathematics and became an expert surveyor. After finishing

his course of study with Dr. Allison he read law in Lancaster,

Pennsylvania, probably with an elder brother in that town and with Mr.

Cookson. When admitted to the bar he located in the then far west near

the present site of Shippensburg in Cumberland County of that state. He

blended law and surveying in accordance with the desire and wants of the

frontier settlers. Large tracts of valuable land were held under hasty

and imperfect surveys and others were located by chamber surveys.

Litigation was the natural consequence. No witness could tell more truth

than the compass and protractor of Mr. Smith which were free from

prejudice and partiality. Possessed of a penetrating mind he scanned

future prospects and secured much valuable land. In his compound

profession he had full employment. He was on the flood-tide of

prosperity. Not willing to sail alone he took for his mate Eleanor Armor

of Newcastle who superintended his freight and cabin stores with great

skill and prudence.

Mr. Smith was original in everything. With a strong mind, an open and

honest heart, a benevolent and manly disposition--he united great

conviviality and amusing drollery--yet so discreet and chaste as not to

offend the most modest ear. He delighted in seeing the contortions of

the risible muscles which were uniformly on duty in all proper circles

when James Smith was present. Whenever he came in contact with a pedant

he would propound some ludicrous question to him with the utmost

gravity--such as this--"Don't you remember that terrible bloody battle

which Alexander fought with the Russians near the straits of

Babelmandel? I think you will find the account in Thucydides or

Herodotus." His memory was retentive and stored with numerous anecdotes

which he sometimes related in court and often in company to amuse his

friends. His manner was original beyond imitation. With all his wit and

humor he held religion in great veneration and was a communicant of the

church. No one that knew him dare utter one word against it in his

presence, knowing that his cutting lash of keen ridicule would at once

be applied. Such a mixture of qualities are rarely blended in one man.

His mind ranged with the quickness of lightning from the deep-toned

logic and the profoundest thought to the eccentric ludicrous--all

balanced by the equilibrium of discretion and each used at the

appropriate time and place. His manner, language, style--everything

which he said or did from the most trivial circumstance to the momentous

concerns of the nation was purely original.

Of the affairs of his country James Smith was not an idle spectator. No

man delights in liberty and independence more than an Irishman. Nor have

the Irish people a warm affection for mother Britain. As oppressed as

she is, no nation is more sensitive of her rights than "sweet Ireland."

When British oppression showed its hydra head in the American Colonies

Mr. Smith took a terrible dislike to the _baste_ and declared he would

make fight, unless it withdrew its visible deformity at once. His heart

beat high for his adopted country--he came promptly to the rescue. At

that time he resided at York and was extensively engaged in iron works

and pressed with professional business. He had never consented to fill

public stations. Nothing but the importance of the crisis could have

induced him to enter the public arena. He reasoned as did Josiah Quincy

that--"We must be grossly ignorant of the importance and value of the

prize for which we contend--we must be equally ignorant of the power of

those who have combined against us--we must be blind to that malice,

inveteracy and insatiable revenge which actuate our enemies, public and

private, abroad and in our midst--to hope we shall end this controversy

without the sharpest--sharpest conflicts--to flatter ourselves that

popular resolves, popular harangues, popular acclamations and popular

vapor will vanquish our foes. Let us consider the issue--let us look to

the end."

Mr. Smith was a man who looked at the beginning and ending. He examined

closely causes, effects and results. He understood human nature and knew

well the pulsations of the colonists. He believed the bone and sinew of

the land would never yield to the tyranny of mother Britain without a

"sharp conflict." For that conflict he was prepared. He well knew that

there was but little sinecure mushroom dandy stock on-hand--that the

great mass was bone and sinew of the first water. He was for prompt

action. A convention of delegates from each county in the state was

convened to consider the course proposed by the patriots of New England

when the Revolutionary storm had commenced its precursory droppings. Of

this convention Mr. Smith was a prominent member and one of the

committee that prepared an address to the members of the general

Assembly recommending them to appoint delegates to the proposed general

Congress with the following instructions which specify the grievances

complained of.

"We desire you therefore--that the deputies you appoint may be

instructed by you strenuously to exert themselves at the ensuing

Congress to obtain a renunciation on the part of Great Britain of all

the powers under the statute of 35th Henry VIII. ch 2d--of all the

powers of internal legislation--of imposing duties or taxes internal or

external and of regulating trade except with respect to any new articles

of commerce which the Colonies may hereafter raise--as silk, wine, &c.

reserving a right to carry them from one colony to another--a repeal of

all statutes for quartering troops in the colonies or subjecting them to

any expense on account of such troops--of all statutes imposing duties

to be paid in the colonies that were passed at the accession of his

present majesty or before this time, whichever period shall be judged

most advisable--of the statutes giving the Courts of Admiralty in the

Colonies greater power than the Courts of Admiralty in England--of the

statutes of 5th George II. ch. 22d and of the 23d of George II. ch.

29th--of the statute for shutting up the Port of Boston and of every

other statute particularly affecting the province of Massachusetts Bay

passed in the last session of Parliament. If all the terms

abovementioned cannot be obtained, it is our opinion that the measures

adopted by the Congress for our relief should never be relinquished or

intermitted until those relating to the troops--internal

legislation--imposition of taxes or duties hereafter--the 35th of Henry

VIII. ch. 2d--the extension of Admiralty Courts--the Port of Boston and

the Province of Massachusetts Bay are obtained. Every modification or

qualification of these points in our judgment should be inadmissible."

By these instructions, directly from the people, we can judge of the

feeling that pervaded the great mass of the yeomanry at that time. By

referring to the instructions given to the delegates to Congress by the

general Assembly, it will be seen that royal influence pervaded that

body as they contain scarcely a feature or point similar to those from

the primary convention of the people. See them in the life of Ross. That

the reader may more fully understand the points referred to in the

instructions above copied I will explain the statutes alluded to in

their order.