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 BI0GR5PHIA AMERICANA; 
 
 A HISTORICAL AND CRITICAL ACCOUNT 
 
 LIVES, ^CriO^S, eaJVD WEITIJ^GS, 
 
 nfXOST DZSTIXiraVISBBD PERSON'S 
 
 NORTH AMERICA; 
 
 FROM THE FIKST SETTLEMENT TO THE PRESENT TIME. - ^ 
 
 " If within the memory of man, or the compass of history, any class of iadividuals have merited, be- 
 yond others, the honours and rewards of their colemporaries, the gratitude of posterity, and tl^ admira- 
 tion of the world, it is those who, unmoved by difficulty, danger, and misfortune, directed the coupcila, 
 and led to victory the arms of their country, in the long and sanguinary contest, which resulted in the 
 INDEPENUENCE OF THE UNITED STATES." 
 
 " No study can be more useful to the ingenuous youth of the United Slates, Mian that of their own histo- 
 ry, Dor any examples more interesting, or more safe for their contemplation, than those of the great foua- 
 ders of the republic,"— ^Turfor'a &fe ofOlis. 
 
 BY A GENTLEMAN OF PHILADELPHIA 
 
 p*^y '^' ^ 
 
 ^^ 
 
 jyew-york: -^ o: 
 
 PUBLISHED BY D. MALLORT 
 
 182fy. 
 
 Hopkins & Morris, Printr- 
 
e 
 
 ,^i« 
 
 SoxUheni Distiict ofNtK-iorJc, 3s . 
 
 BE IT REMEMBERED, that oil lliesecODfi Jay olJuly,iiitiie loity-iiintiiyearpf the Independence 
 of the Uiltted States of America, B. F. French, of the said district, hath deposited in this office the title 
 of a book, the right whereof he claims 33 author and proprietor, in the words following, to wit: 
 
 " Biographia Americana; or, a historical and critical account of the lives, actions, and writings, of the 
 most distinguished persons in North America ; from the first settlement to the present time. 
 
 " If within the memory of man, or the compass of history, any class of individuals have merited, hc- 
 youd others, the honours and rewards of their cotemporaries, (he gratitude of posterity, and the admira- 
 tion of the world, it is those who, unmoved by difficulty, danger, and misfortune, directed the councils, 
 and led to victory the arms of their country, in the long and sanguinary contest, which resulted in the 
 INDEPENDENCE OF THE UNITED STATES." 
 
 " No study can be more useful to the ingenuous youth of the United States, than that of their own histo- 
 ry, nor any examples more interesting, or more safe for their contemplation, than those of the great foun- 
 ders of the republic. Tudor''s Life of Otis. By a gentleman of Philadelphia." 
 
 In conformity to the Act of Congress of the United States, entitled " An Act for the encouragement 
 of Learning, by securing the copies of Maps, Charts, and Books to the authors and proprietors of such 
 copies, during the time therein mentioned ;" and also to an Act, entitled " An Act supplementary to 
 an Act, entitled an Act for the encouragement of Learning, by securing the copies of Maps, Charts, 
 and Books to the authors and proprietors of such copies, during the times therein mentioned, and ex- 
 tending the benefits thereof to the arts of designing, engraving, and etching historical and other prints. 
 
 JAMES DILL, 
 - Clerk of the Southern Diftrict of fftrx-Yori 
 
ADVERTISEMENT 
 
 The design of this volume is to laj before 
 the reader a series of lives of the most illus- 
 trious men of North America, from its first 
 settlement to the present time — embracing a 
 long list of distinguished individuals, whose 
 fame will go down to posterity as the noblest 
 monument to their country's glorj. 
 
 This work, the most complete of its kind 
 that has ever appeared, will be found, on ex- 
 amination, to contain what has been long*con- 
 sidered a desideratum in our literature — the 
 lives of the signers of the declaration of in- 
 dependence, and the constitution of the United 
 States. 
 
 It may be added, that the materials which 
 form this work have been drawn from the 
 highest and best authorities : and likewise, 
 the numerous engravings which adorn it, may 
 be relied on as faithful and correct likenesses. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 ■^ Q » 
 
 Page 
 
 Adams, Samuel 1 
 
 Adams, John 4 
 
 Adams, John Quincy ... 6 
 
 Andros, Edmund .... 10 
 
 Arnold, Benedict .... 11 
 
 Bard, Samuel 14 
 
 Burr, Aaron 16 
 
 Bradford, William ... 17 
 
 Bradford, William ... 19 
 
 Boylston, Zabdiel ... 19 
 
 Roylston, Nicholas ... 20 
 
 Bowdoin, James .... 21 
 
 Benezet, Anthony ... 22 
 
 Bernard, Francis .... 23 
 
 Backus, Isaac 25 
 
 Bellamy, Joseph .... 25 
 
 Belknap, Jeremy .... 26 
 
 Bartram, John 27 
 
 Bartram, William .... 28 
 
 Barlow, Joel 30 
 
 Barton, Benjamin Smith 32 
 
 Brainerd, David 34 
 
 Bainbridge, William . . 36 
 
 Brown, Nicholas .... 38 
 
 Boone, Daniel 39 
 
 Bartlett, Josiah 41 
 
 Brown, Charles Brockden 43 
 
 Biddle, Nicholas .... 45 
 
 Blair, John 4-8 
 
 Baldwin, Abraham ... 49 
 
 Brearly, David 49 
 
 Bayard, James 50 
 
 Clay, Henry 52 
 
 Clayton, John 54 
 
 Clarke, John 55 
 
 Clap, Thomas 56 
 
 Cutler,, Timothy .... 57 
 
 Page 
 Chauncey, Charles ... 58 
 
 Clymer, George 59 
 
 Carver, John 61 
 
 Carver, Jonathan .... 63 
 Calvert, Leonard .... 64 
 Colman, Benjamin ... 66 
 Chauncey, Charles ... 67 
 Clinton, De Witt .... 69 
 
 Carroll, John 71 
 
 Clinton, George 72 
 
 Coddington, William . . 74 
 Colden, Cadvvallader . . 75 
 
 Cooper, Samuel 77 
 
 Cotton, John 78 
 
 Gushing, Thomas .... 79 
 Crawford, William ... 80 
 Danforth, Thomas .... 83 
 Davenport, John .... 83 
 
 Davies, Samuel 84 
 
 Decatur, Stephen .... 86 
 Dickinson, John .... 90 
 Dickinson, Jonathan . . . 91 
 Dallas, Alexander James 92 
 Davie, William Richardson 93 
 Dvvight, Timothy .... 96 
 Edwards, Jonathan . . .100 
 Edwards, Jonathan . . . 103 
 
 Elliot, John 103 
 
 Ellsworth, Oliver .... 106 
 Eaton, Theophilus . . . 108 
 
 Fulton, Robert 110 
 
 Franklin, Benjamin . . 113 
 
 Floyd, William 118 
 
 Fayette, Marquis de la . 119 
 Greene, Nathaniel . . . 135 
 Gwinnett, Button .... 132 
 Gates, Horatio 1 33 
 
VI 
 
 Page 
 Gorham, Nathaniel . . .134 
 
 Gage, Thomas 135 
 
 Henry, Patrick 137 
 
 Hamilton, Alexander . . 143 
 
 Harvard, John 150 
 
 Hooker, Thomas .... 150 
 
 Hollis, Thomas 15t 
 
 Huntington, Samuel . . 151 
 Hopkins, Samuel .... 153 
 
 Hall, Lyman 154 
 
 Heath, William 155 
 
 Hopkinson, Francis. . . 157 
 
 Hancock, John 158 
 
 Hutchinson, Thomas . . 161 
 Hey ward, Thomas . . .162 
 
 Jefferson, Thomas 164 
 
 Jackson, Andrew . . . . 168 
 
 Jay, John 179 
 
 King, Rufus 181 
 
 Knox, Henry 183 
 
 KoUock, Henry 185 
 
 Laurens, Henry 190 
 
 Linn, John Blair .... 192 
 Lewis, Meriwether . . .193 
 
 Ledyard, John 194 
 
 Livingston, Robert R . .197 
 Livingston, William . . 198 
 Livingston, Philip . . . 200 
 Lincoln, Benjamin . . . 202 
 Lee, Richard Henry . . . 204 
 
 Lee, Arthur 206 
 
 Logan, James 207 
 
 Lynch, Thomas 208 
 
 Morris, Robert 211 
 
 Morgan, Daniel 214 
 
 Montgomery Richard . .216 
 Morton, Nathaniel . , . 216 
 Moultrie, Wilham . . .217 
 
 Monroe, James 218 
 
 Murray, William Vans . 221 
 Minot, George Richards . 222 
 
 Mifflin, Thomas 223 
 
 May hew, Jonathan . . . 224 
 
 Morgan, John 225 
 
 Morris, Gouverneur , . . 227 
 Marshall. John 22S 
 
 Mather, Increase 
 Mather, Cotton , 
 Madison, James 
 Norton, John . 
 Otis, James . . 
 Putnam, Israel 
 Parsons, Theophilus 
 Robert Treat 
 David . . . . 
 Perry, Oliver Hazard 
 Pike, Zebulon M. 
 Pinckney, Charles 
 Pinckney, William 
 Paine, Robert Treat 
 Paine, Thomas . . 
 Penn, William . . . 
 Preble, Edward . . 
 Pinckney, Charles C 
 Quincy, Josiah . • 
 Rush, Benjamin • • 
 Rittenhouse, David 
 Read, George . . . 
 Randolph, Peyton • 
 Rutiedge, John . • 
 Rutledge, Edward . 
 Ramsay, David . • 
 Redman, John . • • 
 Sullivan, John . . . 
 Stockton, Richard . 
 Sherman, Roger . . 
 Smith, Samuel Stanh 
 Shippen, William . 
 Stoddard, Solomon 
 Stiles, Ezra .... 
 Sullivan, James . . 
 Stark, John .... 
 Stewart, Charles . . 
 Schuyler, Philip . 
 Trumbull, John . • 
 Tappan, David . . 
 Trumbull, Jonathan 
 Thornton, Matthew 
 Tompkins, Daniel D 
 Whipple, William . 
 Willard, Samuel. • 
 Williams, Roger • 
 
 ope 
 
 114 
 
vn 
 
 Warren, Joseph . , 
 
 Wayne, Anthony , 
 Williamson, Hugh 
 West, Samuel • . , 
 Winthrop, John . • 
 Winthrop, John . • 
 Wistar, Caspar . . • 
 Wilkinson, James • 
 
 Page 
 
 316 Wythe, George . . . 
 
 320 Washington, George 
 
 322 West, Benjamin . 
 
 324 Walton, George . 
 
 325 Williams, William 
 327 Wolcotl, Oliver . 
 331 Wilson, Alexander 
 333 Ward, Artemas . 
 
 Page 
 334 
 $88 
 347 
 350 
 351 
 352 
 354 
 356 
 
BIOGRAPHIA AMERICANA. 
 
 Adams, Samuel, a distingiiislied statesman and 
 patriot, was born in Boston, Massachusetts, Sep- 
 tember 27, 1722. His ancestors were very re- 
 spectable, and among the first settlers of New-Eng- 
 land. 
 
 In the years 1740 and '43, he graduated at Har- 
 vard college, and received the respective degrees of 
 bachelor and master of arts. On the latter occasion, 
 he proposed the following question for discussion : 
 " Whether it be lawful to resist the supreme ma- 
 gistrate, if the commonwealth cannot be otherwise 
 preserved." He maintained the affirmative of this 
 proposition, and thus evinced, at this early period 
 of his life, his attachment to the liberties of the 
 people. Mr. Adams was known as a political writer 
 during the administration of governor Shirley, of 
 Massachusetts, to whom he was opposed, as he 
 conceived the union of so much military and civil 
 power in one man, to be dangerous. 
 
 When the stamp act was the subject of conver- 
 sation, of public resentment, and succeeding tu- 
 mults, Mr. Adams was one of those important 
 characters who appeared to oppose it every step. 
 Nor were the taxes upon tea, oil, and colours, 
 less odious to the Americans than the stamp act; 
 on this occasion he boldly opposed the risrht of 
 
 1 
 
0), 
 
 Great Britain to tax the colonies, in a remonstrance 
 of some length, which is the first public document 
 we have on record denying the right of the British 
 parliament to tax the colonies Avithout their own 
 consent. 
 
 In consequence of the act of imposing duties in 
 1767, Mr. Adams suggested a non-importation 
 agreement with the merchants, which was agreed 
 to and signed by nearly all of them in the pro- 
 vince. 
 
 At a very early period of the controversy with 
 Great Britain, Mr. Adams suggested the impor- 
 tance of establishing committees of correspondence, 
 and was first adopted by Massachusetts, on a mo- 
 tion of Mr. Adams, at a public town-meeting in 
 Boston. This plan was afterwards followed by all 
 the provinces. 
 
 He was afterwards the first to suggest a congress 
 of the colonies. 
 
 After every method had been tried to induce Mr. 
 Adams to abandon the cause of his country, he 
 was at length proscribed, in connexion with John 
 Hancock, by a general proclamation issued by gov- 
 ernor Gage, June 12, 1775. 
 
 In 1774 he was elected a member of the gene- 
 ral congress. — In 1776, on the 4th of July, he was 
 one of those patriots, who fearlessly subscribed their 
 'Mives," their ''fortunes," and their "honour," to 
 the immortal Declaration of Independence. 
 
 Our patriots, in their progress to independence, 
 had successfully encountered many formidable ob- 
 stacles; but in the year 1777, still greater difficul- 
 ties arose, at the prospect of w^iich some of the 
 stoutest hearts began to falter. At this critical 
 juncture there were but twenty-eight members who 
 attended the congress at Philadelphia. With re- 
 ference to it Mr. Adams was said to reply, "It 
 was the smallest, but the truest congress they ever 
 had." 
 
 In 1779. he Avas appointed by the state conven- 
 
tioii, one of tlie committee to prepare and report a 
 form of government for Massachusetts. At the 
 close of the war he opposed a peace with Great 
 Britain, unless the northern states retained their 
 full privileges in the fisheries. 
 
 In 1787 he was chosen a member of the Massa- 
 chusetts convention, for the ratification of the con- 
 stitution of the United States. He made several 
 objections to it, which were afterwards removed by 
 its being altered to his wishes. 
 
 In 1789 he was elected lieutenant-governor of 
 the state of Massachusetts, and continued to fill 
 that oflice till 1794, when he was elected gover- 
 nor. He was annually re-elected till .1797, when 
 his age and infirmities induced him to retire from 
 public office. He died October 3, 1803, aged eigh- 
 ty-one years. 
 
 The leading traits in the character of Mr. Adams 
 were an unconquerable love of liberty, integrity, 
 firmness, and decision. Governor Hutchinson, in an- 
 swer to the inquiry, why Mr. Adams was not taken off 
 from his opposition by an office, writes to a friend 
 in England — " Such is the obstinacy and inflexible 
 disposition of the man, that he never can be con- 
 ciliated by any office or gift whatever." 
 
 To a majestic countenance and dignified manners, 
 there was added a suavity of temper, which concili- 
 ated the affection of his acquaintance. Among his 
 friends he was cheerful and companionable, a lover 
 of chaste wit, and remarkably fond of anecdote. 
 His mind was early imbued with piety, as well as 
 cultivated by science. 
 
 The independence of the United States of Ame- 
 rica is perhaps to be attributed as much to his ex- 
 ertions, as to the exertions of any one man. 
 
 His writings were numerous, and much cele- 
 brated for their elegance and fervour, but they are 
 only to be found in the perishable columns of a 
 newspaper or pamphlet. 
 
 In 1790 a few letters passed between him and 
 
Mr. John Adams, then vice-president, in which 
 the principles of government are discussed. This 
 correspondence was published in 1800. 
 
 Adams, John, LL. I>. second president of the 
 United States, and a political writer of consider- 
 able reputation, was descended from one of the 
 most respectable families who founded the colony 
 of Massachusetts, and was born at Braintree, Octo- 
 ber 19, 1735. 
 
 At an early age he was distinguished for his 
 scholarship, and graduated at Harvard college. 
 He then entered on the study of the law, and in a 
 few years rose to distinguished eminence in his 
 profession. 
 
 His first publication was "An Essay on Canon 
 and Feudal Law," a work of considerable merit, 
 learning, and research. He afterwards employed 
 his pen in the cause of his country, which had no 
 little influence in exciting the spirit of the revolu- 
 tion, and in diffusing a general acquaintance of the 
 principles of civil liberty among his fellow citizens 
 throughout all the colonies. 
 
 Such was his high standing for stern integrity 
 and abilities as a statesman and a lawyer, that he 
 was unanimously chosen a member of the first con- 
 gress, which met at Philadelphia in 1774, and re- 
 elected in the following year. 
 
 In that august assembly of sages, philosophers, 
 and statesmen, whose deliberations will never cease 
 to reflect their effulgence on the nations of the 
 world, he uniformly stood in the first rank, and 
 bore a distinguished and conspicuous part in all the 
 discussions of that eventful period, which finally 
 ended in a separation of the colonies from Great 
 Britain. 
 
 He was one of the first to perceive that a cordial 
 
reconciliation with Great Britain was impossible; 
 and was therefore one of the most conspicuous mem- 
 bers who were appointed to draft the ever memor- 
 able Declaration of Independence, which, after 
 considerable discussion, w^as passed July 4,1776, 
 declaring these United States free, sovereign, and 
 independent. 
 
 In the next year, Mr. Adams was appointed joint 
 commissioner with Drs. Franklin and Lee, to pro- 
 ceed to the court of Versailles, to negotiate a treaty 
 of alliance and commerce. 
 
 In 1779 he returned home, and was elected a 
 member of the convention which met to frame a 
 constitution for his native state. In this assem- 
 blage of talents and wisdom, his labours as a states- 
 man were pre-eminent; and the constitution in- 
 debted for many of her most excellent provisions. 
 
 In 1780, he was commissioned by congress to 
 proceed to Europe, to conciliate the favour and 
 obtain assistance from the powers on the con- 
 tinent, in our arduous struggle for independence. 
 By his superior address he procured from the 
 Dutch, the necessary sums for carrying on the war, 
 as well as concluded a treaty of commerce with 
 the republic of the United Netherlands. He after- 
 wards went to Paris, and assisted in concluding 
 the general peace. 
 
 Mr. Adams was next appointed the first minister 
 to the court of Great Britain. During his stay in 
 Europe, he published his celebrated Defence of the 
 Constitutions of the United States, in which he 
 advocates, as the principles of a free government, 
 equal representation, of which number, or proper- 
 ty, or both, should be a rule ; a total separation of 
 the executive from the legislative power, and of 
 the judicial from both ; and a balance in the legisla- 
 ture by three independent, equal branches. " If there 
 is one certain truth," says he, " to be collected from 
 the history of all ages, it is this : that the people's 
 rights and liberties, and the democratical mixture 
 
G 
 
 in a constitution, can never be preserved witiiout a 
 strong executive ; or in other words, without sepa- 
 rating the executive power from the legislative." 
 
 Mr. Adams, after having twice filled the office 
 of vice-president of the United States, was, in the 
 year 1706, called by the almost unanimous suffrage 
 of his fellow citizens, to fill the presidential chair, 
 which had been vacated by the resignation of Wash- 
 ington. 
 
 This office he filled with his usual ability until 
 the expiration of the term for which he w as elected, 
 when, like his great predecessor, he retired from 
 office, after having faithfully served his country, 
 and contributed to her happiness and prosperity, 
 to spend the remainder of his days as a private 
 citizen. 
 
 Adams, John Quincy, LL. D. sixth president 
 of the United States, was born at Braintree, Mas- 
 sachusetts, July 11, 1767. At the age of eleven 
 yeaars he accompanied his father to Europe, and 
 before he had attained the age of eighteen, acquired 
 most of her principal languages, and resided in most 
 of her celebrated capitals. 
 
 In 1785, at his own request, he was permitted by 
 his father to return home, and finish his education 
 in his own country. In two years afterwards, he 
 graduated at Harvard college, and commenced the 
 study of the law in the office of the late chief justice 
 Parsons. 
 
 In 1790, he was admitted to practice in the courts 
 of Massachusetts, and fixed his residence in Boston. 
 
 In 1791, he published a series of papers in the 
 Boston Centinel, under the signature of Publicola, 
 containing remarks upon the first part of Paine's 
 Rights of Man, which excited much public notice in 
 this country, as well as in Europe. 
 
 In 1793-4, he published various political essays. 
 
which did honour to his talents, and drew upon him 
 the notice of president Washington, who afterwards 
 selected him for the important post of minister re- 
 sident to the Netherlands. 
 
 From this period, until 1801, he was successively 
 employed as a public minister in Holland, England, 
 and Prussia. And during his residence in the latter 
 country, he concluded a treaty of commerce with 
 that power, to the entire satisfaction of our cabinet. 
 
 In 1801, he returned to the United States, and the 
 next year was elected a member of the senate of 
 Massachusetts, and in 1803, of the senate of the 
 United States. He passed, altogether, six years in 
 these two bodies, engaged indefatigably and promi- 
 nently, in the important questions which occupied 
 their attention. 
 
 It was during this perplexing period of public 
 affairs, that he nobly sacrificed the interest of party 
 to that of his country, by which he has more firmly 
 interwoven his name in the annals of his country. 
 
 In consequence of his appointment of first Boyls- 
 ton professor of rhetoric and oratory in the uni- 
 versity of Cambridge, he resigned his seat in the 
 senate of the United States in the year 1808. 
 
 He had no sooner completed a most brilliant 
 course of lectures on rhetoric and oratory, in that 
 renowned institution, when he received, unsolicited, 
 from president Madison, the appointment of minis- 
 ter plenipotentiary to the court of Russia. 
 
 In 1813, Mr. Gallatin and Mr. Bayard arrived 
 at St. Petersburg, empowered to negotiate, jointly 
 with Mr. Adams, a treaty of peace with Great Bri- 
 tain, under the mediation of Russia. The British 
 government declined the mediation, but proposed a 
 direct negotiation, which finally took place at Ghent, 
 in 1814, with Mr. Adams as its head, on the Ameri- 
 can side. 
 
 This event is too recent and important, to make 
 it necessary to say any thing further in praise of the 
 
abilities and talents of Mr. Adams, as a diplomatist 
 and statesman. 
 
 At the termination of this successful mission, Mr. 
 Adams repaired to London, and there concluded, 
 jointly with Mr. Clay and Mr. Gallatin, a commercial 
 convention. Our government having appointed him, 
 immediately after the ratification of the peace of 
 Ghent, envoy extraordinary and minister plenipo- 
 tentiary to the British court, he remained in London 
 in that capacity, until the summer of 1817, when he 
 was called home by president Monroe, to fill the 
 office of secretary of state. 
 
 To give even an outline of his labours, and of the 
 business which has been done since he has entered 
 upon the duties of this high and responsible oflice, 
 would swell this article to an immoderate size'; we 
 shall therefore content ourselves by briefly enume- 
 rating a few leading facts only. Under his instruc- 
 tions, a commercial convention was negotiated with 
 Great Britain in 1818. 
 
 In 1819, he signed the Florida treaty with Don 
 Luis de Onis, which gave to us not only the Flo- 
 ridas, and an indemnity of five millions of dollars 
 for our merchants, but the first acknowledged boun- 
 dary from the rocky mountains to the Pacific. 
 
 In 1822, he signed with the ambassador of France, 
 a convention of commerce and navigation, which 
 was unanimously ratified by the senate. 
 
 To great talent, Mr. Adams unites unceasing 
 industry and perseverance, and an uncommon faci- 
 lity in the execution of business. He is an excel- 
 lent classical scholar, and an erudite jurist ; and 
 speaks and writes several foreign languages. He 
 has all the penetration and shrewdness necessary to 
 constitute an able diplomatist, united with a capa- 
 city to perceive, and the eloquence to enforce, what- 
 ever will conduce to the welfare and interests of his 
 countrv. 
 
9 
 
 Ames, Fisher, LL. D. a distinguished states- 
 man, was born at Dedham, Massachusetts, on the 
 9th April, 1758. At the age of twelve years, he 
 entered Harvard college, and in 1774, he obtained 
 the degree of bachelor of arts. , 
 
 After spending several years in revising his studies, 
 and acquiring other solid information, he at length 
 commenced the study of the law, in the office of 
 William Tuder, Esq. of Boston, and was admitted to 
 the bar in 1781. 
 
 Rising into life about the period of the American 
 revolution, he took a most lively and affectionate 
 interest in her cause, and appeared with great re- 
 putation, as a writer of political essays, under the 
 signatures first of Lucius Junius, and afterwards of 
 Camillus. At the bar, young as he was, he was 
 remarked as a pleader of uncommon eloquence, 
 and a counsellor of judgment extraordinary for his 
 years. 
 
 In 1788, he was amember of the convention called 
 in that state, for the purpose of ratifying the federal 
 constitution. It was here, that for the first time, his 
 powers of eloquence opened with a splendour that 
 astonished, while it dazzled the assembly and the 
 public. 
 
 His celebrated speech on biennial elections, de- 
 livered on this occasion, was not only able and con- 
 clusive in argument, but was justly regarded as a 
 finished model of parliamentary eloquence. 
 
 In 1789, he was elected a representative to con- 
 gress, and for eight successive years, he was a leading 
 member of the house of representatives. 
 
 His speech on the appropriation bill for carrying 
 into eflect our treaty with Great Britain, was the 
 most august specimen of oratory he ever exhibited, 
 and perhaps is not exceeded by any event in the 
 history of eloquence. 
 
 In consideration of his rank as a statesman and 
 a scholar, the college of Princeton conferred on him 
 the honorary degree of doctor of laws. 
 
 2' 
 
10 
 
 On his retiremeiili to private and professional 
 life, ever watchful of the rights and interests of his 
 country, he still kept up his contributions to politi- 
 cal literature as long as he was able to exercise his 
 pen. 
 
 In 1804, he was chosen president of Harvard col- 
 lege, but the infirm state of his health obliged him 
 to decline the honour. 
 
 From this period, his health gradually declined, 
 until the morning of the 4th July, 1808, when he 
 ended his mortal career, and was gathered to his 
 fathers. 
 
 Mr. Ames possessed a vigorous understanding, and 
 a rich and fertile imagination. As a statesman and 
 an orator of transcendent abilities, he was fitted for 
 the management of the weightiest concerns ; as a 
 patriot and legislator of tried integrity, he was the 
 idol of his country. 
 
 In conversation, he was as eloquent as in public 
 debate. In his manners towards his friends he was 
 easy and elegant, affable and warm, inviting confi- 
 dence, and inspiring affection ; in his intercourse 
 with the world, polite, yet dignified, modest and well 
 bred ; thus to the qualifications of a statesman, and 
 the attainments of a scholar, uniting the habits and 
 deportment of a gentleman. His works have been 
 published in one volume, octavo. 
 
 Andros, Edmu.nd, governor of New-England.— 
 Previous to this appointment in 1674, he was ap- 
 pointed governor of the province of New-York. In 
 1686, December 20, he arrived at Boston with a 
 commission from King James, for the government 
 of New-England. His administration soon proved 
 oppressive and tyrannical — exorbitant taxes were 
 levied, the press restrained, the congregational 
 ministers were threatened to be deprived of their 
 
support fur non-couformity, and marriage prohi- 
 bited, unless the parties entered into bonds with 
 sureties, to be forfeited in case there should after- 
 wards appear to have been any lawful impediment ; 
 besides a long list of other arbitrary proceedings, 
 which caused the people in defence of civil and re- 
 ligious liberty, for which they sought in the wilds of 
 America, to take up arms on the morning of the 18th 
 April, 1689, when the governor and about fifty 
 other obnoxious persons were seized and confined. 
 The old magistrates were restored, and the next 
 month the joyful news of the revolution in England 
 reached this country, and quieted all apprehen- 
 sion of the consequences of what had been done. 
 In February following, sir Edmund was sent to 
 England for trial : he was there dismissed without 
 trial. 
 
 In 1692, he was appointed governor of Virginia. 
 He died in February, 1714. 
 
 Arnold, Benedict, a major general of the 
 American army,^ and infamous for deserting the 
 cause of his country. At an early period he exhi- 
 bited a mind formed for bold and desperate enter- 
 prise. In 1775, on hearing of the battle at Lex- 
 ington, he repaired to head-quarters at Cambridge, 
 where he received the appointment of colonel. In 
 the fall of the same year, he was sent by the com- 
 mander-in-chief into Canada. After enduring in- 
 credible hardships for six weeks, he arrived at 
 Point Levi, opposite to Quebec. On the 1st De- 
 cember he was joined by Montgomery. The city 
 was immediately besieged ; and on the morning of 
 the last day of the year, an assault was made on 
 one side of the city by Montgomery, who was kill- 
 ed ; at the same time Arnold made a desperate 
 attack on the opposite side : he received a wound. 
 
12 
 
 and was taken immediately to the camp : though 
 the assault proved unsuccessful, the army did not 
 leave Canada till the 18th June following. After 
 this period, he exhibited great bravery in the com- 
 mand of the American fleet on lake Champlain. 
 
 In August 1777, he relieved fort Schuyler, which 
 was invested by colonel St. Leger, with-an army 
 of from 15 to 1800 men. On the 19th September, 
 and the 7th of October, he displayed great bravery 
 in the battles near Stillwater. After the evacua- 
 tion of Philadelphia by the British, he was appoint- 
 ed to the command of the American garrison at this 
 place. On taking command, he made the house of 
 governor Penn, the best house of the city, his head- 
 quarters. This he furnished in a very costly man- 
 ner, and lived far beyond his income. He was 
 charged with oppression, extortion, and enormous 
 charges upon the public in his accounts, and with 
 applying the public money and property to his own 
 private use. His conduct was condemned by a 
 court martial, held in 1779, and the sentence of a 
 reprimand, on being approved of by congress, was 
 soon afterwards carried into effect. He continued 
 in service till 1780, when he opened a correspond- 
 ence with Sir Henry Clinton, for betraying West- 
 Point to the British, in which negotiation major 
 Andre became a victim. Arnold had a narrow es- 
 cape, and got on board an English ship of war. 
 He continued to serve the British till the end of the 
 war, and at the peace retired to England, where he 
 had a pension. He died in London, June 14, 1801. 
 His character presents little to be recommended. 
 His progress from self-indulgence to treason was 
 easy and rapid. He was vain and luxurious, and 
 to gratify his giddy desires, he must resort to 
 meanness, dishonesty, and extortion. These vices 
 brought with them disgrace, and the contempt into 
 which he fell awakened a spirit of revenge, and left 
 him to the unrestrained influence of his cupidity 
 and passion. Thus from the high fame to which 
 
13 
 
 his bravery had elevated him, he descended into 
 infamy. Thus too he furnished new evidence 
 of the infatuation of the human mind, in attaching 
 such value to the reputation of a soldier, which 
 may be obtained while the heart is unsound, and 
 every moral sentiment is entirely depraved. 
 
14 
 
 Bard, Samuel, M. D. LL. D. president of the 
 college of physicians and surgeons, in the univer- 
 sity of New- York, was born in Philadelphia, on the 
 1st April, 1742. His father was Dr. John Bard, a 
 distinguished physician of New- York, and memo- 
 rable for being the first person who performed a 
 dissection, and taught anatomy by demonstration, 
 on this side of the Atlantic* At the age of 14 years 
 he entered King's college, under the private pupil- 
 age of Dr. Cutting. While at college he gave some 
 attention to the study of medicine, and afterw^ards 
 devoted himself to the profession, under the auspices 
 of his father. In the fall of 1760, he sailed for Eu- 
 rope, and was taken by a French privateer and car- 
 ried into Bayonne. Upon his release in the spring 
 of 1761, he proceeded to London, and at the re- 
 commendation of Dr. Fothergill, was received into 
 St. Thomas's hospital, as the assistant of Dr. Russel, 
 the celebrated author of the History of Aleppo. 
 He continued in that capacity until his departure for 
 Edinburgh, enjoying in the mean time the instruc- 
 tions of Drs. Else, Grieve, and Akenside the poet. 
 At the time of Dr. Bard's arrival in Edinburgh, that 
 celebrated school was in the meridian of its glory. 
 Dr. Robertson, the historian, was its principal ; and 
 Rutherford, Whytt, Cullen, the Munros, the elder 
 Gregory, and Hope, its professors. 
 
 In 1765 he graduated, after having defended and 
 published an inaugural essay, (not unworthy of his 
 pen in the brightest period of his fame,) ^Ule viribus 
 ojni,^^ and left Edinburgh loaded with honour, in 
 consequence of having obtained the prize offered 
 by Dr. Hope, for the best herbarium of the indige- 
 
 ^ In 1750, Dr. John Bard dissected the bodj of Hcrmannus Carroll, who had 
 been executed for murder; and injected the blood vessels for the use ot his 
 pupils. 
 
nous vegetables of Scotland. In 1765, he returned 
 to New- York, and commenced the practice of me- 
 dicine in connexion with his father. On the esta- 
 blishment of the medical school in New-York, in 
 1768, Dr. Bard was appointed to teach the theory 
 and practice of physic. At the first commencement 
 held in 1769, Dr. Bard delivered an address to the 
 first medical graduates; and while he discoursed 
 upon the duties of a physician, he at the same time 
 urged the necessity and importance of an hospital ; 
 So great was the effect produced by this discourse, 
 that on the very day on which it was delivered, eight 
 hundred pounds sterling was subscribed towards its 
 erection. 
 
 On the commencement of hostilities in 1776, the 
 operations of the medical school was necessarily 
 suspended. On the restoration of peace, after se- 
 veral abortive attempts to revive it, the trustees of 
 Columbia college resolved to place it upon a per- 
 manent foundation, by annexing in 1792, the faculty 
 of physic to that institution. Dr. Bard was con- 
 tinued as the professor of the theory and practice 
 of medicine, and was afterwards appointed dean of 
 the faculty. The New- York dispensary, and the 
 city library, are very much indebted to his active 
 exertions. In 1795, he took Dr. Hosack into part- 
 nership; and in 1798, retired into the country, 
 where he zealously engaged in the pursuits of agri- 
 culture. In 1806, he was elected president of the 
 agricultural society of Dutchess county. In 1811, 
 he was elected an honorary member of the college 
 of physicians of Philadelphia. In 1813, on the es- 
 tablishment of the college of physicians and surge- 
 ons, in the city of New- York, he was chosen its 
 president, and retained the office until his death. 
 
 In 1816, the degree of doctor of laws was con- 
 ferred on him by Princeton college. 
 
 Dr. Bard closed his valuable, exemplary, and chris- 
 tian life, on the 25th May, 1821, at the advanced age 
 of 79. — In whatever light the character of Dr. Bard 
 
16 
 
 may be viewed, it must elicit admiration, and ex- 
 hibit itself in the commanding attitude of a model. 
 
 As a president of the college of physicians and • 
 surgeons. Dr. Bard presided over the destinies of me- 
 dical science with a dignity and impartiality, which 
 commanded the respect of all. 
 
 As a professor, Dr. Bard deservedly ranks among 
 the first whom this country has produced. Pro- 
 foundly versed in the department, which it was his 
 province to te<icli, he communicated to his pupils 
 the lessons of wisdom and experience, in a style of 
 eloquence at once simple, dignified, and interesting. 
 
 As an author, Dr. Bard deserves and holds no 
 humble station. Though he did not aspire to the am- 
 bition of being distinguished as an author, yet his 
 writings are distinguished for purity and rich clas- 
 sical taste. 
 
 His work on Midwifery has already passed through 
 six editions, and no doubt will long perpetuate the 
 name and reputation of its author. 
 
 Burr, Aaron, DD. a learned divine, and pre- 
 sident of Princeton college, New-Jersey, was born 
 in the year 1714, at Fairfield, Connecticut. He 
 was graduated at Yale college, in 1735. In 1742 
 he was invited to take the pastoral charge of the 
 presbyterian church at Newark. Here he became 
 so eminent as an able and learned divine, and an 
 accomplished scholar, that in 1748, he was unani- 
 mously elected President of the college, (which 
 he was instrumental in founding,) as successor to 
 Mr. Dickinson. The college was removed about 
 this time from Elizabeth-Town to Newark, and in 
 1757 to Princeton. The flourishing state of this 
 institution is much owing to his great and assiduous 
 exertions. By his influence with the legislature, 
 he got the charter enlarged in 1746. In 1748 the 
 
first year of his presidency, tiie first class was gra- 
 duated. 
 
 He presided over tlie college with great dignity, 
 and possessed a liappy manner in communicating 
 his sentiments. In the pulpit he shone with supe- 
 rior lustre ; he was fluent, copious, sublime, and 
 persuasive. He was distinguished for his public 
 >spirit ; he had a high sense of English liberty, and 
 detested despotic power as the bane of human hap- 
 piness. He considered the heresy of Arius or So- 
 cinus as not more fatal to the purity of the gospel, 
 than the positions of Filmer to the dignity of man 
 and the repose of states. 
 
 In 17.52 he married a daughter of Rev. Jonathan 
 Edwards, his successor in the presidency of the 
 college, by whom he had two children, one of 
 which was x4aron Burr, late vice-president of the 
 United States. After a life of usefulness, devoted 
 to his Master in heaven, he was called into the 
 eternal world, September 24, 1757. He published 
 a valuable treatise, entitled, the Supreme Deity of 
 our Lord Jesus Christ, besides sermons. 
 
 Bradford, Willia^i, second governor of Ply- 
 mouth colony, and one of the first settlers of New- 
 England, was born in the North of England, in 
 1588. He left England and proceeded to Amster- 
 dam to enjoy peace of conscience. After a resi- 
 dence there of ten years, he joined the church at 
 Leyden, under the care of Mr. Robinson, who had 
 agreed to transport themselves to America. They 
 reached Plymouth in 1620 ; in the following year 
 govei'nor Carver died, and Mr. Bradford was elect- 
 ed governor in his place. Governor Bradford was 
 most conspicuous for wisdom, fortitude, piety,. and 
 benevolence. In those times, when their souls were 
 tried with everv difficulty, he was not cast down 
 
with the discouraging state ol' their atiairs, or by 
 the clouds which covered tlieir future prospects. 
 
 The original government of Plymouth was found- 
 ed entirely upon mutual compact, entered into by 
 the planters before they landed, and was intended 
 to continue no longer than till they could obtain 
 legal authority from their sovereign. The first pa- 
 tent was obtained for the colony in the name of 
 John Peirce ; but another patent was obtained of 
 the council for New-England, Jan. 13, 1630, in 
 the name of William Bradford, his heirs, associates, 
 and assigns, which confirmed the title of the colo- 
 nists to a large tract of land, and gave them power 
 to make all laws not repugnant to the laws of Eng- 
 land. For several of the first years after the first 
 settlement of Plymouth, the legislative, executive, 
 and judicial business was performed by the whole 
 body of freemen in assembly. 
 
 In 1634, the governor and assistants, the number 
 of whom at the request of Mr. Bradford, had been 
 increased to five in 1624, and to seven in 1633, 
 were constituted a judicial court, and afterwards 
 the supreme judicature. Petty offences were tried 
 by the selectmen of each town, with liberty of ap- 
 peal to the next court of assistants. The first as- 
 sembly of representatives was held in 1639, when 
 two deputies were sent from each town, excepting 
 Plymouth, which sent four. In 1649, this inequality 
 was done away. Such was the reputation of Mr. 
 Bradford, that for thirty years the people placed 
 him at the head of the government. He died May 
 9, 1657. 
 
 Governor Bradford wrote a history of Plymouth- 
 people and colony, beginning with the first forma- 
 tion of the church in 1602, and ending with 1646. 
 It was contained in a folio volume of 270 pages. 
 Martin's Memorial is an abridgment of it. 
 
19 
 
 Bradford, William, attorney general of the 
 United States, was born in Philadelphia, Septem- 
 ber 14, 1755; and was graduated at Princeton 
 college in 1772. He commenced the study of the 
 law under Edward Shippen, Esq. late chief justice 
 of Pennsylvania ; and prosecuted his studies with 
 unwearied application. In 1776 he joined the 
 standard of his country, and fought in defence of 
 her rights. In 1779 he recommenced the study of 
 the law, and in September following was admit- 
 ted to the bar of the supreme court of Pennsyl- 
 vania. In 1780 he was appointed attorney general 
 of the state. 
 
 In 1784 he married the daughter of Elias Boudi- 
 not, of New-Jersey, with whom he lived in the ex- 
 ercise of every domestic virtue, that adorns human 
 nature. In 1791 he was appointed by governor 
 Mifflin, judge of the supreme court of Pennsylva- 
 nia. Here he had determined to spend a consider- 
 able part of his life ; but on the promotion of Mr. 
 Edmund Randolph to the office of secretary of 
 state, as successor of Mr. Jefferson, he was urged 
 by various public considerations to accept the office 
 of attorney general of the United States, now left 
 vacant. He accordingly received the appointment 
 January 28, 1794. He continued only a short time 
 in this station, to which he was elevated by Wash- 
 ington. He died August 23, 1795. He published 
 in 1793, an Inquiry how far the Punishment of 
 Death is necessary in Pennsylvania; with notes 
 and illustrations. 
 
 BoYLSTON, Zabdiel, F. R. S. an eminent phy- 
 sician, was born in Brookline, Massachusetts, 
 1684. In the year 1721, when the small pox was 
 raging in Boston, at the recommendation of Dr. 
 Cotton Mather, he was the first who introduced 
 
2^ 
 
 the' iiioeiilation of the small pox into America, 
 at the risk of his reputation and life. He visited 
 England in 1725, and was received with the most 
 flattering attention, and was admitted to the inti- 
 macy and friendship of some of the most distin- 
 guished characters of that nation. He was elected 
 a member of tlie royal society. He had the plea- 
 sure of seeing inoculation universally practised, and 
 of knowing that he was himself considered as one 
 of the benefactors of mankind. He died March 1, 
 1766. Dr. Boylston published several communica- 
 tions in the Philosophical Transactions ; some ac- 
 count of inoculation, or transplanting the small pox, 
 by the learned Dr. E. Timonius and J. Pylarinus ; 
 also an historical account of the small pox inocu- 
 lation in New-Ensrland. 
 
 Boylston, Nicholas, a benefactor of Harvard 
 college. He had been an eminent merchant, and 
 was about to retire from business to enjoy the fruit 
 of his industry, when he was removed from this 
 earth, August 18, 1771. He bequeathed to Har- 
 vard college 1,.500 pounds, for laying the foundation 
 of a professorship of rhetoric and oratory. This 
 sum was paid into the college treasury by his ex- 
 ecutors, Feburary 11, 1772. And the fund accumu- 
 lated to 23,200 dollars, before any appropriation 
 was made. The hon. John Quincy Adams, son of 
 president Adams, and at that time a senator of the 
 United States, was installed the first professor, 
 June 12, 1806, with the title of "the Boylston pro- 
 fressor of rhetoric and oratory in Harvard college." 
 
2[ 
 
 BowDOiN, James, LL. D. a distinguished phi- 
 losopher and statesman, was born in Boston, Au- 
 gust 18, 1727. He was graduated at Harvard col- 
 lege in 1745^ In 1756 he was chosen a member 
 of the council, where his learning and eloquence 
 soon rendered him conspicuous. He early es- 
 poused the cause of his country, and advocated 
 her rights with great ability and patriotism. In 
 1770, the people of Boston elected him their re- 
 presentative. He was likewise one of the committee 
 that drew the answer to the governor's speeches, 
 where he asserted and endeavoured to prove, by 
 strong arguments, the right of Great Britain to tax 
 America. By this he had the honour of being 
 negatived by governor Gage, in 1774, who declar- 
 ed that "he had express orders from his majesty to 
 set aside that board, the hon. Mr. Bowdoin, Mr. 
 Dexter, and Mr. Winthrop." During this memor- 
 able year he was chosen a delegate to meet at 
 Philadelphia, which was the first congress of the 
 United States, but was prevented from attending 
 his duty by his ill state of health. Mr. Hancock 
 was afterwards chosen in his place. He was next 
 chosen president of the council of Massachusetts ; 
 which office he held the greater part of the time, till 
 the adoption of the state constitution in 1780. He 
 was president of the convention which formed it ; 
 and some of its most important articles are the re- 
 sult of his knowledge of government. During the 
 years of 1785 and 1786, he was elected governor 
 of the state. At this eventful period, by his firm- 
 ness and inflexible integrity, for which he was con- 
 spicuous, he quelled the dangerous insurrection of 
 Shays, which threatened a subversion of the con- 
 stitution. By this decisive step he rescued the 
 government from contempt into which it Avas sink- 
 ing, and was the means of saving the common- 
 wealth. When the constitution was planned, and 
 the Massachusetts convention met to consider 
 whether it should be adopted, Mr. Bowdoin was 
 
22 
 
 at the head of the Boston delegation, all of whom 
 voted in favour of it. He made a very handsome 
 speech upon the occasion, which may be read in 
 the volume of their debates. From this time he 
 changed the tumult of public scenes for domestic 
 peace, and the satisfactions of study. Governor 
 Bowdoin was a learned man, and a constant and 
 generous friend of literature. When the American 
 Academy of Arts and Sciences was instituted, he 
 was appointed the first president, and continued 
 in that office till his death. He was esteemed by 
 its members as the pride and ornament of their in- 
 stitution. To this institution he left his valuable 
 library and one hundred pounds. His literary at- 
 tainments were not confined to his own country. 
 He was a member of several foreign societies. He 
 received a diploma of doctor of laws from several 
 of the universities in Europe, and from Philadel- 
 phia, as well as his alma mater at Cambridge. To 
 this institution he was a munificent friend. His 
 charities were abundant. He was an exemplary 
 christian : for more than 30 years he was a mem- 
 ber of Brattle-street church. He died universally 
 lamented, November 6, 1790. He published a 
 philosophical discourse, publicly addressed to the 
 American Academy of Arts and Sciences in Bos- 
 ton, November 8, 1780, when he was inducted 
 into the office of president. This is prefixed to 
 the first volume of the memoirs of the academy. 
 In this work he also published several philosophi- 
 cal papers. His letters to Dr. Franklin have also 
 been published. 
 
 Benezet, Anthony, a distinguished philanthro- 
 pist, was born January 31, 1713. He was bred a 
 merchant, but being desirous of engaging in a pur- 
 suit which was not so adapted to excite a worldly 
 
zr.i 
 
 spirit, and which would afford him more leisure Ibi* 
 the duties of religion, and for the exercise of that 
 benevolent spirit, for which, during the course of a 
 long life he was so conspicuous; he accepted, in 
 1742, the appointment of instructer in the Friends' 
 English school of Philadelphia, which place he con- 
 tinued to fill till about two years before his death. 
 The last two years of his life he spent in the in- 
 struction of the blacks. In doing this he did not 
 consult his worldly interest, but was influenced by a 
 regard to the welfare of that miserable class of be- 
 ings, whose minds had been debased by servitude. 
 He wished to contribute something towards render- 
 ing them fit for the enjoyment of that freedom, to 
 which many of them had been restored. 
 
 This amiable man seemed to have nothing else at 
 heart but the good of his fellow creatures ; and the 
 last act of his life was to take from his desk six 
 dollars for a poor widow. 
 
 Regarding all mankind as children of one com- 
 mon father, and members of one great family, he was 
 anxious that oppression and tyranny should cease, 
 and that men should live together in mutual kind- 
 ness and affection. 
 
 His writings contributed much towards ameliora- 
 ting the condition of slaves. 
 
 In 1767, he published "a caution to Great Britain 
 and her colonies," in a short representation of the 
 calamitous state of the enslaved negroes in the Bri- 
 tish dominions. 
 
 In 1772, he published an historical account of 
 Guinea, with an inquiry into the rise and progress 
 of the slave trade, its nature and lamentable effects. 
 He died May 4, 1784. 
 
 Bernard, Francis, governor of Massachusetts. 
 The commencement of his administration was fa- 
 
24 
 
 vourable; but it soon became obnoxiolLs. In 1764, 
 restraints were laid upon the trade of the planta- 
 tions by certain acts of the parliament of Great 
 Britain, which were succeeded by a direct tax upon 
 the colonies. This and the stamp act was remon- 
 strated against by the people, as measures to which 
 they would never submit. As soon as the acts had 
 passed, and was known in America, a spirit of re- 
 sentment was roused which menaced every man in 
 power, and alienated the affections of the colonists 
 from a country, to which they had hitherto looked 
 with reverence as the land of their fathers. The 
 governor who had heretofore showed his disposi- 
 tion in several instances to treat the people with 
 contempt, and to be unfriendly to the colonies, now 
 openly avowed his sentiments, and began to put in 
 force the enactments of parliament. He also soli- 
 cited the ministry to send troops to America, to put 
 in force the measures of parliament. Troops ac- 
 cordingly arrived in 1768. From this time his con- 
 duct was reprobated ; and in most of the towns in 
 the province he was published in the newspapers, 
 and wae declared an enemy and a traitor to the 
 country. 
 
 In August following, he dissolved the general 
 assembly, finding them not subservient to his will. 
 His administration had now become so odious, 
 burdensome, and 'vexatious, that a petition to the 
 king was forwarded, requesting his dismission. But 
 there were little hopes, that this wish would be 
 granted, as his administration was the subject of 
 much praise at the court of Great Britain, and his 
 services had now been rewarded by the title of ba- 
 ronet : however, shortly after receiving this title, he 
 obtained permission to return to England. Accord- 
 ingly, in 1769, he sailed from Boston, and never 
 again returned to the province. 
 
Backus, Isaac, a learned divine and historian, 
 was born in Norwich, Connecticut, January 20, 
 1724 ; was ordained over a congregational church in 
 Middleborough, Massachusetts, 1748; and after- 
 wards became a convert to the sentiments of the an- 
 tepedobaptists, 1756. A baptist church was formed 
 January 16, 1756, and he was installed its pastor 
 June 23, of the same year, by ministers from Boston 
 and Rehoboth : he was continued its pastor until his 
 death, in the year 1806. 
 
 The town of Middleborough chose him one of 
 their delegates in the convention, which adopted 
 the federal constitution ; on which occasion he made 
 a speech in its favour. 
 
 The baptist church of America owe not a little of 
 their present flourishing condition to his exertions. 
 
 In 1796, he completed his church history of New- 
 England, in three volumes, which he afterwards 
 abridged, and brought it down to 1804. This work 
 contains many facts, and much important informa- 
 tion. His other works consist of sermons, essays, 
 and controversial pieces. He also wrote a history 
 of Middleborough, which is published in a third 
 volume of the collections of the Massachusetts His- 
 torical Society. 
 
 Bellamy, Joseph, DD. a learned divine, was 
 born at New-Cheshire, Connecticut, about the year 
 1719, and was graduated at Yale college in 1735. 
 
 He soon after commenced the study of divinity, 
 and became a preacher at the age of eighteen. In 
 1740, he was ordained pastor of a church at Beth- 
 lehem, in the town of Woodbury. 
 
 About the year 1750, he published an excellent 
 treatise, entitled. True Religion Delineated; and 
 from this time he became very conspicuous in pre- 
 paring young men for the gospel ministry. In this 
 
 4 
 
26 
 
 branch of his work he was eminentiy useful till the 
 decline of life, when he relinquished it. 
 
 In 1786, he was seized with a paralytic affection, 
 from which he never recovered. He died March 6, 
 1790, in the fiftieth year of his ministry, and seventy 
 second year of his age. 
 
 As a preacher, he had perhaps no superior ; and 
 in a variety of respects he shone with distinguished 
 lustre. Extensive science, and ease of communi- 
 cating his ideas, rendered him one of the best in- 
 structers. His writings procured him the esteem of 
 the pious and learned, at home and abroad, with 
 many of whom he maintained an epistolary corres- 
 pondence. In his preaching, a mind rich in thought, 
 a great command of language, and a powerful voice, 
 rendered his extemporary discourses peculiarly ac- 
 ceptable. He was one of the ablest divines of this 
 country. In his sentiments he accorded with presi- 
 dent Edwards, with whom he was intimately ac- 
 quainted. His writings are published in three 
 volumes octavo. 
 
 Belknap, Jeremy, DD. eminent as a divine and 
 historian, was born in Boston, June 4, 1744. He 
 was graduated at Harvard college in 1762. He early 
 exhibited marks of genius and talents, which pre- 
 dicted his future celebrity. In 1767, he was or- 
 dained pastor of the church in Dover, New-Hamp- 
 shire, over which he presided near twenty years of 
 his life, with the esteem and affection of his flock, 
 and respected by the first characters of the state. 
 
 In 1787, he removed to Boston, and was installed 
 pastor of the church in Federal-street. Here he pass- 
 ed the remainder of his days, discharging the duties 
 of his pastoral office, exploring various fields of lite- 
 rature, and giving efl^icient support to every useful 
 and benevolent institution. He was one of the 
 
27 
 
 founders of the Massachusetts Historical Society, 
 the design of which was to collect and preserve ma- 
 nuscripts, and bring together the materials for illus- 
 trating the history of our country. He was also a 
 member of several humane and literary societies. 
 He ably advocated our republican forms of govern- 
 ment, and wrote much in favour of freedom and his 
 country. 
 
 As an author, no one has been more justly cele- 
 brated on this side tlie Atlantic. He published a 
 history of New-Hampshire, in three volumes, writ- 
 ten in a very handsome style. The Foresters, a 
 work which mingles wit and humour, with a repre- 
 sentation of the manners of the American people. 
 The American Biography, in two volumes, a monu- 
 ment of his talents, industry, and knowledge. It is 
 much to be regretted he did not live to complete 
 this work, for whicli the public voice pronounced 
 him peculiarly qualified. He also published sermons, 
 and a number of essays upon the African trade ; civil 
 and religious liberty; upon the state and settlement 
 of this country; and a discourse delivered at the re- 
 quest of the Historical Society of Massachusetts. 
 He died suddenlv, June 20, 1798. 
 
 Bartram, John, a celebrated botanist, was born 
 near the town of Darby, Pennsylvania, about the 
 year 1701. 
 
 This self-taught genius early discovered an ar- 
 dent desire for the acquisition of knowledge, espe- 
 cially of natural history and botany. In this latter 
 science he made so much proficiency, that Linnceus 
 pronounced him "the greatest natural botanist in 
 the world." 
 
 His attainments in natural history attracted the 
 esteem of the most disting^uished men in America 
 
and Europe, and he corresponded with many of 
 them. 
 
 He was the first American who conceived and 
 carried into effect the design of a botanic garden, 
 for the cultivation of American plants, as well as 
 exotics. For this purpose he purchased a fine si- 
 tuation on the banks of the Schuylkill, about five 
 miles from the city of Philadelphia, where he laid 
 out a large garden, and filled it with a variety of the 
 most curious and beautiful vegetables, collected in 
 his excursions from Canada to Florida. 
 
 His ardour in these pursuits was such, that at the 
 age of seventy he made a journey into East Flo- 
 rida, to explore its natural productions. By his 
 means the gardens of Europe were enriched with 
 elegant flowering shrubs, with plants and trees, col- 
 lected in different parts of our country, from the 
 shore of lake Ontario, to the source of the river St. 
 Juan. 
 
 He was elected a member of several of the most 
 eminent societies and academies in Europe, and 
 was at length appointed American botanist to his 
 Britannic majesty, George HI. which appointment 
 he held till his death, which happened September 
 3d, 1777, in the seventy-sixth year of his age. 
 
 Several of Mr. B3.rtram's communications in 
 zoology were published in the Philosophical Trans- 
 actions, between the years 1743 and 1749. He 
 published observations on the inhabitants, climate, 
 soil, (fee, made in his travels from Pennsylvania to 
 Onondago — London, 1751: description of East Flo- 
 rida, 4to. 1774. 
 
 Bartram, William, F. R. S. an eminent bota- 
 nist, and son of the preceding, was born near the 
 city of Philadelphia, April 20, 1739. From his 
 childhood he had a taste for observing andcollectinof 
 
29 
 
 plants, and when only eleven years of age, volun- 
 teered to accompany his father in one of his tours 
 through the uninhabited parts of the southern states, 
 in search of non-descript vegetable productions and 
 fossils. 
 
 After his return to Pennsylvania, he was sent to 
 the college of Philadelphia, where he diligentl)'^ 
 pursued his studies until his sixteenth year, at 
 which time he was placed with a merchant. He 
 soon however abandoned mercantile pursuits for 
 others more congenial to his mind. Botany and 
 natural history were his favourite studies, and in 
 these he soon made great proficiency, insomuch, 
 that in a few years his fame had reached the con- 
 tinent, and spread throughout Europe. 
 
 The important discoveries he made had no sooner 
 reached England, than he was employed by Dr. 
 Fothergill, and several other eminent naturalists, 
 to make a tour of discovery through the Carolinas, 
 Georgia, and the Floridas, and to communicate to 
 them whatever was new and interesting in natural 
 science. The result of these travels, so creditable 
 to his eminent acquirements, he afterwards pub- 
 lished in a thick octavo volume. 
 
 Mr. Bartram now retired to the enchanting spot, 
 and took charge of the celebrated gardens com- 
 menced by his father on the Schuylkill, near Phi- 
 ladelphia. To these he devoted the whole of his 
 attention, and year after year enriched it with va- 
 luable plants from both hemispheres. Here he 
 also pursued his researches into nature, and form- 
 ed, for future celebrity, the mind of the celebrated 
 author of the American Ornithology. » 
 
 In 1792, after the junction of the two rival facul- 
 ties of medicine in Philadelphia, Mr. Bartram was 
 unanimously elected to the chair of Botany and 
 Natural History in the university of Pennsylvania. 
 This honour, however, he declined, and it was after- 
 wards conferred on the late eminent naturalist Dr. 
 B. vS. Barton. 
 
so 
 
 Mr. Bartram had the honour of being a member 
 «f the American Philosophical Society of Phila- 
 delphia, as well as of most of the learned and scien- 
 tific societies of Europe. 
 
 Mr. Bartram ended a life of usefulness and 
 celebrity, and quietly sunk into the arms of death, 
 at his favourite retreat on the banks of the Schuyl- 
 kill, July 22, 1823, at the advanced age of eighty- 
 five years. 
 
 Besides "Travels through the Carolinas, Geor- 
 gia, and the Floridas," Mr. Bartram published a 
 "Table of American Ornithology," "Tracts and 
 Observations on Natural History, and newly dis- 
 covered Plants." 
 
 Besides numerous communications to the Ame- 
 rican Philosophical Society, which have been pub- 
 lished in their " Transactions." 
 
 The manuscripts and correspondence of the fa- 
 ther and son, if published, would form a curioUs 
 and interesting volume ; and we sincerely hope, for 
 the cause of science, their labours will ere long be 
 given to the world by some lover of science. 
 
 Barlow^, Joel, LL. D. a distinguished poet, 
 was born at Reading, Connecticut, about the year 
 1755. At an early age he was placed at Dart- 
 mouth college, and after a short residence there, 
 he removed to Yale college, and graduated with 
 distinguished reputation for scholarship. 
 
 ,On this occasion he appeared before the public, 
 for the first time, as a poet. On leaving college, 
 he received the appointment of a chaplaincy to 
 the American army, and continued with it during 
 the whole period of the revolutionary war. It was 
 in the camp that he planned and composed the 
 "Vision of Columbus." 
 
31 
 
 In 1781, lie took the degree of M. A. and pub- 
 lished the "Prospect of Peace," a poem. 
 
 In 1783, on the disbandonment of the army, he 
 commenced the study of the law, and settled in 
 Hartford. 
 
 In 1787, he published the "Vision of Columbus," 
 and in the following year, embarked for Europe in 
 the capacity of agent of the Scioto Land Com- 
 pany. 
 
 At London he published the "Advice to the Pri- 
 vileged Orders :" and this was soon after followed 
 by the " Conspiracy of Kings," a poem. 
 
 All of these publications procured him some 
 profit and much notoriety. 
 
 Towards the end of the year 1792, the London 
 Constitutional Society, of which he was a member, 
 voted an address to the French National Conven- 
 tion, and Mr. Barlow and another member, w ere de- 
 puted to present it. He was received in France with 
 great respect, and they conferred on him the 
 rights of a French citizen. 
 
 During his stay in Paris, he translated "Vol- 
 ney's Ruins." 
 
 In the year 1795, he received the appointment 
 of American consul at Algiers, with powers to ne- 
 gotiate a treaty, and to redeem all American cap- 
 tives. He hastened to Algiers, concluded a treaty, 
 as well also with the Tripolitan powers ; sent home 
 the American prisoners, and afterwards returned 
 to Paris, and resigned his consulship. 
 
 He then engaged in commercial pursuits, by 
 which he acquired an independent fortune, and re- 
 turned to America in 1805. 
 
 He selected Washington as his place of resi- 
 dence, and purchased a handsome seat, w^here he 
 lived in an elegant and hospitable manner, associ- 
 ating on the most familiar terms with the president 
 and other distinguished characters. 
 
 His leisure hours he devoted to literature and 
 science, and in preparing for the press the "Co- 
 
32 
 
 kimbiad," which he afterwards published in a 
 magnificent style. 
 
 In 1809, he received several literary honours, and 
 among others the degree of Doctor of Laws. 
 
 About this period, he began to collect historical 
 documents for a general history of the United 
 States, a Avork he had long meditated, and was 
 admirably well qualified to execute. 
 
 In the midst of these pursuits, he was appointed 
 minister plenipotentiary to France. He arrived at 
 Paris in the summer of 1811, and applied himself 
 with great diligence in effecting the object of his 
 mission, but was foiled in every attempt. 
 
 He was finally invited to a conference with the 
 emperor at Wilna. 
 
 He immediately set off for this place, travelling 
 night and day. Overcome by too much exertion 
 and fatigue, he rapidly sunk into a state of ex- 
 treme debility and torpor, and suddenly expired 
 at Zarnawica, an obscure village in Poland, on the 
 night of the 22d of December, 1812. 
 
 Mr. Barlow was in private life of an amiable 
 disposition and domestic habits. 
 
 As an author, his writings will always command 
 admiration, and rank high with the literature of 
 this country. 
 
 The " Columbiad" was the work of half of his 
 life — conceived and planned in the ardour of 
 youth, and corrected, polished, and enlarged after 
 his mind had been aroused and invigorated with 
 various forms of nature, with books, and with 
 men. 
 
 Barton, Benjamin Smith, M. D. a learned phy- 
 sician, was born at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Fe- 
 bruary 10, 1766. 
 
 At a very early period of his life he was very stu- 
 dious, and devoted much of his time to the acqui- 
 
oo 
 
 sitioii of knowledge, particularly the branches of 
 civil and natural history and botany. 
 
 After completing his collegiate studies, he com- 
 menced the study of medicine with the late Dr. Ship- 
 pen, and while yet a pupil, he accompanied his uncle, 
 Mr. Rittenhouse, the celebrated astronomer, and 
 the other commissioners, in running the boundary 
 line of Pennsylvania. It was during this excursion 
 that he first turned his attention to the manners, 
 history, medicines, pathology, and other interest- 
 ing points of inquiry of the savage natives of this 
 country. 
 
 His researches on these subjects, are among the 
 most ingenious, if hot the most useful of his labours. 
 
 In 1786, he embarked for England, with a view 
 of prosecuting his medical studies at the university 
 of Edinburgh. 
 
 At Edinburgh he was elected a member of the 
 Royal Medical Society, and for his dissertation on 
 the Hijosciamus niger, of Linnaeus, he obtained the 
 Marveian prize. 
 
 He afterwards studied at the celebrated universi- 
 ty at Gottingen, and graduated. 
 
 After an absence of three years, he returned to 
 Philadelphia, and commenced the practice of physic. 
 
 In 1790, he was elected a member of the Ameri- 
 can Philosophical Society, and in 1802, he was 
 chosen one of its vice-presidents, which office he 
 held until the day of his death. 
 
 In 1789, he was unanimously elected professor 
 of natural history and botany, in the college of 
 Philadelphia. 
 
 In 1795, he succeeded Dr. Griffiths in the pro- 
 fessorship of materia medica, in the university of 
 Pennsylvania. 
 
 On the demise of Dr. Rush, he was elected to the 
 chair which had been filled by him, which, together 
 with that of natural history and botany, he held un- 
 til the day of his death. 
 
 In 1815, he embarked for France, on account 
 
of his health, and returned the November follow- 
 ing, but was spared only long enough to receive the 
 visits of his friends, and suddenly expired on the 
 morning of the 19tli of December, 1815. 
 
 The genius of Dr. Barton was of a high order — 
 rapid, comprehensive, and brilliant. 
 
 As a professor, he was eloquent and instructive ; 
 and as a writer, he was ingenious, rich in facts, 
 profound in research, and always abounding in use- 
 ful information. 
 
 As a physician, he discovered a mind quick in 
 discriminating diseases, and skilful in the applica- 
 tion of appropriate remedies. 
 
 His publications on the antiquities, natural his- 
 tory, and botany of this country, are numerous 
 and valuable. 
 
 Brainerd, David, an eminent preacher and 
 missionary to the Indians, was born at Haddam, 
 Connecticut, April 20, 1718. In 1739, he was ad- 
 mitted a member of Yale college. In 1742, after 
 having pursued the study of divinity under the care 
 of the Rev. Mr. Mills, he was licensed to preach. 
 In November following he was appointed by the 
 Society at New-York for Propagating Christian 
 Knowledge, a missionary to the Indians. 
 
 On the 1st April, 1743, he arrived at Kaunamuk, 
 an Indian village in Massachusetts, and commenc- 
 ed his labours at the age of twenty-five. After 
 preaching to them some time, they removed to 
 Stockbridge, under the care and instruction of the 
 Rev. Mr. Sergeant. Mr. Brainerd then turned his 
 attention towards the Delaware Indians. In 1744, 
 he was ordained by a presbytery at Newark, New- 
 Jersey. Soon after, he entered on the field of his 
 labours near the forks of the Delaware, in Pennsyl- 
 vania. After a year of hardships and fruitless ex- 
 
35 
 
 ertions, he then made a visit to the Indians at Cros- 
 weeksung, near Freehold, New-Jersey. At this 
 place he was favoured with remarkable success. In 
 less than a year he baptized 70 persons. In the 
 summer of 1746, he visited the Indians on the 
 Susquehannah, and was eminently useful, convinc- 
 ing hundreds, and converting thousands by his in- 
 strumentality. On his return, he found his health 
 so much impaired, that he was able to preach but 
 little more. After taking a tour for his health as 
 far as Boston, in the spring of 1747, he returned in 
 July to Northampton, where, in the family of Rev. 
 Jonathan Edwards, he passed the remainder of his 
 days. He gradually declined till October 9, 1747, 
 when, after suffering inexpressible agony, he en- 
 tered upon that rest which remaineth for the faith- 
 ful servants of God. Thus was the world deprived 
 of a patriot, a christian, and a saint. No human 
 exertions could possibly exceed those of Brainerd. 
 The afflictions he encountered, the hardships he 
 underwent, deterred him not from the prosecution of 
 his glorious mission. He was indeed an active la- 
 bourer in the vineyard ; he worked while it was 
 yet day. Nor could any personal sufferings, any 
 domestic ties, or calls of friendship, arrest his at- 
 tention from the far stronger or more worthy claims 
 of the suffering Indians. President Edwards, whose 
 opinion- of Mr. Brainerd was founded upon an inti- 
 mate acquaintance with him, says, " that he never 
 knew his equal, of his age and standing, for clear, 
 accurate views of the nature and essence of true 
 religion, and its distinctions from its various false 
 appearances." He published " A Narrative of his 
 Labours at Kaunamuk." '^ A Journal, or an Ac- 
 count of his Labours among the Indians of New- 
 Jersey and Pennsylvania." This work is very inter- 
 esting, and displays the piety and talents of the 
 author. President Edwards has written his life, 
 chiefly compiled from his diary. 
 
Brown, Arthur, LL. D. a distinguished scho- 
 lar and eminent barrister, was born at Newport, 
 Rhode Island. At the age of sixteen he was sent 
 to receive his education at Trinity college, Dublin; 
 where he remained during his life. He was made 
 King's professor of Greek, as well as civil law. He 
 was always a champion of the people. Shortly 
 after the union of Ireland with Great Britain, he 
 was appointed prime sergeant. He died in 1805. 
 He published a compend of civil law. Miscella- 
 neous sketches after the manner of Montaigne, in 
 2 vols. 
 
 , Bainbridge, William, a commodore in the Unit- 
 ed States' navy, was born at Princeton, New-Jersey, 
 on the 7th May, 1774. At the age of sixteen he 
 was placed in a counting-house in New-York; but 
 soon after he removed to Philadelphia, and entered 
 into the merchant service. From the year 1793 to 
 '98, he commanded merchant ships in the trade 
 from Philadelphia to Europe. In July, 1798, he 
 was appointed to the command of the Unites States^ 
 schooner Retaliation, of 14 guns, with a commis- 
 sion as lieutenant and commander in the navy. In 
 1799, he received a commission of master-com- 
 mandant, and sailed in the brig Norfolk, of 18 
 guns, on a second cruise against the French. In 
 1800 he received a captain's commission, and was 
 appointed to the command of the frigate George 
 Washington, in which he afterwards sailed for the 
 Mediterranean. On his return, in 1801, he was 
 transferred to the frigate Essex, and appointed to 
 accompany the squadron which was sent against 
 Tripoli. He returned to New-York in 1802, and 
 the next year was appointed to the command of 
 the Philadelphia frigate. In July following, he 
 sailed in her for the Mediterranean, and joined the 
 squadron under commodore Preble. In August, he 
 
captured two Tripolitan cruisers, and then pro- 
 ceeded to blockade the harbour of Tripoli. On 
 the 31st of October, he gave chase to an armed 
 ship, and finding he could not cut her out from the 
 harbour, gave up the pursuit and hauled northward ; 
 but unfortunately ran upon rocks about four miles 
 and a half from the town. The Tripolitan gun- 
 boats immediately attacked her, and after sustain- 
 ing the enemy's fire between five and six hours, he 
 was obliged to surrender the ship. The officers 
 and crew were immediately put in confinement, nor 
 were they released until the peace of the 3d of June, 
 1805. 
 
 Captain Bainbridge reached the United States 
 in the autumn following, and the reception which 
 he met from his country was such as to satisfy com- 
 pletely the feelings of a meritorious but unfortunate 
 officer. 
 
 In 1806, he took command of the naval station 
 at New-York. In 1808, he was appointed to take 
 command of the Portland station. 
 
 In 1809, having superintended the repairing of 
 the frigate President at Washington, he took com- 
 mand of her, and cruised on our coast till the next 
 spring, when he obtained a furlough, and permis- 
 sion from the navy department to engage in the 
 merchant service. 
 
 Having returned from his mercantile pursuits, in 
 February, 1812, he was appointed to the command 
 of the navy-yard at Charlestown, Massachusetts. 
 On the declaration of war against Great Britain, 
 he was appointed to command the frigate Constel- 
 lation; but on the arrival at Boston of captain 
 Hull, after his victory over the British frigate Guer- 
 riere, commodore Bainbrige was permitted to 
 take command of the Constitution. In a few weeks 
 he sailed on a cruise to the East-Indies. In run- 
 ning down the coast of Brazil, on the 29th Decem- 
 ber, he discovered a strange ship, and immediately 
 made sail to meet her. On approaching her, it 
 
38 
 
 proved to be the British frigate Java. Commodore 
 Bainbridge immediately closed with the enemy, 
 and in less than one hour and fifty minutes he com- 
 pelled her to surrender. The decayed state of the 
 Constitution, and other circiumstances, combining 
 to interfere with the original plan of the cruise, he 
 afterwards returned to the United States. The 
 arrangement, however, of the differences of the 
 United States with Great Britain, did not let him 
 remain long in the inaction of peace. Having su- 
 perintended the building of the Independence, a 
 ship of 74 guns, he had the honour of waving his 
 flag on board the first line-of-battle ship belonging 
 to the United States that ever floated. He was 
 now ordered to form a junction with commodore 
 Decatur, to cruise against the Barbary powers, who 
 had shown a disposition to plunder our commerce. 
 In company with his own squadron, he arrived be- 
 fore the harbour of Carthagena, where he learned 
 that commodore Decatur had concluded a peace 
 with the regency of Algiers. He now, according 
 to his instructions presented himself before Tripo- 
 li, where he also had the mortification to learn that 
 commodore Decatur had shorn him of his expected 
 laurels, by a previous visit. He now effected a junc- 
 tion with commodore Decatur's squadron, and sail- 
 ed for the United States, and arrived at Newport, 
 Rhode Island, on the 15th November, 181.5. 
 
 Brown, Nicholas, % name endeared to science 
 and literature,, was an eminent merchant of Rhode 
 Island. He died at Providence, May 29, 1791, in his 
 62nd year. fThe public buildings in Providence, 
 sacred to religion and science, are monuments of 
 his liberalitvTf 
 
 ^ % 
 
 fy.'.. /^M - ^ -^ ^^^ 
 
 n^ly-' -V V' ^ 
 
 tA1(^ ^T--<?. 
 
o9 
 
 BoojSe, Daniel, the first settler of the state of 
 Kentucky, was born in Berks county, Pennsylva- 
 nia, about the year 1730. At the age of eighteen, 
 he left his native place, and settled in the state of 
 North Carolina. In company with five other indi- 
 viduals, he left that province in 1769, and jour- 
 neyed as far as the Kentucky river, with a view of 
 settling near it. He settled within 75 miles of the 
 present town of Frankfort, where he built a stock- 
 ade fort, a precaution absolutely necessary, to de- 
 fend himself from the attack of the native Indians. 
 This fort was afterwards called fort Boonsborough; 
 and thus was formed the first settlement of the 
 state of Kentucky. 
 
 In the year 1775, he conducted his wife and 
 daughters to his new establishment, and was soon 
 after joined by other families. At first he had to 
 contend with a savage foe, and after several 
 bloody rencontres, in one of which he was taken 
 prisoner; and after enduring sufferings and hard- 
 ships, which his courage and constancy surmount- 
 ed, till he had an opportunity of making peace 
 with his enemies. From this time until the year 
 1799, he spent his life in agricultural pursuits, and 
 served occasionally his countrymen in the legisla- 
 ture of Virginia. 
 
 Mr. Boone was not, however, to end his days 
 amid the advantages of social life. After his courage 
 and constancy, under the severest trials ; after his 
 long and unremitting labours, in perfecting his infant 
 settlement; after rearing and providing for a nu- 
 merous family, the prop of his old age, and the 
 pride of his hoary years, which now entitled him 
 to a civic crown, and to the gratitude of a gener- 
 ous people — he suddenly finds that he is possessed 
 of nothing ; that his eyes must be closed without a 
 home, and that he must be an outcast in his gray 
 hairs. His heart is torn, his feelings are lacerated 
 by the chicanery of the law, which deprives him 
 ©f the land of which he was the first to put a 
 
40 
 
 spade in, his goods sold : Cut to the soul, with a 
 wounded spirit, he still showed himself an extraor- 
 dinary and eccentric man. He left for ever the 
 state, in which he had been the first to introduce 
 a civilized population — where he had so boldly 
 maintained himself against external attacks, and 
 shown himself an industrious and exemplary citi- 
 zen; where he found no white man when he sat 
 himself down amid the ancient woods, and left 
 behind him half a million. He forsook it for 
 ever; no entreaty could keep him within its bounds. 
 Man, from whom he had deserved every thing, had 
 persecuted and robbed him of all. He bade his 
 friends and his family adieu for ever. He took with 
 him his rifle and a few necessaries, and crossing 
 the Ohio, pursued his way into the unknown and 
 immense country of the Missouri, where the mon- 
 strous mammoth is even now supposed to be in 
 existence. In 1800 he discovered the Boone's 
 lick country, which now forms one of the best set- 
 tlements of that state. 
 
 On the banks of the Grand Osage, in company 
 with his son, he reared his rude log hut — around 
 which he planted a few esculent vegetables — and 
 his principal food, he obtained by hunting. — An 
 exploring traveller, sometimes crossing the way 
 of this singular man, would find him seated at the 
 door of his hut, with his rifle across his knees, and 
 his faithful dog at his side ; surveying his shrivel- 
 led limbs, and lamenting that his youth and man- 
 hood were gone, but hoping his legs would serve 
 him to the last of life, to carry him to spots fre- 
 quented by the game, that lie might not starve. In 
 his solitude he would sometimes speak of his past 
 actions, and of his indefatigable labours, with a 
 glow of delight on his countenance, that indicated 
 how dear they were to his heart, and would then 
 become at once silent and dejected. Thus he 
 passed through life till he had reached the age of 
 ninety, when death suddenly terminated his earthly 
 
41 
 
 recoilectioiis of the ingratitude of his fellow crea- 
 tures, at a period when his faculties, though he 
 had attained such an age, were not greatly im- 
 paired, September 26, 1820. 
 
 Col. Boone was a man of common stature, of 
 great enterprise, strong intellect, amiable disposi- 
 tion, and inviolable integrity. 
 
 As a token . of respect and regard for him, both 
 houses of the General Assembly of the state of 
 Missouri, upon information of his death being 
 communicated, resolved to wear crape on the left 
 arm, for the space of twenty days. 
 
 His body was interred in the same grave with 
 his wife, at Charettee village, county of Montgo- 
 mery, Missouri. 
 
 Bartlett, Josiah, M. D., one of the signers of 
 the Declaration of Independence, was born at 
 Amesbury, Massachusetts, in November, 1729. He 
 received the rudiments of a classical education in 
 his native town, and at the age of sixteen, com- 
 menced the study of physic, under the superin- 
 tendence of Dr. Ordway. 
 
 At the age of twenty-one, he commenced the 
 practice of his profession at Kingston, New-Hamp- 
 shire. He continued to practise with great suc- 
 cess, and his integrity and decision of character 
 soon attracted the attention and confidence of his 
 fellow citizens. 
 
 In the year 1765, Dr. Bartlett began his political 
 career, as a representative to the legislature from 
 the town of Kingston, and was annually elected 
 till the revolution. 
 
 Not long before this period, however, jealousies 
 had arisen between the British ministry and the 
 people of the colonies, which was finally the osten- 
 sible cause of the bickering between Great Britain 
 
 6 
 
42 
 
 and her colonies. It was contended by parlia- 
 ment, that the expenses arising out of the prosecu- 
 tion of the French war, should be defrayed by the 
 colonies, and that they had full power to determine 
 the way. On the other hand, the colonies denied 
 the right of this assumption of power, but were 
 willing to pay a proper proportion. Dr. Bartlett, 
 on this occasion, took the side of the people, in op- 
 position to all the arbitrary acts of parliament 
 which afterwards followed. He was appointed a 
 delegate to the general congress of 1774, to aid 
 in the adoption of such measures as would secure 
 the rights, liberties, and privileges of the colonies, 
 and restore harmony between the two countries. 
 The opening of the year 1 775, instead of a recon- 
 ciliation, brought about those portentous events 
 which resulted in a revolution. In the mean time 
 he was a member of the committee of safety, and 
 of the provincial convention, and was actively en- 
 gaged in matters relating to the welfare of the 
 people. 
 
 On the 23d of August, 1775, he was chosen a 
 delegate to congress, in the place of I. Sullivan, 
 ■Esq. and took his seat accordingly. On the 23d 
 of January, 1776, he was again re-elected to con- 
 gress, and on the 12th of June was appointed one 
 of the committee to prepare and digest the form 
 of confederation to be entered into between the 
 colonies. 
 
 In the debates which preceded the signing of 
 the Declaration of Independence, he firmly ad- 
 vocated its adoption ; and on the memorable 4th of 
 July, on taking the sentiments of the house, was 
 the first called upon : he answered in the affirma- 
 tion, and was followed in rotation by the members 
 from the other states. 
 
 He was re-elected to congress, which' met at 
 York, Penn. in 1778. 
 
 In 1782, he w^as appointed a justice of the supe- 
 rior court, which office he held until he was made 
 chief justice, in 1788. 
 
45 
 
 In 1788, he was a member of the convention of 
 New-Hampshire, which adopted the present con- 
 stitution. In 1789, he was chosen a senator to 
 congress. In 1793, he was elected the first gover- 
 nor of the state, which office he filled with his ac- 
 customed promptitude and fidelity, until his in- 
 firm state of health obliged him to retire wholly 
 from public business. This eminent man and 
 distinguished patriot, closed his earthly career on 
 the 19th of May, 1795. 
 
 Dr. Bartlett possessed a mind quick and pene- 
 trating. His memory was tenacious, and his judg- 
 ment sound and perspective. In all his dealings he 
 was scrupulously just, and faithful in the perform- 
 ance of all of his engaoements. 
 
 He received an honorary degree of doctor of 
 medicine from Dartmouth University, and was an 
 honorary member of the Agricultural Society. 
 
 Brown, Charles Brockden, a distinguished 
 writer, was born in Philadelphia, on the 17th of 
 January, 1771. Possessing from infancy a deli- 
 cate constitution, he early acquired that love of 
 books, which made them at once his passion and his 
 pursuit throughout life. He received a classical 
 education under Robert Proud, the well known 
 author of the History of Pennsylvania. Before he 
 had attained his sixteenth year, he had written a 
 number of essays in prose and verse, and had 
 sketched plans of three distinct epic poems. But 
 his poetic fervour was damped by that universal 
 sedative of the imagination, the study of the law, 
 which, however, he made subservient to the ac- 
 quirement of a clear and vigorous style of express- 
 ing himself, which he had always made an object 
 of his ambition. 
 
 At the age of eighteen, he commenced the study 
 
u 
 
 of the law, in the office of Alexander Wilcox, Esq. 
 an eminent lawyer of Philadelphia. 
 
 The practice of his profession he found so irk- 
 some that he did not attempt to follow it; though 
 the thought of making his family uneasy by relin- 
 quishing it, rendered him for a time extremely un- 
 happy. They were, however, partial and forgiving, 
 and their indulgence was soon rew^arded by the 
 fame which he began to acquire as an author. 
 
 One of the first novels which he wrote was en- 
 titled the " Sky Walk ;" but owing to the death of 
 the printer, it was never published. 
 
 He afterwards incorporated parts of it into "Ar- 
 thur Mervyn," "Edgar Huntley," "Ormond" and 
 " Wieland ;" of which the last three are entitled to 
 as high a rank among the literary productions of 
 the present age, in point of powerful description, 
 truth of sentiment, and striking situations, as that 
 which has been so willingly assigned in our own 
 country to the numerous volumes which, under the 
 name of the "Waverly Novels," have imposed a 
 kind of obligation on the public to read them; 
 whether they come forth in sterling w^orth of ori- 
 ginal genius, or the more questionable shape of 
 old chronicles, modernised, and forgotten stories 
 revived. 
 
 To Mr. Brown the praise of full originality is 
 amply due ; he is universally grand, yet simple : 
 moral and affecting. 
 
 In 1797, he gave to the world "Alcuin." In 
 1798, he published ^'Wieland." This powerful 
 and original romance excited great attention, and 
 brought the author into notice. 
 
 In 1799, he published "Ormond, or the Secret 
 Witness." From this time he prosecuted his la- 
 bour with success in the region of fiction, with an 
 ardour and rapidity of execution seldom parallel- 
 ed. " Arthur Mervyn" and " Edgar Huntley" next 
 appeared in quick succession. 
 
 In 1801. Mr. Brown published his novel of 
 
45 
 
 *' Clara Howard." In October, 1803, Mr. Brown 
 commenced a periodical publication, entitled the 
 "Literary Magazine and American Register." 
 This work continued for five years, and is replete 
 with the effusions of erudition, taste, and genius. 
 
 In 1804, he published in London his last novel, 
 ^' Jane Talbot." 
 
 In 1806, Mr. Brown commenced a new periodi- 
 cal work, entitled the "American Register," of 
 which he lived to see five volumes published. 
 
 His health being very much impaired, he made 
 several excursions into the Eastern states, to re- 
 store it, but alas ! a period was put to his suffer- 
 ings on the morning of the 22d of February, 1810, 
 at the age of thirty-nine years. 
 
 His life, together with his original letters and 
 the fragments of "Carwin," "Calvert," and "Jes- 
 sica," have been published in two volumes octavo. 
 
 Most of his novels have been re-published in 
 London, and are there esteemed as productions of 
 extraordinary genius. 
 
 BiDDLE, Nicholas, captain in the navy of the 
 United States, was born in the city of Philadelphia, 
 September 10, 1750. 
 
 Among the brave men who perished in the glo- 
 rious struggle for the independence of America, 
 there are none more entitled to a place in the bio- 
 graphic annals of this country. 
 
 His services, and the high expectations raised by 
 his military genius and gallantry, have left a strong 
 impression of his merit, and a profound regret that 
 his early fate should have disappointed so soon the 
 hopes of his country. 
 
 Very early in life he manifested his partiality for 
 the sea, and previous to the year 1770, had made 
 several voyages. 
 
4Q 
 
 He afterwards went to England, with an intention 
 of entering the British navy, and did for some 
 time act in the capacity of a midshipman ; but his 
 ardent mind, however, could not rest satisfied with 
 his situation, and he afterwards embarked in the 
 expedition fitted out at the request of the Royal 
 Society, to ascertain how far navigation was prac- 
 ticable towards the north pole; to advance the dis- 
 covery of the north-west passage into the south 
 seas; and to make such astronomical observations 
 as might prove serviceable to navigation. Impell- 
 ed by the same bold and enterprising spirit, young 
 Horatio, afterwards Lord Nelson, had solicited 
 and obtained permission to enter on board the same 
 vessel, and both acted in the capacity of cocks- 
 wains, a station always assigned to the most active 
 and trusty seamen. These intrepid navigators 
 penetrated as far as the latitude of 81° 39'. On 
 his return, the commencement of the revolution 
 gave a new turn to his pursuits, and he repaired 
 without delay, to the standard of his country. Soon 
 ' after his arrival at Philadelphia, he was appointed 
 to the command of the Andrew Doria, a brig of 
 fourteen guns, and sailed in the expedition under 
 commodore Hopkins, against New-Providence. 
 Immediately after taking this post, he was ordered 
 to cruise off the banks of New-Foundland, and was 
 very active in capturing the enemy's vessels. 
 While he was thus indefatigably engaged in weak- 
 ening the enemy's power and advancing his coun- 
 try's interest, he was disinterested and generous 
 in all that related to his private advantage. The 
 brave and worthy opponent, whom the chance 
 of war had thrown in his power, found in him a 
 patron and friend, who on more than one occasion 
 was known to restore to the vanquished the fruits 
 of victory. In the latter end of the year 1776, he was 
 appointed to the command of the Randolph, a fri- 
 gate of thirty-two guns. He sailed from Philadel- 
 
47 
 
 phia in February, 1777, and soon after lie captured 
 an English ship of twenty guns, and three sail of 
 merchantmen, and proceeded to Charleston with his 
 prizes. 
 
 He immediately refitted, and was joined by other 
 vessels, and sailed for the- West-India seas. On 
 the night of the 7th of March, 1778, he fell in with 
 the British ship Yarmouth, of sixty-four guns, and 
 engaged her. Shortly after the action commenced, 
 he received a severe wound and fell. He soon, 
 however, ordered a chair to be brought, and being 
 carried forward, encouraged the crew. The fire 
 of the Randolph was constant and well directed, 
 and appeared, while the battle lasted, to be in a 
 continual blaze. In about twenty minutes after the 
 action began, and while the surgeon was examin- 
 ing his wounds on the quarter deck, the Randolph 
 blew up. The number of persons on board the Ran- 
 dolph was three hundred and fifteen, all of whom 
 perished, except four men, who were tossed about 
 for four day» on a piece of the wreck, before they 
 were discovered and taken up. 
 
 Thus prematurely fell, at the age of twenty-sev- 
 en, as gallant an officer as any country ever boasted 
 of. In the short career which Providence allowed 
 to him, he displayed all those qualities which con- 
 stitute a brave commander. Consummately skill- 
 ed in his profession, no danger nor unexpected 
 event could shake his firmness or disturb his pre- 
 sence of mind. He was a sincere christian, and 
 his religious impressions had a decided and power- 
 ful influence upon his conduct. His temper was 
 uniformly cheerful, and his conversation sprightly 
 and entertaining. 
 
48 
 
 Blair, John, one of the signers of the federal 
 constitution, was born in Virginia, about the year 
 1731. 
 
 On receiving a collegiate education, he entered 
 upon the study of the law, and in a very few years 
 rose to the head of his profession. 
 
 From eminence at the bar, his course to political 
 distinction was rapid and successful. He was call- 
 ed by the voice of his fellow citizens to some of 
 the highest and most important trusts, which he 
 faithfully discharged, at a time when the state of 
 our country wore the most gloomy aspect, and by 
 his exertions contributed essentially to our liberty 
 and independence. 
 
 In 1787, at which time he was judge of the court 
 of appeals, the legislature of Virginia, finding the 
 judiciary system inconvenient, established circuit 
 courts, the duties of which they directed the judges 
 of the courts of appeals to perform. These judges, 
 among whose names are those of Blair, Pendleton, 
 and Wythe, remonstrated, and declared the act 
 unconstitutional. In the same year, he took his 
 seat in the grand convention, which met at Phi- 
 ladelphia, to revise the federal constitution, and 
 was one of its most active members. To that in- 
 strument the names of Blair and Madison are af- 
 fixed as the deputies from Virginia. In Septem- 
 ber, 1789, when the government which he had 
 assisted in establishing, had commenced its opera- 
 tions, he was appointed, by president Washington, 
 an associate" judge of the supreme court of the 
 United States. 
 
 He died September 12, 1800, in the sixty-ninth 
 year of his age. 
 
 Judge Blair was an amiable, accomplished, and 
 truly virtuous man. 
 
49 
 
 Baldwin, Abraham, one of the signers of tlie 
 federal constitution, and a distinguished statesman, 
 was graduated at Yale college in 1772, and dis- 
 tinguished for great scholarship. 
 
 In 1785, he was appointed president of the uni- 
 versity of Georgia. 
 
 He was a member of the grand convention, which 
 held its session from May 25, to September 17, 
 1787, and framed the constitution of the United 
 States. To that instrument he affixed his name as 
 one of the deputies from Georgia. 
 
 After the organization of government, he was 
 elected a senator of the United States, and while 
 in the discharge of his official duties, he died at 
 Washington, March 2, 1807. 
 
 Brearly, David, one of the signers of the 
 federal constitution, was born in New-Jersey, about 
 the year 1763, and received the honours of Prince- 
 ton college at the age of eighteen. 
 
 On leaving that celebrated seminary, he com- 
 menced the study of the law, and in a few years 
 stood foremost at the bar of his native state. 
 
 In consideration of his distinguished talents as 
 a lawyer and statesman, he was unanimously elect- 
 ed a member of the grand convention which met at 
 Philadelphia, in 1787, for framing the constitution 
 of the United States, and his name is affixed to 
 that charter of our liberties. 
 
 In 1789, he was appointed by president Wash- 
 ington, chief justice of the state of New-Jersey, 
 which office he held with distinguished honour to 
 himself and his country until his death, which took 
 place at his seat, near Trenton, August 23, 1790, 
 in the twentv-seventh year of his age. 
 
JiwAiii), James A. a distingiiisliecl statesman^ 
 was born in Philadelphia, in tho year 1767. Los- 
 ing his parents while yet a cliild, he was taken into 
 the family of his uncle, John Bayard, under whose 
 superintendence he was fitted for college. — After 
 passing the regular term at Princeton, he graduat- 
 ed with distinguished honour. 
 
 In 1784, he entered upon the study of the law 
 with general Read, and upon his death, he renew- 
 ed and successfully prosecuted them under the 
 direction of Mr. Ingersoll. On his admission to 
 tlie bar, he chose the state of Delaware for the 
 pursuit of his professional labours. 
 
 Not long after he arrived at the constitutional 
 age, he was elected a representative to congress, 
 and remained in public life from that moment, 
 through all the vicissitudes of party triumph and 
 defeat, until the time of his death. 
 
 Though he was one of the most conspicuous 
 supporters of the federal administration, it was 
 his peculiar felicity to command the esteem and 
 confidence of both of the great political parties, 
 into which the United States since its indepen- 
 dence has been divided. Always consistent, he 
 was never known to sacrifice or render subser- 
 vient the cause of his country to purposes of party 
 ambition or animosity. 
 
 In the year , he was elected by the legisla- 
 ture of Delaware a member of the senate of the 
 United States. In this dignified and honourable 
 station he was ever found to be the pure politician 
 and unbending patriot. 
 
 As soon as intelligence had reached Europe of 
 the Avar with Great Britain, the emperor of Rus- 
 sia communicated to both governments an offer of 
 mediation. — It was accepted on the part of the 
 United States, and commissions were issued by 
 the President to J. A. Bayard and Albert Gallatin, 
 to proce€d immediately to St. Petersburg. They 
 sailed from Philadelphia, May 9, 1813. After some 
 
51 
 
 delay, the proposal was acceded to on the part of 
 Great Britain, and Gottenburg was selected as 
 neutral ground. Further arrangements were after- 
 wards made to transfer the negotiations from Got- 
 tenburg to Ghent. — In August, the British com- 
 missioners arrived at Ghent, and the negotiation 
 was opened in due form. Here the character and 
 qualities of Mr. Bayard slione with distinguished 
 lustre — and gave him a weight and influence in 
 the proceedings which could scarcely be surpassed. 
 A profound thinker, an ingenious reasoner, and an 
 accomplished speaker, he seemed formed for a 
 negotiator. The last act of his public life con- 
 firmed the expectation of his countrymen, and 
 completed the catalogue of honourable services 
 which he had long before begun. 
 
 After the arrangements at Ghent were conclud- 
 ed, Mr. Bayard made a journey to Paris, where he 
 remained until he heard of the ratification of the 
 treaty, and his appointment as envoy to the court 
 of St. Petersburg. This he promptly declined, 
 stating his reasons, "that he had no wish to serve 
 the administration, except when his services were 
 necessary for the good of his country." 
 
 Nothing could induce him to accept an appoint- 
 ment, that in the least would have a tendenc)'^ to 
 identify him with the administration party, unless 
 it contributed essentially to his country's good. 
 
 From Paris, Mr. Bayard intended to have pro- 
 ceeded to England, to co-operate in tjie formation 
 of a commercial treaty, as he was included in (he 
 commission despatched for that purpose. An 
 alarming disease, however, prevented him, which 
 continued to prey upon him until his arrival in the 
 United States. Here he reposed himself, only to 
 breathe for a short time his native air in the bo- 
 som of conjugal and filial love. He died August 
 6, 181.5. 
 
Clay, Henry, a distinguished statesman and 
 orator, was born in Virginia, March 16, 1776. 
 After completing the study of the law, under the 
 direction of chancellor Wythe, of Richmond, Vir- 
 ginia, he settled in Kentucky, and commenced the 
 practice of the law in Lexington, about the year 
 1797. 
 
 In 1798, he entered the political arena, and exerted 
 his powerful eloquence in opposition to the alien 
 and sedition laws; subjects of much disputation 
 at that period. 
 
 At the age of twenty-four he was elected to a 
 seat in the legislature of Kentucky, where he re- 
 mained until the year 1806, when he was chosen 
 to succeed governor Adair, in the seat vacated by 
 him in the senate of the United States. 
 
 During that session he made his debut in a 
 speech in favour of erecting a bridge over the 
 river Potomac. Mr. Clay showed, on this occa- 
 sion, the preference which he has uniformly evinc- 
 ed for broad national considerations, over those of 
 a private or limited nature. 
 
 On completing the term of general Adair in the 
 senate, he re-entered the Kentucky legislature, 
 and on all occasions in that body, lent his aid to 
 encourage the people in supporting the general 
 government in the restrictive system then intro- 
 duced, to counteract the proceedings of the belli- 
 gerent powers of Europe. 
 
 He remained in the legislature till the session of 
 1809-10. When he was again elected to the 
 senate of the United States, to complete the term 
 of service of judge Thurston. He again distin- 
 guished himself in the speech delivered on the 
 discussion of president Madison's occupation of 
 that part of Louisiana, commonly called West- 
 
^o 
 
 Florida, which lies between the Missisippi and 
 the Perdido: showing from treaties, geographical 
 and other authorities, that the Perdido was the 
 eastern boundary of Louisiana. 
 
 In 1811, Mr. Clay was elected a member of the 
 house of representatives ; and on the 4th Novem- 
 ber of the same year, he was elected its speaker. 
 In the debates which led to the declaration of war 
 in 1812, he bore a conspicuous part. 
 
 In January, 1814, he was, without any solicita- 
 tion on his part, appointed one of the commis- 
 sioners to treat for peace. He signed the treaty 
 of Ghent, and then proceeded to London, where 
 he assisted in concluding the convention, which 
 has been the base of all our subsequent commer- 
 cial policy. 
 
 In 1815, he was again elected a member to con- 
 gress, and was again placed in the speaker's chair. 
 During the session of 1815, the war and peace 
 were promptly attacked and censured by some of 
 the members in the house of representatives. As 
 he had voted for the war, and signed the treaty of 
 peace, he came forward as the champion, and vin- 
 dicated in a most eloquent manner the policy of 
 both. 
 
 His able and eloquent speech, made during the 
 same session, advocating the constitutional power 
 of the federal government, to apply its resources 
 to a general system of roads and canals, and other 
 improvements, is the best commentary that we 
 have upon the constitution of the United States, in 
 respect to such powers. 
 
 He has always been the firm advocate for the * 
 encouragement of American manufactures. 
 
 In the session of 1817-18, he first brought for- 
 .ward his proposal for the recognition of South 
 American independence. Although he was vio- 
 lently opposed, he nevertheless persevered with 
 all his zeal and eloquence, until he triumphantly 
 carried with him the vote of the house. His 
 
54 
 
 speeches, on this important topic, are sufficient ol* 
 themselves to transmit his name with honour to 
 posterity, both for the generous sentiments and 
 the enlightened views which they exhibit. 
 
 Perhaps no period of Mr. Clay'v [olitical career 
 has been so brilliant, as the part he acted in the 
 last session of the sixteenth congress. It was then 
 all his efforts were crowned with complete suc- 
 cess, in the cause of Spanish America. There 
 also he contributed so powerfully, and so mainly, 
 to allay the ferment which seemed to threaten a 
 dissolution of the union, or a civil war, which had 
 risen out of the Missouri question. The language 
 held at the time, was, " Clay has saved what Wash- 
 ington achieved." 
 
 Mr. Clay possesses a mind of great intellectual 
 superiority, which is so organized, that he over- 
 comes the difficulties of the most abstruse and 
 complicated subjects, apparently without the toil 
 of investigation, or the laboiu* of profound re- 
 search. It is rich, and active, and rapid, grasping 
 at one glance, connexions the most distant, and 
 consequences the most remote, and breaking down 
 the trammels of error, and the cobwebs of sophis- 
 try. The prominent traits of his mind are quick- 
 ness, penetration, and acuteness ; a fertile inven- 
 tion, discriminating judgment, and good memory. 
 
 His eloquence is impetuous and vehement, with 
 a great deal of fire and vigour of expression. 
 
 His views of mankind are enlarged and liberal, 
 and his conduct as a politician and a statesman, 
 has been marked with the same enlarged and li- 
 beral policy. 
 
 Clayton, John, an eminent botanist and physi- 
 cian of Virginia, was born at Fulham, in Great 
 Britain. He came to Virginia with his father, who 
 was an eminent lawyer, in 1705. Mr. Clayton was 
 
a member of some of the most learned literary so- 
 cieties of Europe, and corresponded with Grono- 
 vius, Linnaeus, and other able botanists of Europe. 
 As a practical botanist, he was inferior to none of 
 his time. 
 
 His character stands very high as a man of in- 
 tegrity and piety. He was heard to say, whilst ex- 
 amining a flower, that he could not look into one, 
 without seeing the display of infinite power and 
 contrivance, and that he thought it impossible for 
 a botanist to be an atheist. 
 
 He died December 15, 1773, in the 85th year of 
 his age. 
 
 He left behind him two volumes of manuscripts 
 for the press, and a hortus siccus of folio size. 
 These works were accidentally burnt. 
 
 He is chiefly known to the learned, especially in 
 Europe, by his Flora Virginica, a work published 
 by Gronovius in 1739. 
 
 This work is frequently referred to by Linnaeus, 
 and by all the succeeding botanists who have had 
 occasion to treat of the plants of North America, 
 
 Clarke, John, one of the first founders of Rhode 
 Island, was a physician in London, before he came 
 to this country. Soon after the first settlement of 
 Massachusetts, he was driven from that colony 
 with a number of others ; and on the 7th day of 
 March, 1638, they formed themselves into a body 
 politic, and purchased Aquetneck or Rhode Island, 
 of the Indian sachems. He was soon after employ- 
 ed as a preacher; and in 1644, he formed a church 
 at Newport, and became its pastor. This was the 
 2nd baptist church formed in America. In 1651, 
 he was sent to England with Mr. Williams, to pro- 
 mote the interests of Rhode Island, and particularly 
 to procure a revocation of Mr. Coddington's com- 
 
Ob 
 
 mission as governor, which was annulled in Octo- 
 ber, 1652. After the return of Mr, Williams, Mr. 
 Clarke was left behind, and remained in England 
 as agent for the colony, till he obtained the second 
 charter, July 8, 1663. He returned in 1664, and 
 continued pastor of his church till his death, April 
 20, 1676, aged about 56 years. 
 
 His exertions to promote the civil prosperity of 
 Rhode Island, must endear his name to those who 
 are now enjoying the fruits of his labours. 
 
 He possessed the singular honour of contribut- 
 ing much towards establishing the first government 
 upon the earth, since the rise of antichrist, which 
 gave equal liberty, civil and religious, to all men 
 living under it. 
 
 He published, in 1652, a narrative of New- 
 England's persecutions. 
 
 Clap, Thomas, president of Yale college, was 
 born at Scituate, Massachusetts, June 26, 1703, 
 and was graduated at Harvard college in 1722. He 
 afterwards studied divinity, and was ordained pas- 
 tor of the church at Windham, Connecticut, 1726. 
 In 1739, he was appointed successor to Rev. E. 
 Williams, as president of Yale college. Mr. Clap 
 was one of the most profound and accurate scholars, 
 of which Connecticut can boast. As a theologian, 
 he was well versed in ecclesiastical history and the 
 writings of the fathers. As a preacher, he was 
 solid, grave, and powerful. His religious senti- 
 ments accorded with the Calvinistic system. As he 
 was exemplary for piety in life, so he was resigned 
 and peaceful at the hour of death. He died Janua- 
 ry 7, 1767. 
 
 He constructed the first orrery, or planetarium, 
 made in America. 
 
 President Clap, in 1755, published a defence of 
 
i)4 
 
 the New-England churches, against the Armenians, 
 who were spreading their doctrines over Connecti- 
 cut. In 1766, he published a history of Yale col- 
 lege, which contains many precious documents 
 and biographical sketches. He made large collec- 
 tions of materials for a history of Connecticut, 
 which, together with other valuable manuscripts, 
 were plundered in the expedition against New-Ha- 
 ven, under general Tryon. 
 
 Cutler, Timothy, DD. president of Yale col- 
 lege, and minister of Christ's Church, Boston, was 
 graduated at Harvard college, 1701. In 1709, he 
 was ordained minister of Stratford, Connecticut. 
 In 1719, he was appointed president of Yale, which 
 was considered an auspicious event to the institu- 
 tion, for he was a man of profound and general 
 learning, and particularly distinguished for his ac- 
 quaintance with oriental literature. He presided 
 over the college with great dignity and reputation. 
 In 1772, he conformed to the church of England, 
 which produced a great shock to the congregational 
 establishments of New-England. 
 
 A church was built for him in Boston, of which 
 he was rector from 1723 to 1765, the year of his 
 death. 
 
 He was a man of strong powers of mind. Dr. 
 Stiles represents him the greatest oriental scholar, 
 except president Chauncey and his disciple Mr. 
 Thacher, in all New-England. 
 
 His diploma of doctor in divinity was presented 
 by Oxford university, England. 
 
Oijauack\vChaules,DD. a divine eniiiient for iii^ 
 learning and piety, was born in Boston, January 1, 
 1705, and was the great grandson oi' president 
 Chauncey. He was graduated at Harvard college 
 in 1722. In 1727, he was ordained pastor of the 
 first church in Boston, as colleague with the Rev. 
 Mr. Foxcroft. He soon became distinguished as 
 a theologian, and no one, except president Edwards 
 and the late Dr. Mayhew^ has been so much known 
 among the literati of Europe, or printed more books 
 upon theological subjects. 
 
 In 1742, he received his diploma from the ^uni- 
 versity of Edinburgh, the first from that seminary 
 to an Ameri-can divine. 
 
 He was an honest patriot, and at the commence- 
 ment of the revolution he entered warmly into those 
 measures which were considered as necessary to 
 vindicate our rights, and founded in justice and 
 dictated by wisdom. So firmly was he convinced 
 of the justness of our cause, that he used to say, 
 he had no doubt, if human exertions were ineffec- 
 tual, that a host of angels would be sent to assist 
 us. 
 
 His health, cheerfulness, activity, and the pow- 
 ers of his mind, continued to old age. He died 
 February 10, 1787. 
 
 He was respected for the excellence of his cha- 
 racter, being honest and sincere in his intercourse 
 with his fellow men, kind, charitable, and pious. 
 
 The publications of Dr. Chauncey are numerous. 
 Those best known, are, 12 sermons chiefly upon 
 justification, in opposition to the opinion of Robert 
 Sandiman, 8vo. 1765: answer to Dr. Chandler's 
 appeal, 1768: reply to Dr. Chandler's appeal de- 
 fended, 1770: in 1771, he published a complete 
 view of episcopacy from the fathers ; a work which 
 does him great honour, and v/hich, in the opinion 
 of many, has settled the controversy. Five ser- 
 mons on the Lord's supper, 1772: a just repre- 
 sentation of the &ufierings and hardships of the 
 
59 
 
 town of Boston, 1774: the salvation of all men, 
 8vo. 1784 : the benevolence of the Deity considered, 
 8vo. 1785 : five dissertations on the fall and its con- 
 sequences, 8vo. 1785. 
 
 Clymer, George, one of the signers of the de- 
 claration of independence, was born in the city of 
 Philadelphia, in the year 1739. He had the mis- 
 fortune to lose his parents at an early age, but 
 the want of parental protection was faithfully sup- 
 plied by William Coleman, Esq., under the super- 
 intendence of whom he received an excellent edu- 
 cation. 
 
 On arriving at a proper age, his mind was turned 
 towards mercantile pursuits, and he accordingly 
 connected himself in business with a Mr. Ritchie. 
 Mr. Clymer's habits of study led him gradually to 
 abandon mercantile pursuits for those of politics 
 and agriculture, as branches which would most 
 materially conduce to the happiness and prosperity 
 of his country. The principles of Mr. Clymer were 
 stern republicanism, and the period had now arriv- 
 ed when they were put to the test. He was among 
 the first who embarked in opposition to the arbitra- 
 ry acts, and unjust pretensions of Great Britain. 
 When conciliatory measures were found unavailing, 
 he did not hesitate to take up arms in defence of 
 the colonies. Mr. Clymer was chosen a member 
 of the council of safety. On the 29th of July, 1775, 
 he was appointed one of tlie first continental trea- 
 surers, which oflfice he held until after his appoint- 
 ment to the congress of '76. In this memorable 
 year, he put his seal to that charter of indepen- 
 dence, which has given us a rank among the na- 
 tions of the earth. In 1777, he was re-elected to 
 congress, and continued to be an active and effi- 
 cient member of that body, until the 19th May 
 
tit) 
 
 following, when the infirm state of his health oblig- 
 ed him to retire. 
 
 After his recovery, he was employed by con- 
 gress in the execution of several important trusts, 
 which he performed with great ability and address. 
 
 In November, 1780, he was for the third time 
 elected to congress; from this until the 12th No- 
 vember, 1782, he was actively engaged in the pub- 
 lic service, and promoting its welfare by every pos- 
 sible means in his power. 
 
 He was one of the most able advocates for that 
 institution, which became afterwards one of the 
 most powerful supports of the American cause, the 
 national bank. 
 
 In November, 1782, Mr. Clymer having retired 
 from his seat in congress, removed to Princeton, 
 New-Jersey, for the purpose of educating his sons 
 at Nassau-Hall. 
 
 This was a happy moment in the life of Mr. 
 Clymer, when conscious of having acted well his 
 part, amidst the turmoils and troubles of an eight 
 years' war, he could sit down in the bosom of his 
 family, and reflect upon the deeds which he had 
 done, and the happiness which it had secured to 
 his country. 
 
 Nor must it be forgotten, that the services which 
 he afterwards rendered to Pejinsylvania, in alter- 
 ing her penal code of laws, evidence his wisdom 
 and the benevolence of his mind. 
 
 As soon as the old articles of confederation were 
 found inadequate to bind the states together, a con- 
 vention was called to form a more efficient consti- 
 tution for the general government. To this illus- 
 trious assembly Mr. Clymer was called, and in 
 which he afterwards evinced and advocated the 
 most enlightened and liberal views. On the adop- 
 tion of the constitution, he was once more called to 
 unite his talents with those of the assembled sages 
 of the general legislature. Here he gave his un- 
 qualified support to all those measures, wiiich con- 
 
6J 
 
 tributed so largely to the honour and welfare of the 
 nation, and conferred so much distinction upon the 
 administration of Washington. At the expiration 
 of the first congressional term of two years, he de- 
 clined a re-election, which closed his long, labo- 
 rious, and able legislative career. But he was not 
 permitted to remain in the shade of private life. 
 He was afterwards employed at the head of the 
 excise office, and lastly in negotiating a treaty with 
 the Creek and Cherokee Indians, in Georgia. 
 
 This distinguished patriot died at Morrisville, 
 Bucks county, Pennsylvania, on the 23rd January, 
 1813, at the advanced age of 74. 
 
 Mr. Clymer possessed strong intellects from na- 
 ture, which he improved by culture and study. 
 Retired, studious, contemplative, he was ever add- 
 ing something to his knowledge, and endeavouring 
 to make that knowledge useful. 
 
 His predominant passion was to promote every 
 scheme for the improvement of his country, wheth- 
 er in sciences, agriculture, polite education, the 
 useful or the fine arts. 
 
 His conversation was of the most instructive 
 kind, and manifested an extensive knowledge of 
 books and men. 
 
 He was a man of irreproachable morals, and of 
 a pure heart. In the domestic circle, and in 
 friendly intercourse, he appeared to peculiar ad- 
 vantage. 
 
 Carver, John, first governor of Plymouth co- 
 lony, was one of the most active, useful, and pious 
 men of Mr. Robinson's church, while they were at 
 Leyden, and as praiseworthy while he lived with 
 the pilgrims, who first planted this part of North 
 America. Carver and Cushman were appointed 
 the agents to agree with the Virginia company in 
 England, and make provision for their voyage. 
 
They obtained a patent in 1619, and in 1620 
 they arrived in New-England. In November Mr. 
 Carver was elected governor. On the 6th Decem- 
 ber governor Carver, with a few associates, went 
 in pursuit Of an eligible spot, to commence a set- 
 tlement. On the 11th December, after having sur- 
 veyed the bay, they went ashore upon the main 
 land at the place, which they afterwards called 
 Plymouth, and the rock on which they first set 
 their feet, is now in the public square of uiq town 
 to this day, and goes by the name of the Forefa- 
 thers' Rock. They immediately laid out a town 
 and built houses. On the 31st December the pub- 
 lic services of religion were attended on the shore 
 for the first time. 
 
 On the 16th of March, 1621, they were for the 
 first time visited by an Indian, who boldly entered 
 the town alone, and to the astonishment of the 
 emigrants, addressed them in these words : " Wel- 
 come, Englishmen ! Welcome, Englishmen ! his 
 name was Samoset, and he was sagamore of Mora- 
 tiggon, distant five days journey to the eastward. 
 He had learned broken English of the fishermen 
 in his country. By him the governor was in- 
 formed, that the place where they now were, was 
 called Patuxet, and though it was formerly popu- 
 lous, that every human being had died of the late 
 pestilence." This account was confirmed by the 
 extent of the deserted fields, the number of graves, 
 and the remnants of skeletons, lying on the ground. 
 On the 22d day of March, Massassoit, the sachem 
 of the neighbouring Indians, appeared over against 
 the English town, with a train of 60 men: after 
 some hesitation, mutual distrust prevented for some 
 time any advances upon either side. But Mr. Wins- 
 low being sent to the Indian king with a copper 
 chain and two knives, with a friendly message 
 from the governor, the sachem was pleased to 
 descend from the hill, accompanied by twenty 
 men unarmed. Captain Standish met liim at tlio 
 
OS 
 
 brook, at the head of six men with muskets, and 
 escorted him to one of the best houses, where 
 three or four cushions were placed on a green 
 rug, spread over the floor. The governor came 
 in, preceded by a drum and trumpet, the sound of 
 which greatly delighted the Indians. After mu- 
 tual salutations, the governor kissing his majes- 
 ty's hand, refreshments were ordered. A league 
 of friendship was then agreed on, which was in- 
 violably observed for above fifty years. 
 
 The next day, March 23d, Mr. Carver was elect- 
 ed governor for another year. 
 
 In the beginning of April, twenty acres of land 
 were prepared for the reception of Indian corn, 
 and Samoset and Squanto taught the emigrants 
 how to plant and dress it with herrings, of which 
 immense quantities came into the brooks. Six 
 acres were sowed with barley and peas. On the 
 5th April the governor came out into the field at 
 noon, complaining of a pain in his head, and in a 
 few days after he died. He was succeeded in the 
 office of governor by Mr. Bradford. The broad- 
 sword of governor Carver is deposited in the cabi- 
 net of the Massachusetts Historical Society in 
 Boston. 
 
 Carver, Jonathan, an enterprising traveller, 
 was a native of Connecticut, and born in 1732. 
 He was intended for the profession of medicine, 
 which he quitted for a military life, and served 
 with reputation in the expedition against the 
 French in Canada, till the peace of 1763. After 
 this period, he formed the resolution of exploring 
 the most interior parts of North America, and of 
 penetrating as far as the Pacific ocean. He hoped 
 also to facilitate the discovery of a north-west 
 passage, or of a communication between Hudson's 
 bav and the Pacific ocean. If he could effect the 
 
04 
 
 establishment of a post on the straits of Annian, 
 he supposed he should thus open a channel for 
 conveying intelligence to China, and the English 
 settlements in the East Indies, with greater expe- 
 dition, than by a tedious voyage by the Cape of 
 Good Hope, or the straits of Magellan. The 
 former of these projects he carried into execution 
 amidst numerous difficulties, and returned to Bos- 
 ton in October, 1768, having been absent on this 
 expedition two years and five months, and during 
 that time had travelled near 7000 miles. 
 
 In 1778, he published his travels through the 
 interior parts of North America. He died in 
 1780, aged forty-eight years. 
 
 Calvert, Leonard, the first governor of Mary- 
 land, was the brother of Cecilius Calvert, the pro- 
 prietor, and who sent him to America, as the head 
 of the colony, in 1633. Accompanied by his bro- 
 ther George, and about 200 persons of good fami- 
 lies, they arrived at Point Comfort, in Virginia, 
 February 24, 1634. On the 3d March they en- 
 tered the Potomac, and sailed up about twelve 
 leagues, and took possession of an island, which 
 he afterwards called St. Clement's. He fired here 
 his canon, erected a cross, and took possession 
 "in the name of the Saviour of the world, and of 
 the king of England." Thence he went fifteen 
 leagues higher to the Indian town of Potomac, now 
 called New-Marlborough, where he was received 
 in a friendly manner by the natives. Thence he 
 sailed twelve leagues higher to the town of Pica- 
 taway, on the Maryland side, where he found Henry 
 Fleet, an Englishmen, who had resided among the 
 natives several years, and was held by them in 
 great esteem. This man was very serviceable as 
 an interpreter. An interview having been pro- 
 
65 
 
 cured with the prince Werowanii, Calvert asked 
 him, whether he was wiUing that a settlement 
 should be made in his country. He replied, " I 
 will not bid you go, neither will I bid you stay ; 
 but you may use your own discretion." Having 
 convinced the natives his designs were honour- 
 able and pacific, the governor, by giving a satisfac- 
 tory consideration, entered into a contract to re- 
 side in one part of their town, until the next har- 
 vest, when the natives should entirely quit the 
 place. 
 
 Thus on the 27th March, 1634, the governor 
 took peaceable possession of the country of Mary- 
 land, and gave to the town the name of St. Ma- 
 ry's, and to the creek, on which it was situated, the 
 name of St. George's. The desire of rendering- 
 justice to the natives, by giving them a reasonable 
 compensation for their lands, is a trait in the cha- 
 racter of the first planters, which will always do 
 honour to theif memory. 
 
 This province was established on the broad foun- 
 dation of security to property, and of freedom in 
 religion. Fifty acres of land were granted in ab- 
 solute fee to every emigrant, and Christianity was 
 established without allowing pre-eminence to any 
 particular sect. This liberal policy rendered a 
 Roman catholic colony an asylum for those, who 
 were driven from New-England by the persecu- 
 tions which were then experienced from protes- 
 tants. After the civil war in England, the parlia- 
 ment assumed the government of the province, and 
 appointed a new governor. Cecilius Calvert, the 
 proprietor, recovered his right to the province upon 
 the restoration of king Charles H., in 1660, and 
 within a year or two appointed his son Charles 
 the governor. He died in 1676, covered with age 
 and reputation, and was succeeded by his son. 
 
60 
 
 CoLMAN, BENJAMii\, DD. a learned divine, was 
 born in Boston, October 19, 1673. He was dis- 
 tinguished by early piety and zeal in literary pur- 
 suits, and in 1692, was graduated at Harvard col- 
 lege. In the year 1695, he went to London, where 
 he had many friends. He preached to great ac- 
 ceptance in tliat city, and became acquainted with 
 Messrs. Bates, Calamy, Howe, and Burkett. On 
 his return to this country, he was installed the first 
 pastor of Brattle-street church. Here he conti- 
 nued the faithful and beloved pastor, until the sum- 
 mer of 1747, wdien he died, aged seventy-four 
 years. 
 
 Dr. Colman received a diploma of doctor in divi- 
 nity from the university of Glasgow, 1731. He 
 Avas elected president of Harvard college, 1724. 
 He was universally respected for his learning and 
 talents, and was considered at the head of the 
 elergy after the death of Dr. Cotton Mather. He 
 had an extensive correspondence, \thich he made 
 subservient to useful and benevolent purposes. 
 Through him the Hollis family laid their founda- 
 tions for two professorships at Harvard college. 
 His care also extended to Yale college, for which 
 he procured many valuable books. His character 
 was singularly excellent. There were few men 
 more zealous and unwearied in the labours of the 
 pastoral office. Having imbibed the true spirit of 
 the gospel, he was catholic, moderate, benevolent, 
 and ever anxious to promote the gospel of salvation. 
 What president Holyoke said of him, in an oration 
 pronounced the commencement after his death, 
 was considered as correct sentiment, rather than 
 panegyric. "Vita ejus utillissima in rebus chari- 
 tatis, humanitatis, benignitatis, et beneficentige, 
 nunquam non occupata est." 
 
 His publications are numerous, principally theo- 
 logical. An account of his life and writings have 
 been published in one volume octavo. 
 
67 
 
 l^HAUNCEY, Charles, DD. president of Harvard 
 college, and who is styled in Mather's Magnalia, 
 Cadmus Americanus, was born in England, in 
 1589, and educated at the university of Cambridge. 
 He there took the degree of B. D. Being inti- 
 mately acquainted with archbishop Usher, one of 
 the finest scholars in Europe, he had more than 
 common advantages to expand his mind, and make 
 improvements in literature. 
 
 He was chosen Hebrew professor at Cambridge, 
 but afterwards to oblige the vice-chancellor, he ac- 
 cepted of the professorship of Greek. In Leigh's 
 Critica Sacra, he is called Vir doctissimus, S^c. 
 This uncommon scholar became a preacher, and 
 was settled at Ware. 
 
 He displeased archbishop Laud, by refusing to 
 read the book of sports, and determined thereupon 
 to seek the peaceable enjoyment of the rights of 
 conscience in New-England. He accordingly came 
 to this country, and arrived at Plymouth in the year 
 1638. When a stop was put to the Laud can per- 
 secution, he was invited back by his former people 
 at Ware. At this time, however, the chair of the 
 president was vacant at Harvard college. He was 
 requested to accept it, and for a number of years 
 performed the duties of that office with honour to 
 himself, and to the reputation of that seminary of 
 learning. "How learnedly he conveyed all the 
 liberal arts to those that sat under his feat, how 
 constantly he expounded the scriptures to them in 
 the college hall, how wittily he moderated their 
 disputations and other exercises, how fluently he 
 expressed himself unto them, with Latin of a 
 Terentian phrase, in all his discourses, and how 
 carefully he inspected their manners, will never be 
 forgotten by many of our most worthy men, who 
 were made such by their education under him." 
 When he made his oration on his inauguration, he 
 concluded it thus : " Doctiorem, certe prsesidem, et 
 huic oneri ac stationi multis modis aptiorem, vobis 
 
Oo 
 
 facile licet invenire ; sed amantiorem, et vestri boni 
 stiidiosiorem, non invenientis." 
 
 He was an indefatigable student, making it his 
 constant practice to rise at four o'clock in the morn- 
 ing; but his studies did not interrupt his inter- 
 course with heaven, for he usually devoted several 
 hours in the course of the day to secret prayer. 
 Immediately after he rose from bed, at eleven 
 o'clock, at four in the afternoon, and at nine, he 
 retired from the world to commune with the Fa- 
 ther of mercies. He kept a diary, in which, under 
 the heads of sins and mercies, he recorded his im- 
 perfections, and the blessings Avhich were imparted 
 to him. Yet with his zeal, attention to business, 
 and to his private studies, with his amazing appli- 
 cation to every thing that was before him, he lived 
 to be famous, and preached to much acceptance at 
 an age to which few reach, and they complain 
 "their strength is labour and sorrow." When his 
 friends advised him to remit his public labours, he 
 answered, *' oportet imperatore mori stantem." At 
 length, on the commencement of 1671, he address- 
 ed to his friends a farewell oration, after which he 
 sent for his children, and blessed them. 
 
 He then with christian serenity awaited his de- 
 parture, and closed his useful life at the age of 
 eighty-two years. 
 
 President Chauncey was a distinguished scholar, 
 being intimately acquainted with many oriental 
 languages. He was well versed also in the sci- 
 ences, especially in theology, which was his fa- 
 vourite study. 
 
 A more learned man, perhaps, was not to be 
 found among the fathers of New-England. He 
 published a volume of sermons on justification, 
 1659, 4to. 
 
 His valuable manuscripts left at his death, were 
 afterwards destroved by fire. 
 
ClintOx\,DeWitt, LL. D. a distinguished states- 
 man, was born in the year 1769, in Orange county, 
 New-York. In 1784, he entered Columbia col- 
 lege, and at the commencement for conferring de- 
 grees, he received the honours of the university. 
 Early in the year 1786, he commenced the study 
 of the law with Samuel Jones, Esq. a celebrated 
 counsellor in New- York. He received the usual 
 licenses or degrees, but did not immediately com- 
 mence the practice of the law. He was shortly 
 afterwards appointed secretary to his uncle, George 
 Clinton, then governor of the state, in whose ser- 
 vice he continued, during his administration, which 
 ended in 1795. 
 
 In 1797, he was elected a member of the assem- 
 bly for the city of New- York. During the period 
 of his legislative career, he devoted a large portion 
 of his time to every subject which had relation to 
 the advancement of science ; the promotion of 
 agriculture ; manufactures, and the arts generally ; 
 the establishment of the credit of our staple com- 
 modities in foreign markets ; the gradual abolition 
 of slavery; the encouragement of steam boats ; and 
 the various objects of municipal improvement. 
 
 In February, 1802, he was appointed a senator 
 of the United States, in the place of general Arm- 
 strong, who had resigned. He continued an active 
 member of this body until October, 1803, when he 
 retired, having been chosen mayor of the city of 
 New- York. 
 
 In 1806, he was chosen a member of the coun- 
 cil of appointment. 
 
 In 1807, Mr. Clinton was succeeded as mayor 
 by colonel Willet. In 1808, he was again elected 
 mayor of the city. He was also this year, chosen 
 a regent of the university. In the senate he still 
 continued his support to the encouragement of 
 free schools, colleges, and manufactures. The 
 record of the proceedings of the senate of New- 
 York for the sessions of 1809, '10, '11, exhibit 
 
70 
 
 proofs of his great usefulness. Under his auspices, 
 the New-York historical society was incorporated ; 
 the New-York academy of fine arts was incorporat- 
 ed ; the orphan asylum and free school societies were 
 fostered and encouraged; and a fur company was 
 established, with a view of diverting that important 
 branch of inland trade from Canada: besides, he 
 introduced laws to prevent kidnapping ; for the sup- 
 port of the quarantine establishment ; for the encou- 
 ragement of missionary societies ; for the improve- 
 ment of the public police ; for the prevention and 
 punishment of crime ; for promoting medical sci- 
 ence ; and for the endowing seminaries of learning. 
 
 In March, 1810, he was appointed one of the 
 commissioners, to report on the improvement of 
 the internal navigation of the state. As soon as 
 the board of commissioners made their report, a 
 law was passed, " To provide for the internal navi- 
 gation of the state." In consequence of the inter- 
 ruption occasioned by the late war, nothing, how- 
 ever, was done. In 1816, a law was passed, con- 
 stituting a board of canal commissioners, of which 
 Mr. Clinton w^as appointed president. The plan 
 was, to connect lake Erie with the tide waters of 
 the river Hudson. 
 
 In 1817, a law was passed, (in consequence of 
 the favourable reports made by the board,) autho- 
 rizing the junction, by canals, of the two waters of 
 the great western and northern lakes, with the At- 
 lantic ocean. 
 
 In 1811, Mr. Clinton was again cliosen mayor, 
 which office he continued to hold until 1815. In 
 1811, he was also chosen lieutenant-governor of 
 the state of New- York. 
 
 In March, 1817, he was chosen governor of the 
 state, almost vv^ithout any opposition. 
 
 He is at this time also closely connected with 
 many literary, scientific, and benevolent institu- 
 tions, of several of which he has been the framer. 
 He is president of the literary and philosophical 
 
vl 
 
 society of New- York, and of the New- York histo- 
 rical society. He has been admitted a member of 
 the American philosophical society, and of all the 
 principal scientific associations in this country, and 
 of several in Europe. In 1812, he received the 
 honorary degree of LL. D. 
 
 Governor Clinton's personal appearance is dig- 
 nified and commanding, rather above the middle 
 size, large and well proportioned, and a counte- 
 nance highly expressive. His chief ambition has 
 been to excel in what will benefit mankind. In 
 private life and domestic duties, he is amiable and 
 exemplary, exhibiting the picture of a great man, 
 an elegant and profound scholar, and practical citi- 
 zen ; a man of letters and the world, and a charac- 
 ter of active worth to the present generation, and 
 of solid and permanent advantage to posterity. 
 
 Carroll, John, DD. first archbishop of the 
 Roman catholic church in America, was born at 
 Upper-Marlborough, Maryland, about the year 
 1735. 
 
 At a very early period he gave striking presages 
 of his future worth. After spending some time at 
 school in his native state, he was sent to the col- 
 lege of St. Omers, in France, and graduated with 
 distinguished reputation for scholarship. He was 
 then transferred to the college of Liege, ordained 
 a priest, and admitted a member of the Society of 
 Jesus. After the dissolution of that society, he 
 acted as the secretary of the dispersed fathers, in 
 their remonstrances with the French court, respect- 
 ing the temporal interests of the abolished order. 
 
 He afterwards acted in the capacity of preceptor 
 and governor to the son of the late Lord Stourton, 
 on a tour through Europe. 
 
 Upon his arrival in England lie rofc-ided for some 
 
lime ill the family of Lord Arundel, and on the 
 commencement of our struggles, he returned to 
 America. 
 
 At the request of congress, he accompanied Dr. 
 Franklin, Charles Carroll, of C^arrolton, and Sa- 
 muel Chase, on a political mission to Canada. 
 
 Throughout the revolutionary war he was firmly 
 attached to the cause of freedom, and rendered his 
 country important services. 
 
 On the establishment of our independence, he 
 solicited the Pope to erect the United States into 
 an episcopal see, and received the appointment of 
 bishop. And since, at the solicitation of the Ca- 
 tholic clergy, he was raised to the dignity of arch- 
 bishop. 
 
 In the exercise of his sacred functions, he dis- 
 played a spirit of conciliation, mildness, and chris- 
 tian humility, which greatly endeared him to those 
 under his charge. In him, religion assumed its 
 most attractive form : dignified, yet simple ; pious, 
 but not austere. 
 
 Death to him had no terrors — he peacefully re- 
 signed his breath into the hands of his Maker, De- 
 cember 23, 1815, aged eighty years. 
 
 Clinton, George, fourth vice-president of the 
 United States, was born July 15, 1739, in the present 
 town of New-Windsor, county of Orange, in the 
 state of New-York. At an early age he displayed that 
 spirit of enterprise and energy of character, which 
 distinguished his conduct through life. During 
 what is termed the French war, he signalized him- 
 self in several successful expeditions against the 
 French. He afterwards entered on the study of 
 Law, under the direction of judge Smith, the his- 
 torian of New- York. 
 
 In 1764, he was admitted to the bar of the su- 
 
73 
 
 preme court, and established himself in his native 
 county, where he practised with great reputation 
 and success. 
 
 In conjunction with Charles De Witt, Esq. he 
 was chosen a member of the colonial assembly, 
 where he continued actively employed until the re- 
 volution, displaying all the resources of a power- 
 ful intellect, and the energies of undaunted pa- 
 triotism. 
 
 On the 22d April, 1775, he was appointed a dele- 
 gate to the continental congress ; and in the same 
 year he received the appointment of brigadier- 
 general in the army of the United States. 
 
 At the first election under the constitution of the 
 state, which was adopted at New-York on the 20th 
 April, 1777, he was chosen both governor and lieu- 
 tenant-governor; he accepted the former, in which 
 office he was afterwards continued by six succes- 
 sive triennial elections. 
 
 During the revolutionary war, his situation as 
 chief magistrate of the state of New-York, was the 
 most arduous, the most critical, and the most im- 
 portant of any office in the new empire, except that 
 of the commander-in-chief. 
 
 The state was harassed at all points by hostile 
 forces, by disaffection, and by treason. It was at 
 this eventful crisis, too, that the British commander 
 attempted to divide the eastern from the other 
 members of the confederacy, by a cordon of troops 
 and armed vessels, extending from the city of New- 
 York along Hudson's river to the northern lakes. 
 Governor Clinton, with a handful of men, for a long 
 time successfully opposed the operations of the 
 whole British army, and was finally the cause that 
 frustrated the schemes of the British commander, 
 which, had they succeeded, might have prostrated 
 for a time the liberties of America. 
 
 In June, 1788, governor Clinton was chosen presi- 
 dent of the convention, which met at Poughkeepsie, 
 to deliberate on the new constitution. 
 
 10 
 
74 
 
 After a retirement of five years from public life, 
 he was induced from the critical and agitated state 
 of the country, to step forth from the asylum of do- 
 mestic enjoyments, into the troubled theatre of 
 politics; and there is no doubt that his influence 
 was the principal cause of the great political revo- 
 lution which took place in 1801. At that time he 
 was also prevailed upon to accept the appointment 
 of governor. He held that office for three years, 
 and was then elected vice-president of the United 
 States. In this station he remained until his de- 
 cease, which took place on the 20th April, 1812, at 
 the city of Washington. 
 
 Governor Clinton's conduct was as amiable and 
 exemplary in private, as it was dignified and useful 
 in public life. As a public character, he will live 
 in the veneration of posterity, and the progress of 
 time will thicken the laurels that surround his mon- 
 ument. The characteristic virtues which distin- 
 guished his life, appeared in full splendour in the 
 trying hour of death ; and he died as he lived, with- 
 out fear and without reproach. 
 
 CoDDiNGTON, WiLLiAM, the father of Rhode-Isl- 
 and, was a native of Lincolnshire, England. He 
 was appointed a magistrate for Massachusetts, and 
 came to this country in 1630, and fixed himself in 
 Boston. On account of party politics, he removed 
 to Rhode-Island, April 26, 1638, and was the prin- 
 cipal instrument in effecting the original settle- 
 ment of that place. His name stands first in the 
 covenant signed by eighteen persons at Aquetneck, 
 or Rhode-Island, March 7, 1638, forming them- 
 selves into a body politic, to be governed by the 
 laws of the Lord Jesus Christ, the King of kings. 
 It was soon found necessary to have something 
 more definite. Mr. Coddington was appointed 
 
7& 
 
 judge, and three elders were joined with him ; these 
 were directed by a vote of the freemen, January 2, 
 1639, to be governed by the general rules of the 
 word of God, when no particular rule was known. 
 But this plan was changed, March 12, 1640, when 
 a governor, lieutenant-governor, and four assist- 
 ants were appointed. 
 
 Mr. Coddington was chosen governor seven 
 years successively, until the charter was obtained, 
 and the island was incorporated with the Provi- 
 dence plantations. In 1647 he assisted in forming 
 the body of laws which has been the basis of the 
 government of Rhode-Island ever since. In 1651, 
 he went to England, and was commissioned go- 
 vernor of Aquetueck island, separate from the rest 
 of the colony : but as the people were jealous lest 
 his commission should affect their laws and liber- 
 ties, he resigned it. Towards the close of life he 
 was again chosen governor, and in 1678 he died 
 governor of the colony, being about 78 years of 
 age. He was prudent in his administration, and 
 active in promoting the welfare of the common- 
 wealth. 
 
 CoLDEN, Cadwallader, an eminent physician, 
 botanist, and astronomer, was born in Scotland, 
 February 17, 1688. Having completed his acade- 
 mical studies at the university of Edinburgh, he 
 applied himself to medicine and mathematics, and 
 was eminently distinguished by his proficiency in 
 both. Allured by the fame of William Penn's colo- 
 ny, he came to this country about the year 1708, 
 and practised physic. He returned to England 
 and formed an acquaintance with some of the most 
 distinguished literary characters of England, with 
 whom he afterwards corresponded, furnishing them 
 with curious and useful intelligence respecting 
 
76 
 
 America. From London he went to Scotland, and 
 married a Miss Christie, with whom he returned to 
 America in 1716. 
 
 At the strong solicitations of General Hunter, in 
 1718, he settled in New- York, and was shortly after 
 appointed surveyor-general, and about the same 
 time, master in chancery. On the arrival of go- 
 vernor Burnet, he was honoured with a seat in the 
 king's council of the province. He afterwards rose 
 to the head of this board, and in that station suc- 
 ceeded to the administration of the government in 
 1760. In 1761, he was appointed lieutenant-go- 
 vernor of New-York. He held this commission the 
 remainder of his life, and was repeatedly at the 
 head of government, in consequence of the death 
 or absence of several governors. 
 
 His political character was rendered very con- 
 spicuous, by the firmness of his conduct during the 
 violent commotions which preceded the late revo- 
 lution. His administration is rendered memorable, 
 amongst other things, by several charters of incor- 
 poration for useful and benevolent purposes. The 
 corporation for the relief of distressed seamen, 
 that of the chamber of commerce, and one for the 
 relief of widows and children of clergymen, will 
 transmit his name with honour to posterity. After 
 the return of governor Tryon, in 1775, he retired 
 to his seat on Long-Island, where he died, Sep- 
 tember 28, 1776. 
 
 Mr. Golden began early to notice the plants of 
 America, classing and distinguishing them accord- 
 ing to the custom of botany then in use. When he 
 became acquainted with Linnseus's system of bota- 
 ny, he applied himself with new delight to that 
 study. His descriptions of between three and four 
 hundred American plants, were published in the 
 Acta Upsaliensia. Though his principal attention, 
 after the year 1760, was directed from philosophi- 
 cal to political matters, yet he maintained with 
 great punctuality his literary correspondence with 
 
77 
 
 Linnaeus, Gronovius, Collinson, Dr. Franklin, and 
 many other of the literati of Europe. 
 
 In 1747, he published in London, a history of the 
 five nations of Indians. 
 
 Cooper, Samuel, DD. an eminent divine, was 
 born in Boston, March 28, 1725. He was the son 
 of the Rev. William Cooper ; and his successor at 
 Brattle-street church. He was graduated at Har- 
 vard college, in 1743. He early exhibited genius 
 and talents of the first order. His erudition was 
 rather extensive than deep, but his ready mind 
 and brilliant imagination, enabled him to shine in 
 company. 
 
 In 1746, he was ordained, and was very distin- 
 guished in the sacred office which he sustained. 
 His sermons were evangelical and perspicuous, 
 and unequalled in America for elegance and 
 taste. 
 
 Dr. Cooper was among the first of those patriots 
 who took a decided part in opposition to the arbi- 
 trary exactions of Great Britain. At all times he 
 was a leading character among the American 
 whigs. And from the time of the stamp act to the 
 revolutionary war, some of the best political pieces 
 in the Boston Gazette were the effiisions of his 
 pen. Such were his abilities and firmness, that 
 he was esteemed and consulted by some of the 
 principal men, who were the means of effecting 
 our revolution. He did much towards procuring 
 foreign alliances. His letters were read with great 
 satisfaction in the court of Versailles, while men 
 of the most distinguished characters in Europe 
 became his correspondents. When his country 
 had asserted her right to independence, believing 
 that knowledge is necessary to the support of a 
 free government, he w^as anxious to render our li- 
 
78 
 
 berties perpetual, by promoting literary establish- 
 ments. He was one of the foremost on laying 
 the foundation of the American academy of arts 
 and sciences, and was chosen its first vice-presi- 
 dent in the year 1780. 
 
 For a number of years he was a fellow of Har- 
 vard college, and in 1774, was chosen its president. 
 His diploma of Doctor in Divinity was presented 
 by the university of Edinburgh. After a ministry 
 of near thirty-seven years, he died December 29, 
 1783. In his last illness he expressed his great 
 satisfaction in seeing his country in peace, and in the 
 possession of freedom and independence, and his 
 hopes, that the virtue and public spirit of his coun- 
 trymen, would prove to the world, that they were 
 not unworthy of these inestimable blessings. 
 
 GoTTON, John, an eminent divine, was born in 
 Derby, England, December 4, 1585. At the age of 
 thirteen, he was admitted a member of Trinity col- 
 lege, Cambridge, and afterwards removed to 
 Emanuel college, where he obtained a fellowship. 
 He soon acquired a high reputation for scholar- 
 ship, and was appointed head lecturer in the col- 
 lege. In 1612, he was appointed a minister of 
 Boston, in Lincolnshire. 
 
 Mr. Cotton, following the steps of many wor- 
 thies, left his own country, anxious to secure to 
 himself the peaceable enjoyment of the rights of 
 conscience, though in a wilderness. He arrived in 
 this country in company with Mr. Hooker and Mr. 
 Stone, September 4, 1633 ; and settled himself in 
 Boston as teacher of the church, in connexion 
 with Rev. Mr. Wilson, and acquired great celebri- 
 ty; and so extensive was his usefulness, that he 
 has been called the patriarch of New-England. 
 Mr. Cotton beofan the Sabbath on Saturdav even- 
 
79 
 
 ing. He gave religious instruction, read the 
 scriptures, and then retired into his study. The 
 Sabbath he spent either in his study, or in the pul- 
 pit. He was a very accomplished preacher, and 
 sustained a high reputation for learning. He was 
 a critic in Greek, and with Hebrew he was so well 
 acquainted, that he could discourse in it; the La- 
 tin he wrote with great elegance. Uniting to con- 
 spicuous talents, and a profound judgment, the 
 candour and mildness enjoined in the gospel, and 
 the warmth of pious feeling, his instructions fell 
 with the gentleness of the dew, and insinuated 
 themselves imperceptibly into the mind. His li- 
 brary was large, and he had well studied the fathers 
 and schoolmen, but he preferred Calvin to them 
 all. 
 
 In 1652, he was invited to England with Mr. 
 Hooker and Mr. Davenport, to assist in the assem- 
 bly of divines at Westminster ; and was on the 
 point of accepting, when he was seiz.ed with an 
 inflammation of the lungs, which terminated his 
 valuable life, December 23, 1652. 
 
 Mr. Cotton's publications were numerous. The 
 most celebrated are the works, which he publish- 
 ed in the controversy with Roger Williams ; the 
 pouring out of the seven vials; an exposition of 
 Ecclesiastes, 1654; sermons on the first epistle of 
 John, folio ; an exposition of the Canticles, &c. 
 
 mm 
 
 CuSHiNG, Thomas, LL. D. a distinguished pa- 
 triot, was born in Boston, Massachusetts, about the 
 year 1725, and was graduated at Harvard college, 
 in 1744. In early life he was called to respecta- 
 ble public offices. Having been chosen represen- 
 tative of Boston, in the general court, his patriot- 
 ism and talents soon procured him the appoint- 
 ment of speaker, a place, which his father, who 
 
BO 
 
 died in 1746, had occupied with great reputation. 
 He continued to fill this station, till he was chosen 
 one of the members of the first congress, which 
 convened at Philadelphia, in September, 1774. 
 
 In 1779, he declined a re-election to congress, 
 and after the adoption of the state constitution, 
 was appointed lieutenant-governor, in which office 
 he remained until his death, which happened in 
 February, 1788. 
 
 He was from youth a professor of religion ; the 
 motives of the gospel governed him through life ; 
 and at the hour of his departure from the world, 
 its sublime doctrines and its promises gave him 
 support. He was a man of abilities; a distin- 
 guished patriot ; a friend of learning ; and scrupu- 
 lously devoted his time to the public good. 
 
 There was a time, when he was considered in 
 Great Britain as the leader of the whigs in this 
 country. The reason of his being known so much 
 in that country was, that his name was signed to 
 all the public papers, as speaker of the house. He 
 had, however, less political zeal than Otis, Adams, 
 or Hancock. 
 
 Crawford, William H. a distinguished states- 
 man, was born in Virginia, about the year 1770. 
 At the age of fourteen, he emigrated with his pa- 
 rents to Georgia. For several years, Mr. Craw- 
 ford was engaged in agricultural pursuits, during 
 which time, his towering genius made a gradual 
 advancement to the temple of science and of 
 knowledge, under the private tuition of Mr. Wad- 
 dell, who now presides over the university of 
 Georgia. On completing his academic course, 
 Mr. Crawford took charge of the academy in Au- 
 gusta ; and employed the time not required in the 
 seminary, in prosecuting a course of legal study, 
 
81 
 
 which, by the time he had arrived to the age of 
 thirty, had fitted him for the practice of the law. 
 
 Soon after his admission to the bar, he was one 
 of the three gentlemen appointed to prepare a 
 digest of the laws of the state, the labour of which 
 was principally borne by him : and the work, com- 
 pleted in a masterly manner, was received and 
 published by authority of the legislature. His pro- 
 fessional career now opened to him a wider field 
 of emolument and reputation. The excellence of 
 his understanding, and the superiority of his in- 
 tellect, soon brought him into public life, where 
 he displayed to advantage, those powers with 
 which nature had so eminently gifted him. 
 
 He w^as now called to a seat in the legislature 
 of his state, which he continued to fill for four 
 successive years, with advantage to himself and 
 his constituents. 
 
 In 1807, he was elected to the senate of the 
 United States ; and took his seat in that body, un- 
 known to every member in it, and equally new to 
 all the executive officers, having been in no way 
 before connected with the administration of the 
 federal government. 
 
 Pursuing an undeviating course in his politics, 
 and attached to the democratic party ; the unbend- 
 ing integrity of his character, and his powerful ta- 
 lents, soon marked him out as one of the most po- 
 pular and prominent members of either house. 
 He now became a common centre of attraction, 
 and by his frankness and conciliatory manners, at- 
 tached to him friends from both parties. 
 
 In the session of 1811 and '12, his zeal and ta- 
 lents in the debates of that interesting period, 
 often brought him into conspicuous notice, and by 
 his firm and manly conduct was considered the 
 main stay of the administration in the senate. 
 
 On the resignation of Mr. Eustis, in 1812, he 
 was invited to take charge of that office, but de- 
 clined the honour. 
 
 1] 
 
82 
 
 lii 1813, on the death of Mr. Barlow, he was ap- 
 pointed to succeed him as minister plenipotentiary 
 to the court of France, to which he repaired with- 
 out delay. 
 
 The catastrophe of the great campaign of 1813, 
 in Europe, and the glorious termination of our war 
 with England, superseded the investigations con- 
 templated in the mission to France, and afforded 
 Mr. Crawford an early opportunity to return home, 
 in compliance with his owai arrangements and sti- 
 pulations at the time of his departure from Wash- 
 ington. He came home in the same vessel with 
 his past friend, the lamented Bayard, and on his 
 arrival took charge of the war department, to 
 which he had been appointed in anticipation of his 
 return. On the resignation of Mr. Dallas, he was 
 transferred by president Madison to the treasury 
 department, and has there continued to the pre- 
 sent time. 
 
 In all these various situations, he has never fail- 
 ed to discover the same powers and energies of 
 mind, and the same acuteness and depth of pene- 
 tration. 
 
Danforth, Thomas, president of the district of 
 Maine, was born in England in 1622. After his 
 arrival in this country, he resided at Cambridge, 
 and had great influence in the management of pub- 
 lic affairs, and conducted himself with great firm- 
 ness and resolution in the most difficult times. 
 He led the opposition, and, assisted by Cooke and 
 Goskin, he vindicated the chartered rights of his 
 country, and would yield no privilege which the 
 charter gave them. Hence he was obnoxious to 
 Randolph, Andross, and to the ministry of Great 
 Britain. For the same reason he was the idol of 
 the populace in New-England. 
 
 In 1679, the inhabitants of the district of Maine 
 being no longer attached to Massachusetts, as a 
 county, elected him president of the province.. 
 
 He died in 1699, aged seventy-seven years. 
 
 Davenport, John, first minister of New-Haven, 
 and one of the founders of that colony, was born 
 in Coventry, England, 1597. He was graduated 
 at Brazen-Nose college, Oxford, and soon after be- 
 gan to preach. Retiring to London, he became an 
 eminent preacher among the puritans. In 1630, 
 he united with Dr. Gouge, Dr. Libs, and others, 
 in purchasing impropriations, and with the profits 
 of them, to provide ministers for poor and desti- 
 tute congregations. But archbishop Laud took 
 umbrage at it, as favouring non-conformity, and 
 caused the company to be dissolved, and the mo- 
 ney to be confiscated to the use of his majesty. 
 In 1673, Mr. Davenport, in order to escape the im- 
 pending storm, came to Boston, and was received 
 
84 
 
 with great respect. In 1638, he sailed with his fol- 
 lowers for Quiniiipiack, or New-Haven, to found a 
 new colony. On the 18th April, the first Sabbath 
 after their arrival, he preached under an oak, and 
 was their minister for nearly thirty years after- 
 wards. In the government which was established, 
 it was ordained, that none but members of the 
 church should enjoy the privileges of freemen. 
 
 He endeavoured to establish a civil and religi- 
 ous order, more strictly in conformity to the word 
 of God, than he had seen exhibited in any part of 
 the world. His intrepidity saved Whalley and 
 GofFe, the judges of king Charles I., who fled to 
 New-Haven in 1661, and by his preaching instigat- 
 ed the people to protect these unfortunate men 
 from their executioners. In 1667, he succeeded 
 the Rev. Mr. Wilson, as pastor of the first church 
 in Boston, but his labours were of short duration, 
 for he died of an appoplexy, March 15, 1670. He 
 was .a distinguished scholar, and a man of exem- 
 plary piety and virtue. Such was his reputation, 
 that he was invited with Mr. Cotton, and Mr. Hook- 
 er, to take a seat among the Westminster divines. 
 His portrait is preserved in the museum of Yale 
 college. 
 
 His publications are, " The Saint's Anchor," "A 
 Treatise upon Civil Government," " Sermons," &c. 
 
 Davies, Sajmuel, DD. president of Princeton col- 
 lege, in New- Jersey, was born November 3, 1724. 
 His father was a planter, in the county of Newcas- 
 tle, on the Delaware, of great simplicity of man- 
 ners, and of great piety. He was an only son. 
 His mother, an eminent christian, had earnestly 
 besought him of heaven, and believing him to be 
 given in answer to prayer, she named him Samuel. 
 She superintended his education till about his tenth 
 
85 
 
 year, when he was sent from home to a school, at 
 which he continued till his twelfth year. 
 
 Soon after this period, he experienced a change 
 of heart, and after repeated and impartial self-ex- 
 aminations, he attained a confidence respecting his 
 state which continued to the close of life. 
 
 Having tasted the joys of religion, he became 
 eagerly desirous of imparting to his fellow sinners 
 the knowledge of the truth. With this object be- 
 fore him, he engaged with new ardour in literary 
 and theological pursuits. After undergoing the 
 necessary examinations, he passed, with distin- 
 guished approbation, and was licensed to preach 
 the gospel. 
 
 He now applied himself to unfold and enforce 
 those precious truths, whose power he had expe- 
 rienced on his own heart. His fervent zeal and 
 undissembled piety, his popular talents, and great 
 eloquence, soon excited general admiration. In 
 1747, the presbytery of Newcastle appointed him 
 to oflficiate in four meeting-houses in Hanover 
 county, Virginia, where it pleased God to bless his 
 labours with great success. 
 
 In 1753, the synod of New- York, at the instance 
 of the trustees of New-Jersey college, chose him 
 to accompany the Rev. Gilbert Tenent to Great 
 Britain, to solicit benefactions for the college. 
 This service he cheerfully undertook, and execut- 
 ed it with singular spirit and success. The liberal 
 benefactions which were received, placed the col- 
 lege in a respectable condition. After his return, 
 he again faithfully preached to his flock in Hano- 
 ver, till 1759, when he was chosen president of the 
 college, as successor of president Edwards. He 
 hesitated at first to accept of the appointment, but 
 being urged by repeated applications, he at length 
 accepted it, and was inducted into the office in 
 July, 1759. 
 
 Here the vigour and versatility of his genius were 
 strikingly displayed: scarcely had his usefulness 
 
86 
 
 begun to be felt, when he was called to an eternal 
 world. He died February 4th, 1761. He was 
 succeeded in the office of president by the Rev. 
 Dr. Finley. 
 
 Mr. Davies was endowed with a vigorous un- 
 derstanding, a glowing imagination, and a reten- 
 tive memory. He was bold and enterprising, and 
 destined to excel in whatever he undertook. In 
 the pulpit he presented a model of the most strik- 
 ing oratory. When he spoke, he seemed to have 
 the glories and terrors of the unseen world in his 
 eye ; and seldom preached without making a visi- 
 ble impression upon his hearers. 
 
 His sermons, which fully exhibit his sentiments, 
 have passed through a number of editions. They 
 abound with the beauties and elegancies of expres- 
 sion, and with the richest imagery. The best edi- 
 tion is in three volumes octavo, 1811. 
 
 Decatur, Stephen, commodore in the navy of 
 the United States, was born on the 5th January, 
 1779, on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, whither 
 his parents had retired, whilst the British were in 
 possession of Philadelphia. 
 
 In March, 1798, he received a midshipman's 
 warrant, ecnd shortly after was promoted to a lieu- 
 tenancy. 
 
 He then sailed with commodore Dale's squadron 
 to the Mediterranean. On his return to the United 
 States, he was promoted to the command of the 
 Argus, and was ordered to join commodore Pre- 
 ble's squadron, then in the Mediterranean. On his 
 arrival there, he was transferred to the schooner 
 Enterprise, and proceeded to Syracuse, where he 
 learned the fate of the frigate Philadelphia. He 
 immediately proposed to commodore Preble, to 
 re-capture, or destroy her. The consent of the 
 
87 
 
 commodore having been obtained, he sailed from 
 Syracuse in the ketch Intrepid, manned with seven- 
 ty men; accompanied by the Syren, lieutenant 
 Stew^art, who was to aid with his boats, and to re- 
 ceive the ketch, in case it should be found expe- 
 dient to use her as a fireship. On the 8th Februa- 
 ry, he arrived before Tripoli, but the Syren in con- 
 sequence of a change of wind, was thrown six miles 
 off from the Intrepid. Notwithstanding this mis- 
 fortune, lieutenant Decatur, determined not to await 
 a junction, lest a delay might be fatal to the enter- 
 prise, and entered the harbour of Tripoli within a 
 half gun shot of the bashaw's castle, and of the 
 principal batteries, beside the enemy's cruisers, 
 who lay around the frigate — such were the immi- 
 nent perils which his daring courage so nobly sur- 
 mounted. About 11 o'clock at night, he boarded 
 the frigate Philadelphia, and in a few minutes gain- 
 ed entire possession. The enemy had by this time 
 opened his batteries upon him, and a number of 
 launches were seen rowing towards him. He then 
 ordered the ship to be set on fire, and such was 
 the rapidity of the flames, that it was with the ut- 
 most difficulty they preserved the ketch. At this 
 critical moment a breeze sprung up, blowing di- 
 rectly out of the harbour, which in a few minutes 
 carried him beyond the reach of the enemy's guns, 
 and they made good their retreat without the loss 
 of a single man, and with but four wounded. 
 
 For this gallant and romantic achievement he 
 was made post-captain, with the consent of the 
 officers over whose heads he was raised. 
 
 In the ensuing spring commodore Preble made 
 an attack upon Tripoli, when one of the divisions 
 were commanded by captain Decatur. In this ac- 
 tion, he acted with undaunted bravery. He took 
 two of the enemy's vessels, the commander of one 
 of which had treacherously shot his brother, and 
 while making for the harbour, captain Decatur pur- 
 sued him and avenged the death of his brother so 
 
88 
 
 basely murdered; and afterwards succeeded in 
 getting with both of his prizes to the squadron. 
 
 The next day, he received the highest commen- 
 dation, in a general order, from commodore Pre- 
 ble. 
 
 Captain Decatur was now transferred to the 
 command of the frigate Congress, and returned 
 home in her when peace was concluded with Tri- 
 poli. 
 
 When the frigate United States was put in com- 
 mission, captain Decatur took command of her, 
 previous to which, he had the command of the 
 southern squadron. 
 
 The late war with Great Britain gave him an- 
 other opportunity of adding to the laurels he had 
 won. On the 25th October, 1812, in latitude 29, 
 N. longitude 29, 30, W. he fell in with his majes-. 
 ty's ship Macedonian, mounting forty-nine guns. 
 After an action of one hour and an half, the ene- 
 my surrendered, with a loss of 36 killed, and 68 
 wounded — while the loss of the Americans was 
 only 4 killed, and 7 wounded. He now carried his 
 prize into Newport, Rhode Island, from thence she 
 afterwards proceeded to New-York, and was x'e- 
 fitted. 
 
 In May, 1813, after an ineffectual attempt to pass 
 the enemy, and to go to sea, commodore Decatur 
 was obliged to make New-London harbour, where 
 he was pursued by the enemy's blockading squa- 
 dron, imd was closely invested by them. 
 
 In January, 1815, commodore Decatur was ap- 
 pointed to the command of the ship President. 
 On the 14th, he embraced the only possible oppor- 
 tunity to escape the enemy's squadron, and go to 
 sea. On the morning of the 15th, he discovered 
 the enemy nearly ahead, one of which, the Endy- 
 mion frigate, as it afterwards appeared, commenced 
 a fire on the President, which was so spiritedly 
 returned, that in less than two hours she was so 
 crippled, and favoured by a breeze, the President 
 
89 
 
 with all sail set went out of the action, and had 
 every probability of escaping, had thick weather 
 set in, of which there was every appearance. On 
 the contrary it continued fine, and enabled three 
 other of the enemy's ships in less than two hours 
 afterwards to approach w*ithin half gun shot : — be- 
 ing now assailed by so superior a force, without 
 any probability of escape, commodore Decatur be- 
 ing influenced by motives of humanity, ordered a 
 signal of surrender to be made. He was imme- 
 diately taken possession of by the Pomone and 
 Tenedos, each of thirty-eight guns, and Majestic 
 razee of sixty-two guns, and carried into Bermuda. 
 
 On the 22d February, he arrived at New-Lon- 
 don, Connecticut. 
 
 In the summer of 1815, commodore Decatur 
 was despatched with a squadron to the Mediterra- 
 nean, to protect the American commerce, and to 
 'reduce the regency of Algiers to a pacific disposi- 
 tion. He arrived off Cape de Gatt on the 17th 
 June, where he had the good fortune to fall in with 
 the Algerine admiral, and after an action of twen- 
 ty-five minutes captured his ship, mounting forty- 
 nine guns. On the 19th, after a chase of three 
 hours, he captured an Algerine brig of twenty-two 
 guns. On the 29th June, he arrived before Al- 
 giers, and concluded a treaty of peace on advanta- 
 geous terms. After having visited the other Bar- 
 bary ports of Tunis and Tripoli, he returned to the 
 United States in November following. President 
 Madison soon after appointed him a member of 
 the board of commissioners at Washington, for the 
 navy of the United States. It was while in the 
 discharge of the duties of this board, that he was 
 challenged to single combat, with pistols, by com- 
 modore James Barron, and was mortally wounded 
 at the first fire. He expired on the night of the 
 22d March, 1820. 
 
 Before he expired, he openly opposed the prin- 
 ciple of duelling, and threw himself upon the mercy 
 
 12 
 
90 
 
 of that God whose laws he had viokited. Commo- 
 dore Decatur was pltiasing in his person, of an in- 
 telligent and interesting countenance. His man- 
 ners were unassuming and engaging, uniting the 
 polish of the gentleman jvith the frank simplicity 
 of a sailor. 
 
 As a naval officer, he has never been surpassed. 
 The most minute branches of naval science never 
 escaped his attention, and the most abstruse never 
 exceeded his comprehension. The various ma- 
 nceuvrings of a ship or squadron, were as fami- 
 liar with him, as the evolutions of an army to the 
 scientific military officer. Whether encountering 
 the enemy in the humble galley, or breasting the 
 shock of battle in the majestic ship, he bore into 
 action, as if the genius of victory hovered over 
 him, and gave him conquest in anticipation. When 
 in the midst of an engagement, his own personal 
 safety never occupied a thought. His fearless soul 
 was engrossed with the safety of his crew and his 
 ship, and the destruction of the enemy. But the 
 moment the battle-fray was ended, he was chang- 
 ed into a ministering spirit of mercy. Over his 
 slain enemy, he dropped a tear — to a wounded 
 one, he imparted consolation — he mingled his sighs 
 with the groans of the dying, and rendered every 
 honour to the gallant dead. 
 
 Dickinson, John, a distinguished political writer, 
 and a friend to his country, was the son of Samuel 
 Dickinson, Esq., of Delaware- In 1764, he was 
 elected a member of the assembly of Pennsylvania ; 
 and in 1765, was returned a member to the general 
 congress. In November, 1767, he began to pub- 
 lish his celebrated letters against the acts of the 
 British parliament, laying duties on paper, glass, 
 &c. They supported the liberties of his country. 
 
91 
 
 and contributed much to the American revolution. 
 In 1774, he was elected a member of the first 
 congress ; and the petition to the king, which was 
 adopted at this time, was written by him, and is 
 considered an elegant and spirited composition. 
 In June, 1776, he opposed openly, and upon prin- 
 ciple, the declaration of independence, when the 
 motion was considered by congress. His argu- 
 ments were answered by John Adams, who advo- 
 cated a separation from Great-Britain. The part 
 which Mr. Dickinson took in this debate, occasion- 
 ed his recall from congress, as his constituents did 
 not coincide with his views. After being absent 
 several years, and finding his constituents unaltera- 
 bly fixed in their system of independence, he fell 
 in with it, and was as zealous in supporting it in 
 congress about the year 1780, as any of the mem- 
 bers. In 1782, he was elected president of Penn- 
 sylvania. In 1785 he was succeeded in the office 
 by Dr. Franklin. He afterwards removed to Dela- 
 ware, where he was appointed a member of the old 
 congress; and of which state he was also president. 
 He died at Wilmington, February 15, 180i8, at an 
 advanced age. 
 
 He filled with ability the various high stations in 
 which he was placed. The welfare of his country 
 was ever dear to him, and he was ready to make 
 any sacrifice for its promotion. He invariably ma- 
 nifested an attachment to a republican government, 
 and supported those men and those measures, which 
 he believed most friendly to republican principles. 
 
 His political writings have been collected and 
 published in two volumes, octavo, 1801. 
 
 Dickinson, Jonathan, first president of New- 
 Jersey college, was graduated at Yale college in 
 1706. Two years afterwards, he was settled minister 
 
m - 
 
 of the lirst Presbyterian church in Elizabeth-Town, 
 New- Jersey. Of this church he was for near forty 
 years the joy and glory. The charter of the col- 
 lege of New-Jersey having been enlarged by go- 
 vernor Belcher, in October, 1746, Mr. Dickinson 
 was appointed president. It however did not long 
 enjoy his superintendence, for it pleased God to 
 call him away from life, October 7, 1747, in the 
 sixtieth year of his age. 
 
 Mr. Dickinson was a man of learning, of distin- 
 guished talents, and celebrated as an eloquent 
 preacher. His writings possess very considerable 
 merit, and are numerous. 
 
 Dallas, Alexander James, secretary of the 
 treasury of the United States, was born June "21, 
 1759, and was educated at the university of Edin- 
 burgh, Scotland. 
 
 He came to this country in the year 1783, and 
 commenced the study of the law, and two years 
 after, was admitted to practice in the supreme court 
 of Pennsylvania. 
 
 For several years his practice not being very ex- 
 tensive, he prepared for the press the cases adjudg- 
 ed in the courts of Pennsylvania, before and since 
 the revolution. 
 
 In 1791, he was appointed secretary of the com- 
 monwealth of Pennsylvania, and in the same year 
 was elected a member of the American philosophi- 
 cal society. 
 
 In 1796, he published an edition of the laws of 
 Pennsylvania, with notes. 
 
 In 1801, he was appointed by president Jeffer- 
 son, attorney of the United States for the eastern 
 district of Pennsylvania, and resigned his secreta- 
 ryship. This commission was confirmed by the 
 senate in 1802, and he continued connected in this 
 way with the government, imtil October, 1814, when 
 
93 
 
 president Madison appointed him to the office of 
 secretary of the treasury of the United States. 
 
 In 1815, he undertook the additional and very 
 delicate trust of secretary at war, and executed 
 with acknowledged success, the invidious task of 
 reducing the army of the United States. 
 
 In the month of November, 1816, peace being 
 restored, the finances arranged, the embarrassment 
 of the circulating medium daily diminishing, and 
 soon to disappear under the influence of the na- 
 tional bank, which it had so long been his labour 
 to establish, he resigned his honourable trust, and 
 resumed the practice of the law in Philadelphia. 
 
 At this place he suddenly closed his career, Ja- 
 nuary 16, 1817. 
 
 Mr. Dallas possessed a mind highly gifted by 
 nature, and richly cultivated with a variety of 
 knowledge. 
 
 As an advocate, he was learned, ingenious, and 
 excursive, and at times very eloquent. 
 
 As a statesman, his talents were of the highest 
 order ; bold, comprehensive, and profound, and ca- 
 pable of grasping whatever subject he attempted. 
 
 Davie, William Richardson, one of the signers 
 of the federal constitution, was born June 20, 1756. 
 This distinguished patriot, at the commencement 
 of the revolutionary war, was a student at Princeton 
 college, where he finished his education, and gra- 
 duated in the ever memorable y-ear of '76. On his 
 return home, he went to Salisbury, North-Carolina, 
 and commenced the study of the law. The war 
 continuing, contrary to the expectation which ge- 
 nerally prevailed when it began, he could no longer 
 resist his ardent wish to plant himself among the 
 defenders of his country. Without delay he join- 
 ed the southern armv, and we find him at the bat- 
 
^4 
 
 tie of Stono, as brigade-major of cavalry, covering 
 tlie retreat of Lincoln's army. At the period of 
 Gates's defeat, his zeal and activity had advanced 
 him to the command of a legionary corps, in whose 
 equipment he expended the last shilling of an es- 
 tate bequeathed to him by his uncle. On the fatal 
 16th August, he was hastening with his corps to 
 join the army, when he met our dispersed and 
 flying troops. He nevertheless advanced towards 
 the conqueror, and was essentially serviceable, not 
 only in preventing pursuit, but in recapturing the 
 baggage and some of our men. Convinced that 
 the victorious enemy would seek and strike at the 
 brigade under Sumpter, he, with laudable zeal, im- 
 mediately despatched a confidential soldier with 
 the intelligence of Gates's defeat, and then reluc- 
 tantly retired. He had previously under the com- 
 mand of Sumpter, fought both at Hanging-Rock and 
 Rocky-Mount. In consideration of his eminent 
 services, the governor of North-Carolina promot- 
 ed him to the rank of brigadier-general. , 
 
 General Davie was not only distinguished as an 
 intelligent, but as an intrepid soldier. His delight 
 was to lead a charge ; and possessing great bodily 
 strength, united with uncommon activity, is said to 
 have overcome more men in personal conflict than 
 any individual in the service. 
 
 His knowledge of the country and of its re- 
 sources, induced general Greene, on assuming the 
 command of the southern army, to intrust him with 
 the charge of the quarter-master general's depart- 
 ment. 
 
 He afterwards employed him as a negotiator 
 with the legislature of North-Carolina, for supplies 
 of men, the more eflectually to resist the enemy. 
 In both these capacities he acquitted himself with 
 consummate ability, and to the entire satisfaction 
 of his general. 
 
 At the close of the war he returned home, and 
 resumed the practice of the law. He very soon 
 
95 
 
 rose to great eminence ; and in a few years, became 
 one of its principal leaders and ornaments. He 
 was possessed of great sagacity, profound know- 
 ledge, and masculine eloquence. 
 
 In 1787, he was appointed by the legislature of 
 North-Carolina, a member of the grand convention 
 which met at Philadelphia, to frame the present 
 constitution. He was afterwards elected a mem- 
 ber of the state convention, which met to ratify 
 and adopt it, and was one of its ablest champions, 
 and most ardent supporters. 
 
 In 1799, he was elected governor; the duties of 
 which station he performed with his accustomed 
 firmness and wisdom. He was not, however, per- 
 mitted to remain long in that station. His country 
 had higher claims on his talents and services. 
 
 The venerable Mr. Adams, then president of the 
 United States, anxious to make one more effort to 
 put an end to the differences which subsisted be- 
 tween this country and France, associated general 
 Davie with Mr. Ellsworth and Mr. Murray, as his 
 ambassadors to that court. These gentlemen, on 
 their arrival in France, found the tyrannical and 
 corrupt government of the directory, which had 
 behaved so haughtily to general Pinckney and his 
 colleagues, overturned by Bonaparte ; who though 
 possessed of more power than his predecessors, 
 was desirous to conciliate the United States. Com- 
 missioners were appointed to discuss the subjects 
 of dispute, and their deliberations ended in a con- 
 vention, which healed the breach, and saved the 
 United States from being dragged into the vortex 
 of European quarrels. 
 
 General Davie, who had, during his stay in 
 France, witnessed and deplored the effects of the 
 revolution upon that country, upon his return to 
 the United States, endeavoured to impress upon all 
 Americans, but chiefly upon young men of ardent 
 minds, and promising talents, the vast importance 
 of moderation and toleration in republican govern- 
 
96 
 
 "merits ; without which, they can scarcely hope to 
 escape the snares of ambitious demagogues, and 
 the ruin of violent dissentions. General Davie con- 
 templated the character of Bonaparte with great 
 attention. He saw him often, and conversed with 
 him freely. He considered him as a man of first 
 rate talents as a warrior, and of great research as 
 a statesman. But he regarded him also, as a man 
 of unbounded ambition, restrained by no principles, 
 human or divine. His opinion of him afterwards 
 was verified, by his assumption of imperial and 
 despotic power. 
 
 General Davie continued to reside at his beautiful 
 seat, on the banks of the Catawba, to which travel- 
 lers and visiters were constantly attracted by his 
 open hospitality, his dignified manners, and ele- 
 vated character. The affability of his deportment 
 gave easy access to all. But no person approach- 
 ed him, however distinguished by his talents or 
 character, who did not speedily feel, that he was in 
 the presence of a very* superior man. The good 
 he did survives him; and he has left a noble ex- 
 ample to the youth of his country, to encourage 
 and to stimulate them in the honourable career of 
 virtue and of exertion. 
 
 DwiGHT, Timothy, S. T. D. LL. D. president 
 and professor of divinity of Yale college, was born 
 at Northampton, in the state of Massachusetts, 
 May 4, 1752. At a very early age, he exhibited 
 astonishing proofs of intellect, and was admitted 
 into the freshman class of Yale college at the age 
 of thirteen. 
 
 In 1769, he received the honours of the college, 
 under the most promising auspices of future use- 
 fulness and celebrity. 
 
 In 1771, he was elected a tutor of Yale, and in 
 the following year was admitted to the degree of 
 
97 
 
 master of arts. In 1776, he married Miss Mary 
 Woolsey, daughter of Benjamin Woolsey, Esq. of 
 Long Island, and in the following year gave up 
 his place as tutor in the college. He then accept- 
 ed the appointment of chaplain in the American 
 army, in the division commanded by general Put- 
 nam. His continuance with the army, however, 
 was short, in consequence of the death of his fa- 
 ther which happened in 1777. His father leaving 
 a numerous family unprovided for, he went to re- 
 side with them, discharging at the same time every 
 filial and fraternal duty. At this place, Northamp- 
 ton, he established an academy, which gained him 
 great reputation. At the close of the revolutiona- 
 ry war, he was chosen to represent the town of 
 Northampton in the state legislature : here he ac- 
 quitted himself in a manner highly honourable to 
 himself, and so as to give the strongest impres- 
 sion of his integrity, and sacred regard to justice. 
 
 About this time he had several flattering offers 
 made him from different towns in Massachusetts 
 to settle as a clergyman, all of which he saw fit to 
 decline. In 1783, he accepted an invitation to set- 
 tle as a clergyman in the parish of Greenfield, in 
 the town of Fairfield, in Connecticut. Here he 
 ably and faithfully dispensed the word of God for 
 the space of ten years. At this place, he esta- 
 blished an academy for the reception of youth of 
 both sexes, which soon gained a reputation, per- 
 haps, unparalleled in any similar institution in this 
 country. It was indebted for its celebrity to no 
 extraneous aid whatever; and rested, for support, 
 solely on the talents and exertions of the founder. 
 
 On the death of president Styles, in May, 1795, 
 the public attention was immediately turned to- 
 wards Dr. Dwight, as his successor. He was ac- 
 cordingly elected president of Yale college, and 
 inducted into office the September following. 
 Very soon the college began to flourish beyond all 
 former example, and, perhaps, its reputation was 
 
 13 
 
98 
 
 never more extensive than at the time of his death. 
 At the time he entered on the duties of the presi- 
 dency, the office of professor of divinity was va- 
 cant ; and as several ineffectual attempts had been 
 made to procure a proper incumbent, Dr. Dwight 
 engaged to discharge the duties of this office like- 
 wise. A few years after, he was regularly elected 
 to the divinity chair; which he filled, till his death, 
 with unparalleled reputation and success. 
 
 Dr. Dwight continued to discharge the duties of 
 his station, both as president and professor of the 
 college, to the age of sixty-five, when after a long 
 and painful illness, in the accents of fervent prayer, 
 he yielded his spirit to God who gave it, on the 
 morning of the 8th January, 1817. 
 
 Dr. Dwight was distinguished for a mind formed 
 for the highest efforts of intellectual vigour, a clear 
 and discriminating judgment — a retentive memo- 
 ry — and an imagination strong and active. As a 
 man of literature, his information was various and 
 extensive, although, from the age of twenty-four, 
 on account of the weakness of his eyes, almost 
 all his reading was done by the aid of others, and 
 almost all his writing by an amanuensis. 
 
 As a preacher, he possessed very uncommon ex- 
 cellences : with a person and attitude dignified and 
 commanding — a voice deep toned and susceptible 
 of every modulation — an elocution clear, flowing, 
 and impetuous — he never failed to command the 
 most respectful and profound attention. 
 
 Dr. Dwight left prepared for the press, and 
 which have since been stereotyped and published 
 in this country, as well as Europe, and have al- 
 ready gone through many editions : — "A complete 
 View of Theoretical and Practical Divinity," five 
 volumes, 8vo. No other monument need be made 
 to perpetuate his genius and talents, as this work 
 has already established his fame. Another work 
 of his has also been published, entitled "An His- 
 torical, Topographical, and Statistical Account of 
 
99 
 
 the states of New-England, and of the state of 
 New- York ;" containing much valuable information 
 of that section of the United States, and must ever 
 be esteemed a valuable record for posterity. Dr. 
 Dwight published in his lifetime two epic poems, 
 viz. "Greenfield Hill," and the "Conquest of Ca- 
 naan," besides sermons and other minor pieces. 
 
 Dr. Dwight had the honour of being a member 
 of most of the literary and philosophical societies 
 in this country. He was likewise honoured with 
 the degree of doctor in divinity by the college at 
 Princeton, and with the degree of doctor of laws 
 by the university of Cambridge. •' 
 
J 00 
 
 Edwards, Jonathan, DD. president of Prince- 
 ton college, New-Jersey, an eminent divine and 
 acute metaphysician, was the son of the Reverend 
 Timothy Edwards, pastor of the church in Wind- 
 sor, Connecticut. He was born October 5, 1703, 
 and was graduated at Yale college, in 1720. His 
 uncommon genius discovered itself early, and while 
 yet a boy, he read Locke on the Understanding with 
 a keen relish : moral and theological researches 
 afforded him the highest gratification. During two 
 years after taking his first degree, he remained at 
 college, preparing himself for the ministry. In 
 1724, he was appointed a tutor in Yale college, 
 and continued in that office for which he was well 
 qualified, till 1726 — when he was called to preach 
 at Northampton, Massachusetts. Here, he was or- 
 dained as colleague with his grandfather, the Rev. 
 Mr. Stoddard, February 15, 1727. He continued 
 in this place for more than twenty-three years, 
 during which time the church was much enlarged. 
 Unhappily for the church, in 1744, a difference of 
 opinion arose upon the subject *'that none but the 
 children of communicants have a right to baptism." 
 This subject struck at the root of some immorali- 
 ties which had crept in among the members of his 
 church, of which it was his design to correct, and 
 to bring them to repentance : a secret dislike, 
 however, was excited in the minds of many, and it 
 was soon blown into a flame. When he settled in 
 Northampton, he was not perfectly convinced of 
 the correctness of the principle, which was sup- 
 ported by his colleague, the Rev. Mr. Stoddard, 
 that unconverted persons had a right in the sight 
 of God to the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. 
 After diligent inquiry, he was convinced that the 
 principle was erroneous and dangerous. His in- 
 vestigations led him to believe, that the supper 
 
iOl 
 
 was instituted for the true disciples of Jesus Christ ; 
 that none but those, who were considered as such, 
 should be permitted to partake of it. Considering 
 it his duty to vindicate the truth, and in full view 
 of consequences that followed, he openly avowed 
 his sentiments, cheerfully sacrificing every worldly 
 interest to promote the purity of the church, and 
 the glory of the Redeemer. The dispute was so 
 great, and the contention so warm, that he was 
 violently driven away in disgrace from a people, 
 who once would almost have plucked out their 
 eyes and given them to him. They would listen 
 to no explanation whatever. He was dismissed by 
 an ecclesiastical council, June 22, 1750. In this 
 scene of trouble and abuse, Mr. Edwards exhibit- 
 ed the truly christian spirit. His calmness, and 
 meekness, and humility, and yet firmness, and re- 
 solution, were the subjects of admiration to his 
 friends. 
 
 In August, 1751, he was invited to settle in the 
 church at Stockbridge, which he accepted. Here 
 he continued six years, making himself useful to 
 the people, both Indians and the English. In this 
 retired situation he found much leisure to prose- 
 cute his theological and metaphysical studies, and 
 to produce works which have given him a distinc- 
 tion among the greatest men of the age, and a 
 name honoured throughout Europe. Thus was 
 his calamitous removal from Northampton the oc- 
 casion, under the wise providence of God, of his 
 imparting to the world the most important instruc- 
 tions, vi^hose influence has been extending, and 
 whose good effects may still be felt for ages. In 
 January, 1758, he reluctantly accepted the office 
 of president of the college at Princeton, as suc- 
 cessor of his son-in-law, the Rev. Mr. Burr. In 
 this station, which he adorned by his reputation, 
 and where he might have been very useful, if it 
 had pleased heaven to have spared his life, he 
 
102 
 
 continued but a short time. He died March 22, 
 1758, in the fifty- fifth year of his age. 
 
 A short time before he died, a few friends who 
 had collected around his bed to see him breathe 
 his last, were lamenting the loss which the college 
 would sustain, he said, to their astonishment, 
 "Trust in God, and ye need not fear." After 
 which he expired with as much composure, as if 
 he had fallen asleep. He was succeeded by the 
 Rev. Mr. Davies. 
 
 As a minister, a husband, a father, an author, 
 and a scholar, he was greatly distinguished, rever- 
 ed, and beloved. His death was universally la- 
 mented. Though many differed from him in theolo- 
 gical opinions, yet all respected his piety and 
 learning. As a preacher, he was pathetic, seri- 
 ous, and experimental. 
 
 All his researches he pursued with his pen in 
 his hand, and the number of his miscellaneous 
 writings which he left behind him, was above four- 
 teen hundred. His Essay on the Freedom of theWill 
 is considered as one of the greatest efforts of the 
 human mind, and gives him a name among the 
 greatest metaphysicians. Several professors of 
 divinity in the Dutch universities sent him their 
 thanks for the assistance he had given them in 
 their inquiry into some doctrinal points, having 
 carried his own further than any author they had 
 ever seen. 
 
 This book is written in opposition " to Armini- 
 an principles,'' and the "Pelagian heresy;" and 
 has baffled all opposition. His " Treatise upon 
 the Affections" is another work of great celebrity. 
 A complete collection of his writings has been 
 published in eight volumes octavo. 
 
103 
 
 Edwards, Jonathan, DD. president of Union 
 college at Schenectady, New- York, was the son of 
 the preceding. He was born at Northampton, Mas- 
 sachusetts, June 6, 1745. He was educated at 
 Princeton college, and graduated in 1765. After 
 studying divinity under the care of Dr. Bellamy, he 
 was licensed to preach by the association of minis- 
 ters in the county of Litchfield, Connecticut, Octo- 
 ber, 1766. In 1767, he was appointed tutor of 
 Princeton college. In 1769, he was called to offici- 
 ate in the church at White-Haven, and continued 
 there till May, 1795, when he was dismissed by an 
 ecclesiastical council at his own request, and the 
 request of his people. In January, 1796, he was 
 installed pastor of the church at Colebrook, in Litch- 
 field county. In June, 1799, he was elected presi- 
 dent of Union college, in which office he died Au- 
 gust 1, 1801. Dr. Edwards was a man of uncom- 
 mon powers of mind. He has seldom been surpass- 
 ed in acuteness and penetration, and is an author 
 of very considerable reputation. His answer to Dr. 
 Chauncey, his dissertation on the liberty of the will, 
 in reply to Dr. West, and his sermons on the atone- 
 ment of Christ, are considered as works of great 
 and peculiar merit, and prove him to be a critic and 
 a scholar. 
 
 He also edited from the MSS. of his father, the 
 history of the work of redemption, two volumes of 
 sermons, and two volumes of observations on im- 
 portant theological subjects. 
 
 Elliot, John, commonly called the apostle to the 
 Indians, exhibited more lively traits of an extraor- 
 dinary character than we find in most ages of the 
 church, or in most christian churches. He who 
 could prefer the American wilderness to the plea- 
 sant fields of Europe, was ready to wander through 
 this wilderness for the sake of doing good. To be 
 
104 
 
 active was the delight of his soul ; and he went to 
 the hovels which could not keep out the wind and 
 the rain, where he laboured incessantly among the 
 aboriginals of America, though his popular talents 
 gave him a distinction among the first divines of 
 Massachusetts. He was born in England in 1604. 
 After receiving his education at the university of 
 Cambridge, he was for some time the instructer of 
 youth. In 1631, he arrived in this country, and in 
 the following year was settled as a teacher of the 
 church in Roxbury. His benevolent labours were 
 not confined to his own people. Having imbibed 
 the true spirit of the gospel, his heart was touched 
 with the wretched condition of the Indians, and he 
 became eagerly desirous of making them acquaint- 
 ed with the glad tidings of salvation. There were 
 at the time when he began his labours near twenty 
 tribes of Indians within the limits of the English 
 planters. The Massachusetts language, in which 
 he translated the bible and several practical pieces, 
 serving the purpose of a missionary ; the first thing 
 he did was to learn this language of the people. 
 An old Indian, who could speak English, was taken 
 into his family, and by conversing freely with him, 
 he learnt to talk it, and soon was able to reduce it 
 to some method ; and became at last so much mas- 
 ter of it, as to publish a grammar which is printed 
 in some editions of the Indian bibles. 
 
 In October, 1646, he preached his first sermon to 
 an assembly of Indians at Nonantum, the present 
 town of Newton. After the sermon was finished, 
 he desired them to ask any questions which they 
 thought proper. One immediately inquired whether 
 Jesus Christ could understand prayers in the Indian 
 language \ Another, how all the world became full 
 of people if they were all once drowned \ A third 
 asked, how there could be the image of God, since 
 it was forbidden in the commandment 1 At another 
 time when he preached to them, an old man asked 
 with tears in his eyes, whether it was not too late for 
 
105 
 
 iiim to repent and turn unto God? A second, how 
 it came to pass, that sea water was salt, and river 
 water fresh ; liow the English came to differ so 
 much from the Indians in the knowledge of God 
 and Jesus Christ, since they all at first had but one 
 father; and why, if tlie water is larger than the 
 earth, it does not overflow tlie earth? It was his 
 custom to spend weeks together to instruct them in 
 divine things, and how they could improve their con- 
 dition upon the earth. He partook with them their 
 hard fare, with locks wet with the deics of the nighty 
 and exposed to the attacks from the beasts of the 
 forest ; or to their spears and arrows who were 
 fiercer than wolves, and more terrible in their howl- 
 ings. None of these things moved him ; like a brave 
 soldier he fought the good fight of faith, bearing 
 every suffering with cheerfulness, and every pain 
 with resignation. They often threatened him when 
 alone with them in the wilderness with evil, if he 
 did not desist from his labours, but he was a man not 
 to be shaken in his purpose by the fear of danger. 
 He said to them : *' I am about the work of the great 
 God, and my God is with me ; so that I neither fear 
 you nor all the sachems in the country; and do you 
 touch me if you dare." 
 
 In his missionary tours he planted a number of 
 churches, and visited all the Indians in Massachu- 
 setts and Plymouth colonies, pursuing his way as 
 far as Cape Cod. The first Indian church formed 
 after the manner of the congregational churches in 
 New-England, was established at Natick in 1660. 
 Mr. Elliot afterwards administered to them baptism 
 and the Lord's supper* He made every exertion to 
 promote the welfare of the Indian tribes ; he stimu- 
 lated many servants of Jesus to eiigage in the mis- 
 sionary work, and lived to see twenty-four aborigi- 
 nal fellow-preachers of the gospel of Christ. In 
 1661, he published the New Testament in the Indi- 
 an language. 
 
 He possessed an influence over the Indians which 
 
 14 
 
106 
 
 no othei* missionary could obtain. During the war 
 with the sachem Philip, 1675, he appears in a cha- 
 racter very interesting to the community. He was 
 their shield. He plead their cause with great firm- 
 ness, and prevented their extermination by an infu- 
 riate multitude. 
 
 After living eighty-six years in this world of trial, 
 the spirit of this excellent divine took its flight to a 
 better world, May 20, 1690. Few of his family w^ere 
 alive to lament his death ; but he was lamented by 
 the whole family of virtue, and by all the sincere 
 friends of religion. Though he lived many years, 
 they were filled with usefulness; succeeding gene- 
 rations mentioned his name with profound respect ; 
 his labours were applauded in Europe and America; 
 and all who now contemplate his active services, 
 his benevolent zeal, his prudence, his upright con- 
 duct, his charity, are ready to declare his memory 
 precious. Such a man will be handed down to fu- 
 ture times, an object of admiration and love, and 
 appear conspicuous in the historic page, when 
 distant ages celebrate the worthies of New-Eng- 
 land. 
 
 Besides his translation of the Bible into the In- 
 dian tongue, he published the "■ Glorious Progress of 
 the Gospel Among the Indians, &c." 1649 — " The 
 Tears of Repentance," 1653 — "A Farther Account 
 of the Gospel Among the Indians," 1659 — " The 
 Christian Commonwealth," 1660 — " The Jews in 
 America," 1660, intended to prove that the Indians 
 were descendents of the Jews — " The Harmonv of 
 the Gospels," 1678, &c. 
 
 Ellsworth, Oliver, chief justice of the United 
 States, and a distinguished statesman, was born 
 at Windsor, Connecticut, April 29, 1745, and was 
 
107 
 
 graduated at Princeton in 1766. He soon after- 
 wards commenced the practice of the law, in 
 which profession he attained an acknowledged 
 eminence. 
 
 In 1777, he was chosen a delegate to the conti- 
 nental congress. In 1780, he was elected a mem- 
 ber of the council of his native state, where he re- 
 mained till 1784, when he was appointed a judge 
 of the superior court. In 1787, he was elected a 
 member of the convention which framed the fede- 
 ral constitution. In this assembly, illustrious for 
 talents, erudition, and patriotism, he held a dis- 
 tinguished place. His exertions essentially aided 
 in the production of an instrument, which, under 
 the divine blessing, has been the main pillar of 
 American prosperity and glory. He was afterwards 
 appointed a member of the state convention, and 
 contributed his efforts towards procuring the rati- 
 fication of that instrument. In 1789, when the fe- 
 deral government was organized, he was chosen a 
 member of the senate. With his accustomed dig- 
 nity he filled this elevated station till 1796, when 
 he was nominated by president Wasshington, chief 
 justice of the supreme court of the United States. 
 This office he discharged with great reputation. 
 In 1799, he was appointed by president Adams en- 
 voy extraordinary to France, for the purpose of ac- 
 commodating existing difficulties, and settling a 
 treaty with that nation. In conjunction with go- 
 vernor Davie and Mr. Murray, his associates, he 
 negotiated a treaty, which, though it did not answer 
 the just claims and expectations of the American 
 public, was undoubtedly the best that could be 
 procured. In 1800, he transmitted a resignation 
 of his office of chief justice. On his return to his 
 native state, his fellow citizens, still desirous to 
 enjoy his extraordinary talents, appointed him chief 
 justice of the state. This office, however, he de- 
 clined, on account of his bad state of health. He 
 died November 26, 1807. 
 
108 
 
 Mr. Ellsworth was an accomplished advocate, 
 an upright legislator, an able and impartial judge, 
 a wise and incorruptible patriot ; who devoted eve- 
 ry faculty, every literary acquisition, and almost 
 every hour of his life, to his country's good. 
 
 In private life, he was the model of every social 
 and personal virtue. 
 
 Eatu-N, Theophilus, first governor of New-Ha- 
 ven colony. He arrived in this country in 1637, 
 in company with Mr. Davenport, who was compell- 
 ed '^ to seek a refuge from the storm of these cold 
 and rude corners of the earth." 
 
 Governor Eaton was one of the most opulent 
 men who came into this country. His company pre- 
 ferring to be a distinct colony, made a purchase of 
 a large territory, and built a town, which is now 
 called New-Haven. He was then elected governor, 
 which office he held until his death, 1657, in the 
 sixty-seventh year of his age. 
 
 " It was the admiration," saith Dr. Mather, " of 
 all spectators, to behold the discretion, the gravity, 
 and equity, with which he managed all public af- 
 fairs. He carried in his countenance a majesty 
 which cannot be described; and in his dispensa- 
 tions of justice, he was a mirror for the most imi- 
 table partiality." 
 
 Dr. Trumbull further observes, " there was no 
 man, among the first planters of New-England, 
 who had a more general acquaintance with public 
 business, or who sustained a fairer character." 
 He was one who signed the confederation of the 
 United Colonies in 1643. There was none who 
 exerted themselves more for the prosperity of 
 New-England, or whose name appears more con- 
 
109 
 
 spicuous on the pages of history of this period. 
 His monument was erected at the public expense, 
 and is now in good preservation. It has upon it 
 the following lines : 
 
 Eaton, so meek, fo fam'd, so just ; 
 The Phoenix of our world, here hides his dust— 
 This name forget, New-England never must. 
 
110 
 
 Fulton, Robert, a celebrated civil engineer, was 
 born in the town of Little-Britain, in the county of 
 Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in the year 1765. His 
 father died when he was only three years of age. 
 After receiving an English education, he was placed 
 with a jeweller in Lancaster, with the intention of 
 acquiring the trade. This pursuit however did not 
 prevent him from cultivating and exercising his 
 talent for painting, which he afterwards pursued 
 with great success. With the advice of his nu- 
 merous friends, he made a visit to London, and 
 placed himself under the direction of Mr. West : 
 he immediately became an inmate of that gentle- 
 man's house, and very soon, his companion and 
 friend. The friendship thus formed, subsisted una- 
 bated until the death of Fulton. 
 
 For some years after leaving the family of Mr. 
 West, he employed himself as a painter. He did 
 not however feel himself entirely satisfied with his 
 progress in the art, and was, at length, wholly with- 
 drawn from its further cultivation, by his ruling 
 taste for the mechanic arts. 
 
 As early as the year 1793, he brought forward his 
 project of propelling boats by steam, with much 
 confidence; and in September following, he com- 
 municated his ideas on steam navigation to lord 
 Stanhope, who acknowledged it by letter, dated 
 October, 1794. 
 
 In 1794, the British government granted him 
 patents for a double inclined plane, to be used in 
 transportation; for a machine for spinning flax; 
 and another for making ropes, &c. &c. 
 
 In the year 1796, he submitted to the British 
 board of agriculture, a plan for the improvement of 
 canal navigation, which was favourably received, 
 and for which he received a patent in the year 1797. 
 
Ill 
 
 He then went to France, with a view to introduce 
 it into that country. 
 
 In 1798, pursuing this interesting subject with 
 great zeal, he published a series of letters, address- 
 ed to earl Stanhope, in which he clearly exhibits 
 the advantages to nations arising from canals and 
 home improvements generally, simple taxation, and 
 free trade. 
 
 On his arrival at Paris, a friendship commenced 
 between him and Joel Barlow, which ended only 
 with their lives. At the invitation of Barlow, Ful- 
 ton took up his residence at the hotel of the former, 
 where he continued to remain during seven years. 
 In this time he studied the high mathematics, phy- 
 sics, chemistry, and perspective. He also acquired 
 the French, Italian, and German languages. 
 
 Barlow, about this time, was preparing for the 
 press his elegant edition of the Columbiad, which 
 he afterwards dedicated in terms of glowing affec- 
 tion to Fulton. The splendid plates which adorn 
 this work, were executed under the superintendence 
 of Fulton. 
 
 In December, 1797, he made his first experiment 
 on sub-marine explosion on the river Seine, in com- 
 pany with Barlow. 
 
 In December, 1806, he returned to New- York, and 
 immediately recommenced his experiments on sub- 
 marine war. He also directed his attention to steam 
 navigation. 
 
 After several successful experiments, he publish- 
 ed, in 1810, his interesting work, entitled, " Torpe- 
 do War," which contains a full account and clear 
 explanation of his system. 
 
 At the earnest solicitation of the Hon. R. R. Liv- 
 ingston, who had pointed out to him the incalcula- 
 ble advantages which would arise out of a perfect 
 system of steam navigation, had the desired effect 
 of arousing the energies of his genius to a subject 
 which he had not bestowed much attention upon 
 since the year 1793. 
 
m 
 
 After his return to the United States in 1806, he 
 and Mr. Livingston immediately commenced build- 
 ing a steam-boat called the " Clermont," which af- 
 terwards navigated the Hudson at the rate of five 
 miles per hour. From this memorable era in the 
 life of Mr. Fulton, the art of navigating by steam 
 continued to advance towards perfection, and the 
 last boat built under his direction was better than 
 any that had preceded it. 
 
 It is but justice to remark in this place, that the 
 first idea which had gone abroad of joining the 
 western lakes and the Atlantic ocean by canals, ori- 
 ginated with Mr. Fulton, and was promulgated by 
 him in answer to a letter of the secretary of war in 
 1807. He afterwards, in 1808, in reply to several 
 queries proposed to him by Mr. Gallatin, then sec- 
 retary of the treasury, with regard to public, roads 
 and canals, he goes at large into the subject, dis- 
 playing a great fund of knowledge and the most en- 
 lightened and comprehensive views. 
 
 On the breaking out of the late war he again 
 turned his attention to his favourite project of sub- 
 marine warfare, and after various successful expe- 
 riments, obtained, in 1813, a patent for a " sub-ma- 
 rine battery." 
 
 It was from his sub-marine battery that he con- 
 ceived the plan of the " steam man of war." 
 
 This invention was readily patronised by govern- 
 ment, and in March, 1814, a law was passed to build 
 one ; the cost estimated at ^320,000. He was ap- 
 pointed the engineer, and in little more than four 
 months from the laying of the keel, she was launch- 
 ed at New-York under the name of Fulton the first. 
 Since her equipment she is allowed to be the most 
 formidable engine for warfare that human ingenui- 
 ty has^ever contrived. 
 
 The last work on which he was engaged was a 
 modification of his sub-marine boat ; her model was 
 approved, and he had received the sanction of the 
 executive to construct one at New- York, but unfor- 
 
113 
 
 tunately his country had to lament his death before 
 he had completed it. He terminated his valuable 
 life on the 24th February, 1815, a martyr to his ef- 
 forts in the cause of science. 
 
 Mr. Fulton was about six feet high. His person 
 was slender, but well proportioned and well formed. 
 His features were strong, and of manly beauty. 
 
 In all his domestic and social relations, he was 
 zealous, kind, generous, liberal, and affectionate. 
 He knew of no use for money, but as it was subser- 
 vient to charity, hospitality, and the sciences. At 
 the time of his death he was a member of the prin- 
 cipal literary and scientific societies in the United 
 States. 
 
 Franklin, Benjamin, LL. D. F. R. S. a cele- 
 brated philosopher and statesman, was born in 
 Boston, January 17, 1706. At the age of eight 
 years he was put to the Boston grammar school, 
 and from the aptness which he displayed, his fa- 
 ther conceived the idea of educating him for the 
 church, but wanting the means, he took him home 
 at the age of ten, to assist him in his business. 
 At the age of twelve he was put an apprentice to 
 his elder brother J. Franklin, who then published 
 the Boston Gazette. This paper was the second 
 which appeared in America. 
 
 It was, however, the paper called tlie ^'Coii^^ant,''^ 
 afterwards emitted by his brother, which became so 
 famous for the effusions of his brother Benjamin. 
 Young Franklin early evinced an uncommon taste 
 for reading, and an attachment to books. His 
 writings brought him into notice, and gave him 
 encouragement to continue his literary labours. 
 When only seventeen years of age, he left his na- 
 tive town, and came to Philadelphia, an entire 
 stranger, without letters, and with but a slender 
 provision of money. He made his entrance on 
 
 15 
 
114 
 
 Sunday morning, and sauntered through the streets 
 in search for lodgings, his pockets stuffed with 
 shirts and stockings, and a large roll of bread un- 
 der each arm, and eating a third. *' Who would 
 have dreamed," exclaims Brissot de Warville in 
 his panegyric, "that this miserable wanderer would 
 become one of the legislators of America; the or- 
 nament of the new world; the pride of modern 
 philosophy ; and an ambassador to one of the rich- 
 est, most powerful, and enlightened nations of the 
 universe f His active mind and habits of industry 
 soon procured for him employment as a composi- 
 tor in one of the two printing establishments in 
 Philadelphia at that time. Sir William Keith, the 
 governor, having been informed that Franklin was 
 a young man of promising talents, invited him to 
 his house, and treated him in the most friendly 
 manner. He advised him to enter into business 
 for himself, and assured him of his assistance. At 
 his request he went to London to complete his 
 knowledge of the business, and to purchase a set 
 of types. On his arrival there he found himself 
 deceived, and was left to find subsistence by his 
 own exertions. Undismayed by misfortune and 
 disappointment, he obtained employment as a jour- 
 neyman printer, and by living economically, he 
 saved a greater part of his wages. 
 
 After a residence of eighteen months in Lon- 
 don, he returned to Philadelphia, in October, 1726, 
 as a clerk to Mr. Denham, a merchant. On the 
 death of his friend in the following year, he engag- 
 ed with Mr. Keimer, as foreman in his printing- 
 office. 
 
 It was not long before a disagreement took 
 place with Keimer, whom he left, and entered into 
 partnership with Mr. Meredith; but in 1729, he 
 dissolved the connexion with him. He then pur- 
 chased of Keimer a paper, and by the assistance 
 ^f friends, was enabled to conduct it in such a 
 manner as attracted much attention. In 1730, he 
 
115 
 
 liiarried a Miss Read. In 1731, he carried int^ 
 effect the plan of forming a library, which after- 
 wards became the foundation of that noble institu- 
 tion the present Library Company of Philadelphia. 
 In 1732, he began to publish "Poor Richard's Al- 
 manac." Of this work he sold ten thousand annu- 
 ally. The wise sayings of Poor Richard have been 
 repeated, and copied, and printed in many work*?. 
 They have also been translated into many foreign 
 languages. As a treatise of public and private 
 economy it was considered one of the best extant. 
 His paper he published nearly on the same plan, 
 enrichinof it with ethical discourses, and careful- 
 ly excluding from it " all libelling and personal 
 abuse." 
 
 At the age of twenty-seven he acquired the 
 French, Italian, and Spanish languages, so as to 
 read them with considerable fluency. 
 
 In 1736, he was appointed clerk of the general 
 assembly of Pennsylvania, and in the following- 
 year postmaster of Philadelphia. 
 
 In 1736, he put into successful operation the 
 "American Philosophical Society," and may also 
 be considered as the founder of the imiversity of 
 Pennsylvania. By his influence and zeal he pro- 
 cured a grant from the legislature for the establish- 
 ment and endowment of the Pennsylvania hospi- 
 tal. And, indeed, such were his patriotic and phi- 
 lanthropic exertions, in contributing to the orna- 
 ment and benefit of Philadelphia, that his name 
 may be cherished as its second founder. In 1747, 
 he was chosen a member of the assembly, and 
 continued in this station ten years. Here he ex- 
 erted all his influence in opposing the proprietary 
 claims. Among the writers upon politics, and the 
 persons who have acted an important part in the 
 revolution of their country. Dr. Franklin has been 
 highly esteemed, and conspicuously distinguished. 
 At this period he began his electrical experiments, 
 which was only the commencement of a more bril- 
 
116 
 
 liant and successful career. His great discovery 
 was the identity of the electric fluid and lightning. 
 His splendid experiments were justly admired and 
 venerated in all parts of Europe, and in a short 
 time they filled the world with his fame. In 1754, 
 he was appointed one of the commissioners, who 
 attended the congress at Albany, to devise the best 
 means of defending the country against the French. 
 He drew up a plan which was afterwards adopted 
 by congress. 
 
 In 1757, he was sent to England as agent for 
 Pennsylvania, and while there, was appointed agent 
 of Massachusetts, Maryland, and Georgia. Dur- 
 ing his residence abroad, he formed connexions 
 with persons of rank and influence. It was now he 
 began to receive the reward of his philosophical 
 merit. He was eliected with especial honours, a 
 member of the Royal Society, and was honoured 
 with the degree of doctor of laws by the universi- 
 ties of St. Andrew's, Edinburgh and Oxford, and 
 his correspondence was sought by the most emi- 
 nent philosophers of Europe. 
 
 In 1762, he returned home, and received thanks 
 for his services. 
 
 In 1764, he was again sent to London as an agent 
 for the province, to procure a change of the pro- 
 prietary government. 
 
 In 1766, he was examined at the bar of the house 
 of commons, respecting the repeal of the stamp 
 act; his conduct on this occasion was firm and 
 manly. During the following year he visited Hol- 
 land, Germany, and France, and became acquaint- 
 ed with most of the literary characters of Europe. 
 
 In 1775, he returned to America, and the day 
 after his arrival, he was elected a member of con- 
 gress. In this body he laboured with the utmost 
 ze.al, to bring about the ever memorable declara- 
 tion of independence, to which he afterwards af- 
 fixed his name, on the 4th July, 1776. Towards 
 the latter end of July, he was chosen president of 
 
J 17 
 
 the convention which met in Philadelphia, to form 
 a new constitution for Pennsylvania. In October 
 following, he was sent to France to assist in a ne- 
 gotiation in connexion with Mr. Arthur Lee, and 
 Silas Deane. He had much influence in forming 
 the treaty of alliance and commerce with that na- 
 tion^HPebruary 6, 1778. 
 
 In conjunction with Mr. Adams, Mr. Jay, and 
 Mr. Laurens, he signed the provisional articles of 
 peace, November 30, 1782, and the definitive treatv, 
 September 30, 1783. 
 
 In 1785, at his request to retire, congress ap- 
 pointed Mr. Jefferson to succeed him as ambassa- 
 dor at the court of France. In the interval he ne- 
 gotiated and signed two treaties of amity and com- 
 merce, one with Sweden, and the other with Prus- 
 sia. During his residence in France, he was the 
 idol of the literary and political circles of Paris, 
 while his genius and talents were held in the high- 
 est estimation. On his arrival in this country, he 
 was received with universal applause, and the citi- 
 zens, in order to express their approbation of his 
 invaluable services abroad, immediately appointed 
 him president of the supreme executive council. 
 
 In 1787, he was a delegate to the grand conven- 
 tion, which framed the constitution of the United 
 States. 
 
 In 1788, he retired wholly from public life, in 
 consequence of the complication of diseases which 
 for a number of years, had laid waste his strength, 
 and now entirely prevented him from attending to 
 business. For the last twelve months, he was con- 
 fined almost entirely to his bed. On approaching 
 the confines of another world, he reasoned like a 
 philosopher, and often expressed a grateful sense 
 of the many blessings received from the Supreme 
 Being, who had raised him from his humble origin 
 to such consideration among men. 
 
 On the 17th April, 1790, in the eighty- fourth 
 year of his age, he departed this life in the city of 
 
118 
 
 'Philadelphia. Almost to the last moment his men- 
 tal faculties remained unimpaired, and with a pious 
 resignation he commended his spirit to the will of 
 heaven. After his death the posthumous honours 
 conferred on his memory and services, were but 
 little short of enthusiastic. 
 
 Congress ordered a general mourning for him in 
 America for the space of one month. Obsequies 
 were solemnized in Paris, and funeral panegyrics 
 delivered by order of its municipality. The na- 
 tional assembly of France decreed a mourning of 
 three days, and addressed a letter of condolence to 
 the American congress, in which they style him the 
 Nestor of America. 
 
 His works, philosophical, political, and literary, 
 have been published in England, France, and Ame- 
 rica. 
 
 Floyd, William, one of the signers of the decla-. 
 ration of independence, was born on Long-Island, 
 New- York, December 17, 1734. 
 
 He received a liberal education, and afterwards 
 confined himself to the pursuits of agriculture. At 
 an early period he embarked in the controversy 
 between Great Britain and the colonies, and as it 
 grew more animated, he became more conspicu- 
 ous as an advocate of the rights of the people. It 
 was doubtless from these considerations that he 
 was appointed a delegate from New-York to the 
 congress which met at Philadelphia in 1774. 
 
 In 1775, he was re-elected and took his seat in 
 the general congress, which met in May, 1776. 
 During this interesting and protracted session, he 
 was actively and constantly employed on the numer- 
 ous and important committees which particularly 
 occupied a greater part of the attention of con- 
 gress. 
 
 In 1777, he was elected a senator under the new 
 
119 
 
 constitution of this state. Of this body he was a 
 leading- and influential member. 
 
 In 1778-9, he served as a delegate to the gene- 
 ral congress; was a member of the board of admi- 
 ralty, and of the board of treasury. 
 
 He was annually re-elected to congress until 
 1783, when he declined a re-election. 
 
 He was a member of the senate, upon the adop- 
 tion of the federal constitution : he was likewise a 
 member of the first congress, which met at New- 
 York, on the 4th March, 1789. At the close of 
 this session, he now retired from public life, to the 
 more peaceful shades of domestic retirement. 
 
 Subsequently he served thrice as a presidential 
 elector, and once as a senator. On the 1st August, 
 1821, he was gathered to his fathers at the advanc- 
 ed age of eighty-seven years. 
 
 Fayette, Marquis de la, a major-general in the 
 army of the United States. 
 
 The name and character of this illustrious French 
 nobleman, will occupy a conspicuous place in our 
 biographic annals, and be honoured by posterity no 
 less for his enthusiastic love of liberty, than for his 
 heroism and military renown. 
 
 In the year 1776, at the immature age of nine- 
 teen, he espoused the cause of the Americans, and 
 nobly resolved to afford our country all possible as- 
 sistance by his personal services and influence. At 
 this era, the aflfairs of America were bordering on 
 despair, and were represented in France as so de- 
 plorable, that it might be supposed sufficient to re- 
 press the most determined zeal. Reports were pro- 
 pagated in that country, that our army, reduced to 
 a mere rabble, was flying before an army of 30,000 
 regulars ; nor was this very wide from the reality. 
 In consequence of this, our commissioners found it 
 
120 
 
 impossible to procure a vessel to convey the Mar- 
 quis and their own despatches to congress; they 
 could not therefore feel justified in encouraging his 
 bold contemplated enterprise. This embarrass- 
 ment, however, had the effect of increasing, rather 
 than of restraining his youthful ardour and heroism. 
 He at length imparted to the commissioners his 
 determination to purchase and fit out a vessel to 
 convey himself and their despatches to America. 
 This project was deemed so extraordinary and im- 
 portant, that it did not fail to engage universal at- 
 tention. The French court had not then declared 
 even a friendly intention towards America, but, on 
 the contrary, was extremely cautious of giving of- 
 fence to the British government. Orders were 
 therefore given, prohibiting the departure of this 
 nobleman, and vessels were even despatched to the 
 West-Indies to intercept him, in case he should 
 take that route. The Marquis was well apprized 
 that he exposed himself to the loss of his fortune by 
 the laws of France ; and that, should he fall into 
 the hands of the English, on his passage, he would 
 be liable to a confinement of uncertain duration, and 
 without a prospect of being exchanged. 
 
 These considerations, however, did not deter him 
 from the attempt; and bidding adieu to his amiable 
 consort, and numerous endeared connexions, and 
 trusting to good fortune to favour his elopement, he 
 embarked, and in due time arrived safe in Charles^ 
 ton, in the summer of 1776. He landed soon after 
 the noble defence made by General Moultrie, at the 
 fort on Sullivan's Island. Charmed with the gal- 
 lantry displayed by that general and his brave troops, 
 the Marquis presented him with clothing, arms, and 
 accoutrements, for one hundred men. He met with 
 a cordial reception from our congress, and they im- 
 mediately accepted his proffered services. He in- 
 sisted that he would receive no compensation, and 
 that he would commence his services as a volun- 
 teer. 
 
121 
 
 This noble philanthropist was received into the 
 family of the commander-in-chief, where a strong 
 mutual attachment was contracted, and he has often 
 been called the adopted son of Washington. July 
 31, 1777, congress resolved, that, "whereas the 
 Marquis de la Fayette, out of his great zeal to the 
 cause of liberty in which the United States are en- 
 gaged, has left his family and connexions, and at 
 his own expense come over to ofl'er his services to 
 the United States without pension or particular al- 
 lowance, and is anxious to risk his life in our cause — 
 Resolved, that his service be accepted, and that in 
 consideration of his zeal, illustrious family, and con- 
 nexions, lie have the rank and commission of major- 
 general in the army of the United States." At the 
 battle of Brandywine, September 1777, the Mar- 
 quis exhibited full proof of his undaunted bravery 
 and military character, and received a wound in his 
 leg. In May 1778, with a select corps of 2,500 men, 
 he crossed the Schuylkill and -took post about 
 twelve miles in front of our army at Valley Forge ; 
 while at this place the enemy formed a design of 
 surprising him, but fortunately the Marquis gained 
 intelligence of their api)roach, and by a prompt de- 
 cision effected his retreat, and recrossed the river in 
 .season to defeat their design. 
 
 In August 1778, the Marquis repaired to Rhode- 
 Island to assist in the expedition under General 
 Sullivan, in conjunction with the French fleet, and 
 he received the particular approbation and applause 
 of congress for his judicious and highly important 
 services. In January, 1779, the Marquis embark- 
 ed at Boston, on a voyage to France. 
 
 He returned again in May, 1780, bringing the 
 joyful intelligence that a French fleet and army 
 would soon arrive on our coast. 
 
 Through his great zeal for the cause of the Unit- 
 ed States, he had exerted his influence with his 
 government, no longer fearful of giving offence to 
 the Ensrlish, to afford monev and troops, and other 
 
 16 ' 
 
important succours; . He was soon put at the head 
 of a select corps of light infantry for the service of 
 the campaign. This afforded him a new opportu- 
 nity for the display of his munificence. He pre- 
 sented to every officer under his command an ele- 
 oant sword, and his soldiers were clothed in uni- 
 form principally at his expense. He infused into 
 this corps a spirit of pride and emulation, viewing 
 it as one formed and modelled according to his own 
 wishes, and as deserving his highest confidence. 
 They were the pride of his heart, and he the idol 
 of their regard; constantly panting for an opportu- 
 nity of accomplishing some signal achievement wor- 
 thy of his and their character. In December, 1780, he 
 marched with 1,200 light infantry for Virginia, to 
 counteract the devastations of Arnold and Phillips. 
 He made a forced march of 200 miles, and prevent- 
 ed General Phillips possessing himself of Rich- 
 mond, and secured the stores of that place. At 
 one period there was not a single pair of shoes in 
 his whole command, and such was his zeal and gen- 
 erous spirit, and such the- confidence and respect of 
 the people, that he was enabled to borrow of the 
 merchants of Baltimore 2,000 guineas on his own 
 credit, with which he purchased shoes and other 
 necessary articles for his troops. 
 
 He was afterwards employed in watching the mo- 
 tions of Lord Cornwallis in Virginia, with an infe- 
 rior force ; iii this arduous duty he displayed the 
 judgement, skill, and prudence of a veteran, with 
 the ardour of youth. 
 
 Lord Cornwallis, having encamped near James- 
 town, the Marquis sent General Wayne with the 
 Pennsylvania troops, to take their station within a 
 small distance of the British army and watch their 
 motions. The two advanced parties were soon en- 
 gaged, and General Wayne drove that of the enemy 
 back to their lines, and without stopping there, at- 
 tacked the whole British army drawn up in order of 
 battle, and charired them with bavonets. The ac- 
 
T23 
 
 tion was extremely severe for the little time it last- 
 ed, but the disproportion of numbers was so great, 
 that the enemy was on the point of surrounding our 
 troops, when the Marquis arrived in person just time 
 enough to order a retreat, by which they were res- 
 cued from their hazardous situation, after suffering 
 considerable loss. 
 
 Great encomiums were passed on the Marquis, 
 for his humanity and goodness, in visiting and ad- 
 ministering to the relief of the wounded soldiers. 
 
 During the siege of lord Cornwallis, at York- 
 town, the Marquis was among the most active and 
 intrepid of the general officers, and he commanded 
 a detachment of our light infantry, which success- 
 fully assaulted the British redoubt, on the right of 
 our lines. 
 
 During his military career in America, the Mar- 
 quis displayed that patriotism, integrity, humanity, 
 and every other virtue, which characterize real 
 greatness of soul. The most affectionate attach- 
 ment subsisted between him and the illustrious 
 chief, under whose banners it was his delight to 
 serve, and whose language was — " This nobleman 
 unites to all the military fire of youth, an uncom- 
 mon maturity of judgement." His very soul burned 
 with the spirit of enterprise, and he manifested a 
 disinterestedness and devotion in the cause of free- 
 dom, ever to be admired and applauded by a grate- 
 ful people. 
 
 In December, 1784, when the Marquis was about 
 to take his final departure from America, congress 
 appointed a committee, consisting of one member 
 from each state, to receive him, and in the name 
 of congress to take leave of him, in such a manner 
 as might strongly manifest their esteem and regard 
 for him. The Marquis, on this occasion, made a 
 very respectful and affectionate reply, and thus con- 
 cluded his address : " May this immense temple of 
 freedom ever stand as a lesson to oppressors, an 
 example to the opi)ressed, a sanctuary for the rights 
 
U4 
 
 of mankiml : and may these happy United HtateSy 
 attain that complete splendour and prosperity, 
 which will illustrate the blessings of their govern- 
 ment, and for ages to come, rejoice the departed 
 souls of its founders. Never can congress oblige 
 me so much as when they put it in my power, in 
 every part of the world, to the latest day of my life, 
 to gratify the attachment which will ever rank me 
 among the most zealous and respectful servants of 
 the United States." 
 
 In the same year, the university of Cambridge, 
 and Princeton college, conferred on him the hono- 
 rary degree of doctor of laws. He was also elect- 
 ed a member of the American academy of arts and 
 sciences, and of the American philosophical soci- 
 ety. 
 
 At length, after a lapse of forty years, this illus- 
 trious hero has again visited our shores. His recep- 
 tion has been splendid beyond description, and lan- 
 guage fails to represent the spontaneous burst of 
 feeling it has created. History presents no parallel. 
 From one extremity of this great republic to the 
 other, every pen is occupied in spreading his fame ; 
 every tongue is pronouncing his eulogies, and the 
 whole collected mass of citizens is endeavouring to 
 render him that homage he so justly merits. 
 
 Hail to the hero !— shout millions of voices, 
 Enjoying the freedom secured by his toil ; 
 Hail to the hero ! — a nation rejoices 
 To welcome its guest, returned to its soil. 
 
125 
 
 Greene, Nathaniel, a major-general in the Ame- 
 rican army, was born at Warwick, Rhode-Island, 
 about the year 1740. He was particularly distin- 
 guished for his attainments in mathematics and 
 natural philosophy, and at an early period of life 
 was called to a seat in the legislature of his native 
 state. Being thus introduced into the councils of 
 his country, at a time, when the rights of the sub- 
 ject, and the powers of the ruler, were beginning to 
 130 topics of liberal discussion, he did not hesitate 
 openly to avow his sentiments, and oppose all ty- 
 rannical proceedings on the part of parliament. 
 His character however was not fully developed un- 
 til the commencement of the troubles which ter- 
 minated in our independence. 
 
 It was then, his noble spirit aspired to lead in 
 the public councils, as well as in the field. 
 
 At the commencement of hostilities, he was ap- 
 pointed to the command of three regiments of mi- 
 litia, with the rank of brigadier^general, and at the 
 head of which, he marched to Cambridge. 
 
 On the arrival of the commander-in-chief, at 
 head-quarters, he availed himself of an early oppor- 
 tunity, to express his attachment and satisfaction 
 in his appointment. This incident was the happy 
 prelude to a friendship between these two great 
 and illustrious officers, which death alone had the 
 power to dissolve. No sooner did the commander- 
 in-chief become thoroughly acquainted with his 
 character and merits, the ardour of his patriotism, 
 the integrity of his heart, his profound judgment 
 and sagacity in council, and the firmness and gal- 
 lantry of his spirit in the field, than he regularly 
 consulted him, in difierent emergencies, and receiv- 
 ed his opinions with uncommon deference. 
 
 And as an honourable testimonial of his estima- 
 
126 
 
 lion and confidence of his capacity and worth, the 
 commander-in-chief frequently expressed an anx- 
 ious wish, that in case of his death, or disability, 
 he might be appointed his successor, in the su- 
 preme command. 
 
 In August, 1776, he was promoted by congress 
 to the rank of major-general in the regular army. 
 
 In the battles of Trenton and Brandywine, as 
 well as in that of Princeton, January 2, 1777, he 
 bore a very distinguished part. 
 
 In the battle of Germantown, on the fourth of 
 October, he had the honour to command the left 
 wing of the army. 
 
 In 1778, he was appointed quarter-master-gene- 
 ral, which he reluctantly accepted, on condition 
 that his rank should not be affected, and that he 
 should retain his command in time of action. In 
 June following, he commanded the right wing of 
 the army in the battle of Monmouth, and for his 
 gallantry and good conduct, received the thanks 
 of congress. On the twenty-ninth of August, he 
 exhibited great military skill, in drawing off the 
 American army from Rhode-Island, after the French 
 fleet had left the harbour. Towards the close of 
 the year 1779, he resigned the office of quarter- 
 master-general, and was succeeded by colonel 
 Pickering. In those scenes, through which we 
 have traced his military career, he acted only in a 
 subordinate capacity. We are now to behold him 
 in the supreme command of the southern section of 
 the United States. The theatre of war, on which 
 he is now to exhibit himself, is in extent, commen- 
 surate with abilities of the widest compass : and 
 the difficulties and dangers he is destined to en- 
 counter, are sufficiently formidable to test the for- 
 titude and firmness of the most unyielding spirit, 
 and give ample employment to all the resources 
 of talents and skill. Rarely has a leader of armies, 
 in any country, been placed in a situation so fear- 
 
127 
 
 fully calculated to measure the genius, and try the 
 soul. 
 
 Greatly to acquit himself under such circum- 
 stances, he must rank with the ablest captains on 
 the brightest page of military annals. With a few 
 rare and brilliant exceptions, the war, from its first 
 commencement, in the south, had been in that 
 quarter, but little else than a series of disasters to 
 the arms of freedom. On the 3d December, 1780, 
 he superseded general Gates, in the command of 
 the southern army, under the most discouraging 
 appearances. 
 
 The army, consisting mostly of militia, amounted 
 to less than two thousand men. He found them 
 without arms, clothing, or ammunition, and but 
 three day's provisions. In front, was an enemy, 
 proud in victory, and too strong to be encountered ; 
 around, and in his rear, a country exhausted, dis- 
 pirited, and in many parts, disaffected. With such 
 means and under such circumstances, to recover 
 two states already conquered, and protect a third 
 very seriously menaced, constituted a task almost 
 hopeless. The kind of warfare that alone was 
 suited to these purposes, was of the most perplex- 
 ing and arduous character ; and to conduct it suc- 
 cessfully, called for consummate and diversified 
 abilities. With Washington in his eye, and his 
 own genius to devise his measures, he resolved on 
 cautious movements, and protracted war. Having 
 recruited the army, and organized its officers, he 
 sent out a detachment under the brave general 
 Morgan, who gained the important victory at the 
 Cowpens, January 17, 1781. This battle gave a 
 new turn to affairs in the south, and augured fa- 
 vourably of his future career. It led to one of the 
 most arduous, ably conducted, and memorable ope- 
 rations, that occurred in the revolutionary war — the 
 retreat of Greene, and the pursuit of lord Corn- 
 wallis, during the inclemencies of winter, from 
 
128 
 
 the Catawba to the Dan, a distance of two hundred 
 and thirty miles. 
 
 On the part of the American commander, that 
 retreat, with liis advance, manoeuvres, and action 
 at Guilford court-house, which soon afterwards fol- 
 lowed, may be safely pronounced, with the excep- 
 tion of the retreat of the ten thousand Greeks, a 
 succession of as masterly movements, as are re- 
 corded in the page of military history. For any 
 but a genius of the highest order, and a soul of the 
 firmest texture, to have planned and achieved such 
 a scheme of operations, under the most formidable 
 difficulties, would have been impossible. Lord 
 Cornwallis, although deeply chagrined at being 
 surpassed in generalship by Greene, felicitated 
 himself on the acquisition of another state annexed 
 to the British empire. Uneasy and restless, in a 
 state of quietude, while the interests of his country 
 called for action, Greene, having received an ac- 
 cession of troops, recrossed the Dan with his army 
 on the tenth day after his celebrated retreat, and 
 sought the enemy at Guilford court-house. After 
 one of the most obstinate and sanguinary engage- 
 ments that is recorded in our revolutionary annals, 
 the Americans were obliged to retire. Not doubt- 
 ing that lord Cornwallis would follow him, he re- 
 treated slowly and in good order, and at a distance 
 of a few miles from the scene of action, took a po- 
 sition, determined to renew the contest on the ar- 
 rival of the enemy. 
 
 But his lordship declined a pursuit, or even 
 maintaining his ground. In a few days he com- 
 menced a retreat into Virginia, leaving behind him 
 his wounded, to the humanity and care of the Ame- 
 rican chief. 
 
 The American commander immediately pursued 
 the enemy, who were several days in advance, on 
 his route to Wilmington. Altering his plan, he 
 resolved to abandon the pursuit of the British, and 
 
129 
 
 recommence oft'ensive operations in {;50uth Caro- 
 lina. He accordingly broke up his encampment 
 at Ramsay's mill, and moved towards the south. 
 Post after post was evacuated, or fell before him, 
 in quick succession, until, on the eighth of Sep- 
 tember, 1781, he achieved the memorable victory 
 at Eutaw springs, which drove the enemy from the 
 other parts of the state, to shelter and defend them- 
 selves within the lines of Charleston. Thus in less 
 than five months after entering South Carolina, he 
 became master of every part of it, except the capi- 
 tal and its immediate vicinity. 
 
 This train of brilliant successes, so far beyond 
 what his force and equipment seemed to promise, 
 procured for him, from the chevalier Luzerne, a 
 compliment as lofty as was ever paid to the com- 
 mander of an army. '' Other generals," says he, 
 " subdue their enemy by the means with which 
 their country or their sovereign furnishes them. 
 But general Greene appears to subdue his enemy 
 by his own means. He commenced his campaign 
 without either an army, provisions, or military 
 stores. He has asked for nothing since, and yet 
 scarcely a post arrives from the south, that does 
 not bring intelligence of some new advantage he 
 has gained over the foe. He conquers by magic. 
 History furnishes no parallel to this." 
 
 Congress, in consideration of his wise, decisive, 
 and magnanimous conduct in the battle at Eutaw 
 springe, presented him a gold medal, emblematical 
 of his success, and a British standard. This en- 
 gagement may be considered as closing the war 
 in South Carolina. 
 
 On the fourteenth of December, 1782, Charles- 
 ton was evacuated by the British, when Greene, at 
 the head of his gallant and victorious troops, en- 
 tered the city amidst the acclamations of thousands. 
 
 He now became the object of undivided regard. 
 From every quarter he received congratulatory ad- 
 dresses, and was regarded as one whose wisdom 
 
 17 
 
130 
 
 and valour had stayed the desolating sword of wai> 
 rescued them from the sceptre of military despo- 
 tism, and given them, in prospect, a certainty of 
 freedom, independence, and peace. 
 
 In the midst of this prodigality of admiration 
 and honour, never did man deport himself more 
 meekly. He retired from ' the blaze of public dis- 
 tinction, appearing unconscious of the merit which 
 attracted it. 
 
 Peace being at length restored, and his country 
 no longer in need of his services, he, without wait- 
 ing for the disbanding of the army, which was pro- 
 vided for by congress, withdrew from the south, 
 and returned to the bosom of his native state. The 
 reception which he there experienced, was cordial 
 and joyous. 
 
 His residence in Rhode-Island was short. But 
 during the continuance of it, and before his arrival, 
 the state was distracted by dissentions of the most 
 dangerous nature. His prompt interposition to 
 restore harmony, was, however, attended with com- 
 plete success. 
 
 Having spent about two years in his native state, 
 he returned to Georgia in October, 1785, and set- 
 tled with his family, on his estate near Savannah, 
 which had been granted to him by the legislature 
 of that state as a reward for his public services. 
 
 Engaging, here, in agricultural pursuits, he bid 
 fair of becoming as eminent in the practice of the 
 peaceful virtues, as he had already shown himself 
 in the occupations of war. 
 
 But it was the will of heaven, that in this new 
 sphere of action, his course should be limited. 
 Walking over his grounds, on the afternoon of the 
 15th of June, 1786, the day being intensely hot, he 
 was suddenly attacked with stupor and delirium, 
 which put a period to his brilliant career on the 
 morning of the 19th. 
 
 Congress on the 12th August of the same year, 
 voted a monument to be erected to his memory at 
 
131 
 
 the seat of government, with the following inscrip- 
 tion : 
 
 to the memory of 
 The Honourable NATHANIEL GREENE, 
 
 who departed this life, 
 
 the nineteenth of June, 1786; 
 
 Late Major General in the service of the United 
 
 States, and Commander of their Army in the 
 
 Southern Department. 
 
 The United States, in Congress assembled, 
 
 in honour of his 
 
 Patriotism, valour, and ability, have erected this 
 
 monument. 
 
 General Greene possessed a mind of masculine 
 strength and texture. Sound, penetrating, and ca- 
 pacious, rather than brilliant; judgment and saga- 
 •city were its predominating features. In his per- 
 ceptions he was quick and clear, ready in his com- 
 binations, forcible in his reasonings, and prompt in 
 his decisions. His acquaintance with human na- 
 ture, derived from history and an intercourse with 
 man, was extensive and profound ; and, in his ap- 
 prehension of the tendency of principles, no man 
 committed fewer mistakes. 
 
 For the zeal and sedulity with which he pursued 
 knowledge, at every period of life, he had no equal, 
 among officers of rank, in the American army. 
 
 His portable library consisted of Hume, Locke, 
 Shakspear, Milton, Horace, and otliers of the an- 
 cient classics, which he read familiarly, and were 
 his constant companions ; nor did he ever retire to 
 rest without spending an hour or two in reading. 
 
 On the score of morality, he was unimpeachable. 
 Roman virtue, in the best days of the republic, was 
 never more unsullied and inflexible than his. Of 
 him it was as true as of the elder Pitt, that '' mo- 
 dern corruption had not touched l)im." 
 
1^2 
 
 111 conversation he was fluent and instructive, al- 
 ways lively, and sometimes playful. His favourite 
 topics were political economy, and the principles 
 of government. On these subjects, his views, 
 which were always liberal, had, by reading and re- 
 flection, been rendered profound. And in all pro- 
 bability, had his life been prolonged until the organ- 
 ization of the federal government, Washington 
 would have called him to fill a seat in his cabinet. 
 
 GvviN.xETT, Button, one of the signers of the 
 declaration of independence, was born in England, 
 about the year 1732. He married in England, and 
 in 1770, emigrated to America. In 1772, he set- 
 tled in Georgia, where he devoted his whole atten- 
 tion to agriculture. 
 
 At the commencement of the revolution, he took 
 an active part in the struggles of his adopted coun- 
 try. 
 
 By his zeal and ardour, he became eminently 
 conspicuous, and rose with rapidity to the highest 
 dignity in the province. 
 
 In February, 1776, he was appointed a delegate 
 to the general congress which met at Philadel- 
 phia. 
 
 On the 4th July, he w^as one of those patriots, 
 who signed the declaration of independence. 
 
 In February, 1777, he was elected one of the 
 members of the convention, to frame a constitu- 
 tion for his state. On the death of Mr. Bullock, 
 he was appointed to fill the presidency of the pro- 
 vincial council. 
 
 Mr. Gwinnett, naturally ambitious, experienced 
 a mortifying disappointment, in not being elected 
 first governor under the new constitution, together 
 with a combination of circumstances of a personal 
 nature, finally led him to challenge general Mcln- 
 
oo 
 
 tosh to a duel, from whom he received a wound, 
 which proved mortal, and expired on the 27th May, 
 1777, in the forty-fifth year of his age. 
 
 Although the political career of Mr. Gwinnett 
 was short, and its termination afflicting, his memo- 
 ry, stamped as it is upon the charter of our inde- 
 pendence, must be coeval with the duration of the 
 American republic. 
 
 Gates, Horatio, a major-general in the army of 
 the United States, was born about the year 1728. 
 
 In early life he entered the British army, and laid 
 the foundation of his future military excellence. 
 He was with Braddock, and a companion in arms 
 with Washington, at the defeat of his army, in 
 1755. 
 
 When peace was concluded, he purchased an 
 estate in Virginia, where he resided until the com- 
 mencement of the American war, in 1775, when 
 he was appointed by congress, at the recommen- 
 dation of general Washington, adjutant-general, 
 with the rank of brigadier-general. 
 
 From this period he took a very active part in 
 most of the transactions of the war, and his abili- 
 ties and good fortune placed him in a rank inferior 
 only to the commander-in-chief, and above any 
 other general. 
 
 In July, 1775, he accompanied Washington to 
 Cambridge, when he went to take command of the 
 army in that place. 
 
 In June, 1776, he was appointed to the com- 
 mand of the army of Canada. He was supersed- 
 ed by general Schuyler in May, 1777; but in August 
 following, he took the place of this officer in the 
 northern department. The success, which attend- 
 ed his arms in the capture of Burgoyne, in Octo- 
 ber, filled America with joy. This event may bo 
 
134 
 
 considered as deciding the war of the revolution, 
 as from that period, the British cause began ra- 
 pidly to decline. Congress passed a vote of thank^> 
 and ordered a medal of gold to be presented by 
 the president. After general Lincoln was taken 
 prisoner, he was appointed on the 13th of June, 
 1780, to the command of the southern department. 
 On the 16th of August, he was defeated by Corn- 
 wallis, at Camden. He was superseded on the 3d 
 of December by general Greene, but was, in 1782, 
 restored to his command. 
 
 After the peace he retired to his farm, in Berke- 
 ly county, Virginia, where he remained until the 
 year 1790, when he went to reside at New- York, 
 having first emancipated his slaves, and made such 
 pecuniary provision for such as were not able to 
 provide for themselves. On his arrival at New- 
 York, the freedom of the city was presented to 
 him. 
 
 In 1800, he accepted a seat in the legislature, 
 but he retained it no longer than he" conceived his 
 services might be useful to the cause of liberty, 
 which he never abandoned. He died, April 10, 
 1806, in the seventy-eighth year of his age. He 
 was a scholar, well versed in history and the Latin 
 classics. 
 
 GoRHAM, Nathaniel, one of the signers of the 
 federal constitution, was born in Charlestown, Mas- 
 sachusetts, May 27, 1738. He received an excel- 
 lent education, and possessing uncommon talents, 
 he always appeared to advantage in company with 
 literary men. He settled in business at the place 
 of his nativity, but being a constant, fearless, and 
 independent lover of freedom, seemed to be form- 
 ed more for public life than to succeed in mercan- 
 tile pursuits. 
 
135 
 
 He was chosen representative for Charlestowrt, 
 in 1771, and every year till the commencement of 
 the revolutionary war. He was a very assiduous 
 attendant on the house of representatives, and w^as 
 a leader in all their debates. 
 
 In 1779, he was elected a delegate of the con- 
 vention which formed the constitution of his native 
 state. 
 
 In 1784, he was chosen a member of the con- 
 gress of the United States, and soon after, elected 
 president of that honourable body. 
 
 In 1787, he was a member of the grand conven- 
 tion which formed the federal constitution. In 
 this august body, he sustained a high reputation 
 for his knowledge and integrity. He stood high 
 with all parties for his wisdom and prudence, and 
 eloquence in debate. 
 
 He was on this account one of the most influen- 
 tial members of the state convention, which adopt- 
 ed it. He died, June 11, 1796. 
 
 Gage, Thomas, the last governor of Massachu- 
 setts appointed by the king, was the brother of 
 Lord Viscount Gage. He came to America as 
 lieutenant-colonel of Braddock's army, and when 
 that unfortunate general was wounded, he, with 
 another oflicer, carried him off the field. 
 
 In 1760, after the conquest of Canada by his ma- 
 jesty's forces, he w^as appointed governor. 
 
 In 1763, on the departure of general Amherst, 
 he succeeded him as commander-in-chief of his 
 majesty's forces in America. 
 
 In 1774, he was appointed to succeed Hutchin- 
 son in the government of Massachusetts, and to 
 command the troops quartered in the province, to 
 force the people into a compliance Avith the uncon- 
 stitutional and oppressive acts of parliament. On 
 
1136 
 
 his arrival in Boston, he immediately sent several 
 detachments into various parts of the country to 
 repair the fortifications, seize the powder and other 
 military stores in Charlestown, Salem, Concord, 
 and Lexington : at the latter place was kindled the 
 spark, which terminated in the independence of 
 America. 
 
 In May, 1775, the provincial congress of Massa- 
 chusetts declared general Gage, to be an inveterate 
 enemy of the country, disqualified for serving the 
 colony as governor, and unworthy of obedience. 
 From this time the exercise of his functions were 
 confined to Boston. 
 
 In June, 1775, he proclaimed Massachusetts to be 
 in rebellion, and oflfered pardon to all the rebels, ex- 
 cepting Samuel Adams and John Hancock, whom 
 he proscribed. 
 
 Under his orders Bunker-hill battle was fought, 
 and Charlestown burnt. Having obtained leave to 
 depart from America, he embarked for England, 
 October following, and was succeeded in the com- 
 mand by Sir WiUiam Howe. He died in England, 
 April 4, 1787. 
 
w: 
 
 Henry, Patrick, a distinguished patriot and 
 statesman, was born at the seat of his ancestors, 
 Hanover county, Virginia, May 29, 1736. After 
 making some proficiency in mathematics and the 
 languages, he was placed with a country merchant, 
 and at the age of eighteen commenced business on 
 his own account. 
 
 His genius, however, like Shakspeare's, moulded 
 for a nobler and more exalted sphere of action, and 
 destined to guide the councils of a great republic, 
 abandoned the drudgery of the counter, and at the 
 age of four-and-twenty, commenced the study of 
 the law. 
 
 In a very short time, he was qualified, and com- 
 menced the practice of his profession. It was not, 
 however, till the year 1763, that his genius burst 
 her fetters and brought into action for the first time, 
 the powers of his eloquence, for which he after- 
 wards became celebrated. 
 
 In 1764, a year memorable for the origination 
 of that great question, which led finally to the in- 
 dependence of the United States, it is asserted, 
 on the authority of president Jefferson, that " he 
 gave the first impulse to the ball of the revolu- 
 tion." 
 
 In the following year, 1765, he introduced his 
 celebrated resolutions against the scheme of tax- 
 ing America, which passed the house of burgesses 
 in May following. 
 
 ^'They formed," says Mr. Henry, ''the first op- 
 position to the stamp act, and the scheme of tax- 
 ing America by the British parliament. All the 
 colonies, either through fear, or want of opportuni- 
 ty to form an opposition, or from influence of some 
 kind or other, had remained silent. I had been for 
 the first time elected a burges;^. a few davs before, 
 
 18 
 
138 
 
 was young, inexperienced, unacquainted with tlie 
 forms of the house, and the members that compos- 
 ed it. Finding the men of weight averse to oppo- 
 sition, and the commencement of the tax at hand, 
 and tliat no person was likely to step forth, I de- 
 termined to venture, and alone, unadvised, and un- 
 assisted, on a blank leaf of an old law book, wrote 
 the within (resolutions.) Upon offering them to the 
 house, violent debates ensued. Many threats were 
 uttered, and much abuse cast on me, by the party 
 for submission. After a long and warm contest, 
 the resolutions passed by a small majority, perhaps 
 of one or two only. The alarm spread throughout 
 America with astonishing quickness, and the minis- 
 terial party were overwhelmed. 
 
 "The great point of resistance to British taxa- 
 tion was universally established in the colonies. 
 This brought on the war which finally separated 
 the two countries, and gave independence to ours." 
 
 From this period he became the idol of the peo- 
 ple of Virginia; nor was his name confined to his 
 native state. His light and heat were seen and felt 
 throughout the continent ; and he was every where 
 regarded as the great champion of colonial liberty. 
 The impulse thus given by Virginia, was caught by 
 the other colonies. His resolutions were every 
 where adopted, with progressive variations. 
 
 The spirit of resistance became bolder and 
 bolder, until the whole continent was in a flame ; 
 and by the first of November, when the stamp act 
 was, according to its provisions, to have taken 
 effect, its execution had become utterly impracti- 
 cable. 
 
 The house of burgesses of Virginia, which had 
 led the opposition to the stamp act, kept their high 
 ground during the whole of the contest, and he 
 continued a member of the public councils till the 
 close of the revolution : and there could be no 
 want of boldness in any body, of which he was a 
 member. 
 
1;39 
 
 The elements of his character were most happi- 
 ly mingled for the great struggle which was now 
 coming on. His views were not less steady than 
 they were bold. His vision pierced deeply into 
 futurity ; 'and long before a whisper of indepen- 
 dence had been lieard in this land, he had looked 
 through the whole of the approaching contest, and 
 saw witli the eye and the rapture of a prophet, 
 his country seated aloft amonj? the nations of the 
 earth. 
 
 In 1774, he was elected one of the deputies from 
 Virginia to the first congress which met at the Car- 
 penters' Hall, in the city of Philadelphia, on the 4th 
 of September following. The most eminent men 
 of the various colonies were now, for the first time, 
 brought together. The meeting was awfully so- 
 lemn. The object which had called them together 
 was of incalculable magnitude. The liberties of 
 no less than three millions of people, with all of 
 their posterity, were staked on the wisdom and 
 energy of tlieir councils. No wonder, then, at the 
 long and deep silence which is said to have fol- 
 lowed upon their organization ; at the anxiety with 
 which the members looked around upon each other ; 
 and the reluctance which every individual felt to 
 open a business so fearfully momentous. In the 
 midst of this deep and death-like silence, and just- 
 when it was beginning to become painfully embar- 
 rassing, Mr. Henry arose slowly, as if borne down 
 by the weight of the subject. After a most im- 
 pressive exordium, he launched, gradually, into a 
 recital of the colonial wrongs. Rising, as he ad- 
 vanced, with the grandeur of his subject, and glow- 
 ing at length with all the majesty and expectation 
 of the occasion, his speech seemed more than that 
 of mortal man. 
 
 Even those who had heard him in all his glory, 
 in the house of burgesses of Virginia, were asto- 
 nished at the manner in which his talents seemed 
 to swell and expand themselves, to fill the vaster 
 
theatre in whicli he wub now placed. At lengtii. 
 Jic cloged his eloquent harangue, and sat down 
 amidst murmurs of astonishment and applause ; 
 and as he had been before proclaimed the greatest 
 orator of Virginia, he was now on every hand, ad- 
 mitted to be the first orator of America. 
 
 In October, he returned home, and was elected 
 in March, 177.5, a member of the convention which 
 assembled for a second time at Richmond, to con- 
 sult the welfare of the colony. In this body, in 
 his usual style of eloquence, he urged the necessity 
 of embodying, arming, and disciplining the militia, 
 and notwithstanding his resolutions were opposed, 
 and resisted by the influence of some of the ablest 
 men and patriots of the convention, he urged them 
 the more, and exclaimed, "There is no longer 
 any room for hope. If we wish to be free — if we 
 mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable pri- 
 vileges for which \ye have been so long contend- 
 ing — if wc mean not basely to abandon the noble 
 struggle in which we have been so long engaged, 
 and which we have pledged ourselves never to 
 abandon, until the glorious object of our contest 
 shall be obtained — we must fight ! — I repeat it, 
 sirs, we must fight ! ! An appeal to arms and to 
 the God of hosts, is all that is left us ! — Gentlemen 
 may cry, peace, peace — but there is no peace. The 
 war is actually begun ! the next gale that sweeps 
 from the north will bring to our ears the clash of 
 resounding arms ! Our brethren are already in the 
 field ! why stand we here idle \ What is it that 
 gentlemen wish I What would they have ] Is life 
 so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at 
 the price of chains and slavery 1 Forbid it. Almigh- 
 ty God! — I know not what course others may take; 
 but as for me," cried he, with both arms extended 
 aloft, his brows knit, every feature marked with 
 the resolute purpose of his soul, and his voice 
 swelled to its boldest note of exclamation — " give 
 me liberty, of give me death!" 
 
141 
 
 He took liis seat. No murmur oi" applause wan 
 heard. The effect was too deep. After the trance 
 of a moment, several members started from their 
 seats. The cry, "to arms," seemed to quiver on 
 every lip, and gleam from every eye ! They be- 
 came impatient of speech — their souls were on fire 
 for action. The resolutions were adopted. 
 
 The storm of the revolution now began to thicken. 
 The cloud of war had actually burst on the New- 
 England states. The colonial governors concert- 
 ed measures to disarm the people, and to deprive 
 them of gun-powder. An attempt was accordingly- 
 made to seize at the same moment the powder and 
 arms in the several provincial magazines. Gover- 
 nor Gage first set the example, and was followed 
 by similar attempts in other colonies to the north. 
 
 In turn, governor Dunmore followed, and remov- 
 ed the powder from the magazine at Williamsburg. 
 This act excited universal indignation. In the mean 
 time Mr. Henry assembled the independent com- 
 panies of Hanover and King William counties, and 
 marched at their head towards Williamsburg, with 
 the avowed design of obtaining payment for the 
 powder, or of compelling its restitution. The ob- 
 ject he effected. Thus the same man, whose ge- 
 nius had, in the year 1765, given the first political 
 impulse to the revolution, had now the additional 
 honour of heading the first military movement in 
 Virginia, in support of the same cause. The gover- 
 nor immediately fortified his palace, and issued a 
 proclamation, charging those who had procured 
 payment for the powder, with rebellious practices. 
 This only occasioned a number of county meet- 
 ings, which applauded the conduct of Mr. Henry, 
 and expressed a determination to protect him. 
 
 In August, 1775, when a new choice of deputies 
 to congress was made, he was not re-elected, for 
 his services were now demanded more exclusively 
 in his own state. After the departure of Lord 
 Dunmore, he was chosen the first governor in 
 
142 
 
 June, 1776, and held this office several succeeding 
 years, bending all his exertions to promote the 
 freedom and independence of his country. 
 
 In 1787, he was appointed one of the deputies to 
 meet the grand convention to be held at Philadel- 
 phia, for the purpose of revising the federal con- 
 stitution; the same cause, however, which had con- 
 ►strained his retirement from the executive chair, 
 disabled him now from obeying the calls of his 
 country. 
 
 Of the convention, however, which was to decide 
 the fate of this instrument in Virginia, he was cho- 
 sen a member. 
 
 The convention met in Richmond, on the 2nd 
 June, 1788, and exhibited such an array of varie- 
 gated talents, as had never before been collected to 
 one focus in that state. 
 
 In this highly respectable body, he, day after 
 day, exerted the powers of his masterly eloquence 
 to prevent its adoption. Though experience has 
 proven, that he was erroneous in his judgment on 
 this occasion, it is nevertheless due to him to state, 
 that he contributed several valuable amendments 
 to the Magna Cliarta of our representative govern- 
 ment and national glory. 
 
 He continued the practice of the law until the 
 year 1794, when he bade a final adieu to his pro- 
 fession, and retired to the bosom of his family. 
 He retired loaded with honours, public and pro- 
 fessional ; and carried with him the admiration, the 
 gratitude, the confidence, and the love of his coun- 
 try. 
 
 No man had ever passed through so long a life 
 of public service, with a reputation more perfectly 
 unspotted. 
 
 In 1796, he was again called to the gubernato- 
 rial chair, but this office he almost immediately re- 
 signed. 
 
 In the year 1797, his health bea^an to decline, and 
 
14^ 
 
 continued to sink gradually to the moment of hiy 
 death. 
 
 In 1799, he was appointed by president Adams 
 envoy to France. This honour he declined, on 
 account of his advanced age and increasing debili- 
 ty. He lived but a short time after this testimony 
 of respect, in which his talents and patriotism were 
 held, for he died at Red-hill, Charlotte county, June 
 6, 1799. 
 
 Thus lived, and thus died, the celebrated Patrick 
 Henry of Virginia; a man who justly deserves to be 
 ranked among the highest ornaments, and noblest 
 benefactors of his country. Had his lot been cast 
 in the republics of Greece or Rome, his name would 
 have been enrolled by some immortal pen among 
 the expeliers of tyrants and the champions of liber- 
 ty: the proudest monuments of national gratitude 
 would have risen to his honour, and handed down 
 his memory to future generations. 
 
 Hamilton, Alexander, a distinguished states- 
 man, and first secretary of the treasury of the Unit- 
 ed States, was born at St. Croix in the year 1757. 
 At the age of sixteen he accompanied his mother to 
 New- York, and entered a student of Columbia col- 
 lege, in which he continued about three years. It 
 was here his intellect first gave presages of his fu- 
 ture eminence. The contest with Great-Britain 
 having grown serious and alarming, it called forth 
 the ablest writers of the day on both sides of the 
 question. At the age of only seventeen he became 
 an advocate of the colonies, young as he was; yet 
 such were the wisdom and compass of his views, 
 and the manly vigour and maturity of his style, that 
 his productions were attributed to the pen of Mr., 
 Jay, who was then in the meridian of his illustrious 
 life. On the breaking out of the revolution, he 
 
144 
 
 could no longer repose in college shades while his 
 country was in danger ; he accordingly, when in his 
 nineteenth year, entered the American army with 
 the rank of captain of artillery, and in that capacity 
 distinguished himself on several occasions. 
 
 It was not long before his higher qualities attract- 
 ed the notice of Washington, who, in 1777, selected 
 him as an aid with the rank of lieutenant-colonel. 
 From this period till 1781, Washington and Hamil- 
 ton were inseparable companions both in the cabi- 
 net and the field. Never was an aid more perfect!}^ 
 the friend and confidant of his commander, nor a 
 general more ably subserved by an aid. They shar- 
 ed together the dangers and hardships of that tr}- 
 ing period, with a firmness and fortitude that were 
 never surpassed, and by their bravery and united 
 wisdom, were instrumental beyond all others in con- 
 ducting the arms of their country to victory and glo- 
 ry. Hamilton served as first aid to-Washington in 
 the battle of Brandywane, Germantown, and Mon- 
 mouth. At the siege of Yorktown, he led at his own 
 request the American detachment that carried by 
 assault one of the enemy's outw^orks, on which occa- 
 sion his valour was daring and chivalrous. Soon 
 after the capture of Cornwallis he sheathed his 
 sword, and having a family depending for its sub- 
 sistence on his personal exertions, at the age of 
 twenty-five, applied himself to the study of the 
 law. 
 
 In 1782, he was elected a member of congress 
 from the state of New-York, and was distinguished 
 as a leader in all the most important measures of 
 the session. 
 
 He was several times chairman of those commit- 
 tees to which w^as confided the high and difficult 
 trust of reporting on such subjects as were deemed 
 most vitally interesting to the nation.. The reports 
 prepared on these occasions are remarkable for 
 that eloquence, energy, and luminous wisdom. 
 
145 
 
 which characterize so strongly all the subsequent 
 productions of his pen. 
 
 Having ably acquitted himself of his duty to his 
 country, he again resumed the practice of the law, 
 in which profession he soon rose to distinction. 
 
 In the year 1784, he published in favour of the 
 loyalists two celebrated pamphlets under the sig- 
 nature of Phocion — which must always be regard- 
 ed as master pieces of analysis and profound in- 
 vestigation. 
 
 In 1787, he was a member of the general con- 
 vention which met at Philadelphia, whose delibe- 
 rations resulted in the federal constitution. 
 
 The conjuncture was awfully portentous, and 
 threatening. The issue of the late war, in its rela- 
 tion to the permanent welfare of the country, had 
 become problematical: and the only alternatives 
 presented were the institution of a more steady 
 and vigorous form of government, or a speedy dis- 
 solution of the confederation of the states. Over 
 either event, serious evils were thought to impend. 
 The responsibilities imposed on the convention 
 were weighty and solemn. Colonel Hamilton, 
 whose spirit delighted in difficulties, now took a 
 prompt and splendid lead in all such measures as 
 policy appeared to direct. His pen as well as his 
 tongue became an organ of wisdom, and an instru- 
 ment of eloquence, which excited the admiration 
 and applause of his cotemporaries, and will transmit 
 his fame with unfading lustre to the latest poste- 
 
 After the publication ot the constitution, he, con- 
 jointly with Mr. Madison and Mr. Jay, commenced 
 the Federalist, a work which is justly ranked with 
 the foremost productions in political literature. 
 Besides being the most enlightened, profound, and 
 practicable disquisition on the principles of a fe- 
 deral representative government that has ever ap- 
 peared, it is a luminous and elegant commentary 
 on the republican establishments of our own coun- 
 
 19 
 
14G 
 
 try. It was published in the years 1787 and 1788, 
 in a series of essays, addressed to the citizens of 
 New-York, and had a powerful influence both in 
 that and other states, in procuring the adoption of 
 the federal constitution. The style is as perspicu- 
 ous, eloquent, and forcible, as the matter is perti- 
 nent, and the arguments convincing — and have all 
 the richness, elegance, and ease of the Spectator. 
 He wrote the whole of the work, except Nos. 2, 3,' 
 4, and 5, which are from the pen of Mr. Jay; Nos. 
 10, 14, 18, 19, 20, and 37, to 58, inclusive, and 62, 
 63, and 64, from that of Mr. Madison. 
 
 He was a member of the state convention of 
 New-York, which met in 1788, to deliberate on the 
 adoption of the federal constitution. For a time the 
 issue of it was doubtful. It was then the triumph 
 of his talents and patriotism showed most conspi- 
 cuous, and by the force of his eloquence as well as. 
 his pen, in the papers signed Publius, he contribut- 
 ed much to its adoption. 
 
 On the organization of the federal government, 
 in the summer of 1788, Washington placed him at 
 the head of the treasury. Here he had to contend 
 with almost insurmountable difficulties. But the 
 mind of Hamilton was not formed to be intimidat- 
 ed or vanquished. It rose in greatness in propor- 
 tion to the difficulties it had to encounter. He 
 proved himself capable not only of arranging, com- 
 bining, and maturing, but of creating the means 
 necessary for the attainment of the weightiest pur- 
 pose. He perceived, as by intuition, the true cha- 
 racter and resources of the country, and devised 
 with equal facility the best plan of converting them 
 into a basis of national revenue. From the most 
 humble and depressed condition, he raised public 
 credit to an elevation altogether unprecedented in 
 the history of the country, and acquired for him- 
 self, both at home and abroad, the reputation of the 
 greatest financier of the age. 
 
147 
 
 His official reports to congress, besides ranking 
 high as literary productions, are among the most 
 able and instructive papers on political economy 
 that have ever appeared. Those of his reports 
 which are most highly esteemed are, two on the 
 subject of a provision for the support of public 
 credit, on the establishment of a national bank, and 
 one on the subject of manufactures; all of which 
 have been acknowledged to be chef d'oeuvres in 
 political literature, and justly entitle him to the 
 title of the founder of j^ublic credit in the United 
 States. It is said, such was the confidence of 
 Washington in his wisdom and judgment, patriot- 
 ism and integrity, that he rarely ventured on any 
 hicfh executive act without his concurrence. 
 
 In the year 1793, an attempt was made by the 
 minister of France to involve the United States as 
 a party in the war between that republic and Great- 
 Britain. Washington immediately declared the 
 course of policy which he intended to pursue, by 
 issuing his proclamation of neutrality. Mr. Hamil- 
 ton was known to have advised the measure : he af- 
 terwards published in defence of it the essays of 
 Pacificus, which were highly influential in recon- 
 ciling it to public approbation. In these essays, 
 though some of them may in point of style and 
 elegance be inferior to those of the Federalist, 
 yet they exhibit all that perspicuity of arrange- 
 ment, and strength of argument, for which all his 
 writings are distinguished. 
 
 Finding his salary insufficient for the support of 
 a large family, in 1795 he resigned the office of 
 secretary of the treasury, and returned once more 
 to private life. 
 
 Yet there was one public measure which he felt 
 himself bound to vindicate, because it had been 
 entered into in part from his own advice. This 
 was the treaty of amity and commerce negotiated 
 with Great-Britain, through the ministry of Mr. Jay. 
 In a series of papers written with his usual ability. 
 
14^! 
 
 under the signature ol Camillus, he entered into 
 an elaborate and successful defence of it. As the 
 sun in his ascent, dissipates the mists and ob- 
 scurities of the morning, such was the action of 
 these luminous essays on the doubts of the com- 
 munity. Error and prejudice were scattered by 
 their radiance, and brightness and truth became 
 every where their attendants. The treaty was rati- 
 fied and carried into effect; with what advantages 
 to the country, the long career of prosperity which 
 succeeded, can best testify. 
 
 In consequence of the injuries and demands, and 
 the haughty and menacing aspects of the republic 
 of France towards this country, in the year 1798 ; 
 to direct and confirm the people in the course they 
 should pursue, he published with conclusive effect, 
 under the signature of Titus Manlius, a series of 
 essays denominated "The Stand." 
 
 President Adams immediately adopted defensive 
 measures, and called upon Washington to accept 
 the command of the army, which he accepted only 
 on condition that colonel Hamilton should be made 
 second in command. This arrangement was ac- 
 cordingly made. Such was the high eulogium 
 conferred upon his talents by the father of his 
 country. 
 
 On the death of Washington, in 1799, he suc- 
 ceeded, of course, to the command in chief of the 
 armies of America. 
 
 The most material diflerences having been peace- 
 ably adjusted between the two countries, he re- 
 turned again to the profession of the law, and never 
 more appeared in any official capacity. 
 
 In the mean time, his fame as an advocate and a 
 counsellor continued to brighten ; the last exertion 
 of his genius and talents, being still considered by 
 those who heard him the greatest and the best. 
 
 In this flourishing state of his fortune and re- 
 nown, his country and his family was about to sus- 
 tain an irreparable loss. Some personal misun- 
 
J 49 
 
 derstanding had taken place between him and 
 colonel Burr, the latter requiring his acknowledg- 
 ment or denial of certain expressions derogatory 
 to his honour which he had used ; this was deem- 
 ed inadmissible by the former, and the conse- 
 quence was, colonel Burr sent him a challenge to 
 fight a duel. On the morning of the 11th July, 
 1804, the parties met at Hoboken, on the New-Jer- 
 sey shore, the very spot where, a short time before 
 general Hamilton's eldest son, (in obedience to the 
 same principle of honour, and in the violation of 
 the laws of God and man !) had fallen in a duel. 
 On the first fire, Hamilton received the ball of his 
 antagonist, and immediately fell. He was carried 
 to the city of New- York, and expired the follow- 
 ing day at two o'clock, P. M. in the forty-seventh 
 year of his age. Before his death, he expressed 
 in strong terms, his abhorrence of the practice of 
 duelling, and with sincere horror, repented of hav- 
 ing engaged in it. He professed his belief in the 
 christian religion, and received at the hands of bi- 
 shop Moore the sacrament of the Lord's supper. 
 Throughout the United States his premature fall 
 excited emotions of sorrow that were inferior only 
 to those that had resulted from the death of Wash- 
 ington. 
 
 In his person he was small, and short in stature. 
 In his dress he was plain, in his disposition social, 
 in his manners easy and affable, in his affections 
 warm, in his friendship steady, in his feelings ar- 
 dent, and in his general deportment a well-bred 
 gentleman. His powers of mind were of the first 
 order. His eloquence was altogether peculiar and 
 unique. It consisted in the most rich and splendid 
 elocution, united to the closest logical reasoning — 
 every thing he uttered, having been digested and 
 assimilated, partook of the diamond qualities of his 
 mind. 
 
150 
 
 Harvard, John, the founder of Harvard college, 
 Massachusetts. On his demise, in 1638, by his 
 will he left a legacy of eight hundred pounds to 
 the school at Cambridge, to which the general 
 court gave four hundred pounds more, besides 
 smaller sums from several other benefactors. 
 
 The next year the general court constituted it a 
 college. But because the memorable John Har- 
 vard led the way, by a generosity exceeding most 
 of them, his name was justly eternized, says the 
 author of the Magnalia, by its having the name of 
 Harvard College imposed upon it. 
 
 Hooker, Thomas, the renowned pastor of the 
 church in Hartford, Connecticut, was born in the 
 year 1586. In 1633, he was ordained the first pas- 
 tor of Cambridge, Massachusetts, from whence, in 
 1636, he removed with a hundred others, to a fer- 
 tile spot on the banks of the Connecticut river, 
 which they afterwards called Hartford. 
 
 Here he was the chief instrument of beginning 
 another colony. He often visited Boston ; and 
 whenever he preached, his great fame drew crowd- 
 ed assemblies. This great man died July 7, 1647. 
 Dr. Mather calls him the Luther of the American 
 church. 
 
 Mr. Cotton said, that he did " Agmen ducere et 
 dominari in concionibus, gratia spiritus sancti et 
 virtute plenis ;" and that he was " ver solertis et 
 acerrimi judicii." A very full memoir of Mr. Hook- 
 er has been written by the grandson of Mr. Cot- 
 ton, who calls him the light of the western church. 
 
 Many volumes of Mr. Hooker's sermons were 
 printed : most of them are now out of print. His 
 most famous work is the survey of Church Disci- 
 pline, which was published in England in 1648, 
 under the inspection of the famous Dr. Thomas 
 
15J 
 
 Goodwin, who says, '' as touching this treatise, and 
 the worthy author of it, to preface any thing by 
 commendation of either, were to lay paint upon 
 burnished marble, or add light unto the sun." 
 
 . Mollis, Thomas, the founder of two professor- 
 ships in Cambridge university, Massachusetts, died 
 in February,1731, at the advanced age of seventy- 
 two years. In 1727, the net produce of his dona- 
 tions, exclusive of gifts non vendible, amounted to 
 fourteen thousand and nine hundred pounds, the 
 interest of which he directed to be appropriated to 
 the support of the professorships of divinity and 
 mathematics : likewise to the treasurer of the col- 
 lege, and to ten poor students in divinity. 
 
 His nephew, Thomas Hollis, who died in 1774, 
 had a most ardent attachment to liberty, and en- 
 deavoured to promote it by the publication and dis- 
 tribution of books, which vindicates the rights of 
 man. His benefactions to the library of Harvard 
 college amounted to fourteen hundred pounds ster- 
 ling. 
 
 Huntington, Samuel, one of the signers of the 
 declaration of independence, was born in Wind- 
 ham, Connecticut, July 3, 1732. Having received 
 an excellent English education, by his own inde- 
 fatigable exertions he acquired a knowledge of the 
 languages. At the age of twenty-two years, he 
 commenced the study of the law, and having at- 
 tained a competent knowledge of the general prin- 
 ciples of law, he commenced his professional ca- 
 reer in his native town. 
 
 In the year 1760, he removed to Norwich, where 
 
152 
 
 he soon attracted notice, and entered on a success- 
 ful and extensive practice. 
 
 In 1764, Mr. Huntington commenced his politi- 
 cal career, and was elected to the general assem- 
 bly. Being decided in his opposition to the claims 
 and oppressions of the British parliament, and ac- 
 tive in his exertions in favour of the colonies, the 
 general assembly of Connecticut, properly appre- 
 ciating his talents and patriotism, elected him a 
 delegate to the general congress of 1776. 
 
 He took his seat in. that venerable assembly, and 
 in the subsequent month of July, affixed his signa- 
 ture to an instrument which has excited the admira- 
 tion of all contemporary nations, and will continue 
 to be cherished and maintained, so long as free 
 principles and free institutions are permitted to 
 exist. He zealously and unremittingly performed 
 the duties of the office of delegate to congress, dur- 
 ing the years 1776, '77, '78, '79, and '80, when he re- 
 turned to Connecticut, and resumed his seat on the 
 bench, and in the council. In 1779, he was elect- 
 ed, in the place of Mr. Jay, w^ho was appointed a 
 minister to Spain, president to congress; and in 
 1780, was re-elected to the same honourable office, 
 which he continued to fill with dignity, until his 
 health was so much impaired, by his close applica- 
 tion to business, that he was obliged to resign it, 
 which he did in July, 1781, and a few days after 
 received the thanks of congress for his able ser- 
 vices. 
 
 Having partially recovered, Mr. Huntington re- 
 sumed his judicial functions in the superior court 
 of his state. Mr. Huntington accepted of a re-elec- 
 tion to congress in 1783, and after serving for a 
 short time, he finally retired fi'om the great council 
 of the nation, of which he had so long been a con- 
 spicuous and influential member. 
 
 In 1786, he succeeded Mr. Griswold, as governor 
 of the state, and continued to be annually re-elect- 
 ed until his death. 
 
Tliis excellent man, and undeviating patriot, died 
 in Norwich, on the 5th January, 1796. 
 
 Governor Huntington was a man of profound 
 thought and penetration, of great prudence and 
 practical wisdom, of patient investigation, and sin- 
 gular perseverance, and of distinguished modera- 
 tion and equanimity. 
 
 His deportment in domestic life was excellent ; 
 his temper serene ; and his disposition benevolent. 
 He was of a cheerful and social disposition; of 
 great simplicity and plainness of manners ; and 
 as a professor of Christianity, he was exemplary 
 and devout. 
 
 Hopkins, Samuel, DD. an eminent divine, from 
 whom the christians, called Hopkinsians, derive 
 their name, was born in Waterbury, Connecticut, 
 September 17, 1721. At the age of sixteen, he 
 entered Yale college, and was graduated in Sep- 
 tember, 1741. 
 
 In December following, he went to Northamp- 
 ton, Massachusetts, to pursue the study of divinity 
 with the Rev. Jonathan Edwards. After he was* 
 licensed to preach in May, 1742, he still continued 
 at Northampton, engaged in his theological studies, 
 and preaching occasionally in the neighbouring 
 towns. In December, 1743, he was ordained pas- 
 tor of the church at Great Barrington, at which 
 place he preached for more than twenty-five years. 
 He was afterwards invited to Newport, Rhode- 
 Island, by the people of the first congregational 
 church, and was ordained their minister in 1770, 
 over which he presided until the day of his death, 
 December 20, 1803, in the eighty-third year of his 
 asfe. 
 
 Dr. Hopkins was a man of great abilities in his 
 profession, a profound metaphysician, eminent as a 
 
 20 
 
.154 
 
 writer of polemic divinity, but more eminent aa 
 the head of a denomination of christian profes- 
 sors, which have greatly increased in New-Eng- 
 land. 
 
 He published several valuable works, among 
 ■which his " System of Doctrines," contained in di- 
 vine revelation, explained and defended, to which 
 is added a Treatise on the Millennium, 2 volumes, 
 8vo. ranks highest, and on which his reputation 
 principally rests. 
 
 Hall, Lyman, one of the signers of the declara- 
 tion of independence, was born in Connecticut 
 about the year 1731, where he received a classical 
 education, and commenced the study of medicine. 
 In 1752, he married and removed to South Caro- 
 lina. During the same year he again changed his 
 residence, and established himself at Sunbury, 
 Georgia, where he commenced the practice of 
 physic. 
 
 On the commencement of hostilities with Great 
 Britain, he engaged warmly in the cause of his 
 country, and in consideration of his eminent ser- 
 vices, he was elected a delegate to the general 
 congress of 1775. 
 
 On the 20th May, 1776, Mr. Hall, on his arrival 
 to congress, presented new credentials from the 
 convention of Georgia, confirming the re-election 
 of Messrs. Houston, Bullock, and himself, and the 
 addition of George Walton and Button Gwinnett 
 to the delegation. The appointment of Mr. Bul- 
 lock to the presidency of the provincial council 
 prevented him from proceeding to congress. Mr. 
 Houston was directed, by a resolution of that body, 
 to return to Georgia on public business in June, 
 1776 ; henee only three members from that state 
 
155 
 
 Were present at the signing of the declaration of 
 independence. 
 
 Mr. Hall was re-elected to congress a third time ; 
 and in 1780, he made his final appearance as a na- 
 tional legislator. In 1783, he was elected gover- 
 nor of the state. He afterwards retired from pub- 
 lic life, and died about the sixtieth year of his age. 
 
 Although Mr. Hall does not appear to have act- 
 ed a very conspicuous part in the proceedings of 
 congress, yet he possessed strong powers of mind, 
 and w^as peculiarly fitted to flourish in the perplex- 
 ing and perilous scenes of the revolution. 
 
 Heath, William, a major-general in the Ameri- 
 can army, during the revolutionary war, was born" 
 at Roxbury, Massachusetts, about the year 1737. 
 
 At an early period of the contest of the colonies 
 with Great-Britain, he was an active officer of the 
 militia, and in consideration of his zeal and pa- 
 triotism in the cause of liberty, he was appointed 
 bj the provincial congress, in 1775, a brigadier- 
 general. 
 
 In August, 1776, he was by congress promoted 
 to the rank of major-general in the continental 
 army. 
 
 From 1777, to 1778, he was the commanding of- 
 ficer of the eastern department, and on him was 
 devolved the arduous and responsible duty of keep- 
 ing in charge the officers and troops captured at 
 Saratoga. In all his proceedings with these turbu- 
 lent captives, he supported the authority of con- 
 gress, and the honour and dignity of his office. In 
 the most interesting and critical circumstances in 
 which a general could possibly be placed, he uni- 
 formly exhibited a prudence, animation, decision, 
 and firmness, which have done him honour, and 
 fully justified the confidence reposed in him. In 
 
156 
 
 consideration of his faithful performance of this 
 trust, he was appointed by congress in 1779, a 
 commissioner of the board of war. 
 
 In 1780, he was directed by general Washing- 
 ton to repair to Rhode-Island, to make arrange- 
 ments for the reception of the French fleet and 
 army. 
 
 In May, 1781, he was directed by the command- 
 er-in-chief to repair to the New-England states, to 
 represent to their respective executives the dis- 
 tressing condition of our army, and to solicit a 
 speedy supply of provisions and clothing, in which 
 he was successful. 
 
 As senior major-general, he was more than once 
 commander of the right wing of our army, and 
 during the absence of the commander-in-chief, at 
 the siege of Yorktown, he was entrusted with the 
 command of the main army posted at the high- 
 lands, and vicinity. On hostilities having ceased 
 between the two armies, general Washington, in 
 1784, addressed a letter to general Heath, express- 
 ing his thanks for his meritorious services, and his 
 real affection and esteem. 
 
 Immediately after the close of the war, general 
 Heath was called again into public service in civil 
 life, and continued to hold a seat in the legislature 
 of Massachusetts till 1793, when he was appointed 
 by governor Hancock, judge of probate for the 
 county of Norfolk. He was also a member of the 
 state convention which ratified the federal consti- 
 tution. 
 
 In 1806, he was elected lieutenant-governor of 
 Massachusetts, but declined accepting the honour. 
 
 He was more than once an elector of president 
 and vice-president of the United States. 
 
 He died at Roxbury, Massachusetts, January 24, 
 1814, aged seventy-seven years. 
 
157 
 
 IIoPKij^soN, Francis, one of the signers of the 
 declaration of independence, was born in Philadel- 
 phia, about the year 1737. 
 
 On receiving the honours of the college of Phi- 
 ladelphia, he commenced the study of the law, and 
 in a few years rose to distinguished eminence in 
 his profession. 
 
 With talents, ample, quick, and versatile, he cul- 
 tivated not only the lighter accomplishments, but 
 was skilled in many of the practical and useful 
 sciences. 
 
 Soon after he had completed his course of pro- 
 fessional studies, he w^as called into active life ; 
 and in the year 1761, officiated as secretary in a 
 solemn conference held with the Indians by order 
 of the government of Pennsylvania. 
 
 In 1765, he visited England; but as soon as the 
 clouds began to gather round our political horizon, 
 and the unjustifiable oppressions of the British go- 
 vernment became more daring and decided, glow- 
 ing with love of country, and feeling in unison with 
 his fellow citizens a becoming indignation at the 
 rapid encroachments of an usurped power, he im- 
 mediately embarked for America, and on his ar- 
 rival, he employed his pen in support of his op- 
 pressed country. 
 
 In 1776, he was elected a delegate to congress 
 from the state of New-Jersey, and participated 
 largely in the proceedings of that enlightened as- 
 sembly, and afterwards affixed his name to the ever 
 memorable declaration of independence. He was 
 afterwards appointed judge of the admiralty for 
 the state of Pennsylvania. This office he held un- 
 til 1790, when he received the appointment of 
 judge of the district court. In each of these judi- 
 cial offices he conducted himself with integrity and 
 ability. 
 
 He was an active and useful member of the great 
 parties which, at different times, divided his native 
 state. He was a vnhig, a republican, and afecle- 
 
158 
 
 ralist, and he lived to see the principles and wishes 
 of each of those parties finally and universally suc- 
 cessful. Although his labours had been rewarded 
 with many plentiful harvests of well earned fame, 
 yet his death to his country and his friends was 
 premature. He died suddenly on the morning of 
 the 9th of May, 1791. 
 
 In person, Mr. Hopkinson was a little below the 
 common size. His features were small, but ex- 
 tremely animated. His speech was quick, and all 
 his motion seemed to partake of the unceasing ac- 
 tivity and versatility of the powers of his mind. 
 
 As a writer, for humour and satire, he was not 
 excelled by Lucian, Swift, or Rabelais. Among 
 the various causes which contributed to the esta- 
 blishment of the independence and federal govern- 
 ment of the United States, not a little may be 
 ascribed to the irresistible influence of his satire, 
 which he poured forth from time to time upon the 
 enemies of those great political events. 
 
 His occasional writings have been collected and 
 published in three volumes octavo. 
 
 Hancock, John, president of congress, and a dis- 
 tinguished patriot, was born near Quincy, Massa- 
 chusetts, about the year 1737. After receiving the 
 honours of Cambridge university, he entered as a 
 clerk in the counting-house of his uncle, and was 
 regarded by his friends as an amiable young man ; 
 but he discovered no prominent traits of character 
 which could lead his acquaintance to prognosticate 
 the conspicuous figure he was afterwards to make 
 in society. 
 
 At the death of his uncle, he inherited his im- 
 mense estate, and soon after commenced his pub- 
 lic career. He was first chosen selectman of the 
 town of Boston, and in the year 1766, he was elect- 
 
15U 
 
 ed with Otis, Gushing, and Samuel Adams, a mem- 
 ber of the general assembly of the province. 
 
 On taking his seat, he was flattered by marks of 
 confidence and distinction : he was generally chosen 
 on committees, and was chairman upon some occa- 
 sions when the deliberations involved the highest 
 interests of the community. 
 
 As soon as the controversy with Great-Britain 
 grew warm, and all hopes of accommodation had 
 vanished, he entered into the non-importation 
 agreement, and all other acts which were expedi- 
 ent to keep inviolate the liberties of the people. 
 
 In consideration of his zeal and attachment to 
 the rights of his country, he was called to preside 
 over the provincial assembly, and was afterwards 
 elected a member of the general congress which 
 met at Philadelphia in May, 1775; and before the 
 close of the session, he was elected president of 
 that august body, in the place of Peyton Randolph, 
 who was under the necessity of returning home. 
 
 In this office, as the head of the illustrious con- 
 gress, of 1776, he signed the declaration of inde- 
 pendence. 
 
 In consequence of the ill state of his health, he 
 took his leave of congress in October, 1777, and 
 received their thanks for his unremitted attention 
 and steady impartiality in discharging the duties 
 of his office. Henry Laurens was his successor. 
 
 On the adoption of the present constitution of 
 Massachusetts, he was chosen the first governor in 
 October, 1780. He was annually continued in that 
 office until the year 1785, when he resigned; and 
 after an intermission of two years, during which he 
 had been succeeded by Mr. Bowdoin, was re-elect- 
 ed, and remained in the chair until the conclusion 
 of his life. 
 
 In 1787, he was chosen president of the state 
 convention, which met to ratify and adopt the fe- 
 deral constitution. His influence and agency in 
 promoting its adoption may be mentioned with the 
 
160 
 
 objects which most recommend him to esteem 
 amongst his cotemporaries, and which entitle him 
 to the regard of posterity. 
 
 The latter years of his administration were very 
 popular, on account of the public tranquillity. The 
 federal government became the source of so much 
 prosperity, that the people were easy and happy. 
 
 He died suddenly on the 8th October, 1793, in 
 the fifty-sixth year of his age. 
 
 Mr. Hancock was above the middle size, of ex- 
 cellent proportion of limbs, and of extreme benig- 
 nity of countenance. He was easy in his address, 
 polished in manners, affable and liberal; and as 
 president of congress, he exhibited a dignity, im- 
 partiality, quickness of conception, and constant 
 attention to business, which secured him respect. 
 Of his talents it is a sufficient evidence, that, in the 
 various stations to which his fortune had elevated 
 him in the republic, he acquitted himself with an 
 honourable distinction and capacity. His commu- 
 nications to the general assembly, and his corre- 
 spondence as president of congress, are titles of 
 no ordinary commendation. 
 
 As an orator, he spoke with ease and propriety 
 on every subject. Being considered as a repub- 
 lican in principles, and a firm supporter of the 
 cause of freedom, whenever he consented to be a 
 candidate for governor, he was chosen to that of- 
 fice by an immense majority. In private life he 
 was charitable and generous — indeed, there are few 
 lives, either ancient or modern, that afford, of dis- 
 interested generosity, more frequent and illustrious 
 examples. Charity was the common business of 
 his life. From his private benevolence, a thou- 
 sand families received their daily bread ; and there 
 is perhaps no individual mentioned in history, who 
 has expended a more ample fortune in promoting 
 the liberties of his country. He was also a gene- 
 rous benefactor of Harvard college. 
 
161 
 
 Hutchinson, Thomas, governor of Massachu- 
 setts, was a native of Boston, and was descended 
 from one of the most ancient and honourable fa- 
 milies in New-England. 
 
 At the age of twelve, he was admitted into Har- 
 vard college; and took the honours of that insti- 
 tution in 1727. He turned his attention to mer- 
 cantile pursuits, and in a few years afterwards he 
 rose to the highest offices of his state. He was 
 now stimulated to acquire a knowledge of the 
 common law of England, and to bend his mind to 
 the study of history and political institutions. Mr. 
 Hutchinson's popularity soon rose very high, and 
 he was regarded as the friend of liberty. 
 
 In 1761, he succeeded Mr. Sewall as chief jus- 
 tice, and was lieutenant-governor from 1758 to 
 1770. 
 
 From this time he began to grow unpopular by 
 promoting the writs of assistance, which Mr. Otis 
 opposed with such force of argument ; and by ad- 
 vocating the prerogatives of the crown, rather than 
 the rights of the people. He was also suspected 
 of having forwarded the stamp act, and of advising 
 by letters which he sent to England, "to abridge 
 the colonial privileges." 
 
 After the arrival of the stamps, in 1765, a mob 
 assaulted his house, pulled down his office, and 
 forced him to flee for safety. 
 
 When Bernard returned to England, at the close 
 of the year 1769, Mr. Hutchinson was appointed 
 governor. From this time he became completely 
 subservient to the views of the British ministry. 
 
 He advocated, and strenuously asserted, the right 
 of parliament to tax America. He was the means 
 of bringing the regular troops to Boston to over- 
 awe the people, and to enforce the, tyrannical laws 
 of parliament ; and he was inflexible in his deter- 
 mination to retain them, notwithstanding every ar- 
 gument which was used for their removal. 
 
 21 
 
16^ 
 
 He became at last so very obnoxious to the pro- 
 vince, that he was superseded by general Gage, in 
 1774. He embarked for England, where he was 
 called upon to give an account of his administra- 
 tion, or to describe the state of the colonies ; which 
 he did in such a manner, as met the views and de- 
 signs of the British cabinet, who made a report 
 highly in his favour, and was acquitted. 
 
 But he soon experienced the neglect of those, 
 to the promotion of whose plans he had sacrificed 
 his reputation for integrity, and to whom he had 
 been ready to yield the rights of his country. 
 
 Becoming an object of disgust with all parties, he 
 lived many months in a state of chagrin and des- 
 pondency, and died at Brampton, in June, 1780. 
 
 His works are a history of Massachusetts, in two 
 volumes ; and a collection of original papers rela- 
 tive to the history of the colony of Massachusetts 
 bay, in one volume octavo. 
 
 The style is bad, but they are much esteemed 
 as a valuable collection of facts. 
 
 Heyward, Thomas, one of the signers of the de- 
 claration of independence, was born in South Ca- 
 rolina, in the year 1746. His father, who was a 
 wealthy planter, gave him a classical education. 
 
 He then commenced the study of the law with 
 Mr. Parsons, a celebrated lawyer in that day. 
 After the usual term of study, he was sent to Eng- 
 land, as was the usual custom, to complete his le- 
 gal education. After completing his studies in the 
 Middle Temple, Mr. Heyward spent several years 
 in travel, on the continent of Europe. 
 
 On his return home, in 1773, he soon became 
 a favourite with the people. He was elected a 
 member of the assembly, and shortly afterwards, 
 a member of the council of safety, an office be- 
 
16^^ 
 
 stowed only on the fearless and prudent. His 
 fidelity and patriotism in these trusts recommend- 
 ed him to higher honours, and in 1775, he was 
 elected to congress, to fill the vacancy occasioned 
 by John Rutledge, Esq. 
 
 He arrived in Philadelphia in time to attend 
 upon the discussion of the declaration of indepen- 
 dence; and found himself in that assembly of 
 sages, whose sagacity and intrepidity had remind- 
 ed a Chatham of the fathers of ancient Rome. 
 
 His first duty, that he was called upon to dis- 
 charge, was to unite in signing that memorable in- 
 strument. 
 
 In 1778, he was elected a judge of the criminal 
 and civil courts of his state. 
 
 Mr. Heyward, on the invasion of the southern 
 states, bore arms in the defence of his country, 
 and distinguished himself by his bravery and in- 
 trepidity. At the surrender of Charleston, he 
 commanded a battalion of troops, and was parti- 
 cularly obnoxious, together with other fearless pa- 
 triots, to the British. Among other prisoners, he 
 was sent to St. Augustine. On the cessation of 
 hostilities, he was released^ and returned to Phila- 
 delphia. Upon his return to Carolina, he resumed 
 the labours of the bench, and continued to act as 
 judge until 1798. 
 
 In 1790, he was appointed a member of the con- 
 vention for forming a state constitution. On see- 
 ing the states happily united under the federal con- 
 stitution, he withdrew himself in 1791 from public 
 labours and cares, to the retirement of private life. 
 He died at his country seat in March, 1809. 
 
 In his public duties, he was honest, firm, and 
 intelligent. He conscientiously and fearlessly em- 
 barked in the revolution, and devoted with Ro- 
 man virtue, his life, estate, and reputation, in the 
 cause of American liberty and independence. 
 
104 
 
 Jefb^erson, Thomas, LL. D. third president of 
 the United States, was born in Chesterfield county, 
 Virginia, April 2, 1743. 
 
 He received the honours of the college of Wil- 
 liam and Mary at an early age, and was distinguish- 
 ed for great scholarship. He then commenced the 
 study of the law with the late George Wythe, chan- 
 cellor of Virginia, and in a few years made great 
 proficiency, and was admitted to practice. His 
 uncommon qualifications soon brought him into 
 notice, and before he had reached his twenty-fifth 
 year, he was a conspicuous member of the Virginia 
 legislature, and had subsequently a large share in 
 all those determined measures of that body, with 
 regard to Great Britain, which finally led to the 
 call of a general congress. 
 
 In 1775, when the propositions of lord North 
 were laid before the assembly by the governor for 
 their consideration, he was unanimously appointed 
 to answer them. His reply on this occasion was 
 not only eloquent, but exhibits a mind of liberal and 
 enlarged views. A few days after, he was elected 
 a delegate to the general congress, which had con- 
 vened at Philadelphia. In this enlightened assem- 
 bly, he had scarcely appeared before he became 
 conspicuous among those the most distinguished 
 by their abilities and patriotism. And while he 
 pursued a bold and undeviating course towards the 
 great object of independence, was enabled by his 
 example, as well as by his arguments, to encourage 
 and confirm others. 
 
 The declaration of independence is justly attri- 
 buted to his pen, the merits of which it is unne- 
 cessary to canvass : not only America, but all Eu- 
 rope, too, has long since decided on its claims 
 to excellence. The only alterations the original 
 
draft ot' this celebrated production received in the 
 committee, were from Dr. Franklin and John 
 Adams, each of whom suggested a single verbal 
 variation. 
 
 From the commencement of the year 1777, to 
 the middle of 1779, he was engaged with Pendleton 
 and Wythe, in making a general revisal of the laws 
 of Virginia ; in which he bore a considerable share, 
 and to whom Virginia is indebted for the most im- 
 portant and beneficial changes in her code. 
 
 The laws, forbidding the future importation of 
 slaves ; converting estates tail into fee simple ; an- 
 nulling the rights of primogeniture ; establishing 
 schools for general education; sanctioning the 
 right of expatriation ; confirming the rights of free- 
 dom of religious opinions ; and for proportioning 
 crimes and punishments. 
 
 In 1779, he succeeded Patrick Henry as gover- 
 nor of Virginia, and was re-appointed in the follow- 
 ing-year. 
 
 During the tumult and confusion of the year 
 1781, he composed his celebrated work, " Notes 
 on Virginia." It was written in reply to the que- 
 ries proposed to him by Monsieur de Marbois, at 
 the suggestion of the French court. 
 
 About the close of the year 1782, he was appoint- 
 ed minister plenipotentiary, to join those in Europe, 
 who were to determine on the conditions of a treaty 
 of peace, which it was expected would soon be en- 
 tered into. But before he embarked, intelligence 
 was received that preliminaries of peace between 
 the United States and Great Britain had been sign- 
 ed : accordingly, congress dispensed with his leav- 
 ing America. 
 
 In the summer of 1782, he was in congress, at 
 the time the Virginia convention were establishing 
 their form of government. He had been for some 
 time engaged on this subject, and had prepared a 
 constitution for the state, formed on the purest 
 principles of republicanism, and which was proba- 
 
166 
 
 bly the first draft of a fundamental constitution 
 made by any man in America. 
 
 This he transmitted to tlie convention, but it did 
 not reach them until the day when the one that had 
 been prepared by the house was to have received 
 its final vote. It was therefore set aside, adopting 
 only the preamble. On the establishment of peace, 
 and tlie consequent opening of a general commer- 
 cial intercourse, plenipotentiary commissions for 
 the concluding treaties of commerce, were given to 
 Thomas Jefierson, Dr. Franklin, and John Adams, 
 addressed to the several powers of Europe, and he 
 sailed from the United States in July, 1784. A 
 commercial treaty with Prussia, was the only re- 
 sult of these general commissions, immediately 
 after the signing of which, Dr. Franklin returned 
 to America, and Mr. Jefferson was appointed his 
 successor as minister to France. 
 
 During his residence in France, he, at the re- 
 quest of his native state, presented to the city of 
 Paris, the bust of the gallant Marquis de La 
 Fayette. 
 
 The leisure, as minister, which was imposed 
 on him, by the increasing distraction of the coun- 
 try, allowed him the opportunity of cultivating his 
 acquaintance with the fine arts, and of enjoying the 
 society and conversation of men celebrated in litera- 
 ture and science. 
 
 In October, 1789, he obtained leave to return 
 home, and arrived at Norfolk in the following No- 
 vember. On his way to his seat at Monticello, he 
 was met by an express from president Washington, 
 bringing him a commission as secretary of state. 
 This he accepted, and in the April following, pro- 
 ceeded to New- York, then the seat of government, 
 and entered upon the duties of his office, in which 
 he continued until the first of January, 1794, when 
 he resigned the situation, and retired to private 
 life. The arduous and important duties of his sta- 
 tion, are universally acknowledged to have been 
 
167 
 
 discharged in a manner to reflect the highest credit 
 on himself and country. The neutrahty of the 
 United States was maintained at a most trying 
 period, with inflexible impartiality towards the bel- 
 ligerent powers of France and England : and his 
 deportment towards Hammond and Genet, the 
 ministers resident of two great rival powers, fur- 
 nishes the clearest evidence of his consummate 
 ability as a statesman. 
 
 A few other of his acts while secretary, ought, 
 perhaps, to be noticed, as they are calculated to 
 show, in various lights, the wonderful extent of his 
 capacity. Among these might be particularized, 
 his reports on the privileges and restrictions of 
 commerce, and on the whale and cod fish- 
 eries ; with his plan for reducing the currency, 
 weights, and measures of the United States, to an 
 uniform standard. It has been observed, that these 
 papers evince not only the feelings of a patriot, and 
 the judgment of an accomplished statesman, but 
 display, at the same time, uncommon talents and 
 knowledge as a mathematician and natural philoso- 
 pher, the deepest research as an historian, and 
 even an enlarged acquaintance with the business 
 and concerns of a merchant. 
 
 In 1797, he was elected vice-president, and in 
 1801, president of the United States of America. 
 For eight years, he filled this exalted station with 
 great ability and wisdom, and at the expiration of 
 which, he withdrew for the remainder of his days, 
 from the political theatre. The admiration, the 
 gratitude, and the regrets of the nation followed 
 him. 
 
 Among the most noted acts of his administration, 
 was the purchase of the extensive country of Lou- 
 isiana; and no one displays in a truer light the 
 character of his mind, replete with philanthropy 
 and the love of science, than his almost immediate 
 directions for the exploration of that vast region. 
 
 Since the year 1776, he has been the president 
 
168 
 
 of the American philosophical society, and is a 
 member of many of the most learned societies in 
 Europe and America. 
 
 Until lately, he possessed the most extensive, 
 rare, and valuable collection of books, in almost 
 every language, and on nearly all subjects; but on 
 the destruction of the national library at Washing- 
 ton, by the British, in 1814, he at once proposed, 
 for a moderate price, to transfer the greater por- 
 tion of his books to the United States, and they 
 accordingly became the property of the nation. 
 He now resides at his elegant retreat at Monticello, 
 happy in the consciousness of a well spent life, 
 and at the age of eighty-two years, retaining his 
 mental faculties and bodily energies in a remarka- 
 ble degree. 
 
 In person, he is tall and of slender make ; his 
 eyes are light, and full of intelligence ; his com- 
 plexion fair, and his hair inclining to red. In con- 
 versation, he is free and communicative. All to- 
 pics that fall under discussion, are treated by him 
 with equal unreservedness. He seems, indeed, to 
 have no thought or opinion to conceal, and his 
 stores of knowledge are unlocked and laid open 
 with the same freedom in which nature unfolds her 
 bounties. They lie before you, and you have only 
 to select and enjoy. In manner, he is frequently 
 pointed, and sometimes energetic, but always mild, 
 and occasionally pleasant and facetious. 
 
 The scientific and literary, throughout the Union, 
 have always looked upon him as their adviser and 
 patron ; and have, indeed, seldom failed to gain 
 considerable advantage by their applications. 
 
 Jackson, Andrew, a major-general in the army 
 of the United States, w^as born near Camden, 
 South-Carolina, March 15, 1767. He was sent to a 
 
1(59 
 
 flourishing academy at the Waxavv seltlenieiit, 
 where he remained, occupied with the dead lan- 
 guages, until the revolutionary war brought the ene- 
 my into his neighbourhood, whose approach left no 
 alternative but tlie choice of the British or Ameri- 
 can banners. The intrepid and ardent boy, encou- 
 raged by his patriotic mother, hastened, at the age of 
 fourteen, in company with one of his brothers, and 
 joined the American standard, and shared the glory 
 of the well-fought action at Stono. Not long af- 
 ter, the Americans engaged the British army, and 
 w^ere routed, and our hero was taken among the 
 prisoners. At the close of the war, he returned to 
 his classical studies, and at the age of eighteen he 
 repaired to Salisbury, North Carolina, to a law- 
 yer's office, in which he prepared himself for the 
 bar. 
 
 In the winter of 1786, he obtained a license to 
 practise, from thence he removed to Nashville, 
 Tennessee, and there fixed his residence. Suc- 
 cess attended his industry and talents, and ere 
 long, he was appointed attorney-general for the 
 district. 
 
 In 1796, he was elected a member of the con- 
 vention, to frame a constitution for the stat^. In 
 this body he acquired additional distinction, which 
 placed him in the same year in congress, in the 
 house of representatives, and the following year in 
 the senate of the United States. 
 
 He acted invariably with the republican party, and 
 was esteemed for the soundness of his understand- 
 ing and the moderation of his demeanour. 
 
 While a senator, he was chosen by the field offi- 
 cers of the Tennesse militia, without consultation 
 with him, major-general of their division, and s'a^ 
 remained until 1814, when he took the same ranE; 
 in the service of the United States. 
 
 In 1799, on his resignation as a senator, he was 
 appointed one of the judges of the supreme court 
 of Tennessee. He accepted this appointment with 
 
170 
 
 reluctance, and withdrew from tiie bench soon 
 after, with the determination to spend the rest of 
 his life in tranquillity and seclusion, on a beautiful 
 farm belonging to him, on the Cumberland river, 
 about ten miles from Nashville. 
 
 His quiet felicity, however, was soon broken up, 
 by the occurrence of the war with Great Britain. 
 It roused his martial spirit, and drew around his 
 standard 2500 men, which he tendered without 
 delay to his government. In November, he de- 
 scended the Missisippi, for the defence of the 
 lower country, which was then thought to be in 
 danger. As soon as tranquillity was restored, he 
 returned to Nashville, and connnunicated to govern- 
 ment the result of his expedition. 
 
 In 1813, on the news arriving of the massacre at 
 Fort Mimms, by a party of the British and a strong- 
 body of the Creek Indians, under the celebrated 
 Tecumseh, the legislature called into service 3500 
 of the militia, to march into the heart of the Creek 
 nation, and revenge the massacre. 
 
 General Jackson, although at that time labour- 
 ing under severe indisposition, reached the en- 
 campment on the 7th October, 1813, and took 
 command of the expedition. The first battle which 
 he fought in person on this occasion, was at the 
 fort of Talladega, a fort of the friendly Cherokee 
 Indians, which had for some days been besieged 
 by near 2000 Creeks. In this ati'air, he routed the 
 Indians, with a loss of only fifteen killed and eighty 
 wounded ; while that of the Indians was upwards 
 of six hundred. The want of provisions obliged 
 him to march back to fort Strothcr. On their ar- 
 rival there, no stores were found by the famished 
 troops, owing to the delinquency of the contractors. 
 The sufl^'erings of the army by this time had be- 
 come incredible ; the militia resolved to a man to 
 abandon the service. On the morning when they 
 intended to carry their intention into effect, gene- 
 ral Jackson drew up the volunteer companies in 
 
171 
 
 m 
 
 front of them, and gave his mandate not to advance. 
 The firmness displayed on this occasion was so 
 striking, that the militia returned to their quarters, 
 and were the next day, in their turn, employed to 
 put in check a part of the volunteer corps who 
 had mutinied. General Jackson was obliged, how- 
 ever, to withdraw the troops from fort Strother, 
 towards fort Deposite, upon the condition that if 
 they met supplies, which were expected, they would 
 return and prosecute the campaign. They had not 
 proceeded more than ten miles, before they met 
 150 beeves ; but their faces being once turned 
 homeward, they resisted his order to march back 
 to the encampment. The scene which ensued is 
 characteristic of his firmness and decision. A 
 whole brigade had put itself in the attitude for 
 moving off forcibly : Jackson, though disabled in 
 his left arm, seizing a musket, and resting it with 
 -his right hand on the neck of his horse, he threw 
 himself in front of the column, and threatened to 
 shoot the first man who should attempt to advance. 
 Major Reid and general Cofiee placed themselves 
 by his side. For several minutes the column pre- 
 served a menacing attitude, yet hesitated to pro- 
 ceed : at length it quietly turned round, and agreed 
 to submit. This was a critical period : but for the 
 daring intrepidity of Jackson, the campaign would 
 have been broken up, and the object^of their expe- 
 dition. 
 
 A third considerable mutiny, which happened 
 not long after, was suppressed by personal efforts 
 of the same kind. 
 
 Once more, in the middle of January, 1814, he 
 was on his march, bending his course to a part of 
 the Tallapoosa river, near the mouth of a creek, 
 called Emuckfaw. On the 21st, at night, he dis- 
 covered he was in the neighbourhood of the ene- 
 my. At the dawn of the next morning, he was 
 fiercely attacked by them. The whole of the day 
 was spent in severe fighting, when the enemy drew 
 
off for the night. The next clay, the enemy return- 
 ed to the conflict with renewed ardonr, and was 
 finally routed. The loss of the enemy was im- 
 mense. 
 
 General Jackson then moved forward, and en- 
 camped within three miles of fort Strother. Hav- 
 ing accomplished the several objects of this perilous 
 expedition, in February he discharged the volun- 
 teers and his artillery company, receiving in their 
 stead fresh militia, drafted for the occasion. On 
 the 16th March, he altered his plan, and determin- 
 ed to penetrate further into the enemy's country: 
 he accordingly set out from fort Strother, and came 
 up with the enemy at the village of Tohopeka, 
 where the enemy had taken much pains to secure 
 themselves by a fortification. On the 27th, gene- 
 ral Jackson attacked the enemy, and for a time the 
 contest was obstinate and bloody. At length the 
 Americans proved victorious, after one of the most 
 bloody battles which we have recorded on the an- 
 nals of Indian warfare. The loss of the enemy 
 was upwards of seven hundred killed, besides se- 
 veral hundred prisoners, women and children, who 
 were treated with tenderness and humanity. Hav- 
 ing thus struck a decisive blow, the hostile tribes 
 sued for peace, which was granted to them, on cer- 
 tain conditions: those who rejected them sought 
 refuge along the coast, and in Pensacola. 
 
 All resistance being at an end, general Jackson 
 issued orders for the troops to be marched home 
 and discharged. 
 
 The complete and final discomfiture of so for- 
 midable a foe as this confederacy of the Creek 
 tribes, drew the attention of the general govern- 
 ment to the Tennessee commander, and in consi- 
 deration of his services, he was promoted as a bri- 
 gadier and brevet major-general in the regular ar- 
 my, May, 1814. General Jackson, with colonel 
 Hawkins, by order of government, was deputed 
 to negotiate with the vanquished Indians, for the 
 
1 7r\ 
 
 purpose chiefly of restricting their limits, so as to 
 cut off their communication with the British and 
 Spanish agents. They reached their place of des- 
 tination on the 10th July, and by the 10th August, 
 completely effected the object of their mission. 
 During this transaction, his mind was struck with 
 the importance of depriving the fugitive and refrac- 
 tory Indians of the aid and incitement which were 
 administered to them in East Florida. For this 
 purpose, he urged to the president the propriety of 
 the measure, having already, from information 
 which he had received, anticipated the attack on 
 New-Orleans. He accordingly, of his own accord, 
 addressed the governor of Pensacola, and summon- 
 ed him to deliver up the chiefs of the hostile In- 
 dians, who were harboured in their fortress. The 
 governor peremptorily refused. General Jackson 
 again addressed his government on the necessity 
 of planting the American eagle on the Spanish 
 walls. He addressed the governors of Tennessee, 
 Louisiana, and Missisippi, to be vigilant and en- 
 ergetic, " for dark and heavy clouds hovered over 
 the seventh military district." He sent his adju- 
 tant-general, colonel Butler, to Tennessee to raise 
 volunteers, and himself repaired to Mobile, to put 
 that region in a plan of defence. This position 
 had until this time been wholly neglected. Gene- 
 ral Jackson, at once perceiving its great importance, 
 lost no time in strengthening it. About a fortnight 
 after his arrival, a squadron of British ships made 
 an attack upon fort Boroyer, 18 miles below the 
 head of Mobile bay, but was repulsed by the loss of 
 one of their best ships and 230 men killed and 
 wounded. General Jackson became more and 
 more persuaded, that unless Pensacola should be 
 reduced, it would be in vain to think of defending 
 his district. He accordingly took up the line of 
 march with the American army, and reached Pen- 
 sacola on the 6th of November. He found on his 
 arrival, the forts garrisoned by the British and 
 
174 
 
 Spaniards, and prepared for resistance. He forth- 
 with required a surrender of the several forts to be 
 garrisoned and held by the United States, until 
 Spain should furnish a force sufficient to protect 
 the neutrality from the British. The governor 
 peremptorily refused to accede to these terms. 
 General Jackson immediately pushed forward to 
 the attack, and after some carnage, he forced the 
 governor and his advisers to a submission. 
 
 Two days after entering the town, general Jack- 
 son abandoned it, and returned to fort Montgome- 
 ry, being satisfied with having driven away the Bri- 
 tish, forced the hostile Creeks to fly to the forests, 
 and produced a salutary impression on the minds 
 of the Spaniards. 
 
 He now proceeded to New-Orleans, where he 
 apprehended the most danger, and on the first 
 December established his head-quarters in that 
 place. 
 
 Here he sounded the alarm of the approaching 
 danger to his fellow citizens; roused the legisla- 
 ture to lend him their aid, and to prepare with all 
 expedition for the coming foe. 
 
 Too soon, alas! was this foresight realized, to 
 the consternation of the slumbering citizens. 
 
 On the 14th the British attacked the American 
 flotilla on lake Borgne, and captured it, but not 
 without a severe contest, and heavy loss of men. 
 
 On the 16th, he reviewed the militia, and ha- 
 rangued them with usual eloquence. 
 
 Resistance on the lakes being at an end, the 
 enemy had nothing to do but to advance. 
 
 On the 22nd, the British were accidentally dis- 
 covered advancing from the swamp and woods, 
 about seven miles below the town ; when general 
 Jackson, immediately on hearing of their approach, 
 resolved to meet them. On the night of the 23d, 
 about dusk, the Americans commenced the attack; 
 the battle, complicated and fierce, continued for 
 some time, until both parties were thrown into con- 
 
175 
 
 fusion, owing to the darkness of the night; the ene- 
 my withdrew from the field of battle about a mile. 
 This action for boldness of conception, and by the 
 wisdom of the policy and the importance of the 
 result, does infinite credit to the American hero. 
 As the enemy continued to receive hourly rein- 
 forcements, which now amounted to upwards of 
 6000 men, general Jackson drew off his troops, 
 and resolved to act defensively until he should be 
 reinforced. He placed his men behind an en- 
 trenchment, with a determination to resist to the 
 last extremity. On the 28th, the British force, 
 being further increased, and led on by their chief, 
 lieutenant-general Sir Edward Packenham, at- 
 tempted to storm the American works, but were 
 gallantly repulsed. 
 
 Skirmishes were kept up between the two ar- 
 mies, until the memorable eighth of January, when 
 the enemy moved to the charge so unexpectedly, 
 and with so much celerity, that the American sol- 
 diers at the out-posts had scarcely time to fly in. 
 The whole plain was one continued glare of light- 
 ning from the shower of rockets, bombs, and balls, 
 poured in from the enemy. Two British divisions, 
 headed by Sir Edward Packenham in person, in 
 the mean time pressed forward. When they had * 
 arrived within a short distance of the entrench- 
 ments, the Americans discharged a volley of death 
 into their ranks, and arrested their progress. Sir 
 Edward fell, generals Gibbs and Keene were 
 wounded, and were carried off from the field, which 
 by this time was strewed with the dead and dying. 
 The British columns, often broken and driven 
 back, were repeatedly formed, and urged forward 
 anew. Convinced at last that nothing could be 
 accomplished, they abandoned the contest, and a 
 general and disorderly retreat ensued. The num- 
 ber of British engaged amounted to 14,000 ; their 
 loss on this day amounted to nearly 3000, while 
 that of the Americans was but thirteen killed ! On 
 
176 
 
 the 18th they took their final leave, and embarked 
 in their shipping for the West-Indies. Thus end- 
 ed the mighty invasion, in twenty-six days after 
 they exultingly placed their standard on the banks 
 of the Missisippi. Thus triumphed general Jack- 
 son^ by a wonderful combination of boldness and 
 prudence ; energy and adroitness ; desperate for- 
 titude, and anxious patriotism. 
 
 On his return to the city of New-Orleans, he was 
 hailed as her Deliverey- ! The most solemn and 
 lively demonstrations of public respect and grati- 
 tude succeeded each other daily, until the period 
 of his departure for Nashville; nor was the sensa- 
 tion throughout the Union less enthusiastic. Soon 
 after the annunciation of the peace, concluded at 
 Ghent, he retired to his farm, once more to enjoy 
 its rural pleasures. 
 
 In January, 1818, general Jackson was again 
 called into active service to chastise a portion of 
 the Seminole Indians, who instigated by British 
 adventurers, had already appeared on our frontiers, 
 and had committed the most unheard of massacres. 
 In this critical state of affairs, with that zeal and 
 promptness which have ever marked his career, 
 after having first collected a body of Tennessee 
 volunteers, repaired to the post assigned, and as- 
 sumed the command. He immediately crossed the 
 Spanish line, penetrated into the Seminole towns, 
 and reduced them to ashes. He then pursued his 
 march to St. Marks, and found a large body of In- 
 dians and negroes collected. After ascertaining 
 that they had been supplied with arms by the ene- . 
 my, and that the Spanish store-houses were appro- 
 priated to their use, to store plundered goods from 
 the Americans, general Jackson made no hesi- 
 tation, after hearing a long list of other grievances, 
 to demand a surrender of the post. A hesitation 
 was made ; when general Jackson, convinced of the 
 necessity of rapid movements, took it by force. 
 
177 
 
 marched his forces to Suwany, seized upon the 
 stores of the enemy, and burnt their villages. 
 
 Having thus far effected his objects, general Jack- 
 son considered the war at an end. ISt. Marks be- 
 ing garrisoned by an American force; the Indian 
 towns destroyed; the two Indian chiefs, and the 
 two foreign instigators, Arbuthnot and Armbrister, 
 having been taken and executed, he ordered the 
 troops to be discharged. 
 
 General Jackson returned to Nashville in June, 
 1818, to the beloved retirement of his farm. New 
 acknowledgments, and new marks of admiration 
 were bestowed upon him in every part of the 
 Union. 
 
 On the meeting of congress, general Jackson re- 
 paired to Washington, to explain the transactions 
 of this last expedition, in person, and to defend 
 himself from the imputation of an intention to vio- 
 late the laws of his country, or the obligations of 
 humanity. This he did in the most able manner. 
 Whoever studies his ample and argumentative des- 
 patches, and the speeches delivered in his behalf, 
 must be convinced that he did neither ; and that in 
 making an example of the two instigators and con- 
 federates of the Indians, and seizing upon for- 
 tresses, which were only used for hostile purposes, 
 he avenged and served the cause of humanity, and 
 the highest national interests. From W^ashington, 
 he came to Philadelphia, and proceeded to New- 
 York. Wherever he appeared, lie received the smiles 
 and unceasing plaudits of a grateful people. At 
 New- York, on the 19th February, he received the 
 freedom of the city in a gold box ; and there as well 
 as in Baltimore, the municipal councils obtained 
 his portrait, to be placed in their halls. 
 
 After the cession of the Floridas, the president 
 appointed him first as a commissioner for receiv- 
 ing the provinces, and then to assume the govern- 
 ment of them. 
 
 On tlie 1st July. 1821, he issued at Pensacola, 
 
hiis proclamation announcing the possession of the 
 territory, and the authority of the United States. 
 He also at once adopted rigorous measures for the 
 introduction of a regular and efficacious adminis- 
 tration of affairs. 
 
 The injury which his health had suffered from 
 the personal hardships, inevitable in his campaigns, 
 forbade him to protract his residence in Florida. 
 Accordingly on the 7th October, 1821, he delegat- 
 ed his powers to two gentlemen, the secretaries of 
 his government, and set out on his return to Nash- 
 ville. 
 
 In this year, the corporation of New-Orleans 
 voted ,'^50,000 for erecting a marble statue appro- 
 priate to his military services. 
 
 On the 4th July, 1822, the governor of Tennes- 
 see, by order of the legislature, presented him with 
 a sword, as a testimonial of the "(high respect" en- 
 tertained by the state for his public services. 
 
 On the 20th August, the general assembly of 
 Tennessee recommended him to the Union for the 
 office of president of the United States. 
 
 In the autumn of 1823, he was elected to the 
 senate of the United States, in which body he has 
 taken his seat. 
 
 Before his election to the senate, he was ap- 
 pointed by the president with the concurrence of 
 the senate, minister plenipotentiary to Mexico, but 
 he declined the honour. 
 
 In person, general Jackson is tall, and remark- 
 ably erect and thin. His features are large; his 
 eyes dark blue, with a keen and strong glance ; 
 his complexion is that of a war-worn-soldier. His 
 demeanour is gentle and easy ; affable and ac- 
 cessible to all; of great mildness and kindness of 
 disposition. 
 
JT}> 
 
 Jay, John, LL.D. chief justice ot'theUnited States, 
 and a distinguished statesman, was born in the 
 city of New-York, December 1, 1745. At the age 
 
 of fourteen, he entered -. After taking his 
 
 bachelors degree, he studied hiw, and in a few 
 years rose to distinguished eminence in his pro- 
 fession. 
 
 The commencement of our struggles with Great 
 Britain found him at an age, and with feelings and 
 talents, to render him an ardent and able supporter 
 of his country's rights, and a fit and worthy succes- 
 sor to his father, whose age and infirmities forbade 
 him to take that part in the events of the time to 
 which he was prompted by inclination. He there- 
 fore commenced his political career at a point which 
 was justly considered the honourable goal of many 
 an older patriot's ambition. 
 
 In 1774, he was elected by the citizens of New- 
 York, a delegate to the first general congress which 
 met at Philadelphia; that congress, of wliich to 
 have been member, is a sufficient title to the grati- 
 tude of Americans. 
 
 In 1776, he was elected president of that august 
 and enlightened body. 
 
 In 1777, he was a member of the convention of 
 the state of New-York, which met to deliberate 
 and frame a new constitution ; and drew the first 
 draft of that instrument. 
 
 In 1778, he was appointed chief justice of that 
 state. In the following year, he was appointed 
 minister plenipotentiary to the court of Spain, and 
 sailed for Cadiz in the beginning of December. 
 
 The object of this mission was to obtain from 
 Spain an acknowledgment of our independence, 
 to form a treaty of alliance, and to procure pecu- 
 niary aid : but on the two first points he failed. 
 
 Early in the summer of 1782, he was appointed 
 one of the commissioners to negotiate a peace with 
 England, and was authorized to continue the nego- 
 tiation with Spain. 
 
180 
 
 In September, 178f3, he signed a detinitive treaty 
 of peace with the former, and soon after resigned 
 his commission, and retnrned home. 
 
 On his arrival in the United States, he was placed 
 at the head of the department for foreign affairs, in 
 which office he continued till the adoption of the 
 federal constitution, when he was appointed chief 
 justice of the United States. 
 
 In 1794, he was appointed envoy extraordinary 
 to Great Britain, and signed the treaty which has 
 since borne his name. 
 
 In 1795, he was elected governor of the state of 
 New-York, and in 1801, declined a re-election, 
 and withdrew altogether from public life. 
 
 In person, Mr. Jay is tall and of slender make ; 
 with a countenance indicative of the highest de- 
 gree of intelligence. To his pen, while in con- 
 gress, was America indebted for some of those 
 masterly addresses which reflect such high honour 
 upon the government; to his firmness and pene- 
 tration, were in no considerable degree to be 
 ascribed those intricate negotiations which were 
 conducted, towards the close of the war, both at 
 Madrid and Paris. 
 
 With a mind improved by extensive reading and 
 great knowledge of public affairs ; unyielding firm- 
 ness and inflexible integrity; his character, perhaps, 
 approaches nearer than any other of modern times, 
 to the Aristides of Plutarch. 
 
181 
 
 ,KiNG, RuFUS, a distinguished statesman, and one 
 of the signers of the federal constitution, was born 
 in the year 1755, in the town of Scarborough, dis- 
 trict of Maine. 
 
 In the year 1773, he was admitted a student of 
 Harvard college, and graduated in 1777. In this 
 seminary he acquired great reputation for his clas- 
 sical attainments, and more especially for his ex- 
 traordinary powers of oratory. From Cambridge 
 he went to Newburyport, and entered as a student 
 of law in the office of the late chief justice Par- 
 sons, with whom he completed his studies, and was 
 admitted to the bar in 1780. 
 
 In 1783, he was elected a member to the state 
 legislature of Massachusetts. 
 
 In the years 1784, '5, and '6, he was a member 
 of the old congress, and on several occasions, he 
 delivered some of the most masterly speeches ever 
 heard. 
 
 In 1787, he was appointed by the legislature of 
 Massachusetts a delegate to the general conven- 
 tion, held at Philadelphia, and bore a large share 
 in the discussion and formation of our present sys- 
 tem of government. He attended during the whole 
 session of the convention, and was one of the com- 
 mittee appointed by that body to prepare and re- 
 port the final draft of the constitution of the United 
 States. He was afterwards a conspicuous and lead- 
 ing member of the Massachusetts convention, which 
 met to ratify and adopt it. 
 
 In the year 1786, he married Miss Alsop, of the 
 city of New- York, to which place he removed in 
 1788. 
 
 In the summer of 1789, he and general Schuyler 
 were elected the first senators from the state of 
 
I m 
 
 New-York, under the constitution of the United 
 States. 
 
 In 1794, soon after the promulgation of the Bri- 
 tish treaty, a series of papers was published in its 
 defence, under the signature of Camillus. The 
 ten first numbers were written by general Hamil- 
 ton, and the remainder by Mr. King. In these 
 masterly papers there is discovered a depth of 
 research, and an acquaintance with the various 
 treaties and laws of different nations, on the sub- 
 jects of navigation, trade, and maritime law, which 
 render them of inestimable value. 
 
 In the spring of 1796, he was appointed by pre- 
 sident Washington, minister plenipotentiary to the 
 court of Great-Britain. After an absence of seven 
 years he resigned his mission, and returned home 
 in 1803. During his residence abroad, few foreign- 
 ers lived on more intimate terms with the public 
 men of the day, as well those in administration 
 as the opposition. He frequented the society of 
 literary men, and has since maintained a corre- 
 spondence with some, of the most distinguished 
 civilians of the old world. 
 
 In 1813, he was again chosen by the legislature 
 of New- York, a senator of the United States. 
 
 In person, Mr. King is above the middle size, 
 and somewhat athletic. His countenance is man- 
 ly, and bespeaks intelligence of the first order. 
 His conversation and writings are remarkable for 
 conciseness, force, and simplicity. 
 
 As a statesman he is intimately conversant with 
 the laws and constitution of his country, and fami- 
 liarly acquainted with its various interests, foreign 
 and domestic ; as a civilian, well read in the laws 
 of nations ; as an erudite classical scholar, both in 
 ancient and modern literature, and as an elegant 
 writer, and a consummate orator, he may be said 
 to rank with the first of his cotemporaries. 
 
18^ 
 
 Knox, Henry, LL. D. a major-general in the 
 army of the United States, was born at Boston, 
 July 25, 1750. Among those of our country, who 
 most zealously engaged in the cause of liberty, few 
 sustained a rank more deservedly conspicuous, than 
 general Knox. He was one of those heroes, of 
 whom it may be truly said, that he lived for his 
 country. The ardour of his youth, and the vigour 
 of his manhood, were devoted to acquiring its liber- 
 ty and establishing its prosperity. 
 
 At the age of eighteen, he was selected by the 
 young men of Boston to the command of an inde- 
 pendent company : in this station, he exhibited 
 those talents, which afterwards shone with lustre, 
 in the most brilliant campaigns of an eight years 
 war. 
 
 In the early stages of British hostility, though 
 not in commission, he was not an inactive specta- 
 tor. At the battle of Bunker-hill he acted as a 
 volunteer in reconnoitring the movements of the 
 enemy. 
 
 Scarcely had we begun to feel the aggressions 
 of the British arms, before it was perceived that 
 we were destitute of artillery ; and no resource pre- 
 sented itself, but the desperate expedient of pro- 
 curing it from the Canadian frontier. At this cri- 
 sis he generously offered his services to the com- 
 mander-in-chief, to supply the army with ordnance 
 from Canada, notwithstanding the obstacles and 
 perils of the undertaking. Accordingly, in the 
 winter of 1775, he commenced his operations, and 
 in a few weeks, he had surmounted every difficulty 
 and danger, and returned laden with ordnance 
 and stores. 
 
 In consequence of this important service, he was 
 appointed to the command of the artillery of which 
 he had thus laid the foundation, in which command 
 he continued with increasing reputation through the 
 revolutionarv war. 
 
184 
 
 In the battles of Trenton and Princeton he glo- 
 riously signalized himself by his bravery and va- 
 lour. 
 
 In the bloody fields of Germantown and Mon- 
 mouth, he was no less distinguished for the dis- 
 charge of the arduous duties of his command. In 
 the front of the battle he was seen animating his 
 soldiers, and pointing the thunder of their cannon. 
 His skill and bravery were so conspicuous on the 
 latter occasion, that he received the particular ap- 
 probation of the commander-in-chief. 
 
 In every field of battle, where Washington fought, 
 Knox was by his side. Honourable to himself as 
 had been the career of his revolutionary services, 
 new laurels were reserved for him at the siege of 
 Yorktown. To the successful result of this me- 
 morable siege, no officer contributed more essen- 
 tially than the commander of the artillery. His 
 animated exertions, his military skill, his cool and 
 determined bravery in this triumphant struggle, re- 
 ceived the unanimous approbation of congress, and 
 he was immediately created major-general, with 
 the concurrence of the commander-in-chief, and of 
 the whole army. Having contributed so essential- 
 ly to the successful termination of the war, he was 
 next selected as one of the commissioners to ad- 
 just the terms of peace. He was deputed to receive 
 the surrender of the city of New-York, and soon 
 after appointed to the command of West Point. 
 
 It was here that he was employed in the delicate 
 and arduous duty of disbanding the army, and in- 
 ducing a soldiery, disposed to turbulence by their 
 privations and sufferings, to retire to domestic life^ 
 and resume the peaceful character of citizens. 
 
 The great objects of the war being accomplish- 
 ed, and peace restored to our country, general Knox 
 was, early under the confederation, appointed se- 
 cretary of war by congress, in which oflice he was 
 confirmed by president Washington, after the esta- 
 blishment of the federal oovernment. 
 
185 
 
 Having filled this office for eleven years, he ob- 
 tained the reluctant consent of president Washing- 
 ton to retire. 
 
 Retired from the theatre of active life, he still felt 
 a deep interest in the prosperity of his country. 
 He was called repeatedly to take a share in the 
 government of the state, to which he had removed, 
 and in the discharge of whose several duties, he 
 exhibited great wisdom and experience as a legis- 
 lator. In the full vigour of health, he suddenly 
 died at Montpelier, his seat in Thomaston, Maine, 
 on the 25th October, 1806. 
 
 The great qualities of general Knox were not 
 merely those of the hero and the statesman ; with 
 these were combined those of the elegant scholar, 
 and the accomplished gentleman. There have been 
 those as brave and as learned, but rarely a union 
 of such valour, with so much urbanity; a mind so 
 great, yet so free from ostentation. 
 
 In his private virtues, he was no less the orna- 
 ment of every circle in which he moved, as the ami- 
 able and enlightened companion, the generous 
 friend, the man of feeling and benevolence. In 
 consideration of his literary attainments, the presi- 
 dent and trustees of Dartmouth college conferred 
 on him the degree of doctor of laws. 
 
 KoLLOcK, Henry, DD. an eminent divine, was 
 born at New-Providence, New-Jersey, December 
 14, 1778. The years of his infancy and childhood 
 were distinguished by intimations of a superior 
 mind ; by a natural curiosity and thirst for know- 
 ledge, which his friends hailed as the presages of 
 his future eminence. So completely was his mind 
 absorbed by the pursuit of knowledge, so close and 
 unwearied was his application to books, that at a 
 
 24 
 
186 
 
 very early period, he impaired his iiealth, and en- 
 dangered his life. 
 
 After going through the usual course of study at 
 the grammar school, he entered Princeton college 
 at the age of thirteen, and pursued his collegiate 
 studies with uncommon ardour ; and before he had 
 attained his sixteenth year, received the degree of 
 bachelor of arts. 
 
 About this period he became the subject of di- 
 vine grace, and was admitted a member of the pres- 
 byterian church in Elizabeth-Town, to which place 
 his parents had removed. Soon after, being strong- 
 ly impressed that God had designed him for the 
 christian ministry, he commenced the study of di- 
 vinity, and became a candidate for the gospel minis- 
 try in the year 1797. 
 
 He was elected a tutor of Princeton college. In 
 this situation he prosecuted his theological studies 
 under president Smith with unremitting ardour. 
 Here too he extended his acquaintance with the 
 great writers of antiquity ; the poets, the orators, 
 and the historians of Greece and Rome ; and read 
 with avidity and attention the British classics, for 
 which, from a child he had a peculiar relish. By 
 being familiar with these excellent models of writ- 
 ing, he acquired that ease and elegance of style, 
 and that correctness and delicacy of taste, which 
 are perceptible in all his productions. He also 
 made himself master of the French language. 
 
 But while he was thus enriching his mind with 
 useful knowledge, he was not neglectful of per- 
 sonal piety. 
 
 In 1800, he was licensed to preach by the pres- 
 bytery of New- York, and soon after appeared in 
 public, and preached with great acceptation. 
 
 In a few months he gained the highest reputation 
 as a pulpit orator. His extraordinary powers, as a 
 preacher, soon attracted the attention of important 
 churches ; and many who were destitute of a pas- 
 tor desired to enjoy his valuable ministry. 
 
187 
 
 Before the close of the year 1800, he was instal- 
 led pastor of the church at Elizabeth-Town. While 
 pastor of this church, his labours were eminently 
 blessed. In the pulpit and in his closet, in his pas- 
 toral visits, and in the associations for prayer, he 
 seemed to lose sight of every consideration but 
 the glory of God, and the spiritual benefit of his 
 people. 
 
 In December, 1803, he received the appointment 
 of professor of divinity in the college of New-Jer- 
 sey, to which place he afterwards removed, and 
 also undertook the pastoral charge of the church 
 at Princeton. 
 
 As a professor of theology he was highly esteem- 
 ed, and extensively useful. 
 
 In 1806, he received the degree of doctor of di- 
 vinity, from Harvard university, and a few months 
 afterwards the same honour from Union college. 
 His character as a theologian and a man of science, 
 was now very conspicuous and extensively known. 
 
 In the summer of the same year he accepted of 
 the call from the independent presbyterian congre- 
 gation of Savannah, and shortly after removed with 
 his family to that place. Here, while he indefati- 
 gably and successfully laboured for the promotion 
 of religion, he did much for the advancement of 
 literature and science. To him Savannah is in- 
 debted for her valuable and extensive library. He 
 every where inspired a taste for reading ; and in 
 proportion as religion flourished, science was ad- 
 vanced, and literature cultivated. 
 
 In 1810, he was invited to accept the presidency 
 of the university of Georgia, which had become 
 vacant by the resignation of Dr. Meigs, but this 
 call he declined. 
 
 In the year 1817, he made a voyage to Europe, 
 chiefly for the purposing of restoring his health, as 
 well as to collect materials for a life of Calvin, 
 which he had commenced many years before. He 
 visited the chief cities of England, Scotland, Ire- 
 
188 
 
 land, and France ; and was received with that at- 
 tention and respect which are due to a man of sci- 
 ence, and a distinguished minister of Christ. 
 
 After an absence of eight months, he returned to 
 the United States, with his health much invigorat- 
 ed — but it is to be regretted he failed in procuring 
 the materials which he needed to complete the 
 life of Calvin. It therefore remains in an unfinish- 
 ed state, and unfit for publication. This is a cir- 
 cumstance much to be regretted, as it deprives the 
 public of a work which would have done honour 
 to our country. He had bestowed much pains upon 
 it, and if it had been published according to the 
 author's plan, it would have been decidedly supe- 
 rior to any of his works. 
 
 During the summer and autumn of 1819, Savan- 
 nah was visited with unusual sickness and mortali- 
 ty. In proportion to the extent of the disease, and 
 the number of deaths, Vv^erc the severity and con- 
 stancy of Dr. Kollock's labours. Such were his 
 unremitted duties, during this calamitous period, 
 that he gradually relapsed into that state of organic 
 debility, from which he had been restored by his 
 voyage to Europe, and without a struggle closed 
 his useful and valuable life, December 29, 1819, 
 aged forty-one years. 
 
 As a preacher, few in our country ever excelled 
 him. Possessing all the requisites to form a pul- 
 pit orator, he carried the art of preaching to the 
 highest perfection, and displayed all the character- 
 istics of genuine eloquence. Deeply impressed 
 with a sense of the important truths which he de- 
 livered, he added to fervent piety the most brilliant 
 and inventive imagination, the most correct and de- 
 licate taste, the clearest conception, and the most 
 solid judgment. 
 
 As a scholar, he was highly distinguished. From 
 his youth he had always been a labourious student, 
 and through life his thirst for knowledge continued 
 and increased. He was well acquainted with the 
 
189 
 
 Hebrew, Greek, Latin, French, and German lan- 
 guages. In the latter he particularly took delight 
 in perusing works of taste, criticism, and theology. 
 His- works are published in four volumes octavo. 
 
 ft 
 
190 
 
 Laurens, Henry, president of congress, and a 
 distinguished patriot, was born in Charleston, South 
 Carolina, in the year 1724. The superintendence 
 of his education was first given to Mr. Howe, and 
 afterwards to Mr. Corbett; but of the nature of his 
 studies, or the extent of his acquirements, we are 
 not toid. He was regularly bred to mercantile 
 pursuits, and was remarkable through life for his 
 peculiar observance of business. In whatever he 
 was engaged, he was distinguished for his extra- 
 ordinary punctuality. He rose early, and devoting 
 the morning to the counting-house, he not unfre- 
 quently finished his concerns before others had left 
 their beds. Industrious almost to an extreme him- 
 self, he demanded a corresponding attention and 
 labour on the part of those in his employ. 
 
 In the year 1771, on the death of his amiable 
 wife, he relinquished business, and visited Europe, 
 principally for the purpose of superintending the 
 education of his sons. 
 
 He took an early part in opposing the arbitrary 
 claims of Great Britain, and was one of the thirty- 
 nine native Americans, who endeavoured by their 
 petition to prevent the British parliament from 
 passing the Boston port bill. 
 
 Every exertion on the part of the colonies prov- 
 ing fruitless, he hastened home, with a determina- 
 tion to take part with his countrymen against Great 
 Britain. The circumstance of his leaving England 
 at this important crisis, expressly to defend the 
 cause of independence, served to confirm in the 
 highest degree that unbounded confidence in his 
 fidelity and patriotism, for which his friends, through 
 the whole course of his career, had such an ample 
 cause to entertain. 
 
191 
 
 On his arrival in this country, no attentions were 
 withheld which it was possible to bestow. 
 
 When the provincial congress of Carolina met 
 in June, 1775, he was appointed its president, in 
 which capacity, he drew up a form of association, 
 to be signed by all the friends of liberty, which in- 
 dicated a most determined spirit. 
 
 On the establishment of a regular constitution 
 in South Carolina, in 1776, he was elected a mem- 
 ber of congress. On the resignation of president 
 Hancock, he was appointed the president of that 
 august body. 
 
 In 1780, he was appointed a minister plenipoten- 
 tiary to Holland to solicit a loan, and to negotiate 
 a treaty. On his passage to that country, he was 
 captured by a British vessel, and sent to England. 
 He was there imprisoned in the tower of London, 
 on the 6th October, as a state prisoner, upon a 
 charge of high treason. He was confined more 
 than a year, and treated with great severity ; being 
 denied for the most part all intercourse with his 
 friends, and forbidden the use of pen and ink. 
 
 Towards the close of the year 1781, his suffer- 
 ings, which had by that time become well known, 
 excited the utmost sympathy for himself, but kin- 
 dled the warmest indignation against the authors 
 of his cruel confinement. Every exertion to draw 
 concessions from this inflexible patriot having prov- 
 ed more than useless, the ministry resolved upon 
 his releasement. As soon as his discharge was 
 known, he received from congress a commission, 
 appointing him one of their ministers for negotiat- 
 ing a peace with Great-Britain. 
 
 In conjunction with Dr. Franklin, John Jay, and 
 John Adams, he signed the preliminaries of peace on 
 the 30th November, 1782, and a short time after he 
 returned to South Carolina. Although he could have 
 commanded any office in the gift of his state, he 
 declined every honour which was urged upon him 
 by his countrymen, preferring to spend the re- 
 
192 
 
 mainder of his days in rural retirement and domes- 
 tic enjoyment. 
 
 He expired on the 8th December, 1792. He di- 
 rected his son to burn his body on the third day, 
 as the sole condition of inheriting an estate of 
 £60,000 sterling. 
 
 Linn, John Blair, DD. a poet, and an eminent 
 divine, was born in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, 
 March 14, 1777. He early evinced a strong at- 
 tachment to books. At the age of thirteen he 
 entered Columbia college, and graduated at the 
 age of eighteen. During the four years which 
 he passed at college, the fine writers of the age, 
 particularly the poets, became his darling study. 
 
 On leaving college, he commenced the study of 
 the law under the direction of general Alexander 
 Hamilton, but he did not apply himself with much 
 assiduity to his new pursuit. 
 
 The splendid visions of Shakspeare and Tasso 
 were more attractive. He regarded the legal sci- 
 ence every day with new indifference, and at the 
 close of the first year relinquished the profession 
 altogether. After much deliberation, he determin- 
 ed to devote his future life to the service of the 
 church. 
 
 He now retired to Schenectady, and put himself 
 under the care of Dr. Romeyn, a professor of theo- 
 logy- 
 
 In the year 1798, he was licensed to preach by 
 
 the classis of Albany. Amidst some exuberances 
 of style and sentiment, the excellence of his per- 
 formances excited lively expectations of his future 
 distinction. 
 
 In the year 1799, he accepted a call from the first 
 Presbyterian church at Philadelphia, and was or- 
 dained as colleague with the Rev. John Ewing. 
 
19^3 
 
 His health, which had always been delicate, from 
 this period began to decline ; and his death, not a 
 little accelerated by excessive application to study, 
 and the duties of his office, happened on the 30th 
 August, 1804. 
 
 As a preacher, few persons ever attained so 
 great a popularity as he acquired before his twen- 
 ty-third year. As a poet, he possesses consider- 
 able merit. 
 
 He pubhshed in 1801, ''The Powers of Genius." 
 In 1802, "A Controversy with Dr. Priestley," Mis- 
 cellanies in prose and verse," and "Valerian." 
 
 Lewis, Meriwether, governor of Louisiana, 
 was born in Albemarle county, Virginia, August 18, 
 1774, and from infancy was always distinguished 
 for boldness and enterprise. 
 
 At the age of twenty-three he received the ap- 
 pointment of captain in the regular army, and in 
 the year 1792, he was selected by president Jefter- 
 son, in conjunction with Mr. Michaux, to explore 
 the country of the Missouri; unfortunately, how- 
 ever, the expedition was abandoned by the recall 
 of Mr. Michaux. 
 
 In 1803, congress, at the recommendation of 
 president Jefferson, voted a sum of money for ex- ' 
 ploring the Missouri to its source, to cross the high- 
 lands, and follow the best water communication 
 which offered itself from thence to the Pacific 
 ocean. 
 
 Captain Lewis, who was at this time intimately 
 known to president Jefferson, for courage and per- 
 severance in whatever he undertook, for an honest, 
 liberal, and sound understanding, and an intimate 
 knowledge of the Indian character, their customs, 
 and principles, and for a fidelity to truth so scru- 
 pulous, that whatever he should report would be as 
 
 .25 
 
certain as if seen by liimself, he did not hesitate 
 to confide the enterprise to him as one every way 
 qualified to conduct it. At his request, he was 
 accompanied by captain Clark, in case of accident 
 to himself, that lie might direct the further prose- 
 cution of the enterprise. 
 
 A draught of instructions having been prepared, 
 he left the city of Washington, July 5, 1803, and 
 })roceeded on the expedition, and did not return to 
 Washington before the 3rd of February, 1807. 
 Congress, in consideration of his services, granted 
 to him and his followers a donation of a large 
 tract of land. 
 
 He was, soon after, appointed governor of Loui- 
 siana. He died September 20, 1809. 
 
 An account of his expedition has been publish- 
 ed in tv/o volumes octavo. 
 
 Ledyard, John, an enterprismg traveller, was 
 born at Groton, Connecticut, about tlie year 1750. 
 At the age of eighteen he commenced the study 
 of divinity at Dartmouth College, New-Hampshire. 
 During his residence at this institution, he had an 
 opportunity of learning the character and 4[Tianners 
 of the Indians, which was of no little advantage to 
 him in the future periods of his life. In the year 
 1771, he went to New-York and embarked for Lon- 
 don. When captain Cook sailed on his third 
 voyage of discovery, Ledyard, who felt an irresista- 
 ble desire to explore those regions of the globe 
 which were yet undiscovered or imperfectly known, 
 accepted the humble station of corporal of marines, 
 rather than forego an opportunity so inviting to 
 his inquisitive and adventurous spirit. He was 
 a favourite of the illustrious navigator, and was 
 one of the witnesses of his tragical end in 1778. 
 In 1781, he returned to his native place, after an 
 
195 
 
 absence often years. In 1782, he again embarked 
 at New- York for England. He now resolved to 
 traverse the continent of America, from the north- 
 west coast, which Cook had partly explored, to the 
 eastern coast, with which he was already perfectly 
 familiar. He accordingly crossed the British 
 Channel to Ostend, with only ten guineas in his 
 purse ; determined to travel over land to Kamschat- 
 ka, whence the passage is short to the western 
 coast of America. When he came to the gulf of 
 Bothnia, he attempted to cross the ice, that he 
 might reach Kamschatka by the shortest way ; but 
 finding that the water was not frozen in the middle, 
 he returned to Stockholm. He then travelled 
 northward into the arctic circle, and passing round 
 the head of the gulf, descended on its eastern side 
 to St. Petersburg. There his extraordinary ap- 
 pearance attracted general notice. Without stock- 
 ings or shoes, and too poor to provide himself with 
 either, he was invited to dine with the Portuguese 
 ambassador, who supplied him with twenty guineas, 
 on the credit of Sir Joseph Banks. Through his 
 interest, he also obtained permission to accompany 
 a detachment of stores to Yakutz, in Siberia. 
 From Yakutz, he proceeded to Ochotsk, on the 
 Kamschatkan sea. But as the navigation was com- 
 pletely obstructed by the ice, he returned to Ya- 
 kutz. Here he was seized as a prisoner, and con- 
 veyed through the north of Tartary to the frontiers 
 of the Polish dominions, where he was released 
 on condition of returning to England. Poor, for- 
 lorn, and friendless, and exhausted by fatigue, dis- 
 ease, and misery, he proceeded to Koningsburg, 
 where the interest of Sir Joseph Banks enabled 
 him to procure the sum of five guineas, by means 
 of which he arrived in England. 
 
 He immediately waited on Sir Joseph Banks, 
 who recommended him to an adventure as perilous 
 as that from which he had just returned. 
 
]9() 
 
 Ledyard engaged with enthusiasm in the enter- 
 prise, and received from Sir Joseph a letter of in- 
 troduction to one of the members of the associa- 
 tion, which had been formed for promoting the 
 discovery of the interior parts of Africa, which were 
 then little known. The description which that 
 gentleman has given of his first interview, strongly 
 marks the character of this hardy traveller. " Be- 
 fore I had learned," says he, "from the note the 
 name and business of my visiter, I was struck with 
 the manliness of his person, the breadth of his 
 chest, the openness of his countenance, and the in- 
 quietude of his eye. I spread the map of Africa 
 before him, and tracing a line from Cairo to Se- 
 naar, and from thence westward in the latitude 
 and supposed direction of the Niger, I told him 
 that was the route by which I was anxious that 
 Africa might, if possible, be explored. He said 
 he should think himself singularly fortunate to be 
 intrusted with the adventure. I asked him when 
 he would set out I To-morrow morning, was his 
 answer." 
 
 From such zeal, decision, and intrepidity, the so- 
 ciety naturally formed the most sanguine expecta- 
 tions. He sailed from London, June 30, 1788. 
 He passed through Paris and Marseilles to Alex- 
 andria. 
 
 He there assumed the dress of an Egyptian tra- 
 veller, and proceeded to Cairo, which he reached 
 on the 19th August. Here, after repeated delays 
 and disappointments in the departure of the cara- 
 van which he was to have accompanied, he was 
 obstinately attacked by a fever, which baffled the 
 skill of the most approved physicians of Cairo, 
 and terminated his earthlv existence, January 17, 
 1789. 
 
 Besides his communications to the African asso- 
 ciation, he published an account of Cook's voyage 
 in 1781. A number of his manuscripts remain in 
 the hands of his brother, of the city of New- York. 
 
197 
 
 Livingston, Robert R. one of the signers of 
 the declaration of independence, was born in the 
 city of New- York, on the 2nd September, 1747. 
 At the age of eighteen he graduated in the col- 
 lege of New-York, and soon after commenced the 
 study of the law, with the late William Smith, Esq. 
 On completing his legal education, he was called 
 to fill the office of recordership of that city. It 
 was at this period, the great question of the rights 
 of the colonies agitated the community, and he 
 was called upon to assert their rights, and expose 
 their wrongs, on the floor of the general congress. 
 
 To occupy a seat in this august assembly, and to 
 be associated with Washington, Franklin, Jeffer- 
 son, Henry, and others, is the highest, as it certain- 
 ly is, the purest eulogium that can be pronounced 
 upon his virtues and talents. 
 
 How he passed this trial, will be best gathered 
 from the archives of congress, which associate 
 him with Lee and Pendleton, in framing the ad- 
 dress to the inhabitants of Great Britain ; with Jef- 
 ferson, Franklin, and John Adams, in preparing 
 the declaration of independence ; and with Samuel 
 Adams, Dickinson, and M'Kean, in digesting and 
 presenting a form of national government, subse- 
 quently adopted, under the name of articles of con- 
 federation and perpetual union. 
 
 From 1781 to 1783, he filled the responsible 
 office of foreign affairs, when he retired. On his 
 resignation, he received the thanks of congress, for 
 the zeal and fidelity with which he had discharged 
 this important trust. 
 
 Nor was he, exclusiyely, employed in national 
 concerns. He devoted that part of his time which 
 was not employed in the councils of his nation, to 
 the concerns of his state, in framing a new con- 
 stitution. 
 
 Under this new constitution he was appointed 
 chancellor of the state, which he filled with distin- 
 guished abilities till the year 1801. 
 
198 
 
 In 1801, he was appointed by president Jeffer- 
 fSon, minister plenipotentiary to France. He ac- 
 cordingly arrived at Paris in the autumn, and im-^ 
 mediately urged the purport of his mission. 
 
 In the year 1804, having effected the object of 
 his mission, viz. the purchase of the territory of 
 Louisiana, and the liquidation of the debts due on 
 the part of France to the citizens of the United 
 States, he obtained leave to return home, of which 
 he received notice on the arrival of general Arm- 
 strong, his successor. Previous to his leaving Eu- 
 rope, he made a tour through Italy, Switzerland, 
 and Germany, and returned to his seat on the Hud- 
 son, in June, 1805. 
 
 With this mission terminated the political life of 
 Mr. Livingston, but not that of his public useful- 
 ness. In matters of taste, in the progress of the 
 useful arts, in the improvement of the country by 
 canals, roads, planting, building, and agriculture, 
 his mind was constantly and vigorously employed ; 
 and to his suggestions or example much of the 
 present honourable impulse in these branches may 
 be justly ascribed. And lastly, the perfection of 
 the steam-boat navigation in this country. In the 
 vigour of health, and the plentitude of usefulness, 
 this distinguished patriot and statesman was sud- 
 denly called to pay the debt of nature on the 15th 
 February, 1813, in the sixty-seventh year of his 
 age. 
 
 Livingston, William, One of the signers of the 
 federal constitution, was born in New- York, about 
 the year 1723, and was graduated at Yale college 
 in 1741. He afterwards pursued the study of the 
 law. Possessing a strong and comprehensive mind, 
 a brilliant imagination, and a retentive memory, 
 and improving with unwearied diligence the lite- 
 
199 
 
 rary advantages which he enjoyed, he soon rose to 
 eminence in his profession. He early embraced 
 the cause of civil and religious liberty. When 
 Great Britain advanced her arbitrary claims, he 
 employed his pen in opposing them, and in vin- 
 dicating the rights of his countrymen. After sus- 
 taining some important offices in New-York, he 
 removed to New-Jersey, and as a representative of 
 this state was one of the principal members of the 
 first congress in 1774. 
 
 In 1776, on the formation of the new constitu- 
 tion of the state, he was elected the first governor; 
 and such was his integrity and republican virtue, 
 that he was annually re-elected until his death. 
 During our struggles for liberty, he bent his exer- 
 tions to support the independence of his country. 
 By the keenness and severity of his political writ- 
 ings he exasperated the British, who distinguished 
 him as an object of their peculiar hatred. His 
 pen had no inconsiderable influence in exciting 
 that indignation and zeal, which rendered the mi- 
 litia of New-Jersey so remarkable for the alacrity 
 with which on any alarm they arrayed themselves 
 against the common enemy. 
 
 In 1787, he was appointed a delegate to the 
 grand convention, which formed the constitution of 
 the United States. After having sustained the of- 
 fice pf governor for fourteen years, with great ho- 
 nour to himself, and usefulness to the state, he 
 died at his seat near Elizabeth-Town, July 25, 
 1790. 
 
 Governor Livingston was remarkably plain and 
 simple in his dress and manners. He was con- 
 vivial, easy, mild, witty, and fond of anecdote. 
 Fixed and unshaken in christian principles, his life 
 presented an example of incorruptible integrity, 
 strict honour, and warm benevolence. 
 
 His writings evince a vigorous mind and a re- 
 fined taste. Intimately acquainted with ancient 
 and modern literature, he acquired an elegance of 
 
200 
 
 style, which placed him among the first of modern 
 writers. 
 
 He published a poem, called Philosophical Soli- 
 tude; an Eulogium on President Burr, 1758; Mis- 
 cellaneous pieces in prose and verse ; a Review of 
 the Military Operations in North America, from 
 1753 to 1756. 
 
 Livingston, Philip, one of the signers of the 
 declaration of independence, was a member of the 
 family, which has long been distinj^uished in the 
 state of New-York, and was born at Albany, Janua- 
 ry 15, 1716. He was graduated at Yale college in 
 1737. 
 
 With the superior advantages of an excellent 
 education, he embarked in mercantile pursuits, and 
 was soon engaged in extensive operations ; and his 
 inflexible integrity, and enlarged and comprehen- 
 sive views, laid the foundation and erected the 
 structure of extraordinary prosperity. 
 
 His first appearance in public life was in Sep- 
 tember, 1754, when he was elected an alderman of 
 the city of New- York. From this period he con- 
 tinued to fill various and important trusts under the 
 colonial government, till he took a decided and 
 energetic stand against the usurpations of Great 
 Britain. 
 
 Mr. Livingston was chosen a member of the first 
 congress which met at Philadelphia on the 5th 
 September, 1774. In this assembly he took a dis- 
 tinguished part, and was appointed on the commit- 
 tee to prepare an address to the people of Great 
 Britain. 
 
 He was re-elected a delegate in 1775, with full 
 power to concert with the other delegates from the 
 other colonies, upon such measures as should be 
 
iOl 
 
 judged most eftectual for the preservation and re- 
 establishment of American rights and privileges. 
 
 On the 4th July, 1776, he affixed his signature 
 to the declaration of independence. 
 
 On the 15th July, 1776, he was chosen by con- 
 gress a member of the board of treasury, and on 
 the 29th April following, a member of the marine 
 committee ; two important trusts, in which the 
 safety and well-being of America were essentially 
 involved. 
 
 On the 13tli May, 1777, the state convention re- 
 elected him to congress, and at the same time 
 thanked him and his colleagues for their long and 
 faithful services rendered to the colony and state 
 of New- York. 
 
 Mr. Livingston's attendance in congress did 
 not, however, preclude his employment at home in 
 affairs of importance. He served in every capa- 
 city in which he could be useful in the councils of 
 his state. He assisted in framing a constitution 
 for the state, and on its adoption was chosen a 
 senator under it. 
 
 In October, 1777, he was re-elected to congress 
 under the new constitution, and took his seat in 
 congress in May, 1778, one of the most critical and 
 gloomy periods of the revolution ; and incessantly 
 devoted his whole faculties to the salvation of his 
 country. He expired at York, Pennsvlvania, on 
 the 12th June, 1778. 
 
 A short time previous to his demise, he sold a ' 
 portion of his property to sustain the public cre- 
 dit; and though he sensibly felt the approach of 
 death, owing to the nature of his complaint, he did 
 not hesitate to relinquish the endearments of a be- 
 loved family, and devote the last remnant of his 
 illustrious life to the service of his country, then 
 enveloped in the thickest gloom. 
 
 j<:; 
 
Lincoln, Benjamin, a major-general in the Ame- 
 rican army, was born in Hinsfliam, Massachusetts, 
 January 23d, 1733. 
 
 Having at an early period espoused the cause of 
 his country as a firm and determined whig, he was 
 elected a member of the provincial congress, and 
 one of the secretaries of that body, and also a mem- 
 ber of the committee of correspondence. 
 
 In 1776, he was appointed by the council of Mas- 
 sachusetts a brigadier, and soon after a major- 
 general of the militia. 
 
 In October, he marched with a body of militia 
 and joined the main army at New-York. In Feb- 
 ruary, 1777, congress appointed him a major- 
 general in the regular service. 
 
 In July, 1777, general Washington selected him 
 to join the northern army under the command of 
 general Gates, to oppose the advance of general 
 Burgoyne. 
 
 During the sanguinary conflict on the 7th of Oc- 
 tober, he received a wound, which badly fractured 
 his leg, and was obliged to be taken off the field. 
 He was not enabled to join the army, until the fol- 
 lowing August, when he was joyfully received by 
 general Washington, who well knew how to ap- 
 preciate his merit. It was from a developement of 
 his estimable character as a man, and his talent as 
 a military commander, that he was designated by 
 congress for the arduous duties of the chief com- 
 mand in the southern department, under innumera- 
 ble embarrassments. 
 
 On his arrival at Charleston, December, 1778, 
 he found that he had to form an army, to provide 
 supplies, and to arrange the various departments, 
 that he might be able to cope with an enemy con- 
 sisting of experienced oflicers and veteran troops. 
 
 On the 19th of June, 1779, he attacked the ene- 
 my, who were strongly posted at Stone Ferry, and 
 after a hard fought action, he was obliged to re- 
 tire. 
 
The next event of importance which occurretl, 
 was the bold assault on Savannah, in conjunction 
 with count D'Estaing, and which proved unsuccess- 
 ful. He then repaired to Charleston, and endea- 
 voured to put that city in a posture of defence. 
 
 In March, 1780, Sir Henry Clinton appeared be- 
 fore that place, with a force not short of 9000 men. 
 They commenced a heavy cannonade, and con- 
 tinued to besiege it, until tlie 12th May, when he 
 was compelled to surrender. Notwithstanding for- 
 tune frowned on him, in most of his bold and daring 
 enterprises, he still retained his popularity, and the 
 confidence of the army, and was considered as a 
 most zealous patriot, and the bravest of soldiers. 
 
 '^ Great praise is due to general Lincoln," says 
 Dr. Ramsay, "for his judicious and spirited con- 
 duct in baffling for three months, the greatly supe- 
 rior force of Sir Henry Clinton and admiral Ar- 
 buthnot. Though Charleston and the soutliern 
 army were lost, yet by their long protracted de- 
 fence, the British plans were not only retarded but 
 deranged, and North Carolina was saved for the 
 remainder of the year 1780." 
 
 In the campaign of 1781, General Lincoln com- 
 manded a division under General Washington, and 
 at the siege of Yorktown he had his full share of 
 the honour of that brilliant and auspicious event. 
 The articles of capitulation stipulated for the same 
 honour in favour of the surrendering army, as had 
 been granted to the garrison of Charleston. He 
 was appointed to conduct them to the field where 
 their arms were deposited, and received the cus- 
 tomary submission. 
 
 In October, 1781, he was chosen by congress 
 secretary at war, retaining his rank in the army. 
 In this office he continued till October, 1783, when 
 he resigned, and received a vote of thanks from 
 congress, for his fidelity and diligence in discharg- 
 ing the important trust. 
 
204 
 
 He now retired to his farm. In 1786-7, he was 
 appointed to the command of the troops, which 
 suppressed the insurrection under Shays and Day. 
 
 In May, 1787, he was elected lieutenant-gover- 
 nor of the state of Massachusetts, He was a mem- 
 ber of the convention for ratifying the federal con- 
 stitution, and in the summer of 1789, he received 
 from president Washington, the appointment of 
 collector of the port of Boston. This office he 
 sustained till being admonished by the increasing 
 infirmities of his age, he requested permission to 
 resign, about two years before his death. He clos- 
 ed his honourable and useful life, on the 9th of 
 May, 1810. 
 
 General Lincoln received from the university of 
 Cambridge, the honorary degree of master of arts. 
 He was one of the first members of the American 
 academy of arts and sciences, and a member of the 
 Massachusetts historical society. He was also 
 president of the society of Cincinnati, from its first 
 orafanization to the day of his decease. 
 
 Lee, Richard Henry, president of congress, 
 was a native of Virginia, and from his earliest youth 
 devoted his talents to the service of his country. 
 His public life was distinguished by some remark- 
 able circumstances. He had the honour of origi- 
 nating the first resistance to British oppression in the 
 time of the stamp act in 1765. He proposed in the 
 Virginia house of burgesses, in 1773, the formation 
 of a committee of correspondence, whose object 
 was to disseminate information, and to kindle the 
 flame of liberty throughout the continent. He was 
 a conspicuous member of the first congress, and 
 throughout the contest with Great Britain no mem- 
 ber of that enlightened and patriotic body acted 
 with more patriotism and zeal. 
 
205 
 
 In 1784, he was chosen president of congress', 
 and continued a member of that body till 1787, 
 when the constitution of the United States was 
 submitted to the consideration of the people, he 
 contended for the necessity of amendment, pre- 
 vious to its adoption. 
 
 After the government was organized, he and Mr. 
 Grayson were chosen the first senators from Vir- 
 ginia, in 1789. This station he held until his re- 
 signation, in 1792, when John Taylor was appoint- 
 ed in his place. 
 
 He died at Chantilly, in Westmoreland county, 
 Virginia, June 22, 1794, in the sixty-third year of 
 his age. 
 
 He supported through life the character of a 
 philosopher, a patriot, and a sage ; and died as he 
 had lived, a blessing to his country. 
 
 The following character of Mr. Lee is from the 
 classic pen of William Wirt, Esq. 
 
 "Mr. Lee," says he, "had studied the classics in 
 the true spirit of criticism. His taste had that de- 
 licate touch which seized with intuitive certainty 
 every beauty of an author, and his genius that na- 
 tive affinity which combined them without an effort. 
 Into every walk of literature and science, he had 
 carried this mind of exquisite selection, and 
 brought it back to the business of life, crowned 
 with every light of learning, and decked with every 
 wreath, that all the muses and all the graces could 
 entwine. Nor did those light decorations consti- 
 tute the whole value of its freight. He possessed 
 a rich store of historical and political knowledge, 
 Avith an activity of observation, and a certainty of 
 judgment, that turned that knowledge to the very 
 best account. He was not a lawyer by profession ; 
 but he understood thoroughly the constitution both 
 of the mother country and of her colonies ; and 
 the elements also of the civil and municipal law: 
 Thus while his eloquence was free from those stiff 
 and technical restraints, which tlie habits of forensic 
 
206 
 
 speaking are so apt to generate, he had all the 
 legal learning which is necessary to a statesman. 
 He reasoned well, and declaimed freely and splen- 
 didly. Such was his promptitude, that he requir- 
 ed no preparation for debate. He was ready for 
 any subject as soon as it was announced ; and his 
 speech was so copious, so rich, so mellifluous, set 
 oif with such cadence of voice, and such captivat- 
 ing grace of action, that, while you listened to him, 
 you desired to hear nothing superior, and indeed 
 thought him perfect." 
 
 Lee, Arthur, M. D. a distinguished statesman, 
 was a native of Virginia, and the brother of Richard 
 Henry Lee. He received his education at the uni- 
 versity of Edinburgh, w^here he also pursued for 
 some time the study of medicine. On his return 
 to this country, he practised physic four or five 
 years in Williamsburgh. He then went to Lon- 
 don and commenced the study of the law in the 
 temple. During his residence in England, he kept 
 his eye upon the measures of government, and ren- 
 dered the most important services to his country 
 by sending to America the earliest intelligence of 
 the plans of the ministry. When the instructions 
 to governor Bernard were sent over, he at the 
 same time communicated information to the town 
 of Boston respecting the nature of them. He re- 
 turned, it is believed, before 1769, for in that year 
 he published the Monitor's letters in vindication of 
 the colonial rights. 
 
 In 1775, he was sent to London as the agent of 
 Virginia, and in the same year presented the se- 
 cond petition of congress to the king. All his 
 exertions were now directed to the welfare of his 
 country. W^hen Mr. Jefierson declined the ap- 
 pointment of a minister to France, he was appointed 
 
207 
 
 in his place, and joined his colleagues, Dr. Frank- 
 lin and Mr. Deane, at Paris, in December, 1776. 
 He assisted in negotiating the treaty with France. 
 
 On Dr. Franklin being appointed sole minister 
 to France, Dr. Lee returned home, and was after- 
 wards appointed one of the commissioners for 
 holding a treaty with the Indians of the Six Na- 
 tions. He accordingly went to fort Schuyler and 
 executed this trust in a manner which did him 
 much honour. 
 
 After a short illness, he died at Urbanna, in Mid- 
 dlesex county, Virginia, December 14, 1792. 
 
 He was a man of uniform patriotism, of a sound 
 understanding, of great probity, of plain manners, 
 and strong passions. During his residence in Eng- 
 land, he was indefatigable in his exertions to pro- 
 mote the interests of his country. To the abilities 
 of a statesman he united the acquisitions of a 
 scholar. He was a member of the philosophical 
 society. 
 
 Logan, James, an eminent scholar, was born in 
 Scotland, about the year 1674. He was one of the 
 people called quakers, and accompanied William 
 Fenn in his last voyage to Pennsylvania. For many 
 years of his life he was employed in public busi- 
 ness, and rose to the offices of chief justice and 
 governor of the province : but he felt always an 
 ardour of study, and by husbanding his leisure 
 hours, found time to write several treatises in La- 
 tin, of which one on the generation of plants, was 
 translated into English by Dr. Fothergill. Wlien 
 advanced in years, he withdrew from the tumult of 
 public business to the solitude of his country seat, 
 near Germantown, where he corresponded with the 
 most distinguished literary characters of Europe. 
 
208 
 
 He also published a version of *' Cicero de Se- 
 nectute/' which was published with notes by Dr. 
 Franklin. 
 
 He died in 1751, at the age of seventy-seven, 
 leaving his library, which he had been fifty years 
 in collecting, to the city of Philadelphia. It con- 
 sisted of above one hundred volumes of authors in 
 folio, all in Greek, with mostly their versions : all 
 the Roman classics without exception : all the 
 Greek mathematicians, viz. Archimedes, Euclid, 
 Ptolemy, both his Geography and Almagest, with 
 Theon's Commentary, besides many of the most 
 valuable Latin authors, and a great number of mo- 
 dern mathematicians, with all the three editions of 
 Newton, Dr. Wallis, Halley, &c. This valuable 
 collection of books, usually called the "Loganian 
 Library," is now deposited in a large room built 
 for the purpose adjoining the city library. The 
 two libraries in connexion contain near thirty thou- 
 sand volumes, — the largest collection of books in 
 the .United States. 
 
 Lynch, Thomas, jun. one of the signers of the 
 declaration of independence, was born in South 
 Carolina, August 5, 1749. 
 
 His father, who was one of the wealthiest men 
 of that state, superintended the instructions of his 
 son, and in his thirteenth year sent him to England 
 to complete his education. On his arrival in that 
 country, he was placed at Eton school, preparatory 
 to his admission as gentleman commoner at the 
 university of Cambridge. At this institution he 
 afterwards took his degrees. 
 
 In 1772, after an absence of eight or nine years, 
 Mr. Lynch returned to his native state under the 
 most promising auspices. 
 
209 
 
 Few men had ever returned to America more 
 accomplished in the most valuable sense of the 
 term. With ample stores of knowledge, won from 
 the solid parts of human learning, embellished by 
 the graces of polite literature, possessing easy and 
 insinuating manners, combined with a powerful 
 and fascinating elocution, he was enabled at once 
 to impress that community, in which he was des- 
 tined to spend his short life, with a decided con- 
 viction of his great fitness for public confidence 
 and distinction. 
 
 Shortly after his arri\*al, Mr. Lynch made his 
 debut as a public speaker, at one of the town-meet- 
 ings at Charleston, for the purpose of taking into 
 consideration some of the accumulated injuries in- 
 flicted on us by the mother country. 
 
 In 1775, Mr. Lynch was elected to represent his 
 state in congress, in the place of his father, who 
 was obliged to resign on account of his extreme ill 
 health. 
 
 On his arrival at Philadelphia, he took his seat 
 ill the congress of 1776, an assembly the most au- 
 gust that the world has ever witnessed. Here he 
 succeeded in fixing a just impression of his exalt- 
 ed character, superior intellect, and persuasive 
 eloquence. He had not been, however, idong in 
 congress before his health began to decline with 
 the most alarming , rapidity. He" was, however, 
 enabled to give his full sanction to those measures 
 which were tending, with irresistible efiicacy, to 
 the declaration of independence. One of the last 
 acts of his political life was to afiix his signature 
 to this important manifesto. 
 
 During the early part of the services of Mr. Lynch 
 in congress, his father remained in Philadelphia. 
 He had experienced a temporary alleviation from 
 his bodily sufferings ; and his physicians advised 
 him to travel. He lived only to reach Annapolis, 
 wdiere he expired in the arms of his son, in the 
 autumn of 1776. 
 
 27 
 
210 
 
 The afflicted suiviver, after this distresBiiig eveat, 
 at the request of his physician, prepared to take a 
 voyage to the south of France. He accordingly in 
 the year 1779, sailed in a ship commanded by cap- 
 tain Morgan, accompanied by his amiable lady, 
 whose conjugal devotion increased with the declin- 
 ing health of her husband. 
 
 In this voyage, they unfortunately terminated 
 their mortal career. The circumstances of their 
 fate are veiled in impenetrable obscurity. But it 
 is supposed that the ship foundered at sea. 
 
 Such, it is most probable, was the fate of this dis- 
 tinguished patriot. And although he sleepeth on 
 the "ocean's wave," his name is destined to be as 
 permanent as are the foundations of her wide do- 
 main. 
 
ni 
 
 Morris, Robert, one of the signers of the de- 
 claration of independence, and an eminent finan- 
 cier, was born January 20, 1734. 
 
 At the age of fifteen he lost his father. Soon 
 after his death, he was taken into the counting- 
 house of Charles Willing, Esq. of Philadelphia, 
 where he served a regular apprenticeship. In a 
 year or two after the expiration of his indentures, 
 he entered into partnership with Mr. Thomas Wil- 
 ling. This connexion continued for the long period 
 of thirty-nine years ; and previously to the com- 
 mencement of the American war, it Avas at the 
 summit of commercial distinction. 
 
 Few men in the American colonies were more 
 alive to the gradual encroachment of the British 
 government upon the liberties of the people, and 
 none more ready to remonstrate against them. 
 His signature on the part of his mercantile house 
 to the non-importation agreement, evinced the con- 
 sistency of his principles and conduct, and at the 
 same time was expressive of his willingness to pre- 
 fer a sacrifice of private interest to the continuance 
 of an intercourse which would add to the revenue 
 of the government that oppressed them. 
 
 In consideration of his general intelligence, his 
 high standing in society, and his patriotic exer- 
 tions, he was appointed by the legislature of Penn- 
 sylvania a member of the second congress, which 
 met at Philadelphia in 1775. 
 
 A few weeks after he had taken his seat, he was 
 added to the secret committee, and was employed 
 in financial arrangements of the greatest impor- 
 tance to the operations of the army and navy. 
 
 He frequently obtained pecuniary and other sup- 
 plies on his own account, wliieli were most press- 
 
2m 
 
 ingly required, when at the tiMe it would have 
 been impossible to have procured them on the ac- 
 count of government. 
 
 It was by his timely compliance on one of these 
 occasions, which enabled general Washington to 
 gain the important victory at Trenton. Many other 
 similar instances occurred of this patriotic inter- 
 position of his own responsibility for supplies and 
 money, which could not otherwise have been ob- 
 tained. 
 
 On the 4th of July, 1776, he signed the ever 
 memorable declaration of independence, that for 
 ever separated us from England, and thus pledged 
 himself to join heart and hand with the destinies 
 of his country, while some of his colleagues, who 
 possessed less firmness, drew back, and retired 
 from the contest. 
 
 He was thrice successively elected to congress, 
 in 1776, '77, and '78, and was one of its most use- 
 ful and indefatigable members. 
 
 The free and public expression of his senti- 
 ments upon all occasions, and the confident tone 
 of ultimate success which he supported, served to 
 rouse the desponding, to fix the wavering, and con- 
 firm the brave. 
 
 To trace him through all the acts of his poli- 
 tical and financial administration, would be to 
 make a history of the last two years of the revo- 
 lutionary war. When the exhausted credit of the 
 government threatened the most alarming conse- 
 quences ; when the soldiers were utterly destitute 
 of the necessary supplies of food and clothing 
 when the military chest had been drained of its 
 last dollar, and even the intrepid confidence of 
 Washington was shaken; upon his own credit, 
 and from his own private resources, did he fur- 
 nish those pecuniary means, but for which the phy- 
 sical energies of the country, exerted to their ut- 
 most, would have been scarcely competent to se- 
 cure that prompt and glorious issue which ensued. 
 
^^13 
 
 In the year 1781, he was appointed by congress 
 *' superintendent of finance," an office for the first 
 time established. 
 
 One of the first acts of his financial govern- 
 ment was the proposition to congress, of his plan 
 for the establishment of the bank of North Ame- 
 rica, which was chartered forthwith, and opened 
 on the 7th January, 1782. 
 
 On his.tretirement from office, it was affirmed, 
 by two or the Massachusetts delegates, that "it 
 cost congress at the rate of eighteen millions per 
 annum, hard dollars, to carry on the war, till he was 
 chosen financier, and then it cost them but about 
 five millions!" 
 
 No man ever had more numerous concerns com- 
 mitted to his charge, and few to greater amount ; 
 and never did any one more faithfully discharge 
 the various complicated trusts with greater des- 
 patch, economy, or credit, than the subject of this 
 sketch. 
 
 By letter to the commissioners of the treasury 
 board, he resigned his office of superintendent of 
 finance, September 30, 1784. 
 
 The next public service rendered by Mr. Mor- 
 ris to his country, was as a member of the conven- 
 tion that formed the federal constitution in the year 
 1787. He also represented Philadelphia in the 
 first congress, that sat at New- York after th' ratifi- 
 cation of the federal compact by the number of 
 states required thereby, to establish it as the grand 
 basis of the law of the land. 
 
 At length, worn down by public labour, and 
 private misfortunes, he rapidly approached the 
 mansion appointed for all living ; the lamp of life 
 glimmered in its socket ; and that great and good 
 man sunk into the tomb, on the 8th May, 1806, in 
 the seventy-third year of his age. 
 
 The memory of a man of such distinguished uti- 
 lity cannot be lost; and while the recollection of 
 his multiplied services are deeply engraven on the 
 
2U 
 
 tablet of our hearts, let us hope that the day is not 
 distant, when some public monument, recording 
 the most momentous occurrences of his life, and 
 characteristic of national feeling and gratitude, 
 may mark the spot where rest the remains of Ro- 
 bert Morris. 
 
 Morgan, Daniel, a brigadier-general in the army 
 ©f the United States, was born in the state of New- 
 Jersey, and from thence removed to Virginia, in the 
 year 1755. 
 
 At the commencement of the revolutionary war, 
 he was appointed captain of a rifle corps, at the 
 head of which he marched immediately to the 
 American head-quarters at Cambridge, near Bos- 
 ton. 
 
 By order of the commander-in-chief, he soon 
 afterwards joined in the expedition against Que- 
 bec, and was made prisoner in the attempt on that 
 fortress, where Arnold was wounded and Montgo- 
 mery fell. During the assault, his daring valour 
 and persevering gallantry, attracted the notice and 
 the admiration of the enemy. The assailing co- 
 lumn to which he belonged, was led by Arnold. 
 When that officer was wounded, and carried from 
 the ground, he threw himself into the lead; and 
 rushing forward, passed the first and second bar- 
 riers. For a moment victory appeared certain. 
 But the fall of Montgomery, closing the prospect, 
 the assailants were repulsed, and the enterprise 
 abandoned. 
 
 He was taken prisoner, and during his confine- 
 ment was treated with great kindness. On being 
 exchanged, he immediately rejoined the American 
 army; and received, by the recommendation of 
 general Washington, the command of a regiment. 
 
i^l5 
 
 He was afterwards detached by the commander- 
 in-chief to the assistance of general Gates, and 
 assisted in the capture of general Burgoyne and 
 his army. 
 
 On this occasion his services were beyond all 
 praise, and contributed much to the glory of the 
 achievement. 
 
 After the capture of Burgoyne, he rejoined the 
 main army, and was always employed by the com- 
 mander-in-chief in the most hazardous enterprises. 
 
 In 1780, he received the appointment of briga- 
 dier-general, and was ordered to join the southern 
 army. Here he added fresh laurels to his fame by 
 the victory he obtained over the British army at 
 the battle of the Cowpens. This masterly achieve- 
 ment now ranked him among the most illustrious 
 defenders of his country. In commemoration of 
 the importance of this victory, congress ordered a 
 golden medal to be presented to him. He re- 
 mained with the army till the close of the war, per- 
 forming the most important services for his coun- 
 try. 
 
 He was afterwards elected a member to con- 
 gress, the duties of which station he filled with 
 great dignity. He died at his seat, near Winches- 
 ter, Virginia, in the year 1797. 
 
 General Morgan, was in his manners plain and 
 decorous, neither insinuating nor repulsive. His 
 mind was discriminating and solid, but not com- 
 prehensive and combining. His conversation was 
 grave, sententious, and considerate. He reflected 
 deeply, spoke little, and executed with ke^ perse- 
 verance whatever he undertook. 
 
 He was indulgent in his military command, pre- 
 ferring always the affections of his troops to that 
 dread and awe, which snrround the rigid disci- 
 plinarian. 
 
216 
 
 Montgomery, Richard, a major-general in the 
 American army, was born about the year 1737. He 
 possessed an excellent genius which was matured 
 by a fine education. 
 
 Entering the army of Great Britain, he success- 
 fully fought her battles with Wolfe at Quebec, in 
 1759, and on the very spot where he was doomed 
 to fall when fighting against her, under the ban- 
 ners of freedom. When our struggles with Great 
 Britain commenced, he ardently espoused the cause 
 of liberty, and was appointed by congress to the 
 command of the continental forces in the northern 
 department. 
 
 In the fall of 1775, he marched into Canada, 
 took forts Chamblee and St. John's, and on the 
 12th November he took Montreal. In December, 
 he joined Arnold before Quebec, and on the 31st, 
 made a general assault on the city. He bravely 
 advanced at the head of his troops, but was killed 
 at the onset. This event, no doubt, saved the city, 
 and was the ultimate cause of preventing the whole 
 province of Canada from falling into the hands of 
 the Americans. 
 
 He was a man of great military talents, whose 
 measures were taken with judgment, and executed 
 with vigour. 
 
 By the direction of congress, a monument of 
 white marble, of the most beautiful simplicity, with 
 emblematical devices, was executed by Mr. Cas- 
 siers, at Paris, and is erected to his memory in 
 front of St. Paul's church, New-York. 
 
 Morton, Nathaniel, the historian of Plymouth 
 colony, was one of the first planters of New-Ply- 
 mouth. As a. writer of the original events of the 
 plantations, he is known to all who turn their at- 
 tention to the affairs of New-England. No book 
 
217 
 
 has oftener been quoted than '^ Morton's Memorial." 
 In this book are precious documents for the use of 
 future historians, who recur to early times. It was. 
 printed in 1669, and has since gone through many 
 editions. 
 
 In 1680, he wrote a brief ecclesiastical history 
 of the church at Plymouth. 
 
 Moultrie, William, governor of South Caro- 
 lina, and a major-general in the American war, was 
 devoted to the service of his country from an early 
 period of his life. 
 
 He was among the foremost at the commence- 
 ment of the late revolution to assert the liberties 
 of his country, and braved every danger to redress 
 her wrongs. His manly firmness, intrepid zeal, 
 and cheerful exposure of every thing which he pos- 
 sessed, added weight to his counsels, and induced 
 others to join him. 
 
 In 1776, for his brave defence of Sullivan's Island^ 
 he received the unanimous thanks of congress. 
 
 In 1779, he gained a victory over the British in 
 the battle near Beaufort. 
 
 In 1780, he was second in command in Charles- 
 ton during the siege of that place. 
 
 He was repeatedly chosen governor of that state, 
 till the infirmities of age induced him to withdraw 
 to the peaceful retreat of domestic life. He died 
 at Charleston, September 27, 1805, in the seventy- 
 sixth year of his age. 
 
 He published memoirs of the American revolu- 
 tion, so far as it related to North and South Caro- 
 lina, and Georgia, two volumes, octavo, 1802. 
 
Z i u 
 
 Mo.NROE, James, LL. D. tiftli president of the 
 United States, was born in Westmoreland county, 
 Virginia, May 15, 1759, and graduated at the col- 
 lege of William and Mary, the alma 7nater of many 
 of our most distinguished statesmen, 1776. He 
 immediately joined the standard of his country, 
 and bravely fought in the actions of Haerlem 
 Heights, White Plains, and Trenton. In this last 
 affair he was dangerously wounded, and for his in- 
 trepid conduct was rewarded by promotion. In the 
 campaigns of 1777 and 1778, he acted as aid-de- 
 camp to lord Stirling, and was engaged in the bat- 
 tles of Brandy wine, Germantown, and Monmouth. 
 In these battles his conduct was marked by the 
 distinguished approbation of the commander-in- 
 chief. 
 
 In 1780, after the capture of Charleston, he vi- 
 sited the southern army, then under the (command 
 of Baron de Kalb, at the request of governor Jef- 
 ferson, in the character of a military commissioner. 
 In the latter part of this year, he commenced 
 the study of law, in the office of governor Jeffer- 
 son. 
 
 In 1782, he commenced his legislative career as 
 a member of the assembly of Virginia, and shortly 
 after was called to a seat in the executive council. 
 
 In 1783, he was elected a member of the con- 
 gress of the United States, and continued to fill 
 that station with great ability for three years. 
 
 In 1787, he was a member of the grand conven- 
 tion which met to frame a constitution for the 
 United States, and although the youngest member 
 of that august body, the course that he pursued 
 acquired for him a fame as lasting as the constitu- 
 tion itself. 
 
 He was a member of the Virginia convention, 
 which was amongst the first to adopt it. 
 
 Soon after the adoption of the federal constitu- 
 tion, he was elected a member of the senate of the 
 United States, and bore a conspicuous part in the 
 
219 
 
 establishment of the judiciary and financial sys- 
 tem, and aided essentially in organizing the de- 
 partment of state, the treasury, the army, and the 
 navy. 
 
 In 1794, he was appointed by president Wash- 
 ington, minister plenipotentiary to the court of 
 France. Here, the unadorned majesty of his cha- 
 racter shone with a lustre, which, while it conci- 
 liated the ardent leaders of the French revolu- 
 tionists, maintained, unimpaired, the exalted admi- 
 nistration of Washington. 
 
 On his return home, he was elected, in 1799, 
 governor of Virginia. At the expiration of the con- 
 stitutional term, he declined a re-election, and re- 
 ceived a unanimous vote of thanks for the faith- 
 ful, dignified, and impartial manner in which he 
 had discharged the duties of chief magistrate. 
 
 In 1802, he was appointed by president Jeffer- 
 son, in conjunction with Mr. Livingston, then resi- 
 dent minister in France, envoy extraordinary and 
 minister plenipotentiary to that country ; and he 
 was empowered to act, in concert with Mr. C. 
 Pinckney, in the same character in Spain. In this 
 embassy he exhibited profound talents as a diplo- 
 matist, and assisted in the purchase of the territory 
 of Louisiana. 
 
 He next repaired to London, in the summer of 
 1803, to succeed Mr. King, who had requested per- 
 mission to return home. 
 
 In 1806, Mr. Pinckney, a distinguished advocate 
 of the Maryland bar, was associated with Mr. Mon- 
 roe, under a special mission, to negotiate with lords 
 Holland and Auckland for Great Britain. By 
 these commissioners a treaty was formed ; but its 
 provisions were so exceptionable in the view of 
 president Jetferson, that he took upon himself to 
 return it. Several attempts were made by our com- 
 missioners to bring matters to a more acceptable 
 result, but witliout success. The aftair of the 
 
220 
 
 Chesapeake produced a rupture between the two 
 governments, and Mr. Monroe returned home. 
 
 In 1810, he was again called to the gubernatorial 
 chair of his native state, and while in the exercise 
 of this office, in the following year, he was appoint- 
 ed by president Madison secretary of state. In 
 this station the scholar, the patriot, and the states- 
 man shone conspicuously. No British subtilty 
 could enthrall — no vapid promises allure — no me- 
 nacing tone could deter the secretary. The firm lan- 
 guage of remonstrance gave place to the sonorous 
 notes of war. Hostilities commenced against Great 
 Britain, and he was called upon to discharge also 
 the duties of secretary at war. Thus, upon one 
 day he had to act a significant part in the cabinet — 
 upon another, to give an official direction to the 
 thunders of Plattsburgh, the Canadian peninsula^ 
 and New-Orleans. 
 
 In 1817, he succeeded Mr. Madison in the presi- 
 dential chair ; and during a happy administration of 
 eiglit years, which has passed away in a period of 
 profound peace, a public debt of sixty millions 
 has been discharged; the internal taxes have been 
 repealed ; relief has been granted to the aged and 
 indigent among the surviving warriors of the revo- 
 lution ; the Floridas have been acquired ; and our 
 boundary has been extended to the Pacific ocean ; 
 the independence of the states of South America 
 has been recognised ; the African traffic in slaves 
 has been suppressed; the interior regions of the 
 United States have been explored; provision has 
 been made for cultivating the mind of the Abori- 
 gines and turning their attention to the cultivation of 
 the soil; and in preparing by scientific researches 
 and surveys, for the further application of our na- 
 tional resources to the internal improvement of our 
 country. 
 
221 
 
 Murray, William Vans, a distinguished states" 
 man, was born in Maryland, in the year 1761. 
 Having received an education preparatory to the 
 practice of the law, immediately after the peace of 
 1783, he went to London and resided three years 
 as a student in the temple. On his return to his 
 native country, he commenced the practice of the 
 law; but the voice of his country soon called him 
 to her councils. 
 
 From 1791 to 1797, he was a member of the 
 house of representatives of the United States. This 
 station he filled with distinguished honour. His 
 eloquence in debate placed him in the same rank 
 with Madison, Ames, and Dexter. 
 
 President Washington, in consideration of his dis- 
 tinguished talents as a statesman, appointed him 
 minister plenipotentiary to the Batavian republic. 
 He arrived at the Hague at a very critical period of 
 affairs; for the misunderstanding between the 
 United States and France was approaching to a 
 rupture, and the influence of the latter over the Ba- 
 tavian councils were uncontrolled. But by a judi- 
 cious mixture of firmness, of address, and of con- 
 ciliation, he succeeded in preserving uninterrupted 
 harmony between the American and Batavian na- 
 tions; and the first advances towards the restora- 
 tion of the harmony between this country and 
 France, were made between Mr. Murray and Mr. 
 Pichon, then charge des affairs at the Hague. 
 
 These led to certain propositions for a renewal 
 of direct negotiation, which he transmitted to his 
 government. 
 
 Such was the confidence of president Adams 
 in Mr. Murray, that he immediately nominated him 
 as sole envoy extraordinary to the French republic 
 to prosecute the negotiation. The treaty was sign- 
 ed at Paris, September 30, 1800, and has contri- 
 buted in a great degree to the present prosperity 
 of America. 
 
222 
 
 In 1801, he returned to the United States, and 
 retired to his seat at Cambridge, Maryland. 
 
 He died December 11, 1803. In private life he 
 was remarkably pleasing in his manners. With a 
 mind of incessant activity, he united the fancy of a 
 poet. 
 
 His facility in writing was proportioned to the 
 vivacity of his mind. His letters, by their elegance, 
 their simplicity, their poignant wit, and unbounded 
 variety of style, will long establish his claim as a 
 man of genius and of literature. 
 
 fmrnt 
 
 MiNOT, George Richards, a historian of Massa- 
 chusetts, was born in Boston, December 28, 1758. 
 He entered Harvard college in 1774, and was there 
 distinguished for decorum of behaviour, a most 
 amiable disposition, and close attention to his stu- 
 dies, and excelled particularly in history and the 
 belles lettres. He was graduated in 1778. Hav- 
 ing pursued the study of the law under the care of 
 the honourable William Tudor, he began its prac- 
 tice with a high reputation and with fixed princi- 
 ples and habits. 
 
 In 1781, he was appointed clerk of the house of 
 representatives of Massachusetts. While in this 
 office, the duties of which he discharged with fide- 
 lity and impartiality, the causes which produced 
 the insurrection were operating, and he had an 
 opportunity of being well acquainted with all that 
 occurred. These troubles of our country he re- 
 viewed in an historical narrative of the rebellion, 
 which gave him high reputation as an author. He 
 afterwards wrote a history of Massachusetts bay, in 
 continuation of Hutchinson, and is a model of his- 
 torical eloquence. 
 
 Of the convention of Massachusetts which con- 
 sidered the constitution of the United States, he 
 
22;3 
 
 was chosen secretary. In 1792, he was appointed 
 judge of probate for the county of Suffolk, and se- 
 veral years afterwards judge of the municipal court 
 in Boston. 
 
 He was one of the founders of the Massachusetts 
 historical society. He was also a fellow of the 
 American academy of arts and sciences. He died 
 January 2, 1802. 
 
 Mifflin, Thomas, one of the signers of the fede- 
 ral constitution, and major-general in the ^army of 
 the United States, was born about the year 1744. 
 His education was intrusted to the care of the Rev. 
 Dr. Smith, provost of the university of Pennsyl- 
 vania, with whom he was connected in habits of 
 cordial intimacy and friendship for more than forty 
 years. At an early period of our struggles he zeal- 
 ously espoused the cause of his country, and ably 
 advocated the liberties of the people against the 
 usurpations of tyranny. 
 
 In 1774, he was elected a member of the first 
 congress. 
 
 In 1775, on the organization of the continental 
 army, he was appointed quarter-master-general. 
 
 In 1787, he was a member of the convention 
 which framed the constitution of the United States, 
 and his name is affixed to that instrument. 
 
 In 1788, he succeeded Dr. Franklin as president 
 of the supreme executive council of Pennsylvania, 
 in which station he continued till 1790. In Sep- 
 tember, a constitution of this state was formed by 
 a convention, in which he presided, and was cho- 
 sen the first governor. 
 
 In 1794, he contributed not a little by his elo- 
 quence and activity to restore order and peace 
 among the insurrectionists of Pennsylvania. 
 
224 
 
 He was succeeded in the office of governor by 
 Mr. M'Kean at the close of the year 1799, and died 
 at Lancaster January 20, 1800, in the fifty-seventh 
 year of his age. He was an active and zealous 
 patriot, who had devoted much of his life in the 
 service of his country. 
 
 Mayhew, Jonathan, DD. a learned divine, was 
 born at Martha's Vineyard, October 8, 1720. He 
 was educated at Harvard college, and received the 
 honours of that seminary in 1744. While he was 
 a youth he exhibited marks of an original genius, 
 and such strength of mind as was very uncom- 
 mon. 
 
 After being occupied for some time in the study 
 of theology, he was ordained the minister of the 
 West church in Boston, June 17, 1747. He soon 
 exhibited a liberality of sentiment and boldness 
 of spirit which excited great surprise. 
 
 He spoke with great sensibility against every 
 priestly usurpation over the consciences of men, 
 and with peculiar earnestness in favour of truth 
 and religion. He was an unshaken friend of civil 
 and religious liberty, and the spirit which breathed 
 in his writings, transfused itself into the minds of 
 many of his fellow citizens, and had no little in- 
 fluence in producing those great events, which 
 took place after his death. He was the associate 
 of Otis and other patriots in resisting the arbitrary 
 claims of Great Britain. 
 
 He was a whig of the first magnitude. In his 
 sermon on the repeal of the stamp act, 1766, he 
 remarks. "Having been initiated in the doctrines 
 of civil liberty as they were taught by such men as 
 Plato, Demosthenes, Cicero, and other renowned 
 persons, among the ancients: and such as Sidney 
 
225 
 
 and Milton, Locke, and Hoadley, among the mo- 
 derns. I liked them ; they seemed rational 
 
 "And having learned from the holy scriptures 
 that wise, brave, and virtuous men were always 
 friends to liberty; that God gave the Israelites a 
 king in his anger, because they had not sense and 
 virtue enough to like a free commonwealth ; and 
 where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty:" 
 this made me conclude, " that freedom was a great 
 blessing." 
 
 He believed it to be his duty to promote the hap- 
 piness of his brethren in every possible way, and 
 he therefore took a deep interest in political con- 
 cerns. 
 
 He died suddenly, July 8, 1766. No American 
 author ever obtained higher reputation. He would 
 have done honour to any country by his character, 
 or by his writings. 
 
 He possessed superior powers of mind. In clas- 
 sical learning he held an eminent rank. His writ- 
 ings evince a mind capable of making the nicest 
 moral distinctions, and of grasping the most ab- 
 struse metaphysical truths. Among the corre- 
 spondents which his literary character or his at- 
 tachment to liberty gained him abroad, were Lard- 
 ner, Benson, Keppis, Blackburne, and Hollis. 
 
 His writings are numerous and valuable. 
 
 Morgan, John, M. D. F. R. S. a learned physi- 
 cian, was ]3orn in the city of Philadelphia, in the 
 year 1735. 
 
 In 1757, he was admitted to the first literary ho- 
 nours in the college of Philadelphia, and commenc- 
 ed soon after the study of physic under the care of 
 Dr. John Redman, late president of the college of 
 physicians. 
 
 29 
 
J26 
 
 With a view of procjecutiiig his studies in medi- 
 cine, he repaired to Europe, and after attending 
 the lectures of the celebrated William Hunter, he 
 spent two years at Edinburgh, where he received 
 the instructions of Munroe, Cullen, Hope, Ruther- 
 ford, and Whytt. He then published an elaborate 
 thesis upon pus, and was admitted to the degree of 
 doctor of medicine. From Edinburgh he went to 
 Paris, and passed a winter in attendance upon the 
 anatomical lectures of Mr. Sue. 
 
 He also visited Holland and Italy, and in both of 
 these countries he was fondly received by the 
 first medical and literary characters. He had the 
 honour of a long conference with the celebrated 
 Morgagni at Padua, and with Voltaire at Geneva. 
 On his return to England he was selected a fellow 
 of the royal society of London. He was also elect- 
 ed a member of the college of physicians of Lon- 
 don and Edinburgh. During his absence he con- 
 certed with Dr. Shippen the plan of a medical 
 school in Philadelphia, and on his arrival in 1765, 
 was immediately elected professor of the theory 
 and practice of medicine in the college of that city. 
 
 In 1769, he saw the fruits of his labours, for in 
 that year five young gentlemen received the first 
 honours in medicine that were conferred in Ame- 
 rica. 
 
 He was active in establishing the American phi- 
 losophical society in 1769. 
 
 In 1775, he was appointed by congress director- 
 general and physician-in-chief to the general hos- 
 pitals of the American army. 
 
 He died October 15, 1789, in the fifty-fourth year 
 of his age. 
 
 He published " Tentamen Modicum de puris 
 Confectione." 1 763. 
 
227 
 
 Morris, Gouverneur, one of the signers of the 
 federal constitution, was born in New-York, about 
 the year 1751. 
 
 At the age of twenty-four he commenced his po- 
 litical career as a member of the provincial con- 
 gress of his native state. He rendered himself ^ 
 conspicuous by taking the lead in all measures con- \ 
 ducive to the welfare of his country. ^^ 
 
 In 1778, he was elected a member of the general 
 congress, and soon after taking his seat in that en- 
 lightened assembly, he was appointed one of the 
 committee to report on the treaty which had been 
 negotiated with France. And while a member of 
 that body, the public journals amply bear testimo- 
 ny of the consideration in which his patriotism and 
 talents were held. 
 
 After the close of the war he removed to Phila- 
 delphia, where he was again called to act in the 
 councils of the nation. 
 
 In 1787, he was appointed by the legislature of 
 Pennsylvania a member of the grand convention 
 which met at Philadelphia to frame the constitu- 
 tion of the United States. 
 
 In 1792, he was appointed by president Wash- 
 ington minister plenipotentiary to the court of 
 France. 
 
 On his return home, he was elected a member 
 of the senate of the United States. In this body 
 he took a distinguished part in the ever memor- 
 able debate on the repeal of the judiciarjr law, to 
 which he was opposed. 
 
 He died at his seat near New-York, after a short 
 illness, October 10, 1816. 
 
 There are few men to whom we are so much in- 
 debted for our independence. His labours were 
 faithful, enlightened, and ui;iwearied. 
 
Marshall, John, LL. D. chief justice of the 
 United States, was born in Virginia, about the year 
 1756. Soon after leaving college he joined the 
 American army, and assisted in repelling the ene- 
 my under lord Dunmore from the shores of Virgi- 
 nia. He afterwards joined the main army under 
 general Washington, and fought his country's bat- 
 tles till the capture of Cornwallis, when he com- 
 menced the study of the law, and in a short time 
 rose to distinguished eminence in his profession. 
 
 In 1788, he was appointed a delegate of the con- 
 vention which met at Richmond to revise and adopt 
 the federal constitution. In this enlightened and 
 patriotic body he stood pre-eminent, and bore a 
 conspicuous part in the discussions which preced- 
 ed its adoption. 
 
 In 1797, he was appointed by president Adams 
 envoy to France. In this capacity, he exhibited 
 profound talents as a diplomatist — and his nego- 
 tiations with that court are an honour to his ta- 
 lents and to his country. 
 
 On his return home he was appointed secretary 
 of state, and in the following year he was appoint- 
 ed by president Jefferson chief justice of the United 
 States. 
 
 Since his appointment to this high trust, he has 
 published the life of general Washington, written 
 in a style remarkable for its clearness, simplicity, 
 and strength. 
 
 He has also published a history of the colonies, 
 one volume octavo, 1824. 
 
 Mather, Increase, DD. president of Harvard 
 college, was born at Dorchester, Massachusetts, 
 June 21, 1639. He was graduated at the college, 
 of which he afterwards became president, in 1656. 
 After a period of four years, which he passed in 
 
229 
 
 travelling in England and Ireland, he returned to 
 America. Having previously commenced the study 
 of divinity, on his return, he was invited to preach at 
 North church, in Boston, and was ordained pastor 
 of that church in 1664. 
 
 In 1683, when king Charles II. expressed his 
 wish that the charter of Massachusetts might be 
 resigned into his hands, Dr. Mather zealously op- 
 posed a compliance with his majesty's pleasure, 
 and used all his influence to persuade the people 
 not to surrender their charter, and published his 
 reasons. In 1688, he sailed for England as agent 
 of the province, to procure a redress of grievances. 
 After several years of important services, he return- 
 ed with a new charter, May 14, 1692. During the 
 witchcraft delusion, he opposed the violent mea- 
 sures which were adopted. 
 
 He wrote a book to prove that the devil might 
 appear in the shape of an innocent man, by means 
 of which a number of persons, convicted of witch- 
 craft, escaped the execution of the sentence. Af- 
 ter the death of Mr. Oakes, in 1681, the care of 
 Harvard college devolved upon him, and over which 
 he presided until September 6, 1701, when he re- 
 signed in consequence of an act of the general 
 court, requiring the president to reside at Cam- 
 bridge. He was unwilling to leave his church, 
 though his son, Dr. Cotton Mather, had been set- 
 tled as his colleague for several years. 
 
 He was called the father of the New-England 
 clergy, and his name and character were held in 
 high veneration, not only by those who knew him, 
 but by succeeding generations. 
 
 After a long life of benevolent exertion, he died 
 in Boston, August 23, 1723, in the eighty-fifth year 
 of his age. 
 
 He was a man of great learning, and of exten- 
 sive influence. Sixteen hours every day were com- 
 monly spent in his study. Soon after his return 
 from England, he procured an act, authorizing the 
 
230 
 
 college to create bachelors and doctors of theolo- 
 gy ; which power was not given by its former char- 
 ter. As a president, he was careful not only to 
 give the students direction in their literary pursuits, 
 but also impart to them with the affection of a pa- 
 rent, the importance of renouncing sin, and em- 
 bracing the gospel of Christ. Such was his bene- 
 volence, that he devoted a tenth part of all his in- 
 come to charitable purposes. 
 
 His theological and philosophical " publications 
 amount to the number of eighty-five. Among 
 which are the following : " History of the War with 
 the Indians," 1676 ; " Cometographia, or a^ Dis- 
 course concerning Comets," 1683 ; " The Doctrine 
 of Divine Providence," 1684 ; " De Successu Evan- 
 gelii upud Indos," 1688 ; " On the future Conversion 
 of the Jews, confuting Dr. Lightfoot and Mr. Bax- 
 ter," 1709; "Diatribe de Signo Filii Hominis, et 
 de secundo Messise adventu;" and " Elijah's Man- 
 tle," 1722. 
 
 Mather, Cotton, DD. F. R. S. an eminent divine 
 and philosopher, was born in Boston, February 12, 
 1663. He was distinguished for early piety, and 
 at the age of fourteen, he strictly kept days of se- 
 cret fasting and prayer. At the age of fifteen he 
 graduated at Harvard college, having made uncom- 
 mon proficiency in his studies. At this early pe- 
 riod of his life he drew up systems of the sciences, 
 and wrote remarks upon the books which he read, 
 and thus matured his understanding. At the age 
 of seventeen he approached the Lord's table, with 
 affectionate reliance upon Jesus Christ for salva- 
 tion. Having been occupied for some time in the 
 study of theology, he was ordained minister of the 
 North church in Boston, as colleague with his fa- 
 ther, Dr. Increase Mather. May 13, 1684. Here 
 
231 
 
 he passed his days, unwearied and unceasing in his 
 exertions to promote the glory of his Maker, and 
 the highest welfare of his brethren. He died in 
 the assurance of christian faith, February 13, 1728, 
 aged 65 years. 
 
 Dr. Mather was a man of unequalled industry, of 
 vast learning, of unfeigned piety, and of most dis- 
 interested and expansive benevolence. He was 
 also distinguished for his credulity and his pedan- 
 try. No person in America had so large a library, 
 or had read so many books, or retained so much of 
 what he read. So precious did he consider time, 
 that to prevent visits of unnecessary length, he 
 wrote over his study-door in capital letters, " be 
 short." His social talents and his various know- 
 ledge, rendered his conversation interesting and 
 instructive. Every morning he usually read a 
 chapter of the Old Testament in Hebrew, and 
 another in French, and a chapter of the New Tes- 
 tament in Greek. Besides the French, he under- 
 stood also the Spanish and Iroquois, and in these 
 languages he published treatises. 
 
 He was a most voluminous writer ; his works 
 amount to three hundred and eighty-two. As he 
 published his works of piety, he put them into the 
 hands of persons to whom he thought they would 
 be useful ; and he received the benedictions of ma- 
 ny dying believers, who spoke of his labours as the 
 means of their salvation. 
 
 Among the works best known, are his " Magna- 
 lia Christi Americana," two volumes octavo, new 
 edition. " Essays to do Good." Dr. Franklin as- 
 cribed all his usefulness in the world to his reading 
 this book in early life. It has been reprinted in 
 England and America a number of times. "Chris- 
 tian Philosopher," 1721 ; '* Life of Increase Ma- 
 ther ;" " Ratio disciplinse Fratrum," Nov. An- 
 
 glorum ;" " Biblia Americana." This learned work, 
 which it was once proposed to publish in three folio 
 
232 
 
 volumes, is now in the library of the Massachusetts 
 historical society. 
 
 His literary distinctions were chiefly from abroad. 
 The university of Glasgow presented him with a 
 diploma of doctor in divinity ; and his name is 
 on the list of the felloAvs of the royal society in 
 London. 
 
 Madison, James, fourth president of the United 
 States, was born in Orange county, Virginia, March 
 5, 1750. At the age of sixteen, he entered Prince- 
 ton college, and received the honours of that semi- 
 nary in the year 1769. On his return to Virginia, 
 he immediately commenced the study of the law, 
 in the ofl[ice of the late chancellor Wythe. Pre- 
 vious to the year 1775, he discharged the duties of 
 several important offices with superior talents and 
 fidelity, and in the autumn of that year, w;as elected 
 a member of the legislature of Virginia. Although 
 very young, his profound views of the interests of 
 his country were far in advance of his years, and 
 not behind the older members of that enlightened 
 body. He was soon after elected a member, and 
 took his seat in the old congress, where he shone 
 conspicuous for the boldness of his views, and the 
 force and vigour of his eloquence. After the peace 
 of 1783, the United States were left without any 
 efficient government, and connected only by the 
 articles of confederation. Each state was an in- 
 dependent sovereignty, and pursued its own sepa- 
 rate plans of policy. The necessity of an efficient 
 government was apparent, and it was therefore 
 deemed necessary by the friends of freedom to 
 frame a new constitution. To carry this into ef- 
 fect, delegates were appointed from the several 
 states to meet at Philadelphia, in the year 1787. 
 Of this ever memorable convention Mr. Madison 
 
233 
 
 was a member, and assisted in framing that charter 
 of our liberties — the boast of political science — and 
 to which he afterwards affixed his name, as one of 
 the deputies from Virginia. 
 
 Immediately on his return home, he was elected 
 a delegate to the Virginia convention, which met at 
 Richmond in the year following, to decide on the 
 fate of that instrument. 
 
 This convention was composed of some of the 
 ablest men that Virginia has ever produced, for 
 genius, talents, and eloquence. In this enlightened 
 body, the new constitution had its friends and its 
 enemies. Among the former, none were more con- 
 spicuous, and none more ably contributed to its 
 adoption than Mr. Madison. Soon after the pub- 
 lication of the constitution, he, conjointly with 
 general Hamilton and Mr. Jay, commenced the 
 publication of the Federalist, in the city of New- 
 York, which had a powerful influence in procuring 
 the adoption of that instrument in that and other 
 states. Of this celebrated work, he wrote Nos. 10, 
 14, 18, 19, 20, 37 to 58, inclusive, 62, 63, and 64. 
 His style is chaste, his logic concise, cogent, and 
 impressive. 
 
 He afterwards represented his state in congress, 
 until the year 1800, when he retired from public life. 
 
 In 1801, he was called by president Jefferson to 
 the office of secretary of state ; and in the year 
 1809, he succeeded his predecessor in the presi- 
 dential chair. 
 
 Of the ability and wisdom of his administration, 
 for two successive terms, ages will testify ; and its 
 glorious events will form a distinguished epoch in 
 the historical annals of our country. 
 
 His life has been no less distinguished for su- 
 periority of intellect, and an undeviating zeal in 
 promoting the true interest of his country, than for 
 an integrity which has never been shaken, and a 
 benignity, which has never failed to shed its cheer- 
 ing rays in every circle in which he moves. 
 
 30 
 
 •*i^ 
 
234 
 
 Norton, John, a celebrated di vine, '"was" born in 
 England, May 6th, 1606, and was^educated at the 
 university of Cambridge. His talents and learning 
 would have insured to him preferments in his own 
 country, but he preferred coming to New-England, 
 where he accordingly arrived in the year 1635. 
 
 On his arrival at Plymouth, he was invited to 
 take charge of the church in that town, and pass- 
 ed the winter in preaching to that people. 
 
 Early in 1636, he removed to Boston,'"where he 
 was highly respected for his accomplishments ; and 
 before the close of the year accepted an invitation 
 to settle at Ipswich, where he continued till the 
 death of the Rev. Mr. Cotton. While he was 
 minister of Ipswich he wrote a number of books, 
 which procured him a high reputation. He also 
 assisted in forming the Cambridge platform, which 
 was adopted in 1648. After the death of Mr. Cot- 
 ton, at the close of 1652, the church in Boston ap- 
 plied to him to become their minister. He ac- 
 cordingly preached in that town till the year 1655, 
 when he returned to Ipswich. After the restora- 
 tion of Charles II. it was thought necessary to ad- 
 dress him ; accordingly, Mr. Norton and Mr. Brad- 
 street were appointed the agents of Massachusetts 
 for that purpose. It was a most delicate and 
 difficult business to transact. It required so 
 much art and dissimulation, that a minister of the 
 gospel ought not to have been concerned in it. 
 
 Cromwell was the friend of New-England. Our 
 clergy had justified every circumstance of the 
 usurpation, and publicly announced the piety, as 
 well as the justice of the court, which had brought 
 their monarch to the scaffold. Men who had 
 grown gray in practising political devices, 'would 
 have been puzzled to make an address to his son 
 
235 
 
 and successor, and conceal their own hypocrisy. 
 The conduct of our agents, tlie unkind treatment 
 they received from those in whom they trusted, es- 
 pecially the resentment of the fierce republican 
 spirit of this new world, which may be compared 
 to Hercules in his cradle, have been related in the 
 histories of Massachusetts. They all agree that 
 Mr. Norton's death was the consequence. 
 
 He died suddenly, April 5, 1663, aged fifty-seven 
 years. 
 
 Mr. Norton was distinguished' as a writer as 
 much as he excelled in preaching. In controversy 
 he was very acute, for his powerful talents had 
 been cultivated by an excellent education, and he 
 was familiar with the subtleties of the schoolmen. 
 In his religious sentiments, he accorded with the 
 first fathers of New-England. In 1645, he drew 
 up, at the request of the ministers of New-England, 
 an answer to a number of questions, relating to 
 church government, which were sent over by W. 
 ApoUonius, under the direction of the divines of 
 Zealand. This was the first Latin book ever print- 
 ed in this country. It was written in pure, elegant 
 Latin, and published 1648, one volume octavo. 
 
 He published also, " The meritorious Price of 
 Man's Redemption ;" the " Orthodox Evangelist ;" 
 the " Life of Mr. Cotton :" which was reprinted 
 in England. 
 
fee 
 
 Otis, James, a distinguished patriot and states- 
 man, was born at West Barnstable, Massachusetts, 
 on the 5th day of February, 1725. He entered 
 Harvard college in June, 1739, and graduated in 
 1743. In three years after, he took the degree of 
 A. M, Previous to his entering on the study of 
 the law, he spent about eighteen months, in fur- 
 nishing his mind with various kinds of knowledge, 
 and cultivating a classical taste. The learning he 
 acquired in this preparatory study, was afterwards 
 of the greatest use to him. He inculcated on his 
 pupils as a maxim, "that a lawyer ought never to 
 be without a volume of natural or public law, or 
 moral philosophy, on his table, or in his pocket." 
 
 In 1745, he began the study of the law, in the 
 office of Mr. Gridley, at that time the most emi- 
 nent lawyer in the province. On completing his 
 studies under him, he commenced the practice of 
 the law at Plymouth. After two years residence 
 at Plymouth, which were occupied more in study 
 than in practice, he removed to Boston, and very 
 soon rose to the first rank in his profession. 
 
 In 1761, he distinguished himself by pleading 
 against the "writs of assistance;" and afterwards 
 by openly opposing and denying the right of the 
 British parliament to tax the colonies. 
 
 In the following year he was chosen a member 
 of the legislature of Massachusetts, in which body 
 the powers of his eloquence, the keenness of his 
 wit, the force of his arguments, and the forces of 
 his intellect, gave him a most commanding influ- 
 ence. He was now viewed as the leading charac- 
 ter among the whigs ; his opposition to Bernard 
 and Hutchinson combined with his zeal for his 
 country's cause, gave ardour to his spirits, a glow 
 
to his imagination, and energy to his expressions. 
 When the arbitrary claims of Great Britain were 
 advanced, he zealously engaged in defence of the 
 colonies, and was the first champion of American 
 freedom, who had the courage to affix his name to 
 a production, that stood forth against the preten- 
 sions of Great Britain. He was a member of the 
 congress which was held at New- York in 1765. 
 In this year, he published in London a pamphlet, 
 entitled "Rights of the Colonies vindicated." For 
 the boldness of his opinions advanced in this 
 pamphlet, he was threatened with an arrest. Ne- 
 vertheless, he continued to defend the rights of his 
 fellow citizens. 
 
 In 1767, he resigned the office of judge advocate, 
 and renounced all employment under an adminis- 
 tration, which had encroached upon the liberties of 
 his country. 
 
 He was one of those master spirits who began 
 and conducted an opposition, which at first was 
 only designed to counteract and defeat an arbitra- 
 ry administration; but which ended in a revolu- 
 tion, emancipated a continent, and established by 
 the example of its effects, a lasting influence on 
 all the governments of the civilized world. 
 
 The public career of Mr. Otis may be said to 
 have ended in 1769; as the wounds which he re- 
 ceived shortly after in an afiray, incapacitated him 
 for business. During the remaining years of his 
 life, he was sometimes in a frenzied state ; at others, 
 exhibited rather the eccentricities of a humourist 
 than absolute derangement. 
 
 He lived to see, but not to enjoy, the independence 
 of America; an event towards which his efforts had 
 greatly contributed. At length, on the 23rd May, 
 1783, as he w^as leaning on his cane at the door of 
 Mr. Osgood's house, at Andover, he was struck by 
 lightning ; his soul was instantly liberated from its 
 shattered tenement, and sent into eternity. Presi- 
 dent Adams very justly remarks, in a letter to one 
 
238 
 
 of his friends, on hearing of his death, " That he 
 left a character that will never die, while the memo- 
 ry of the American revolution remains ; whose foun- 
 dation he laid with an energy, and with those mas- 
 terly abilities, which no man possessed." He was 
 highly distinguished by genius, eloquence, and 
 learning, and no American, perhaps, had possessed 
 more extensive information. Besides his legal and 
 political knowledge, he was a complete master of 
 classical literature. As a patriot, he resisted all 
 allurements that might weaken the cause of that 
 country, to which he devoted his life, and for which 
 he sacrificed it. 
 
 To aid the cultivation of classical learning, he 
 published in 1760, a treatise, entitled "The Rudi- 
 ments of Latin Prosody, with a Dissertation on 
 Letters, and the Power of Harmony in Poetic and 
 Prosaic Composition." 
 
239 
 
 Putnam, Israel, a major-general in the Ameri- 
 can army, was born at Salem, Massachusetts, on 
 the 7th day of January, 1718. He was indebted to 
 nature, more than education, for a vigorous con- 
 stitution, for mental endowments, and for that un- 
 daunted courage and active enterprise which were 
 his prominent characteristics. Much confidence 
 was reposed in his military prowess and judgment; 
 and he was remarkable for a faithful perseverance 
 in all the duties of his station, and for the most un- 
 deviating principles of honour, humanity, and be- 
 nevolence. 
 
 In the year 1739, he removed to Pomfret, in 
 Connecticut, where he applied himself to the art 
 of agriculture. Not long after his removal to that 
 place, as a bold display of character in early life, 
 we have it recorded, that he attacked a wolf in her 
 den, and slew her. 
 
 During the French war, he was appointed to 
 command a company of the first troops, which were 
 raised in Connecticut, in 1755, and was distin- 
 guished for his active services as a partizan officer. 
 
 In the year 1760, he was promoted to the rank 
 of lieutenant-colonel, and served under general 
 Amherst in the conquest of Canada. 
 
 In 1775, as he was ploughing in the field, he re- 
 ceived intelligence of the battle at Lexington. He 
 immediately left his plough, and without changing 
 his clothes, repaired to Cambridge, riding in a sin- 
 gle day 100 miles. 
 
 On receiving the appointment of a major-gene- 
 ral, he returned to Connecticut, levied a body of 
 troops, and returned to the army. 
 
 At the battle of Bunker's Hill, he exhibited his 
 usual bravery and intrepidity. 
 
240 
 
 When the army was organized by general Wash- 
 ington at Cambridge, he was appointed to com- 
 mand the reserve. In August, 1776, he was sta- 
 tioned at Brooklyn, on Long-Island, and after the 
 defeat of our army at Flatbush on the 27th, he as- 
 sisted in the arduous and complicated difficulties 
 of that masterly retreat. In the retreat of our 
 army through New-Jersey, he was always near — 
 always the friend, the supporter, and confidant of 
 his beloved chief; and the moment after reaching 
 the western bank of the Delaware with the rear of 
 the army, he was ordered to Philadelphia to fortify 
 and defend that city. 
 
 After the loss of fort Montgomery, in 1777, at 
 the request of general Washington to point out a 
 spot to built another fort, he decided in favour of, 
 and proposed West Point. 
 
 The campaign of 1779, which was principally 
 spent in strengthening the works at this place, 
 finished the military career of this veteran and 
 patriot. 
 
 A paralytic aftection impaired the activity of his 
 body, and he passed the remainder of his days in 
 retirement, till the 19th May, 1790, when his ho- 
 nourable and useful life was brought to a close. 
 
 Parsons, Theophilus, an eminent statesman 
 and lawyer, was born at Byfield, Massachusetts, 
 February 24, 1750. At the age of fifteen he enter- 
 ed Harvard college, and was ranked among the first 
 of his class ; and at the time when he graduated, 
 was considered to be the first in talents and know- 
 ledge, of alt who had graduated for many years. 
 
 On leaving college he commenced the study of 
 the law at Portland, with the late judge Bradbury. 
 
 After having been admitted to practice in the 
 
24i 
 
 courts ol* liis native state, he soon became conspi- 
 cuous as a lawyer of profound talents. 
 
 In 1777, he opened an office in Portland, and in 
 the following year was elected one of the committee 
 to draft a constitution for his native state. 
 
 This production contains all the principles in- 
 corporated in the best constitutions of government 
 to be found in our united republic. 
 
 After the close of the revolutionary struggle, the 
 congress of the confederate states dragged on a 
 feeble existence; not wanting in dignity and ta- 
 lents, but without powers suited to the great con- 
 cern. The immediate pressure was gone which 
 had given authority to their laws, if they deserved 
 that name. The states were jealous, and reluc- 
 tantly yielded to their control, even on those sub- 
 jects which could not be managed by them indivi- 
 dually. It was at this crisis of affairs that a gene- 
 ral convention was called, which formed a consti- 
 tution, and submitted it to the several states for 
 their adoption. 
 
 The convention of Massachusetts met according- 
 ly at Boston, in 1789. Among the host of distin- 
 guished statesmen sent to this convention was 
 judge Parsons. 
 
 This was a most critical period of our aflairs, 
 and the question was considered as affecting the 
 vital interests of the nation. The eyes of the 
 world were on the republic. The lovers of aris- 
 tocracy and monarchy were hoping, and no doubt 
 were fully persuaded, that the people had not suf- 
 ficient discretion or virtue to preserve the rights 
 they had won, and that all would be lost in faction 
 and disorder. Parsons came to this body with so- 
 lemn apprehensions of failure, but with a fixed 
 resolution to spare nothing to obtain the adoption 
 of the constitution. He brought the whole stores 
 of his learning, and all the mighty powers of his 
 mind, to act upon this enlightened assembly; and 
 yet, notwithstanding the great exertions and the 
 
 31 
 
J4<? 
 
 powerful eloquence of the friends of the conssli- 
 tution, only a small majority decided that impor- 
 tant transaction. 
 
 In the year 1800, he removed to Boston. Here 
 he found more men of congenial minds, and suffi- 
 cient business of magnitude and profit, and it be- 
 came unnecessary for him to leave the town to at- 
 tend the courts at a distance. 
 
 In 1806, chief justice Dana, oppressed by the in- 
 firmities of age, resigned his office, to which Par- 
 sons succeeded. In this appointment the public 
 expectations were fully realized, for he was the 
 pride and boast of every enlightened, unprejudic- 
 ed man in the commonwealth, until his death, 
 which happened October 6, 1813. 
 
 This event was felt as a general calamity. The 
 bar throughout New-England deplored the loss of 
 this great master in the profession; and the learned 
 bench of judges mourned the extinguishment of the 
 brightest luminary in the temple of justice. In the 
 science of law he w^as deeply versed. He had read 
 with attention, and retained with accuracy, all the 
 legal learning to be found in English and French 
 authors ; and he had gone further, and caught the 
 manners of his own country, and blended them 
 with the common law authorities. 
 
 He knew more of what might be denominated 
 New-England lavi^, than any other man. He was 
 esteemed as one of the profoundest mathemati- 
 cians of his age. He was always fond of classical 
 studies, and had a most extensive acquaintance 
 with literature in general. He was a master of 
 the Hebrew, Greek, Latin, and French languages, 
 and was well grounded in the nature and princi- 
 ples of general grammar. 
 
 He was a powerful and argumentative speaker. 
 To learning deep and extensive, he added a quick- 
 ness of comprehension that penetrated every thing 
 at a glance. 
 
■Mo 
 
 He was a statesman of bold and extensive views* 
 careful in fixing principles, but when they were 
 established, fearless of their consequences. 
 
 Paine, Robert Treat, LL. D. a distinguished 
 patriot, and one of the signers of the declaration of 
 independence, was born in Boston, Massachu- 
 setts, 1731. 
 
 At the age of fourteen, he entered Harvard col- 
 lege, and received the honours of that seminary in 
 the year 1749. 
 
 In the following year, he visited Europe, and 
 on his return home, he joined the provincial troops 
 in the capacity of a chaplain. 
 
 It was about this time that he engaged in the 
 study of the law, in the office of the late chief jus- 
 tice Pratt, and in a few years was admitted to 
 practice. 
 
 He established himself in Boston, where he re- 
 mained a short time, and then removed to Taun- 
 ton, where he continued for many years. At an 
 early period of the contest with Great Britain, he 
 took an active part in the measures which were 
 adopted by the leading whigs of the day, in oppo- 
 sition to the measures of taxation imposed by the 
 British parliament on the colonies. 
 
 In 1773, when the conduct of the British admin- 
 istration had so alarmed the patriots of America, 
 that the colonies were corresponding with one an- 
 other to withstand the tyrannical acts which still 
 threatened them ; a similar intercourse was esta- 
 blished between the citizens of the capital and the 
 other towns in Massachusetts. On this occasion, 
 the town of Taunton chose a large committee, 
 of which Mr. Paine was chairman. Resolu- 
 tions were passed by this committee, the original 
 draft of which has been found in the hand-writing 
 
t>44 
 
 of Mr. Paine, not inferior in firmness and patriotism 
 to those previously passed in Boston. 
 
 This year he was chosen a representative to the 
 general assembly of the province, for the town of 
 Taunton. At this time, none but firm and active 
 friends of liberty were delegated by the people. 
 Those only who possessed talent and principle, 
 were selected to maintain the ancient rights of the 
 colonies, and to consult for the general welfare. 
 He was appointed on several committees during 
 this year ; and was one of the members chosen to 
 conduct the impeachment against chief justice 
 Oliver. 
 
 In May, 1774, he was again chosen a member 
 of the assembly. At this critical period, the arri- 
 val of general Gage to succeed governor Hutchin- 
 son, excited considerable fears among the people^ 
 as they believed the crisis was approaching, when 
 the acts of parliament were to be carried into ef- 
 fect, if opposed, at the point of the bayonet. 
 
 Nor were their fears groundless : a committee 
 was therefore chosen to consider the safety of the 
 colony, of which Mr. Paine was one. 
 
 By recommendation of this committee, a very 
 important measure was adopted ; which was, that 
 a continental congress should be holden, to be 
 composed of delegates from all the colonies, to 
 consult for the general welfare, and for the main- 
 tenance of the rights and liberties of America. 
 Governor Gage having received some intimations 
 of their proceedings, ordered the assembly to be 
 dissolved : for some hours, however, they refused 
 admittance to the governor's messenger. In the 
 mean time, five delegates were appointed, (one of 
 which was Mr. Paine,) to meet those who should 
 be appointed by the other colonies, in a general 
 congress at Philadelphia in September following. 
 The delegates from Massachusetts, it may be 
 proper here to remark, wore the inr^t chosen on the 
 continent. 
 
245 
 
 A similar measure had been adopted in 1765, by 
 recommendation of the assembly of Massachusetts. 
 And in 1768, the united efforts of all the colonies 
 had been proposed by a circular address from this 
 province, requesting them to state their grievances, 
 as the general assembly here had done, and " to 
 harmonize with them in all probable and proper 
 measures to obtain redress." 
 
 The patriots of that day did not contemplate 
 so much on a separation from Great Britain, as to 
 keep inviolate their liberties by taking a firm and 
 decided stand against the encroachments of parlia- 
 ment. It was under these impressions, that the 
 first continental congress met at Philadelphia, in 
 1774. 
 
 In May, 1775, the continental congress met again 
 at Philadelphia, and Mr. Paine was one of the five 
 delegates chosen to attend from Massachusetts. 
 
 In the course of this year, when it was found 
 that the administration did not change its mea- 
 sures, and the British army increased, the most in- 
 telligent and resolute of the members declared the 
 propriety of becoming a separate and independent 
 nation. 
 
 In December, 1775, he was again chosen a dele- 
 gate to congress. In June, 1776, he, with Mr. Rut- 
 ledge and Mr. Jeflferson, was desired to report 
 rules for the conduct of congress in debate. 
 
 On the 4th July, when the solemn declaration of 
 the independence of the American colonies was 
 made and published to the world, he was present 
 and affixed his name to that instrument. 
 
 The reputation of Mr. Paine for zeal in the cause 
 of liberty, and for talents and activity suited to the 
 great concerns of the country, was now as high as 
 that of any man in the state. He acted from prin- 
 ciple, and was fully persuaded of the justice of 
 the cause in which his country had engaged. He 
 was intelligent, and unwearied in his effijrts to be 
 useful ; and when difficulties increased, he was the 
 
246 
 
 more resolute and active. He was again elected 
 to congress for the years 1777 and 1778. And for 
 a part of this period, also filled some of the highest 
 offices in the government of Massachusetts. 
 
 In 1779, he was chosen a member of the conven- 
 tion, and was appointed one of the committee 
 which prepared and reported the constitution for 
 his native state, and which was afterwards adopted 
 by the people in 1780. 
 
 On the organization of the government he was 
 appointed attorney-general of the commonwealth, 
 and continued in that office until 1790, when he ac- 
 cepted a seat on the bench of the supreme judicial 
 court. He held this office until the year 1804, 
 when he resigned. In the same year, he was 
 chosen a counsellor of the commonwealth. He 
 died May 11, 1814, at the advanced age of eighty- 
 four. 
 
 Judge Paine was a decided friend to the consti- 
 tution of the United States, which he supported 
 by his writings and conversations. He retained 
 his mental faculties in great vigour until his death. 
 His memory was remarkably lively and powerful, 
 and he was prone to indulge in repartee and wit. 
 He was a patron of learning, and held a high rank 
 among the literary men of our country. He re- 
 ceived the honorary degree of doctor of laws from 
 the university of Cambridge. 
 
 Porter, David, commodore in the navy 'of the 
 United States, was born at Boston, on the 1st Fe- 
 bruary, 1780. 
 
 At the age of nineteen he obtained a midship- 
 man's warrant, and afterwards went on board the 
 frigate Constellation ; and was in the action with 
 the French frigate Plnsurgente. For his brave 
 conduct in this action, he received the commission 
 
247 
 
 <jf a lieutenant. He afterwards manifested great 
 skill and valour, in capturing a number of French 
 privateers in the West Indian seas. 
 
 He next accompanied the first squadron to the 
 Mediterranean. While on that station his skill and 
 intrepidity on all occasions w^ere conspicuous, and 
 called forth the applause of his commander. 
 
 In September, 1803, he joined the frigate Phila- 
 delphia, and shortly after her running foul of a 
 rock, she was surrendered to a superior force, and 
 was carried a prisoner, with the officers and crew 
 of the ship, to the city of Tripoli. After the esta- 
 blishment of peace with this regency, he returned 
 to Syracuse, and was appointed to the command 
 of the brig Enterprise. 
 
 After a lapse of five years, he returned to the 
 United States, and was appointed to command the 
 flotilla on the New-Orleans station. 
 
 In 1812, after the declaration of war against 
 Great Britain, he was appointed to the command 
 of the frigate Essex. He sailed from New- York 
 on the 3rd July, and in a few days afterwards cap- 
 tured his majesty's sloop of war, Alert, after an 
 action of a few minutes, and carried her into port. 
 On the 27th October, he sailed for the coast of 
 Brazil ; after capturing several valuable prizes, he 
 pursued his way to the southern Pacific. On his 
 arrival in this ocean, he destroyed a large amount 
 of British commerce, and augmented his force to 
 several ships, among which was the Essex Junior, 
 the command of which he gave to lieutenant 
 Downs. 
 
 The British despatched armed ships in every 
 direction to capture him. Commodore Porter hav- 
 ing learned their intentions, he determined to close 
 his expedition to this sea, with something more 
 brilliant than the capture of merchantmen and 
 whalers. He accordingly proceeded to the island 
 of Nooahevah, one of the Washington groupe, to 
 make repairs. 
 
248 
 
 On the 19th of November, 1813, he took formal 
 possession of this island in behalf of the United 
 States of America, by the name of Madison's Island. 
 It is situate between the latitude of 9 and 10 S. 
 and in longitude 140 W. from Greenwich, and is 
 large, fertile, and populous. 
 
 Having refitted, he sailed from this place on the 
 12th December for the coast of Chili. In February, 
 1814, he reached Valparaiso. On the 28th March, 
 he was attacked by commodore Hillyar's squadron, 
 in violation of every principle of honour, and re- 
 gardless of the rights of nations, within pistol shot 
 of a neutral shore. After a hard fought action of 
 three hours, during which time from the crippled 
 state of the Essex at the commencement of the ac- 
 tion, only six guns could be used, commodore Por- 
 ter surrendered to a superiority of more than dou- 
 ble his force. Commodore Porter in his official 
 letter to the secretary of the navy, says, " To pos- 
 sess the Essex, it has cost the British government 
 near six millions of dollars, and yet. Sir, her cap- 
 ture, although dishonourable, was owing entirely 
 to accident." 
 
 On commodore Porter's return to the United 
 States, he was received with that eclat to which 
 the brilliancy of his actions entitled him. He af- 
 terwards assisted at the defence of Baltimore ; and 
 on the return of peace, congress having establish- 
 ed a navy board,^to assist the operations of the navy 
 department, he was appointed one of the three 
 commissioners to whom its directions was con- 
 fided. 
 
 He has since been appointed to the command 
 of the American fleet on the West India station. 
 
 Perry, Oliver Haz\rd, the "Hero of Lake 
 Erie," was born at Newport, Rhode-Island, in 
 
249 
 
 August, 1785. At the age of fourteen he entered 
 the navy of the United States, and shortly after he 
 accompanied the squadron to the Mediterranean, 
 in which he served during the Tripoline war. 
 
 At the commencement of the late war with Great 
 Britain, he was appointed to the command of the 
 flotilla of gun-boats, stationed in the harbour of 
 New-York, with the rank of master-commandant. 
 
 In 1813, he was appointed to the command of 
 the squadron on lake Erie. As soon as he had 
 equipped and manned his vessels, he set sail from 
 the port of Erie in pursuit of the British fleet, on 
 the 8th of August. Nothing of moment, however, 
 happened until the 10th September, when he dis- 
 covered the enemy at sunrise, and immediately 
 made for them. The action commenced about ten 
 o'clock, and lasted for three hours, when the whole 
 British squadron struck their colours. Never was 
 a victory more decisive and complete. The cap- 
 tured squadron had more guns and more men. 
 The enemy's loss in killed and wounded amounted 
 to 160, the Americans 123. Soon after the victory 
 on lake Erie, the thanks of congress were voted to 
 the commodore, his officers, seamen, and marines ; 
 and medals were presented to him and his officers. 
 
 In 1815, commodore Perry was appointed to the 
 command of the Java frigate, and sailed with com- 
 modore Decatur's squadron to the Mediterranean, 
 and participated in the negotiation of an honour- 
 able peace with the Algerines. 
 
 In June, 1819, commodore Perry sailed from the 
 Chesapeake bay in the United States ship John 
 Adams, for the West Indies and a cruise, with seal- 
 ed orders. 
 
 In September, 1820, the melancholy intelligence 
 of his death reached the United States, on which 
 occasion the secretary of the navy ordered the 
 usual tribute of respect to be paid to the memory 
 of this illustrious officer. 
 
 He died at Port Spain, on the 23d August. 1820. 
 
 32 
 
250 
 
 Pike, Zebulon Moatgomery, a brigadier-general 
 in the army of the United States, was born at Lam- 
 berton, New-Jersey, on the 5th of January, 1779. 
 
 By his own perseverance and application, he be- 
 came skilled in the mathematical and astronomical 
 sciences, and a proficient in the Latin, French, and 
 Spanish languages. 
 
 In 1805, a new career of honourable destination 
 was opened to his active and aspiring mind. 
 
 The government of the United States having 
 purchased Louisiana, determined upon ascertain- 
 ing its geographical boundary; its soil and natural 
 productions ; the course of its rivers and their fit- 
 ness for the purpose of navigation, and other uses 
 of civilized life ; and also to gain particular infor- 
 mation of the numbers, character, and power of 
 the tribes of Indians who inhabited this territory. 
 
 With these views, president Jefferson appointed 
 captains Lewis and Clark to explore the unknown 
 sources of the Missouri, and captain Pike that of 
 the Missisippi. 
 
 In August following, general Pike embarked at 
 St. Louis on this interesting and perilous expedi- 
 tion, and did not return to the seat of government 
 until August, 1807. 
 
 Before two months had expired, captain Pike 
 was selected for a second perilous journey of hard- 
 ship and adventure. The principal purpose of this 
 expedition was like that of the former, to explore 
 the interior of Louisiana, especially the tributary 
 streams of the Missisippi, Arkansaw, and Red River, 
 and thus to acquire such geographical information, 
 as might enable government to enter into definitive 
 arrangements for a boundary line between our new- 
 ly acquired territory and North Mexico. 
 
 Upon his return from this last expedition, he 
 received the thanks of the government. He was 
 shortly afterwards appointed major, and in 1810, 
 a colonel of infantry. 
 
251 
 
 During the interval of his military duties, he 
 published a narrative of his two expeditions, ac- 
 companied by several valuable original maps and 
 charts. 
 
 In 1813, he was appointed a brigadier-general, 
 and was selected to command the American forces 
 in an expedition against York, the capital of Upper 
 Canada. On the 27th April he arrived before 
 York at the head of his troops, and attacked the 
 enemy's works in person. The fire of the enemy 
 was soon silenced, and at the moment that a flag 
 of surrender was expected, a terrible explosion 
 took place from the British magazine, which had 
 previously been prepared for this purpose. An 
 immense quantity of large stones were thrown in 
 every direction, one of which struck the general, 
 the wound from which proved mortal after linger- 
 ing a few hours. In the mean while, the British 
 standard was brought to him, which he made a 
 sign to have placed under his head, and then ex- 
 pired without a groan ! 
 
 PiNCKNEY, Charles, one of the signers of the 
 federal constitution, was born in Charleston, South 
 Carolina, in the year 1758. 
 
 Unaided by a college education, he became by 
 the assistance of private instructors a proficient 
 in the languages of Greece, Rome, and France, in 
 all acquirements essential to public utility, and ne- 
 cessary to form a great statesman. 
 
 Ardent and impassioned in the pursuit of litera- 
 ture and distinction, he did not long remain un- 
 known. 
 
 At the commencement of the revolution, he 
 took a share in the struggle for independence, 
 and was one of those patriots who underwent 
 
,'.)»' 
 
 seven years calamity to restore liberty and inde- 
 pendence to his country. 
 
 , At the age of twenty-seven, he was elected a 
 member of the state legislature, which place he 
 held until the year 1787, when he was unanimous- 
 ly elected by that body one of the delegates to the 
 federal convention, which met at Philadelphia to 
 frame the present constitution. 
 
 Though youngest in this august body, yet he has 
 ever been ranked among the most conspicuous in 
 eloquence and efficiency. He advocated an ener- 
 getic general government. Of the various propo- 
 sitions which he originated, there is one which, 
 though not a part of the constitution, yet the peo- 
 ple appear to have adopted in practice. This was, 
 that the president's tenure should be seven years, 
 and afterwards ineligible. By custom he is con- 
 tinued for eight years, but his popularity, which 
 will always in some degree influence his indepen- 
 dence, is exposed in four years. 
 
 His distinguished services were remunerated 
 with the applause of his constituents, and as an 
 evidence of their high opinion, he was advanced 
 to the chief magistracy of his native state, soon 
 after he had been auxiliary in procuring the adop- 
 tion of the new constitution by the state conven- 
 tion. 
 
 In the year 1798, he was elected a member of the 
 senate of the United States. He was afterwards 
 appointed ambassador to the court of Spain, where, 
 besides fulfilling his official duties, he collected a 
 fund of information on the manners, laws, and cus- 
 toms of the old world. Upon his return from Eu- 
 rope, his native state elected him for the fourth 
 time, governor. 
 
 The eloquence of Mr. Pinckney was luminous, 
 fervid, and without acrimony; his enunciation was 
 full, ardent, and impressive. 
 
 Gifted with unusual colloquial powers, urbane in 
 manners, with a temper of great amenity, he always 
 
^Ob 
 
 added to the enjoyments of social intercourse. 
 Though visited with his portion of mortal frailty, 
 yet he was a kind master, an indulgent parent, and 
 a devoted patriot. 
 
 Adversity presented him a chalice often over- 
 flowing, yet he abandoned neither hope nor his 
 equanimity, and after a life of utility and vicissi- 
 tude, calmly sunk into that sleep where ambition 
 cannot excite, nor the pains of misfortune again 
 invade. 
 
 He died October 29, 1824, at the advanced age 
 of sixty-six years. 
 
 PiNCKNEY, William, an eminent lawyer and 
 statesman, was born at Annapolis, in the state of 
 Maryland, March 17, 1765. 
 
 At an early age, he exhibited proofs of extraor- 
 dinary talents, which were afterwards improved by 
 a classical education. He particularly excelled in 
 a profound knowledge of the classical writers of 
 antiquity. 
 
 Under the patronage of the late judge Chase, he 
 commenced the study of the law, and was admitted 
 to the bar in 1786, where, at his first appearance, 
 he gave those promises of ability and greatness, 
 which he subsequently fulfilled. 
 
 In 1789, he was elected a member of the Mary- 
 land legislature, and in 1792, was called to a seat 
 in the executive council. 
 
 In 1796, soon after the ratification of the British 
 treaty, he was appointed by president Washington 
 a commissioner in accordance with the provision of 
 the treaty, to reside in London. 
 
 In 1804, he returned home. During his stay in 
 London, he pursued his professional studies with 
 increased ardour, and was a close attendant of the 
 English courts of law. 
 
254 
 
 In 1806, he was appointed envoy extraordinary 
 and minister plenipotentiary, in conjunction with 
 Mr. Monroe, to the court of Great Britain. The 
 treaty which was procured did not answer, how- 
 ever, the expectations of president Jefferson, and 
 he returned it on his own responsibility, without 
 consulting the senate. 
 
 After vainly endeavouring for three years to ne- 
 gotiate a more favourable treaty with that power, 
 he returned to the United States, and in 1812, was 
 appointed attorney-general of the United States. 
 
 In this capacity he shone with conspicuous lus- 
 tre. Ever prepared, and never off his guard, he en- 
 countered his subject with a mind rich in all the 
 gifts of nature, and fraught witli all the resources 
 of art and study. He entered the list with his an- 
 tagonist armed like the ancient cavalier, cap a pe. 
 In cases which embraced all the complications and 
 intricacies of law, where reason seems to be lost 
 in the ocean of technical perplexity ; and darkness 
 and obscurity assume the dignified character of 
 science, he displayed an extent of research, a range 
 of investigation, a lucidness of reasoning, and a 
 fervour and brilliancy of thought, that excited won- 
 der and elicited admiration. On the driest, most 
 abstract, and uninteresting questions of law, when 
 no mind could anticipate such an occurrence, he 
 would blaze forth in all the enchanting exuberance 
 of a chastened, but rich and vivid imagination. In 
 the higher grades of eloquence, where the passions 
 and feelings of our nature are roused to nature or 
 lulled to tranquillity, he was still the great magician 
 whose power was resistless, and whose touch was' 
 fascination. His eloquence was sublime, majestic, 
 and overwhelming. 
 
 His order was lucid, his reasoning logical, his 
 diction select, magnificent, and appropriate, and 
 his style was flowing, oratorical, and beautiful. 
 
 The most laboured and finished composition 
 could not be better than that which he seemed to 
 
255 
 
 utter spontaneously, and without effort. His satire 
 was keen, but delicate; and his wit scintillating 
 and brilliant. He possessed the most extensive 
 and varied information, and was never at a loss to 
 ornament and illustrate whatever subject he touch- 
 ed. He was ever the same ; he used no common 
 place artifice to excite a momentary thrill of admi- 
 ration. He was not obliged to patch up and em- 
 bellish a few ordinary thoughts, or set off a few 
 meagre and uninteresting facts. His resources 
 were unlimited as those of nature, and fresh powers 
 and new beauties were exhibited whenever he em- 
 ployed his eloquence. A singular copiousness and 
 felicity of thought and expression, united to a mag- 
 nificence of amplification, and a purity and chastity 
 of ornament, gave to his eloquence a sort of en- 
 chantment which it is difficult to describe. 
 
 In 1816, he was appointed minister to the courts 
 of Naples and Russia. 
 
 On his return home he was elected a member of 
 the senate of the United States. 
 
 In February, 1822, while engaged in an impor- 
 tant cause, in the supreme court of the United 
 States at Washington, from too great exertions, he 
 was seized with a fit of illness which in two days 
 put a period to his life — aged fifty-seven years. 
 
 Paine, Robert Treat, a distinguished poet, was 
 born at Taunton, Massachusetts, December 9, 
 1773. After receiving the honours of the univer- 
 sity of Cambridge, he entered the counting-house 
 of Mr, James Tisdale, and after a year or two re- 
 linquished it for the muses. 
 
 He now bent his whole attention to literature 
 until the year 1799, when, at the solicitation of 
 his friends, he commenced the study of the law, 
 in the office of the late chief justice Parsons. 
 
256 
 
 In 1802, he was admitted to the bar, and for 
 several years received as much business as he 
 could well attend to, and was fast rising to emi- 
 nence in his profession, when unfortunately he be- 
 came negligent, and was forsaken by his patrons. 
 
 J^e now resorted to publishing, but after con- 
 tending with the storm of adversity for several 
 years without realizing the golden harvest which 
 his fine genius had arrayed before him, he gra- 
 dually sunk under disappointment and disease, and 
 expired without a groan, November 12, 1811. 
 
 As an author, he will always rank high among 
 the poets of this country. 
 
 His genius was certainly of an high order, and 
 his poetry is marked for brilliant imagery and ori- 
 ginality. 
 
 His poetry has been published in one large vo- 
 lume octavo. 
 
 Paine, Thomas, a poetical and infidel writer of 
 great notoriety, was born in England about the 
 year 1737. He was by profession a staymaker. 
 About the year 1774, he came to this country, and 
 was employed as editor of the Philadelphia Maga- 
 zine. 
 
 In the next year, at the suggestion of Dr. Rush, 
 he wrote his celebrated pamphlet, entitled "Com- 
 mon Sense," for which he received £500 from the 
 legislature of Pennsylvania; and soon after this 
 was honoured with a degree of M. A. from the uni- 
 versity of Pennsylvania, and was chosen a member 
 of the American Philosophical Society. 
 
 He was afterwards appointed a clerk in the office 
 of the secretary for foreign aff'airs, but was shortly 
 after dismissed for a scandalous breach of trust. 
 
 In 1780, the assembly of Pennsylvania chose 
 him as clerk. 
 
SOI 
 
 in 1782, he printed at Philadelphia a letter to tiic 
 Abbe Raynal, in which he undertakes to clear up 
 the mistakes in Raynal's account of the American 
 revolution. 
 
 In 1785, as a compensation for his revolutionary 
 writings, congress granted him three thousand dol- 
 lars, and New-York gave him an estate of three 
 hundred acres of land. 
 
 In 1787, he visited England, and before the end 
 of that year published a pamphlet, entitled "' Pros- 
 pects on the Rubicon." 
 
 In 1789, he visited France, and on his return to 
 England in 1790, wrote the first part of his "Rights 
 of Man," and in 1792, the second part. In the fol- 
 lowing year he again returned to France, and was 
 chosen a member of the French convention. As 
 soon as Robespierre had gained the ascendency, he 
 sent Paine and the enthusiast Cloots to prison at 
 the Luxembourg, and narrowly escaped being guil- 
 lotined. 
 
 It was during his imprisonment of eleven months 
 that he composed his blasphemous pamphlet called 
 the " Age of Reason,'' the first part of which was 
 published at London in 1794, and the second part 
 the year following. This work has been ably re- 
 futed by a Watson, a Scott, a Wakefield, and 
 others, and the ignorance of Paine completely ex- 
 posed. 
 
 His subsequent publications were " The Decline 
 and Fall of the English System of Finance ;" a 
 most impudent letter to general Washington, whom 
 he had the ingratitude to revile as an apostate and 
 an impostor ; "Agrarian Justice opposed to Agrarian 
 Law, and to Agrarian Monopoly ;" " Letter to Lord 
 Erskine on the Prosecution of J. Williams, for pub- 
 lishing the Age of Reason." 
 
 He continued in France till 1802, where he de- 
 based himself by debauchery and drunkenness, 
 and was so filthy in his person as to be avoided by 
 all men of decency. 
 
 Ok 
 
 13 
 
j:>8 
 
 111 October, of the same year, he arrived in Balti- 
 more, and brought witli him a woman whom he had 
 seduced from her husband, with her two sons; and 
 whom he treated with the utmost meanness and 
 tyranny. It may suffice that he appeared for many 
 months before his death to be sunk to the lowest 
 state of brutality. 
 
 The following is an account of the closing scene 
 of his life as related by his medical attendant, Dr. 
 Manley. '^ During the latter part of his life," says 
 this physician, " though his conversation was equi- 
 vocal, his conduct was singular. He would not be 
 left alone night or day. - He not only required to 
 have some person with him, but he must see that 
 he or she was there, and would not allow his cur- 
 tain to be closed at any time ; and if, as it would 
 sometimes happen, he was left alone, he would 
 scream and halloo, until some person came to him. 
 There was something also, very remarkable in 
 his conduct during the two weeks preceding his 
 death, particularly when we reflect, that he was 
 the author of the "iVge of Reason." He would 
 call out during his paroxysms of distress, without 
 intermission, "O Lord help me, God help me, 
 Jesus Christ help me, O Lord help me," Slc. 
 
 He died at New- York, on the morning of the 
 8th of June, 1809, in the seventy-third year of 
 his age. 
 
 Fenn, William, founder of Pennsylvania, was 
 born in London, October 14, 1644, and in the fif- 
 teenth year of his age entered as a gentleman 
 commoner at Christ church, Oxford. His genius 
 was bright and his imagination lively. Being im- 
 pressed with the preaching of an itinerant quaker, 
 he, with a number of other students, withdrew from 
 the established worship and held meetings by them- 
 
J.")!-) 
 
 selves. This conduct, which soon became known, 
 gave oftence to the heads of the college, who, in* 
 consequence of it, fined all of them for non-con- 
 formity. This happened in the year 1660, and was 
 afterwards expelled from college ; when he return- 
 ed home. 
 
 Soon after, he took up his residence in France, 
 and renewed his studies under the instruction of 
 the learned Moses Amyrault. He afterwards re- 
 turned to England, and at the suggestion of his 
 father, commenced the study of the law at Lin- 
 coln's inn. 
 
 In 1666, he was sent to Ireland, to manage the 
 estate of his father, where he attended the preach- 
 ing of Thomas Loe, a famous quaker-preacher, and 
 shortly after embraced their doctrines. 
 
 This turn of his mind greatly displeased his fa- 
 ther, and he was dismissed his house. He then 
 became an itinerant preacher and gained many 
 proselytes. In the same year also, 1666, he com- 
 menced his career as an author. Though some- 
 times imprisoned, he was persevering, and such 
 was his integrity and patience, that his father be- 
 came reconciled to him. 
 
 In 1670, he was apprehended for preaching, and 
 was confined in Newgate, and afterwards in the 
 tower. While a prisoner he could not, consistent- 
 ly with his notions of duty, remain idle. To do 
 good by preaching, while immured there, w^as im- 
 possible; he therefore applied himself to waiting. 
 His first effgrt ended in the production of "No. 
 Cross, no Crown," which was afterwards followed 
 by other works. 
 
 After he was released from prison, he crossed 
 over into Holland, and travelled through Germany, 
 preaching and publishing his doctrines with great 
 success. 
 
 About this time his father died, and he returned 
 to England and inherited a large patrimony. He, 
 however, continued to preach and to write as before 
 
260 
 
 and in conjunction witli Barclay and Keith, formed 
 the fraternity into order. 
 
 In 1680, he petitioned Charles II. for letters pa- 
 tent for a certain tract of land in America, in lieu 
 of the debt due by the government to his father, 
 and which he was induced to do, from a desire to 
 spread the principles and doctrines of the quakers; 
 and to raise a virtuous empire in the new land, 
 wdiich should diffuse its example far and wide to 
 the remotest ages. In the following year his wish 
 was gratified ; he obtained a grant of the tract so- 
 licited, under the name of Pennsylvania which the 
 king gave in honour of his father. 
 
 He soon after drew up a frame of government, 
 carefully preserving therein the rights of con- 
 science. 
 
 In the latter part of the same year he despatched 
 three vessels with passengers and commissioners, 
 and addressed by them an admirable and interest- 
 ing letter to the Indians, explanatory of his inten- 
 tions and views in settling among them. 
 
 In 1682, he arrived at Newcastle, convened an 
 assembly of the quakers, and afterwards visited 
 New-York and Maryland. . 
 
 From those places he returned, and made his 
 great treaty with the Indians ; went to Pennsbury, 
 fixed on a site for his new city, and called it Phi- 
 ladelphia. 
 
 In 1683, he proceeded in the organization of the 
 settlement. The assembly met — ^juries were ap- 
 pointed — the erection of Philadelphia was com- 
 menced and prosecuted with great vigour, and he 
 made a journey of discovery into the interior of 
 Pennsylvania, and sent to the free society of tra- 
 ders the natural history of that settlement. 
 
 In 1684, he returned to England, and by his ex- 
 ertions was instrumental in setting at liberty up- 
 wards of thirteen hundred quakers, who were con- 
 fined in prison. On the death of Charles II. he 
 became a favourite of James II. : and prevailed 
 
261 
 
 upon him to pardon and release the celebrated 
 Locke from prison. 
 
 While he remained in England, he continued to 
 preach and to write, and was a number of times ill 
 treated and cast into prison. At length, after a 
 lapse of fifteen years, the American Lycurgus re- 
 visited his province. 
 
 He retired to Pennsbury ; proposed and carried 
 various resolutions in favour of the Indians and 
 negroes ; travelled in the ministry through the pro- 
 vince, and in the Jerseys and Maryland; made some 
 alterations in the government ; signed the new char- 
 ter ; and constituted and incorporated Philadelphia 
 a city. 
 
 He afterwards returned to England, and died in 
 that country July 30, 1718, in the seventy-fourth 
 year of his age. Mr. Penn was a man of great 
 abilities, of quick thought and ready utterance, of 
 mildness of disposition and extensive charity. His 
 labours were exerted for the good of mankind ; and 
 with the strictest consistency of moral conduct and 
 religious opinion, he endured persecution and ma- 
 lice with resignation, and guided by the approba- 
 tion of a pure conscience, he showed himself in- 
 defatigable in fulfilling of what he considered as 
 the law of God, and the clear demonstration of the 
 truth of the gospel. 
 
 Distinguished alike as a politician, a theologian, 
 a legislator, a philanthropist, and a christian, his 
 name to the latest genei-ations will ever be asso- 
 ciated with liberty, truth, and vital Christianity. 
 
 His select works have been published in five vo- 
 lumes octavo. 
 
 Preble, Edward, commodore in the navy of the 
 United States, was born in Portland, Maine, Au- 
 gust 15. 1761. 
 
262 
 
 From early childhood he discovered a strong 
 disposition for hazards and adventures, and a firm, 
 resolute, and persevering temper. 
 
 At the age of eighteen he entered as a midship- 
 man in the navy of his country, and distinguished 
 himself in several engagements with the enemy. 
 
 Previous to the peace of 1783, he was promoted 
 to a lieutenancy, and was very active in protecting 
 our coasting trade, and taking a number of Eng- 
 lish privateers. 
 
 At the commencement of the rupture with 
 France, in 1798, he was promoted to the com- 
 mand of the frigate Essex, and in the year 1803, 
 was appointed commodore of the squadron which 
 was sent against Tripoli. In this affair he dis- 
 played consummate bravery. In consideration of 
 his valuable services, congress voted him the thanks 
 of the nation, and an emblematical medal, which 
 were presented by the president with emphatic 
 declarations of esteem and admiration. 
 
 He died August 25, 1807, in the forty-sixth year 
 of his age. 
 
 PiNCKNEY, Charles C. one of the signers of the 
 federal constitution, and a distinguished patriot, 
 was born in South Carolina, in the year 1740. At 
 an early period of the contest with Great Britain, 
 he was a zealous advocate and lover of liberty, and 
 distinguished himself by his courage and intrepidi- 
 ty in repelling an attack made by the British fleet 
 on fort Sullivan. 
 
 For his brave conduct in this affair, he received 
 the appointment of aid-de-camp, and was received 
 into the family of general Washington. In this 
 capacity, he served his country in the battles of 
 Brandywine and Germantown, and so successfully 
 won the confidence of the commander-in-chief, as 
 
!26S 
 
 to be honoured by him, afterwards, both in the field 
 and in the diplomatic corps, with most distinguish- 
 ed and important appointments. On the approach 
 of general Clinton to Charleston, he was despatch- 
 ed to the south to take command of fort Moultrie, 
 which he defended with his usual skill and bravery. 
 On the reduction of Charleston by the British, he 
 was detained a prisoner till the conclusion of the 
 war, and had no further opportunity afforded him 
 of serving his country. 
 
 In 1787, he was elected a member of that en- 
 lightened assembly which framed the constitution 
 of the United States, and to which he affixed his 
 name. He was afterwards elected a member of 
 the state convention : by the force of his reasoning, 
 and clear demonstration of its excellences, contri- 
 buted amply to its adoption, by a considerable ma- 
 jority. 
 
 In 1794, he was appointed by president Wash- 
 ington envoy extraordinary and minister plenipo- 
 tentiary to the French republic, to settle the exist- 
 ing differences between the two countries. It was 
 on this occasion he indignantly refused the pro- 
 posed terms of the French directory, demanding 
 tribute as the price of peace, and secured to him- 
 self the universal applause of his country. 
 
 When these events were communicated to go- 
 vernment, they excited the keenest and most ex- 
 tensive indignation. The ardour of '76 was re- 
 vived. "Millions for defence, but not a cent for 
 tribute," was daily resounded from Maine to Geor- 
 gia. 
 
264 
 
 QuiNCY, JosiAH, an eminent statesman and pa- 
 triot, was born in Boston, June 8, 1743. At the 
 age of sixteen, he entered Harvard college, where 
 he was distinguished for the vivacity of his genius, 
 and his application to study. 
 
 In 1763, he received the honours of that univer- 
 sity. He afterwards became an eminent counsel- 
 lor at law in Boston. 
 
 At the bar he discovered much legal informa- 
 tion. He was energetic and fluent, and seldom 
 failed of impressing his sentiments upon the jury 
 in the most pointed and perspicuous manner. His 
 political character, however, gave him the greatest 
 claim to public favour. As a friend to liberty, the 
 people regarded him with admiration bordering 
 on enthusiasm. He had a tongue to speak, and a 
 pen to write, which have not been exceeded in this 
 country. 
 
 He opposed with firmness and zeal the arbi- 
 trary proceedings and claims of the British parlia- 
 ment. 
 
 His publication, in 1774, entitled "Thoughts 
 on the Boston Port Bill," &c. was a seasonable 
 work, fraught with much information, and written 
 with great energy. It was the means of stimulat- 
 ing the body of the people to manly and decent 
 exertions in defence of their natural and constitu- 
 tional rights. 
 
 The health of Mr. Quincy had been some time 
 declining. Amidst his vigorous exertions for the 
 public good, he thought too little of himself. 
 
 In 1774, he sailed for England at the request of 
 several of his fellow patriots to promote the in- 
 terests of America. He set sail on his retui-n in 
 
26b 
 
 the following year, but he died on board the ves- 
 sel on the very day of its arrival at Cape Ann, 
 April 24, 1775. 
 
 He fell a victim to his zeal for his country's 
 good. 
 
 U 
 
'2m 
 
 Rush, Benjamin, M. D. a celebrated Physician, 
 and one of the signers of the declaration of inde- 
 pendence, was born near Philadelphia, on the 24tli 
 December, 1745. At the age of fourteen he enter- 
 ed Princeton college, and was graduated in 1760. 
 Shortly after, he commenced the study of physic, 
 under Dr. John Redman, an eminent practitioner 
 in Philadelphia. 
 
 Having acquired such elementary knowledge in 
 medicine as the resources of his native country at 
 that time afforded, for the completion of his educa- 
 tion, he repaired, in the year 1766, to the school 
 of Edinburgh, then in the zenith of its utility and 
 renown. 
 
 After an assiduous attendance on the lectures 
 and hospitals of that place, he, in the year 1768, 
 obtained the degree of doctor of medicine. 
 
 Having spent the succeeding winter in an atten- 
 dance on the hospitals, and other sources of medi- 
 cal instruction in London, and made a visit to Paris 
 the following summer, to derive information from 
 the schools of that metropolis, he returned to Phila- 
 delphia in the course of the autumn of 1769. He 
 now commenced the practice of physic with the 
 brightest prospect of success, and in a very few years 
 ranked with the ablest of the physicians of Phila- 
 delphia. 
 
 As a practitioner, his highest excellence lay in 
 his knowledge and treatment of fever. It was in 
 his combats with that form of disease that he 
 manifested, at once, the strength of a giant and* 
 the skill of an adept. For many years, pulmonary 
 consumption and the diseases of the mind consti- 
 tuted especially the objects of his attention. As a 
 teacher, his qualifications were pre-eminently great. 
 Ardently attached to his profession, ample in his 
 resources, eloquent and animated in his delivery, 
 
and unusually perspicuous in his style and arrange- 
 ment, his mode of communicating knowledge was 
 pleasing and impressive. 
 
 By enlightened foreigners, as well as by those 
 of his own countrymen, who had visited the medi- 
 cal schools of Europe, he was acknowledged to 
 be one of the most popular lecturers of the age. 
 
 In short, he was to the medical school of Phila- 
 delphia, what Boerhaave was to the school of Ley- 
 den, and Cullen to that of Edinburgh. 
 
 Various are the academical honours conferred 
 on him in the course of his lifetime by the univer- 
 sity of Pennsylvania. In 1769, he was chosen pro- 
 fessor of chymistry. In 1789, professor of the 
 theory and practice of medicine. In 1791, profes- 
 sor of the institutes of medicine and of clinical 
 practice : and on the resignation of Br. Kuhn, he 
 was promoted to the chair of the practice^ of physic. 
 
 As a man of business, he moved in a sphere that 
 was extensive and important. 
 
 He took a zealous and active part in the revolu- 
 tionary conflict which severed the British empire, 
 and gave existence, as a nation, to the United 
 States. 
 
 Both his tongue and his pen were effectively 
 employed in the sacred cause, and he was closely 
 associated with many of the most distinguished 
 American patriots of the time. In July, 1776, he 
 became a member of the celebrated congress of 
 that year, and, pursuant to a rule of that house, 
 vsubscribed his name to the declaration of indepen- 
 dence, which had been previously ratified on the 
 fourth day of the same month. 
 
 In 1777, he was appointed physician-general of 
 the United States. In 1788, he was elected a mem- 
 ber of the convention of the state of Pennsylv^ania, 
 for the adoption of the federal constitution. 
 
 Besides these delegated and official trusts, he 
 took, as a member of the community, a very promi- 
 nent concern in all the leading national transactions 
 
^268 
 
 that occurred from the commencement of the revo- 
 lutionary war till the organization of our present 
 form of government. Cotemporary with the ter- 
 mination of this latter event was the termination of 
 his political life. The only appointment he ever 
 held under the federal government, as an acknow- 
 ledgment of all that he had contributed towards 
 its establishment, was that of cashier of the mint 
 of the United States. 
 
 He was president of the Philadelphia medical 
 society; vice-president of the American philoso- 
 phical society, and a member of many other learn- 
 ed and benevolent institutions both in America and 
 Europe. 
 
 In the midst of his honours and usefulness, ad- 
 vanced in years, but in the meridian of his fame, 
 he died, after a short illness, on the 19th April, 
 1813. From one extreme of the United States to 
 the other, the event was deplored. Even Europe 
 shed a tear of sensibility on his ashes, and the 
 voice of eulogy was raised to his memory. For the 
 man of genius and learning, science and active phi- 
 lanthropy, becomes deservedly the favourite of the 
 civilized world. 
 
 His person was above the middle size, and his 
 figure slender, but well proportioned. His fore- 
 head was prominent, his nose aquiline, his eyes 
 blue, and highly animated. His look was fixed, 
 and his whole demeanour thoughtful and grave. 
 
 He was temperate in his diet, neat in his dress, 
 and sociable in his habits. In colloquial powers 
 he had few equals. His conversation was an attic 
 repast. 
 
 Considered in relation to the entire compass of 
 his character ; as a practitioner, a teacher, a philo- 
 sopher, and a writer. Dr. Rush must be acknow- 
 ledged to have been the most distinguished physi- 
 cian that America has produced. 
 
 His professional works are comprised in five vo- 
 lumes octavo. 
 
269 
 
 RiTTENHOUSE, David, LL. D. F-. R. S. a distin- 
 guished philosopher and astronomer, was born in 
 Germantown, Pennsylvania, April 8, 1732. 
 
 During his residence with his father in the coun- 
 try, he made himself master of Newton's Prin- 
 cipia. It was here likewise he became acquainted *" 
 with the science of fluxions, of which sublime in- 
 vention he believed himself for a while the first 
 author; nor did he know for some years afterwards, 
 that a contest had been carried on between New- 
 ton and Leibnitz, for the honour of that great dis- 
 covery. 
 
 Thus at the age of twenty-three, without literary 
 friends and without advantages, he became the rival 
 of the tw^o greatest mathematicians of Europe. 
 
 In this retired situation, he also planned and ex- 
 ecuted an orrery, by which he represented the re- 
 volutions of the heavenly bodies more completely 
 than ever before had been done. This master- 
 piece of mechanism was purchased by the college 
 of New-Jersey. A second was made by him, after 
 the same model, for the use of the university of 
 Pennsylvania, where it has commanded for many 
 years the admiration of the ingenious and the 
 learned. 
 
 In 1770, he removed to Philadelphia. His first 
 communication to the philosophical society of Phi- 
 ladelphia, of which hei»was a member, was a calcu- 
 lation of the transit of Venus, June 3, 1769. 
 
 This phenomenon had never been seen but twice 
 before by any inhabitant of our earth, and would 
 never be seen again by any person then living. On 
 the 9th of November following, he observed the 
 transit of Mercury. An account of these observa- 
 tions was published in the transactions of the so- 
 ciety. 
 
 In 1784, he assisted in determining the western 
 limits of Pennsylvania, and the northern line of the 
 same state in 1786. 
 
270 
 
 In 1787, he assisted in fixing the boundary line 
 between Massachusetts and New-York. 
 
 In 1791, he was chosen president of the philoso- 
 phical society, as successor to Dr. Franklin, and 
 was annually re-elected till his death. Soon after 
 he accepted the chair he made to the society a do- 
 nation of three hundred pounds. 
 
 From 1777 to 1789, he held the ofiice of trea- 
 surer of Pennsylvania. 
 
 In 1792, he accepted the office of director of the 
 mint of the United States, but his ill state of health 
 induced him to resign it in 1795. 
 
 He died June 26, 1796, in the full belief of the 
 christian religion, and in the anticipation of clearer 
 discoveries of the perfections of God in the eternal 
 world. He was a man of extensive knowledge, 
 and was intimately acquainted with the French, 
 German, and Dutch languages. His mind was the 
 repository of all ages and countries. 
 
 The first four volumes of the transactions of the 
 American Philosophical Society contain all of his 
 mathematical and astronomical papers which have 
 been published. 
 
 Read, George, one of the signers of the decla- 
 ration of independence, was born in Cecil county, 
 Maryland, in the year 1734. His father soon after 
 removed to Newcastle county, Delaware, where he 
 settled. He received his education under the care 
 of the Rev. Dr. Allison, and at the age of seven- 
 teen, commenced the study of the law in the city 
 of Philadelphia. 
 
 In the year 1753, he was admitted to the bar. 
 
 In 1754, he s-ottled in Newcastle, Delaware, and 
 commenced the practice of the law. 
 
 In 1763, he succeeded John Ross as attorney- 
 general of the state. He held this office till he 
 
271 
 
 wa^; elected to congress in 1775, when he resign- 
 ed it. 
 
 In 1765, he was elected a member of the assem- 
 bly of Delaware, which station he continued to oc- 
 cupy for twelve years in succession. 
 
 In the mean time, however, he strenuously sup- 
 ported every measure, and was very conspicuous, 
 by his personal exertions, in resisting every en- 
 croachment of British tyranny. 
 
 In 1774, he was elected by the general assembly 
 of Delaware, together with Csesar Rodney and 
 Thomas M'Kean, Esqrs. to represent the state in 
 the first congress, which met at Philadelphia. 
 From this 'period he continued to represent the 
 state of Delaware in congress during the whole of 
 the revolutionary war. 
 
 On the 4th of July, 1776, he signed the declara- 
 tion of independence. 
 
 In September, 1776, he was elected president of 
 the convention, which formed the first constitution 
 of Delaware. 
 
 In 1782, he was appointed one of the judges of 
 the court of appeals, in admiralty cases, for the 
 state of Delaware. 
 
 In 1787, he was a member of the convention 
 which framed the constitution of the United States. 
 
 Mr. Read continued in the senate of the United 
 States till September, 1793, when he was appoint- 
 ed chief justice of the supreme court of the state 
 of Delaware. He performed the duties of this of- 
 fice with great ability and integrity, till the autumn 
 of 1798, when his long life of public usefulness 
 was terminated by a short and sudden illness. 
 
 In his person he was above the middle size, 
 erect, and dignified in his demeanour. 
 
272 
 
 Randolph, Peyton, first president of congress, 
 was born at the seat of his ancestors, Virginia, 
 about the year 1723. After receiving the honours 
 of the college of William and Mary, he was sent to 
 England, and there completed his legal education. 
 
 On his return to Virginia, he entered, at once, 
 into practice in the general court, and in a few 
 years rose to eminence in his profession. 
 
 His country soon appreciated his eminent talents, 
 and when not more than twenty-five years of age, 
 he was appointed king's attorney-general for the 
 colony. He was in the same year, elected a mem- 
 ber of the Virginia legislature, and shortly after, 
 was placed at the head of the committee to revise 
 the laws of the colony. 
 
 In 1764, when the resolution of the English house 
 of commons, declaring their intention of imposing 
 stamp duties upon the colonies, was received in 
 America, he was a member of the house of bur- 
 gesses, and on this occasion gave new proofs of his 
 talents and patriotism. 
 
 Virginia, who as early as 1651, had, with arms in 
 her hands, stipulated with the parliament of Great 
 Britain for the exclusive right of laying her own 
 taxes, was now among the first to resist this new 
 and alarming attempt at encroachment upon the 
 liberties of the people. 
 
 The house of burgesses immediately determin- 
 ed to send an address against it to the king, and 
 he was appointed to draw it up ; and is a paper 
 written in a plain, but vigorous and manly style. 
 
 In 1766, he was appointed speaker of the house 
 of burgesses. He now retired altogether from the 
 bar, in order to devote himself solely to his duties 
 as a legislator. 
 
 Previous to the year 1770, the English govern- 
 ment had repealed all the duties which they had 
 so recently laid, except that on the single article of 
 tea. The Virginia legislature again displayed their 
 firmness, by an explicit declaration, that they would 
 
■273 
 
 uot import goods from the mother country, unless 
 this duty should also be repealed. 
 
 On the death of lord Botetourt, 1772, the king 
 appointed lord Dunmore to succeed him as govern- 
 or. In May following, news reached Williams- 
 burg, that parliament had passed an act to shut up 
 the port of Boston. The house of burgesses, then 
 in session, remonstrated at this tyrannical proceed- 
 ing, and resolved that the first of June, the day on 
 which the act was to go into operation, should be 
 set apart as a day of fasting and prayer. But in 
 the midst of these proceedings, the assembly was 
 abruptly dissolved by order of the new governor. 
 The members, however, met soon after, as private 
 citizens, and appointed Mr. Randolph chairman. 
 They drew up an address to their fellow citizens, 
 declaring the late attack on the rights of the sister 
 colony, menaced ruin to the rights of all. A com- 
 mittee of correspondence was appointed, of which 
 he was one, to communicate with the other colo- 
 nies, on the expediency of calling a general con- 
 gress of delegates, to deliberate on the united in- 
 terests of America, from time to time, as occasion 
 might require. 
 
 Agreeably to this arrangement, the first general 
 congress met in Philadelphia, September 4, 1774, 
 and on the following day, he was called by the 
 united voice of its members, to preside over their 
 deliberations. 
 
 In 1775, he was again chosen its president. In 
 a few days, however, after the meeting of congress, 
 he was called to Virginia, to resume his situation 
 as speaker of the house of burgesses, which had 
 been called by the governor to consider the conci- 
 liatory proposition of lord North. 
 
 In a few weeks after, he returned to congress 
 and again took his seat, and Avas one of its most 
 active members. He was not destined, however, 
 to witness the independence of the country he had 
 loved and served so faithfully. 
 
 35' 
 
!274 
 
 He died at Philadelphia of an apoplectic stroke 
 October 22, 1775, in the fifty-second year of his 
 
 a<re. 
 
 As a politician, he was firm in his principles and 
 steady in his opposition to foreign usurpation. 
 
 He presided with uncommon dignity ; and al- 
 though not eloquent, yet when he spoke his matter 
 was so substantial, that no man commanded more 
 attention. This, joined with the universal know- 
 ledge of his worth, gave him a weight in the as- 
 sembly of Virginia, which few ever attained. 
 
 RuTLEDGE, John, one of the signers of the federal 
 constitution, took an early and distinguished part 
 in support of the liberties of his country at the 
 commencement of the American revolution. He 
 was a member of the first congress which met at 
 Philadelphia in 1 774. His extraordinary powers, ex- 
 tensive knowledge, and irresistible eloquence, can 
 be estimated by the high encomium bestowed on 
 him by the celebrated Patrick Henry, of Virginia, 
 who declared that in the first congress, when there 
 was as brilliant a display of talent as was ever ex- 
 hibited in a collected body of legislators, " that he 
 shone with superior lustre." Being asked on his 
 return to his native state, ''what had been done 
 by the representatives of the nation — -what kind of 
 men composed that illustrious body, and particu- 
 larly whom he thought the greatest manl'' he re- 
 plied, "if you speak of eloquence, John Rutledgey 
 of South Carolina, is the greatest orator; but if 
 you speak of information and sound judgment, 
 colonel Washington is unquestionably the greatest 
 man on the floor". Of his decision of character 
 there can exist no doubt. 
 
 It was strongly exemplified at the very com- 
 mencement of the revolutionary contest. When 
 
275 
 
 the vote to appoint deputies to a continental con- 
 gress was carried in the assembly of South Caro- 
 lina, propositions were immediately introduced, for 
 instructing the delegates to what point it was ad- 
 missible for them to pledge the concurrence of the 
 province to such measures as might be proposed 
 for general adoption. 
 
 John Rutledge, with great ability contended, that 
 unless unshackled by restraint, and allowed to act 
 at discretion, that their power to do good would be 
 inadequate to the energies which the crisis de- 
 manded ; and being asked, " what ought we to do 
 then with these men should they make a bad use 
 of the power delegated to them t" he replied, "hang 
 them." 
 
 When the temporary constitution of South Caro- 
 lina was established in March, 1776, he was ap- 
 pointed its president, and commander-in-chief of 
 the colony. He continued in this station till the 
 adoption of the new constitution in March, 1778, 
 to which he refused to give his assent. He was 
 opposed to it, because it annihilated the council, 
 reducing the legislative authority from three to two 
 branches, and was too democratic in its features. 
 
 In 1779, however, he was chosen governor, with 
 the authority, in conjunction with the council, to do 
 whatever the public safety required. He soon after 
 took the field at the head of the militia. His zeal 
 and activity never knew abatement. His decision 
 in refusing to sanction the abandonment of the fort 
 on Sullivan's Island, on the approach of the fleet of 
 Sir Peter Parker, must for ever redound to his 
 honour, as the resistance of the intrepid garrison 
 completely changed the plans of the enemy, and 
 they precipitately withdrew to New-York. 
 
 But to his guidance of the helm of government, 
 during the most calamitous scenes of the war with- 
 in the state, is in a great degree to be attributed 
 the successes ultimately obtained over a powerful 
 and triumphant enemy. He at a very early period, 
 
276 
 
 perceived the superior ability of general Greene to 
 direct every military operation, and with indefati- 
 gable industry, seconded his views with all the In- 
 fluences of the civil authority. So mild and con- 
 ciliating were all his actions, that obedience went 
 hand in hand with command; and the ardour of 
 zeal seemed rather to solicit service than seek the 
 means of avoiding it. 
 
 This eminent patriot and able statesman died 
 Januarv 23, 1800. 
 
 RuTLEDGE, Edward, one of the signers of the 
 declaration of independence, was born in the city 
 of Charleston, South Carolina, in the month of 
 November, 1749. He received a classical educa- 
 tion, and at an early period commenced the study 
 of the law with his elder brother. 
 
 In 1769, he was sent to England to complete his 
 legal education, and was entered as a student at 
 the Temple. 
 
 In 1773, he returned home, and commenced the 
 practice of law in his native state. He rose rapid- 
 ly to professional eminence ; and as an exalted 
 proof of the general esteem in which he was held, 
 he was elected a delegate to congress, which met 
 at Philadelphia in 1774. On his return home, he 
 received the thanks of the provincial congress, and 
 was again appointed a member of the next con- 
 gress. 
 
 Owing to the secrecy which was observed by 
 this august body, it is impossible to say what part 
 he acted, but it is well known that he was an active 
 and efficient member. 
 
 In the congress of 1776, he took an active part 
 in the discussions which preceded the declaration 
 of independence. He is said to have proposed 
 some alterations to the original report of this cele- 
 
277 
 
 brated declaration, to which he afterwards affixed 
 his name. 
 
 He was again appointed to congress in 1779, but 
 sickness prevented his attending. 
 
 At the close of the war he returned to the prac- 
 tice of his profession, as well as devoted a greater 
 part of seventeen years in the service of his coun- 
 try, and in the state legislature. 
 
 In 1798, he retired from the profession of the 
 law, and was elected governor of the state ; but he 
 lived to complete only half the term for which he 
 had been appointed. He bore his last illness with 
 great fortitude, and expired January 23, 1800. 
 
 Mr. Rutledge possessed eminent virtues both as 
 a public and private character. His manners were 
 the most affable, his temper amiable, and his dis- 
 position benevolent. 
 
 His person was above the middle size ; his com- 
 plexion was florid and fair, and with an unusual 
 animation of countenance. 
 
 As an orator he was not so impetuous and com- 
 manding as his brother John Rutledge, but pos- 
 sessed more of the Ciceronian style. There was a 
 suavity in his manner, and conciliating attraction 
 in his arguments, that had frequently the effect of 
 subduing the prejudices of the unfriendly, and 
 which never failed to increase the ardour and in- 
 flexibility of steady friends. The eloquence of John 
 Rutledge was as a rapid torrent; that of Edward as 
 a gentle and smoothly gliding stream; the first 
 hurried you forward to the point it aimed at, with 
 powerful impetuosity ; the last conducted to it, with 
 fascinations that made every progressive step ap- 
 pear enchanting. 
 
 «» 
 
 Ramsay, David, a celebrated historian, was born 
 in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, April 2, 1749. 
 
278 
 
 He was from infancy remarkable for his attach- 
 ment to books, and for the rapid progress he made 
 in acquiring classical literature. 
 
 At the age of thirteen he entered Princeton, and 
 at sixteen, received the honours of that celebrated 
 seminary. 
 
 He afterwards applied himself to the study of 
 physic, ^and in the year 1773, took the degree of 
 doctor of medicine. He then removed to Charles- 
 ton, South Carolina, and rose to distinguished emi- 
 nence in his profession. 
 
 During our revolutionary struggle he was a de- 
 cided and active friend of his country, and was one 
 of the earliest and most zealous advocates of Ame- 
 rican independence. In every period of the war 
 he wrote and spoke boldly and constantly; and by 
 his personal exertions in the legislature, and in the 
 field, was very serviceable to the cause of Ameri- 
 can liberty. 
 
 In 1782, he was elected a member of the general 
 congress. In this body he was always conspicuous, 
 and particularly exerted himself in procuring relief 
 for the southern states, at that time overrun by the 
 enemy. 
 
 In 1785, he was elected president of that august 
 body, and continued for a whole year to discharge 
 with much ability, industry, and impartiality, the 
 important duties of that station. 
 
 He is, however, best known as an historian, for 
 which he was well qualified by profound learning 
 and great research. 
 
 In 1785, he published a history of the revolution 
 in South Carolina, in two volumes octavo. 
 
 In the latter part of this year, he was again 
 elected a member of congress, and finding himself 
 associated with many of the most distinguished 
 heroes and statesmen of the revolution, and having 
 free access to all the records and documents that 
 could throw light on the late war ; he began to col- 
 lect materials for a general history of the revo- 
 
279 
 
 iution. He also conferred with Washington, Frank- 
 lin, and others, and gained from them much valu- 
 able information. Thus possessing greater advan- 
 tages and facilities for procuring materials than 
 any other individual of the United States, and be- 
 ing an eye-w^itness of many of its events, and a 
 conspicuous actor in its busy scenes, he complet- 
 ed and published in the year 1790, a history of 
 the revolution, in two volumes octavo, which was 
 received with universal approbation. 
 
 In 1801, he gave to the world the life of Wash- 
 ington, which is considered as fine a piece of bio- 
 graphy as can be found in any language. 
 
 In 1808, he published the history of South Caro- 
 lina, in two volumes octavo. 
 
 He afterwards completed a history of the United 
 States to the year 1808, and had not death put a 
 termination to his labours, it was his intention to 
 have brought it down to the end of the late war. 
 
 This work has since been brought down to the 
 treaty of Ghent by the Rev. Dr. S. S. Smith, late 
 president of Princeton college, and published. 
 
 During his leisure hours for the last forty years 
 of his life, he was employed in preparing for the 
 press a series of historical volumes, which, since 
 his death, have been published in nine volumes 
 octavo, entitled, " Universal History American- 
 ised." 
 
 He died by the hand of an assassin. May 8, 1812. 
 
 As an historian, he is every where to be found 
 the impartial and faithful recorder — the best evi- 
 dence of which is, the high reputation which his 
 histories sustain throughout this great republic. 
 
 Nor is his fame as an historian confined to Ame- 
 rica. It has found its way to Europe, where he is 
 honoured and respected as the Tacitus of Ame- 
 rica. 
 
 His style, free from obscurity or laboured orna- 
 ment, is distinguished for being chaste and classi- 
 cal, a^d admirably adapted for history. 
 
280 
 
 As a husband, father, and christian, he was alike 
 exemplary; his habits were those of the strictest 
 temperance. He usually slept four hours, rose 
 before the light, and meditated with a book in liis 
 hand, until he could see to read. 
 
 He was parsimonious of his time to the highest 
 degree. He, however, never read by the light of a 
 candle ; with the first shades of the evening, he 
 laid aside his book and his pen — surrounded by his 
 family and friends, gave loose to those paternal 
 and social feelings which ever dwell in the bosom 
 of a good man. 
 
 Redman, John, M. D. first president of the col- 
 lege of physicians of Philadelphia, was born in that 
 city, February 27, 1722. After finishing his edu- 
 cation, he commenced the study of medicine. He 
 afterwards proceeded to Europe and attended the 
 school at Edinburgh. From thence he went to 
 Paris, where he attended the lectures of that cele- 
 brated school, and at length graduated at Leyden, 
 in July, 1748. 
 
 He then returned to London, and after passing- 
 some time at Gray's hospital, he returned to Ame- 
 rica, and settled in his native city, where he soon 
 gained great and deserved celebrity. 
 
 In the evening of his life he withdrew from the 
 labours of his profession; but it was only to en- 
 gage in business of another kind. 
 
 In 1784, he was elected an elder of the second 
 Presbyterian church, and the benevolent duties of 
 this office employed him and gave him delight. 
 
 He died of an apoplexy, March 19, 1808, in the 
 eighty-seventh year of his age. 
 
 As a physician his principles were derived from 
 the writings of Boerhaave, but his practice was 
 formed by the rules of Sydenham. He considered 
 
281 
 
 a greater force of medicine necessary to cure mo- 
 dern American, than modern British diseases, and 
 hence he was a decided friend to depletion in all 
 the virulent diseases of our country. He bled free- 
 ly in the yellow fever of 1762, and threw the whole 
 weight of his venerable name into the scale of the 
 same remedy in the year 1793. 
 
 In the diseases of old age he considered small 
 and frequent bleedings as the first of remedies. 
 He entertained a high opinion of mercury, in all 
 chronic diseases. He introduced the use of tur- 
 bith mineral, as an emetic, in the gangrenous sore 
 throat of 1764. 
 
 Towards the close of his life he read the latter 
 medical writers, and embraced with avidity some of 
 the modern opinions and modes of practice. As 
 a christian, he was eminent. 
 
 36 . 
 
J«J 
 
 iSuLLiVAX, John, LL. D. a major-general in the 
 American army, and president of New-Hampshire, 
 is entitled to honourable distinction among the 
 general officers of the American republic. 
 
 Before the revolution he had attained to emi- 
 nence in the profession of the law in New-Hamp- 
 shire. But indulging a laudable ambition for mi- 
 litary glory, he relinquished the fairest prospects 
 of fortune and fame, and on the commencement 
 of hostilities, appeared among the most ardent 
 patriots and intrepid warriors. He was a member 
 of the first congress, in 1774; but preferring a mi- 
 litary commission, he was in 1775 appointed by 
 congress a brigadier-general ; and in the following- 
 year a major-general. He superseded Arnold in 
 the command of the army in Canada, June 4, 1776, 
 but was soon driven out of that province. 
 
 In August following, he took command of a di- 
 vision of the army in the battle on Long-Island, 
 and with lord Stirling was captured by the British. 
 
 In September he was exchanged ; and was ap- 
 pointed to the command of the right division of the 
 troops, in the famous battle at Trenton, and acquit- 
 ted himself most honourably on that ever memor- 
 able day. 
 
 In the battles at Brandywine and Germantown, 
 in the autumn of 1777, he commanded a division, 
 in which he displayed his skill and bravery. 
 
 In August, 1778, he was the sole commander of 
 the expedition, which laid siege to Newport, then 
 in the hands of the British ; but being abandoned 
 by the French fleet under D'Estaing, who sailed to 
 Boston, he was obliged, with great mortification to 
 himself, to raise the siege. He effected his retreat 
 with so much skill, that it greatly increased his 
 military reputation as a skilful commander. 
 
'283 
 
 In the summer of 1779, he commanded au expe- 
 dition against tlie Six Nations of Indians, in New- 
 York. In the short space of tive weeks, during 
 this hazardous expedition, he encountered the most 
 complicated obstacles ; explored an extensive tract 
 of country; and completely dispersed his savage 
 foes. 
 
 At the close of this campaign, in consequence of 
 impaired health, he resigned his commission in 
 the army; and received a vote of thanks from con- 
 gress. 
 
 After his resignation, he resumed his professional 
 pursuits at the bar, and was much distinguished as 
 a statesman, politician, and patriot. He received 
 from Cambridge university, the honorary degree of 
 master of arts, and from the university of Dart- 
 mouth, the honorary degree of doctor of laws. 
 
 In the years 1786-7, and 9, he was president of 
 New-Hampshire. In which station by his vigor- 
 ous exertions he quelled the spirit of insurrection, 
 which exhibited itself at the time of the troubles 
 in Massachusetts. 
 
 In October, 1789, he was appointed district 
 judge, in which office he continued till his death, 
 which iiappened January 23, 1795, aged fifty-four 
 years. 
 
 Stockton, Richard, one of the signers of the 
 declaration of independence, was born near Prince- 
 ton, New- Jersey, on the 1st October, 1730. He 
 received the rudiments of classical science from 
 the Rev. Dr. Samuel Finley, at West Nottingham ; 
 from thence, he was sent to the college of New- 
 Jersey, where he graduated in 1748. Soon after 
 he graduated, he applied himself to the study of the 
 law, under the direction of the honourable David 
 Ogden. 
 
Ill 1754, lie was admitted to the bar, and in 1758, 
 to the grade of counsellor. 
 
 In 1763, he received the degree of sergeant-at- 
 law ; and was at that time unrivalled at the bar. In 
 1766, he visited England, Scotland, and Ireland, and 
 was received with flattering attention by the most 
 eminent men of the kingdom. On his return home 
 he was, in 1774, appointed one of the judges of 
 the supreme court. On the 21st June, 1776, the 
 public confidence reposed in his patriotism, firm- 
 ness, and abilities, by the provincial congress of 
 New-Jersey, was manifested by electing him a 
 member of the general congress, then sitting in 
 Philadelphia. On taking his seat in this august 
 assembly, he took an active part in the debates, 
 particularly those which preceded the adoption and 
 signing of the declaration of independence. 
 
 During the summer and autumn of 1776, he de- 
 voted the whole of his time to the pressing exigen- 
 cies of his country. 
 
 In September, he was deputed by congress one 
 of the committee to inspect the northern army, and 
 to report on its state, and on any further regula- 
 lations which they might think necessary for its 
 better government and supply. This service hav- 
 ing been discharged, he again resumed his seat in 
 congress. 
 
 On the 30th November following, he was, to- 
 gether with his friend and compatriot, John Coven- 
 hoven, Esq. at whose house he resided, unfortu- 
 nately captured by a party of refugee royalists, and 
 after having suftered in the most cruel manner, 
 was thrown into the common prison in New-York, 
 and treated with unusual severity. Congress, im- 
 mediately on learning his capture and imprison- 
 ment, interposed and procured his release. His 
 constitution, however, was so materially impaired 
 by his sufferings, that he was never again able, ex- 
 cept by counsel and advice, to render any impor- 
 tant services to his countiT. 
 
He died on the 28th February, 1781, at his resi- 
 dence, near Princeton, in the fifty-first year of his 
 
 In his private life he was easy and graceful; in 
 his manners, and in his conversation affable and 
 entertaining. As a man of letters, he possessed a 
 superior genius, highly cultivated by a long and as- 
 siduous application. His researches into the prin- 
 ciples of morals and religion were deep and accu- 
 rate, and his knowledge of the laws of his country 
 extensive and profound. 
 
 In the councils of his country, he was wise and 
 firm, but always prudent and moderate. 
 
 To his superior powers of mind and professional 
 learning ; he united a flowing and persuasive elo- 
 quence, and he was a christian, who was an ho- 
 nour to the church. 
 
 Sherman, Roger, a distinguished patriot, and 
 one of the signers of the declaration of indepen- 
 dence, was born at Newton, Massachusetts, on the 
 19th April, 1721. He received no other than a 
 country school education, and his future attain- 
 ments in general science were owing solely to his 
 indefatigable exertions in the pursuit of it. 
 
 In 1743, he removed to New-Milford, in Litch- 
 field county, Connecticut. He there commenced 
 business as a country merchant, in conjunction with 
 his elder brother, which he continued till after his 
 admission to the bar in 1754. 
 
 At the age of thirty-three, he was elected a mem- 
 ber of the legislature of Connecticut, and from this 
 period we may date the commencement of his pub- 
 lic career. 
 
 In 1759, he was appointed judge of the court of 
 common pleas for the county. 
 
286 
 
 In 1761, he removed from New-Milford, and set- 
 tled in New-Haven, and frequently represented this 
 town in the legislature. 
 
 In 1765, he was appointed one of the judges of 
 the court of common pleas, and was for many years 
 the treasurer of the college in New-Haven. He 
 received at that time also the honorary degree of 
 master of arts. 
 
 On passing of the stamp act in 1765, Mr. Sher- 
 man, who had not, heretofore, been a silent spectator 
 of the arbitrary measures of Great Britain, now 
 zealously opposed these exactions, and co-operated 
 with his fellow members in the general opposition 
 to parliamentary supremacy. 
 
 He was one of the few, who, from the commence- 
 ment of hostilities, foresaw the necessity of our en- 
 tire union and complete independence, and urged 
 with energy the boldest and most decisive mea- 
 sures. The revolutionary war was a contest of 
 principles. 
 
 When the period arrived at which it was neces- 
 sary either tamely to submit to the domination of 
 the parliament, surrender our property to its dis- 
 posal, and sink to the degradation of a people con- 
 quered and enslaved, or boldly assert our rights 
 and defend our liberties by the sword, he did not 
 hesitate in choosing the alternative. He was ac- 
 cordingly nominated as one of the committee to 
 attend the general congress of the colonies at Phi- 
 ladelphia. He was present at the opening of the 
 first congress in 1774, and it is worthy of record, 
 that he continued a member of congress until his 
 death in 1793. In this assemblage of eminent 
 characters, there was no one whose judgment was 
 more respected, or whose opinions were more in- 
 fluential. 
 
 The boldness of his counsels, the decisive weight 
 of his character, the steadiness of his principles, 
 the inflexibility of his patriotism, his venerable ap- 
 pearance, and his republican manners, presented 
 
287 
 
 lo the imagination the idea of a Roman senator, in 
 the early and most exemplary days of the com- 
 monwealth. 
 
 In the business of committees, he was certainly 
 one of the most serviceable and indefatigable 
 members of that body. Hence in this department 
 he was always called upon to officiate. 
 
 In May, 1775, he again took his seat in congress. 
 During this session, the duties of congress were 
 extremely arduous; and we cannot revert, without 
 deep emotions of gratitude and admiration, to the 
 dignity and deliberative firmness of the assembled 
 sages, who in that day of peril stood firm and fear- 
 less in defence of their liberties, and boldly breast- 
 ed a shock which might have appalled the most re- 
 solute and daring. The matters which required 
 their guidance and consideration ; the dangerous 
 measures which it was necessary to adopt; and the 
 difficulties to be diverted and surmounted, were 
 numerous and embarrassing. 
 
 During the session of 1776, he was appointed a 
 member of the principal committees for the safety 
 and well-being of the colonies. 
 
 On the 11th June, 1776, the high confidence 
 placed in the abilities of Mr. Sherman, was again 
 amply portrayed by his appointment, in conjunc- 
 tion with that brilliant constellation of talents and 
 patriotism, Adams, Jefferson, Franklin, and Liv- 
 ingston, to prepare the declaration of indepen- 
 dence, to which he afterwards affixed his name. 
 
 He was also successively a member of the board 
 of war, of the marine committee, and of the board 
 of treasury. 
 
 In 1783, Mr. Sherman and the honourable Ri- 
 chard Law were appointed to review the statutes 
 of Connecticut. 
 
 In 1787, he was appointed, in conjunction with 
 Messrs. Ellsworth and Johnson, a delegate to the 
 general convention to form the federal constitution 
 of the United States. 
 
288 
 
 The inefficacy of the old confederation for the 
 preservation of public peace, became palpable soon 
 after the close of the war. The powers vested in 
 the several states were too great to afford any pros- 
 pect of permanent union, and it was only by the 
 formation of the supreme head, to direct the clash- 
 ing measures, guard the opposing interests, and 
 coerce the ill-advised and dangerous views of the 
 several subordinate governments, that the indepen- 
 dence and tranquillity which had succeeded one 
 of the noblest efforts recorded in the political his- 
 tory of the world, could be preserved. 
 
 He contributed with his usual ability and perse- 
 verance, to reconcile the conflicting interests and 
 opinions of the delegates, and perfect that towering 
 monument of political wisdom, which is without a 
 rival in the history of nations. 
 
 After the ratification and adoption of the federal 
 constitution, he was elected a representative of the 
 state in congress. Previous, however, to his tak- 
 ing the oath required by the constitution, he resign- 
 ed the office of judge of the superior court, which 
 he had held with unblemished reputation for twen- 
 ty-three years. 
 
 At the expiration of two years, he was elected to 
 the senate, and took an active part in the proceed- 
 ings of that body. He continued to fill this ele- 
 vated station, and scrupulously devoted his time 
 and his talents in the service of his country, till 
 the 23rd July, 1793, when this great and good man 
 was gathered to his fathers, after a long life of 
 virtue and usefulness. 
 
 Smith, Samuel Stanhope, DD. LL. D. presi- 
 dent of Princeton college, was born at Pequea, in 
 the township of Salisbury, Lancaster, Pennsylva- 
 nia, On the 16th day of March, 1750. 
 
289 
 
 At the age of sixteen he entered Princeton col- 
 lege, and in the year 176^, took his first degree. 
 He returned to his father's family, and applied him- 
 self to extending his acquaintance with science and 
 literature, by the perusal of the best writers with 
 which the library of the family supplied him. 
 
 In cultivating the more elegant fields of the 
 belles lettres, he seemed, however, to have taken 
 the greatest pleasure, and to this species of exer- 
 tion his intellectual powers appear to have been 
 best adapted by nature. 
 
 During his continuance at Princeton as a stu- 
 dent, his talents and assiduity did not pass unno- 
 ticed by that able divine and nice observer of men 
 and things, Dr. Witherspoon ; and, accordingly, a 
 vacancy occurring in the oflices of the college, he 
 received from him a pressing invitation to return 
 to the institution, to take under his charge the clas- 
 sical studies of the college, while he should assist 
 also in cultivating among the students a taste for 
 the belles lettres. 
 
 In this station he spent the two next years of his 
 life, performing, with acknowledged ability, the 
 duties of his office in the institution, and at the 
 same time prosecuting his theological studies, as 
 he had now determined, as well from the dictates 
 of his understanding as the impulse of his feelings, 
 to devote himself to the church. As soon as he 
 had finished the usual course of reading prescribed 
 to students of divinity, he left Princeton, and was 
 licensed to preach the gospel by the presbytery of 
 New-Castle, in Pennsylvania. 
 
 Soon after he voluntarily offered to officiate as a 
 missionary, and commenced his labours in the 
 western counties of Virginia. 
 
 Having a mind already imbued with elegant lite 
 rature, and a taste improved by familiarity with the 
 finest models^'of writing in the Latin, Greek, Eng- 
 lish, and French languages, and withal a genius 
 that kindled into enthusiasm at the success of those 
 
290 
 
 celebrated preachers, whose praises and wliose tri- 
 umphs of eloquence he had seen recorded in eccle- 
 siastical history ; and above all, a heart deeply 
 touched and interested with the great truths which 
 it was his province to proclaim; the doctrines of 
 the gospel were presented to his hearers in a more 
 attractive form than they had ever before been able 
 to conceive. In him they found solid sense and 
 deep learning, recommending by their embellish- 
 ments the simple and sublime truths of religion^ 
 and the influence of the whole augmented by all the 
 graces of style, composition, and delivery. 
 
 His labours were consequently attended with the 
 happiest effects. So strong at length, did the pub- 
 lie sentiment in his favour become, that some gen- 
 tlemen of wealth and influence resolved upon erect- 
 ing a college, of which it was contemplated that 
 he should become the president. No sooner was 
 the plan projected, and the subscription list filled 
 up, than they erected the buildings of the institu- 
 tion, which is now called Hamden Sydney col- 
 lege. 
 
 Having now completed his missionary tour, he 
 returned to Princeton, and married the daughter of 
 its venerable president. Soon after this event he 
 returned to Virginia, to take upon him the two- 
 fold charge of principal of the seminary and pastor 
 of the church. In both of these capacities he ac- 
 quitted himself with the greatest talents and ad- 
 dress. His reputation both as a pious and learned 
 divine, and an eloquent and successful preacher, 
 every day increased; and the attachment of his 
 flock, and the students of the college to his person, 
 was sincere and unabated during the whole time of 
 his residence among them. 
 
 In the year 1779, through the solicitation of Dr. 
 Witherspoon, he accepted the appointment of pro- 
 fessor of moral philosophy in Princeton college ; 
 leaving his brother, the Rev. John Smith, in whom 
 
^91 
 
 he reposed entire confidence, to take charge ot'the 
 infant college reared under his care in Virginia. 
 
 He then repaired to the seat of his future useful- 
 ness and celebrity, and commenced his labours, 
 first in superintending the fitting up the college 
 which had been destroyed by the British army, 
 (who had occupied it as a barrack during their 
 passing and repassing through the state of New- 
 Jersey,) and afterwards in discharging the duties 
 of his office. The great interests of the American 
 nation which were at this time pending, requiring 
 the collective wisdom of her citizens to be brought 
 into action for her welfare, Dr. Witherspoon, whose 
 integrity, capacity, and attachment to the cause of 
 patriotism had been sufficiently evinced during the 
 war, was chosen by the state of New-Jersey to re- 
 present her in congress. For several years he 
 continued to perform his duty in congress, while he 
 still held the presidency of the college, and during 
 the time of his absence from that institution, the 
 whole weight of his cares now necessarily devolved 
 upon Mr. Smith. Nothing, however, could over- 
 come his firmness and perseverance. He had from 
 the commencement been the chief instrument in 
 reviving the institution, and he was resolved to per- 
 sist through all difficulties and discouragements to 
 the accomplishment of his object. 
 
 The superiority of his talents and the high re- 
 spect which the students could not fail to enter* 
 tain for liim, enabled him to fill the two-fold office 
 of president and professor. 
 
 At the close of the revolution, at the request of 
 the board of trustees, . Dr. Witherspoon visited 
 England, to collect funds in aid of the college. 
 Soon after his return that venerable man was af- 
 flicted with total blindness, and many infirmities 
 which almost deprived him of power to attend to 
 his duties, so that finally the whole weight and 
 responsibility of the president's office devolved 
 upon him. Like all men of real talent, his powei*K 
 
^2 
 
 only became more conspicuous, as they were called 
 into more vigorous exertion. The trustees of the 
 college becoming every clay more sensible of his 
 capacity and distinguished usefulness, added to his 
 titles and dignities in the institution, besides the 
 one of professor of moral philosophy, those of pro- 
 fessor of theology and vice-president of the col- 
 lege. 
 
 In 1785, he was elected an honorary member of 
 the American Philosophical Society in Philadel- 
 phia; and was the same year appointed by that 
 learned body to deliver their anniversary address. 
 On this occasion it was, that he chose for his sub- 
 ject to explain the causes of the variety in the 
 figure and complexion of the human species, and 
 establish the identity of the race. This masterly 
 treatise was published in the transactions of the 
 society, and obtained for its author deserved repu- 
 tation as a pliilosopher both in his own and foreign 
 countries. 
 
 In the year following the publication of this 
 work he received the degree of doctor in divinity 
 from Yale college ; and some years after the degree 
 of doctor of laws from Cambridge university. 
 
 In the year 1786, he was appointed one of the 
 committee, who were directed to draw up a system 
 of government for the Presbyterian church in Ame- 
 rica. In pursuance of this appointment was pre- 
 pared and digested that judicious and excellent 
 form of presbyterial government by general assem- 
 blies, synods, and presbytery, which prevails at this 
 time. 
 
 In 1794, Dr. Witherspoon finished his earthly 
 course, and in the following spring. Dr. Smith was 
 appointed his successor, and entered upon the dig- 
 nity of that office, the duties of which he had long 
 before fulfilled. His talents, like all those which 
 are genuine, shone more brightly in proportion to 
 the elevation to which he was raised. The dignity 
 of manners, mingled with a respectful attention to 
 
^95 
 
 their feelings, which, on all occasions, he discover- 
 ed in his deportment towards those students who 
 devoted themselves to their duty, and were obe- 
 dient to the laws; the clearness, comprehension, 
 and force of style which he displayed as an in- 
 structer to his class ; the manly and impressive elo- 
 quence which he exhibited on all occasions when 
 he appeared in the pulpit, rendered him the pride 
 and ornament of the institution. About this time 
 he published one volume of sermons, which was 
 well received both in his own and foreign coun- 
 tries. 
 
 In the year 1812, his infirmities had so rapidly 
 increased, he found himself unable to attend to his 
 duties in college, and at the next commencement 
 resigned his presidency. From this period, al- 
 though only in his sixty-second year, the paralytic 
 strokes with which he had been visited, had so far 
 weakened his constitution, as to render him utter- 
 ly incapable of his ordinary exertions of body or 
 mind. Even in this enfeebled state, however, his 
 natural ardour and activity in the prosecution of 
 learning still continued. He now spent a portion 
 of his time in correcting his works, and preparing 
 for the press, that system of moral philosophy, 
 which for more than twenty years he had delivered 
 to the classes, and which is now ranked among the 
 best works extant. 
 
 In the spring of 1819, his strength visibly failed. 
 The prospect of a speedy dissolution he now sur- 
 veyed as inevitable ; and with a mind conscious of 
 the most unsullied purity and uprightness of in- 
 tention, he seemed to await, in unruffled tranquil- 
 lity, the summons of his heavenly Father, that 
 should transport him to a better world. He ap- 
 peared in the language of the poet : 
 
 To walk thoughtful on the silent, solemn shore, 
 
 Of that vast ocean he must sail so soon. 
 
 On the 21st August, 1819, without a struggle, 
 and conversing with his family to the last, and 
 
294 
 
 exhibiting entire composure and resignation, did 
 this eminent man leave his transitory abode on 
 earth, for one eternal in the heavens. 
 
 Dr. Smith as a philosopher, has high claims and 
 does honour to his country. His w^ork on moral 
 philosophy is among the first and best productions 
 of its kind in the possession of the literary world, 
 and is liable to fewer objections than any other. 
 The work, however, upon which, if he had written 
 no other, he might found a high and well merited 
 reputation as a philosopher, is that upon the variety 
 of figure and complexion in the human species, 
 which is among the first and best of his produc- 
 tions. It is indisputably a master-piece of philo- 
 sophical writing, and such as would have done ho- 
 nour to any man that ever lived. His object in 
 this treatise is to show that all that great variety 
 exhibited among our race in their stature, com- 
 plexion, and figure, may be explained from the 
 united action of climate, the state of society, and 
 manner of living. As a writer, he is entitled to a 
 very distinguished rank. He had a mind which 
 was capable of comprehending the abstruse and 
 penetrating into the profound, but which following 
 its natural impulses, chose rather to devote himself 
 to the acquisition of what is elegant and agreeable 
 in science and literature. He was versed in the 
 Latin, Greek, French, and Hebrew languages; and 
 his style of writing is remarkably perspicuous, full, 
 flowing, polished, and elegant. 
 
 In all his works we discover great justness and 
 profoundness of observation, extensive acquaint- 
 ance with science and literature, together with a 
 liberal and philosophical cast of thinking. His 
 principles of natural and revealed religion, ser- 
 mons, and his lectures upon the evidences of 
 Christianity, are works which comprise within a 
 small compass, a great variety of theological learn- 
 ing and useful and interesting disquisition, ex- 
 pressed in a language at once neat and elegant. 
 
:^95 
 
 while his doctrines are recommended by profound 
 reflections and happy illustrations. As a pulpit 
 orator he would have done honour to any age or 
 nation. There was a dignity, and even majesty, in 
 his person and appearance in the pulpit, as well 
 as in his conceptions and style of speaking, which 
 excited involuntary respect, and commanded the 
 most unremitted attention. Adorned by his genius, 
 the pulpit was converted into a fountain at once of 
 light to illuminate the understanding of his hearers, 
 and of heat, to warm and fructify their hearts. His 
 voice was clear, full, and harmonious, and when he 
 was more than usually excited by passion, every 
 feature spoke, and that fine expressive eye which 
 nature had given him, became lighted up with a 
 fire which penetrated every heart. 
 
 Shippen, William, M. D. F. R. S. a learned 
 physician and anatomist, was born in the city of 
 Philadelphia, about the year 1736. Soon after re- 
 ceiving the honours of Princeton college, he com- 
 menced the study of medicine, and at the age of 
 twenty-one, he embarked for Europe, and prose- 
 cuted his studies with the celebrated John Hunter. 
 He afterwards went to Edinburgh, where he pub- 
 lished his thesis, De 2)i(t'Cent(E, cum utero nexu, 
 and was admitted to the degree of doctor of medi- 
 cine. He then visited France, and returned home 
 in 1762, and commenced the practice of midwifery, 
 and teaching of anatomy by dissection. 
 
 On the establishment of the medical school in 
 Philadelphia, he was unanimously called to fill the 
 professorship of anatomy and surgery in that insti- 
 tution. 
 
 About this period, he was very active in forming 
 the American Philosophical Society, and during the 
 
296 
 
 revolutionary war he took charge of all the journals 
 and original papers. 
 
 In 1776, he was appointed director-general of 
 the medical department of the American army. In 
 1781, he resigned this office to resume his former 
 pursuits. 
 
 In the year 1798, he was bereaved of an only son. 
 which so afflicted him for several years, that he 
 seldom attended to his duties ; and the only studies 
 which he afterwards pursued were of a religious 
 nature. 
 
 In the year 1805, his spirits appeared again to 
 revive, and in the winter of 1807, he delivered the 
 introductory lecture, though very infirm, and dur- 
 ing the same course, he also lectured on midwifery. 
 He afterwards removed to Germantown. He died 
 July 11, 1808. 
 
 Stoddard, Solomon, pastor of the church of 
 Northampton, Massachusetts, has always been con- 
 sidered as one of the greatest divines of New-Eng- 
 land. He was born in Boston, in 1643; and was 
 graduated at Harvard college in 1662. He was 
 afterwards appointed a fellow. His health having 
 been impaired by a close application to his stu- 
 dies, he went to Barbadoes, as chaplain to governor 
 Serle, and preached with great acceptance to the 
 dissenters on that island near two years. After 
 his return, being ordained September 11, 1672, as 
 successor to Mr. Mather, at Northampton, he con- 
 tinued in that place till his death, February 11, 
 1729, in the eighty-sixth year of his age. His col- 
 league, the Rev. Jonathan Edwards, survived him. 
 
 Mr. Stoddard was a learned man, well versed in 
 religious controversies, and himself an acute dis- 
 putant. 
 
2.97 
 
 As a preacher, his discourses were plain, experi- 
 mental, searching, and argumentative. He was 
 strictly Calvinistical in his opinions upon doctrinal 
 points, but more liberal than other divines of this 
 country upon points of church discipline and 
 government. 
 
 His works are numerous, and many of them 
 have passed through several editions. 
 
 His work, entitled "The Safety of appearing 
 at the Judgment in the Righteousness of Christ," 
 was re-published at Edinburgh, 8vo. 1792, with a 
 recommendatory preface by Dr. Erskine. 
 
 Stiles, Ezra, DD. president of Yale college^ 
 was born December 15, 1727. He entered Yale 
 college in 1742, and was distinguished among the 
 students for his bright genius, his intellectual ac- 
 complishments, his moral virtues, and the suavity 
 of his manners. 
 
 In 1746, he graduated, and was esteemed one of 
 the greatest scholars it had ever produced. He 
 first commenced his course of life with the study 
 and practice of the law : he afterwards thought it 
 his duty to preach the gospel ; and settled at New* 
 port, as pastor of the second congregational 
 church, where he continued from 1755, to the year 
 1776. 
 
 In 1778, he was chosen president of Yale col- 
 lege, and continued in this station till his death, 
 May 12, 1795, in the sixty-eighth year of his age. 
 
 Dr. Stiles was one of the most learned men of 
 whom this country can boast. He had a thorough 
 knowledge of the Hebrew, Greek, French, Latin, 
 Samaritan, Chaldee, Syriac, and Arabic, and had 
 made some considerable progress in the Coptic 
 and Persic lansuages. 
 
298 
 
 Next to sacred literature, mathematical and as- 
 tronomical science were his favourite studies. He 
 had read the works of divines in various languages, 
 and was thoroughly acquainted with the fathers of 
 the christian church. He also possessed an inti- 
 mate acquaintance with the rabbinical writings. 
 
 As a preacher, he was most impressive and elo- 
 quent, and spoke with energy and zeal. His early 
 discourses were philosophical and moral; but he 
 gradually became a serious and powerful preacher 
 of the momentous truths of the gospel. 
 
 Dr. Stiles had every literary honour which his 
 country could bestow upon him ; was a member of 
 many learned societies abroad, and was the inti- 
 mate friend and correspondent of the first charac- 
 ters in Europe and America. 
 
 His publications are not numerous. They are 
 known in the learned world, and consist of philoso- 
 phical essays, historical narratives, sermons, and 
 theological tracts. He left an unfinished ecclesias- 
 tical history of New-England, and more than forty 
 volumes in manuscripts. 
 
 An account of his life and writings have been 
 published by the Rev. Dr. Holmes. 
 
 fi^ULLiVAN, James, a distinguished civilian, was 
 born at Berwick, Maine, April 22, 1744. 
 
 He was carefully educated by his father, and at a 
 seasonable age he commenced the study of the 
 law. In the study and practice of the law at that 
 period, there were difficulties which must have se- 
 verely tried the fortitude of a beginner. The ele- 
 ments were in no fairer shape than Woods' Insti- 
 tutes, and Coke's Commentary on Littleton. The 
 wheat was hid in the chaff. There were then no 
 reports and no books of forms, such as we now 
 have; yet so rapid was his rise, that before the 
 
29[) 
 
 revolution, he was lanlwd witli the most einiaent 
 of his profession. 
 
 He was a member of the provincial congress, and 
 while he belonged to that body in 1775, was sent 
 on a difficult mission to Ticonderoga, for which he 
 received a vote of thanks. 
 
 In 1776, he was appointed a judge of the supe- 
 rior court, with John Adams, William Gushing, and 
 others. He afterwards assisted as a member of 
 the convention, to form the state constitution, and 
 continued a judge of the supreme judicial court un- 
 til February, 1782, when he resigned and returned 
 to the practice of the law. In 1783, he represent- 
 ed Massachusetts in congress ; and in the ensuing 
 year acted as one of the commissioners in the set- 
 tlement of the controversy then existing between 
 the states of Massachusetts and New- York, con- 
 cerning their respective claims to the Western 
 lands. 
 
 He was repeatedly chosen to represent the town 
 of Boston in the legislature; in 1787, was a mem- 
 ber of the executive council ; the same year was 
 made judge of probate for the county of Suffolk, 
 and in 1790, attorney-general. 
 
 In 1796, he was appointed by president Wash- 
 ington, a commissioner under the fifth article of the 
 British treaty, for settling the boundaries between 
 the United States and the British provinces. 
 
 In June, 1807, he was called to the chief magis- 
 tracy of the commonwealth of Massachusetts, and 
 while in the discharge of the duties of that high 
 station, he was called to pay the debt of nature 
 October 17, 1808. 
 
 In his person he was commanding, and of very 
 dignified manners. His features were remarkably 
 fine, and the expression intelligent and placid. 
 
 As a civilian, he sustained the first rank. He was 
 as well versed in special pleading and all the forms 
 of practice, as in the science of the law. The 
 great traits of his mind were force, comprehensive- 
 
.300 
 
 ness, and ardour. Nothing of consequence in any 
 cause escaped the fullness and intensity of his, 
 thoughts. His arguments were clear, close, and 
 strong, not calculated so much for parade as to 
 secure conviction. In his administration he was 
 wise, upright, and impartial. Political and profes- 
 sional pursuits did not wholly engross his care. 
 Letters and science received his aid and encourage- 
 ment. He was one of the first members of the 
 American academy of arts and sciences; one of 
 the founders, and many years president of the Mas- 
 sachusetts historical society. 
 
 As a writer, he published the History of Land 
 Titles in Massachusetts; the History of the Dis- 
 trict of Maine ; a Treatise on the Constitutional Li- 
 berty of the Press ; History of the Penobscot In- 
 dians, & c. Every one of his works glows with the 
 fervour of true patriotism and benevolence, and in 
 point of style are neat and finished performances. 
 
 Stark, John, a brigadier-general in the Ameri- 
 can army during the revolutionary war, was born 
 at Londonderry, New-Hampshire, on the 17th Au- 
 gust, 1728. 
 
 When at the age of twenty-one years, he was, 
 while on a hunting excursion, surprised and cap- 
 tured by the Indians, and remained four months a 
 prisoner in their hands. He was captain of a com- 
 pany of rangers in the provincial service during the 
 French war of 1755, and was with lord Howe when 
 he was killed in storming the French lines atTi- 
 Gonderoga, in July, 1758. At the close of that war, 
 he retired with the reputation of a brave and vigi- 
 lant officer. When the report of Lexington battle 
 reachedhim, he was engaged at work in his saw- 
 mill. Fired with indignation and a martial spirit, he 
 immediately seized his musket, and with a band of 
 
301 
 
 heroes proceeded to Cambridge, and the morning 
 after his arrival, he received a colonel's commis- 
 sion. 
 
 On the memorable 17th June, 1775, at Breed's 
 Hill, colonel Stark, at the head of his division, 
 poured on the enemy that deadly fire, which com- 
 pelled the British columns tv^^ice to retreat. Dur- 
 ing the vs^hole of this dreadful conflict, colonel 
 Stark evinced that consummate bravery and intre- 
 pid zeal, which entitle his name to honour and per- 
 petual remembrance in the pages of our history. 
 We next find him at Trenton, in December, 1776, 
 where he shared largely in the honours of that ever 
 memorable battle. But colonel Stark reached the 
 climax of his fame, when in the darkest and most 
 desponding periods of the revolution he achieved 
 a glorious victory over the enemy at Bennington, 
 of twice the force under his command. In this 
 victory he took upwards of seven hundred pri- 
 soners, besides four brass field-pieces. Congress, 
 on the 4th October, 1777, in consideration of his 
 important services, promoted him to the rank of 
 brigadier-general in the army of the United States. 
 General Stark volunteered his services, under ge- 
 neral Gates at Saratoga, and assisted in the coun- 
 cil which stipulated the surrender of general Bur- 
 goyne ; nor did he relinquish his valuable services 
 till he could greet his native country as an inde- 
 pendent empire. 
 
 He lived to the advanced age of ninety-three 
 years, and died May 8, 1822. 
 
 Stewart, Charles, commodore in the navy of 
 the United States, was born in Philadelphia, July 
 22, 1778. 
 
 Shortly after receiving a good education he en- 
 tered the merchant service, and in a few years 
 
afterwards, was promoted to the command of a 
 ship. 
 
 At the commencement of the rupture with France 
 in 1798, he received the appointment of a lieute- 
 nancy in the navy of the United States, and enter- 
 ed the service on board of the frigate United 
 States. 
 
 In 1800, he was appointed to the command of 
 the Experiment of twelve guns, and was ordered 
 to cruise in the West India seas. 
 
 While on that station, he engaged and captured 
 the Deux Amies of twelve guns, the Diana of eigh- 
 teen guns, the Louisa of eight guns, besides mer- 
 chantmen, and rescued American property to a 
 large amount. 
 
 On peace being restored, he was transferred to 
 the Constellation frigate, and sailed with captain 
 Murray to the Mediterranean. On his return home, 
 he was appointed to the command of the brig 
 Siren, and sailed again to the Mediterranean, and 
 participated in the splendid victories over the Tri- 
 poli tans. 
 
 In 1806, he was promoted to the rank of cap- 
 tain. 
 
 During the late war with Great Britain, he was 
 appointed to the command of the frigate Constitu- 
 tion, and in December, 1813, proceeded to sea 
 from Boston harbour, although blockaded at that 
 time by seven ships of the line. During this cruise 
 he captured the schooner Picton of sixteen guns, 
 and a letter of marque ship under her convoy, be- 
 sides several merchantmen. 
 
 He sailed again in April, 1814, and captured the 
 British brig Lord Nelson. After cruising for some 
 time off Cape Finisterre, and the Madeiras, he at 
 last fell in with and engaged two of his majesty's 
 ships, and in less than forty minutes, both struck. 
 They proved to be the Cyane of thirty-four guns, 
 and the Levant of thirty-eight guns. He then pro- 
 ceeded home with his prizes, and on arriving at 
 
V303 
 
 Boston, he was informed of the restoration of peace 
 between the two countries. 
 
 He was afterwards appointed a member of the 
 navy board, and lately to the command of the 
 Franklin 74. 
 
 Schuyler, Philip, a major-general in the revo- 
 lutionary war, received this appointment from con- 
 gress, June 19, 1775. He was directed to proceed 
 immediately from New-York to Ticonderoga, to se- 
 cure the lakes, and to make preparations for enter- 
 ing Canada. Being taken sick in September, the 
 command devolved upon Montgomery. On his re- 
 covery he devoted himself zealously to the manage- 
 ment of the affairs in the northern department. 
 The superintendence of the Indian concerns claim- 
 ed much of his attention. 
 
 On the approach of Burgoyne, in 1777, he made 
 every exertion to obstruct his progress; but the 
 evacuation of Ticonderoga, by St. Clair, occasion- 
 ing unreasonable jealousies in regard to Schuyler 
 in New-England, he was superseded by Gates in 
 August, and congress directed an inquiry to be 
 made into his conduct. It was a matter of extreme 
 chagrin to him to be recalled at the moment when 
 he was about to take ground and face the enemy. 
 He afterwards, though not in the regular service, 
 rendered important services to his country in the 
 military transactions of New-York. He was a 
 member of the old congress, and when the present 
 government of the United States commenced its 
 operations in 1789, he was appointed with Rufus 
 King a senator from his native state. 
 
 In 1797, he was again appointed a senator in the 
 place of Aaron Burr. He died at Albany, Novem- 
 ber 18, 1804, in the seventy-third year of his age. 
 
304 
 
 Distinguished by strength of intellect and upright 
 intentions, he was wise in the contrivance, and en- 
 terprising and persevering in the execution of plans 
 of public utility. In private life he was dignified, 
 but courteous, a pleasing and instructive compa- 
 nion, affectionate in his domestic relations, and 
 just in all his dealings. 
 
;»u,:> 
 
 Trumbull, John, LL. D. a distinguished poet, 
 was born at Watertown, Connecticut, April 24, 
 1750. At the age of thirteen, he entered Yale col- 
 lege, and graduated in 1767. Being now master 
 of his own time, he devoted himself chiefly to po- 
 lite literature ; reading all the Greek and Latin 
 classics, especially the poets and orators. At this 
 period he commenced an acquaintance with Bai'- 
 low, Dwight, and Humphreys, an intimacy which 
 terminated only in death. 
 
 In 1769, they began the publication of a series 
 of essays in the manner of the Spectator, in the 
 Gazette, printed at Boston, and afterwards in the 
 newspapers printed at New-Haven. 
 
 In 1772, he published the first part of a poem, 
 which he entitled, the Progress of Dullness, de- 
 signed to expose the absurd methods of education, 
 which then prevailed : he added a second and third 
 part in the course of the next year. 
 
 In 1773, he went to Boston and commenced the 
 study of the law in the office of John Adams, Esq. 
 since president of the United States. The contest 
 between Great Britain and the colonies approach- 
 ed rapidly towards a crisis. With all the ardour 
 in favour of liberty which characterizes a youth- 
 ful politician, he entered the arena with the leaders 
 of the revolution, and occasionally contributed po- 
 litical essays to the public gazettes. 
 
 The year 1775 was a period of terror arid dis- 
 may. The war had commenced by the battle at 
 Lexington. Unconditional submission, or a total 
 rejection of the authority of the crown, presented 
 the only alternative. Every exertion was therefore 
 made by the friends of American liberty, to inspire 
 confidence in our cause, to crush the efforts of the 
 
306 
 
 tory party, and to prepare the public mind for the 
 declaration of independence. With these views 
 at the solicitation of some of his friends in con- 
 gress, he wrote the first part of the poem of McFin- 
 gal, which was immediately published at Philadel- 
 phia, where congress was then assembled. 
 
 It was not, however, until the close of the year 
 1782, that he found time to complete this poem, 
 and to publish it entire as it now appears. 
 
 After the adoption of the federal constitution, 
 Mr. Trumbull was first called forth to act in a pub- 
 lic capacity. From that period he continued to be 
 employed in public life, till the year 1801, when he 
 was appointed judge of the superior court of Con- 
 necticut. 
 
 In 1808, he received from the legislature the ad- 
 ditional appointment of a judge of the supreme 
 court of errors. 
 
 His poetical works have been published in two 
 volumes octavo, 1820. 
 
 Tappan, David, DD. professor of divinity in 
 Cambridge university, was born at Manchester, 
 Massachusetts, April 21, 1752. In the year 1771, 
 he received the honours of the university. After 
 pursuing the study of divinity for tliree years, he 
 commenced preaching, and was ordained minister 
 of the third church in Newbury, in April, 1774. 
 
 In this place he continued about eighteen years. 
 In June, 1792, he was elected professor of divinity 
 in Cambridge university. When he was introduc- 
 ed into this office, the students of the university 
 were uncommonly dissolute. For some time they 
 had received no regular instruction in theology, 
 and the tide of opinion began to run in the channel 
 of infidelity. But the lectures of Dr. Tappan, 
 which combined entertainment with information : 
 
307 
 
 which were profound and yet prophetic ; elegant in 
 style and conclusive in argument, and which came 
 warm from a pious heart, soon checked the pro-; 
 gress of profanity, and put open irreligion to 
 shame. 
 
 After a short sickness, he died August 27, 1803, 
 and was succeeded in the professorship by the Rev. 
 Dr. Ware. 
 
 Dr. Tappan possessed much activity and vigour 
 of mind, fertility of invention, and force of imagi- 
 nation. His readiness of conception and com- 
 mand of language enabled him both in speaking 
 and writing to express what he thought and felt 
 with propriety, perspicuity, and force. 
 
 Since his death two volumes have been publish- 
 ed from his manuscripts, the one of sermons, and 
 the other entitled Lectures on Jewish Antiquities, 
 8vo, 1807. 
 
 Trumbull, Jonathan, a distinguished patriot 
 and governor of Connecticut, was born at Leba- 
 non in 1710, and was graduated at Harvard col- 
 lege in 1727. He early discovered fine talents, 
 and for some time studied divinity. He after- 
 wards turned his attention to jurisprudence, and 
 soon became an eminent civilian. He was chosen 
 governor in 1769, and was annually elected till 
 1783, when he resigned, having been occupied for 
 fifty years, without interruption, in public employ- 
 ments, and having rendered during eight years war 
 the most important services to his country. No 
 man ever loved his country more. He showed 
 himself the honest and unshaken patriot, the wise 
 and able magistrate. Having seen the termination 
 of the contest in the establishment of the indepen- 
 dence of America, he withdrew from public la- 
 bours, that he might devote himself to the concerns 
 
of religion, and to a better preparation for his fu- 
 ture existence. He died August 17, 1785, in the 
 seventy-fifth year of his age. 
 
 General Washington, in a letter of condolence 
 ©n his death, to one of his sons, wrote thus; "Un- 
 der this loss, however, great as your pangs may 
 have been at the first shock, you have every thing 
 to console you. A long and well-spent life in the 
 service of his country placed governor Trumbull 
 among the first of patriots ; in the social duties he 
 yielded to none; and his lamp from the common 
 course of nature being nearly extinguished, worn 
 down with age and cares, but retaining his mental 
 faculties in perfection, are blessings which attend 
 rarely his advanced life All these combining, 
 have secured to his memory universal respect here, 
 and no doubt, increasing happiness hereafter." 
 
 Governor Trumbull made a great collection of 
 historical papers, manuscripts, &c. which have 
 been presented to the Massachusetts Historical 
 Society. 
 
 Thornton, Matthew, one of the signers of the 
 declaration of independence, was born in Ireland, 
 about the year 1714. 
 
 Two or three years subsequent to his birth, his 
 father emigrated to this country with his family, 
 and settled in the district of Maine. In a few 
 years he removed to Massachusetts, where he con- 
 ferred the benefits of an academical education upon 
 his son, whom he designed for one of the learned 
 professions. He accordingly commenced and pro- 
 secuted his medical studies at Leicester, Massa- 
 chusetts, and after the usual preparatory course, 
 embarked in the practice of medicine in London- 
 derry, New-Hampshire. Here he soon acquired 
 considerable reputation as a physician and sur- 
 
309 
 
 geoii, and in a few years became comparatively 
 wealthy. 
 
 He had the honour to fill several important of- 
 fices previous to the year 1776, in which year he 
 was appointed a delegate to represent the state 
 of New-Hampshire in congress. During this ever 
 memorable year, he affixed his name to the decla- 
 ration of independence. 
 
 In 1779, Dr. Thornton removed to Exeter, where 
 he purchased a fine farm, and made it afterwards 
 his permanent residence. 
 
 In this delightful retreat, being far advanced in 
 life, iie relinquished in a great measure the prac- 
 tice of medicine. He however interested himself 
 in the municipal affairs of the town, and was for 
 several years chosen one of the selectmen. 
 
 On the great question which was decided in fa- 
 vour of our national independence, he was inva- 
 riably steadfast, and at all times evinced his readi- 
 ness to support with his property and life, the de- 
 claration to which he had publicly subscribed. His 
 political character may be best estimated by the 
 fact, that he enjoyed the confidence, and was the 
 unshaken disciple of Washington. 
 
 He died in Newburyport, Massachusetts, while 
 on a visit to his daughters, June 24, 1803, in the 
 eighty-ninth year of his age. 
 
 Doctor Thornton was a man of large stature, 
 exceeding six feet in height; his complexion was 
 dark, and his eye black and penetrating. His 
 countenance was invincibly grave, like that of Cas- 
 sius, who read much, and never smiled. In his 
 deportment, he was dignified and commanding, 
 without austerity or hauteur. 
 
 The grave of this eminent man is covered by a 
 white marble slab, upon which are inscribed hig 
 name and age, with the brief but noble epitaph ; 
 
 "AN HONEST MAN." 
 
Tompkins, Daniel D. fifth vice-president of the 
 United States, was born at Scarsdale, New-York, 
 June 21, 1774. 
 
 He entered Columbia college in 1792, and in 
 three years afterwards graduated with distinguish- 
 ed reputation for scholarship. On leaving college, 
 he immediately commenced the study of the law, 
 and was admitted to practice in the supreme court 
 in the year 1797. 
 
 His commanding talents and stern integrity soon 
 made him a favourite with the people, from whom 
 he has since received the highest political honours. 
 
 In 1802, he was elected a member of the state 
 legislature, and in the following year appointed 
 judge of the superior court of New- York. 
 
 He continued to discharge the duties of chief 
 justice until the spring of 1807, when he was elect- 
 ed governor of the state. 
 
 From this period until the close of the late war, 
 he was active in her councils, and rendered the 
 most important services to his country. 
 
 In 1817, he was elevated, in consideration of his 
 distinguished talents and important services, to the 
 exalted station of vice-president of the United 
 States. 
 
311 
 
 Whipple, William, one of the signers of the 
 declaration of independence, was born at Kittery, 
 in the district of Maine, in the year 1730. He re- 
 ceived an education suited only to a seafaring life, 
 in which he embarked at an early age. 
 
 In the year 1759, he abandoned the sea and 
 commenced business in connexion with his brother 
 in the town of Portsmouth, New-Hampshire. 
 
 At an early period of the contest he took a de- 
 cided part in favour of the colonies, in their op- 
 position to the claims of Great Britain ; and his 
 townsmen placing the highest confidence in his 
 patriotism and integrity, frequently elected him to 
 offices which required great firmness and modera- 
 tion. 
 
 When the disputes between the two countries 
 were approaching to a crisis, he was in the year 
 1775, chosen one of the provincial committee of 
 safety for the town of Portsmouth. 
 
 In 1776, he was chosen a delegate to the general 
 congress, which met at Philadelphia, and accord- 
 ingly took his seat in that august body on the 29th 
 February. He continued to be re-elected to that 
 distinguished situation in the years 1777, 1778, and 
 1779, and applied himself with great diligence and 
 ability to the discharge of its duties, when the mi- 
 litary services which he rendered during that pe- 
 riod, permitted him to be an acting member of the 
 New-Hampshire delegation. 
 
 In the middle of September, 1779, he finally re- 
 tired from congress, after having attended, without 
 the least intermission, at his post of duty, from the 
 5th of the preceding month of November. 
 
 The memorable day which gave birth to the de- 
 claration of independence, afforded in the case of 
 
31^ 
 
 Mr. Whipple, a striking example of the uncertain- 
 ty of human affairs, and the triumphs of persever- 
 ance. The cabin boy, who, thirty years before, 
 had looked forward to the command of a vessel as 
 the consummation of all his hopes and wishes, now 
 stood amidst the congress of 1776, and looked 
 around upon a conclave of patriots, such as the 
 world had never witnessed. He, whose ambition 
 once centred in inscribing his name as commander 
 upon a crew-list, now affixed his signature to a do- 
 cument, which has embalmed it for posterity. 
 
 In the year 1777, Mr. Whipple was called upon 
 to act in untried scenes, and exchange his political 
 for a military character. On the invasion of gene- 
 ral Burgoyne, Mr. Whipple and John Stark, were 
 appointed brigadier-generals, with orders to em- 
 body the militia, and to stop the progress of the 
 enemy. The latter, with the second brigade, pro- 
 ceeded to Bennington, (where the enemy had a 
 large body of troops under the command of lieu- 
 tenant-colonel Baum,) attacked their works and 
 put them to flight. Soon after this victory, general 
 Whipple marched with the first brigade to join the 
 standard of general Gates. In the desperate bat- 
 tles of Stillwater and of Saratoga, the troops of 
 general Whipple gained a large share of honour 
 due to the American army. The consequence of 
 these engagements was the surrender of general 
 Burgoyne. 
 
 In 1780, immediately after his retirement from 
 congress, he was elected a member of the state le- 
 gislature, to which office he was repeatedly chosen, 
 and continued to enjoy the confidence and appro- 
 bation of his fellow citizens. 
 
 In 1782, he was appointed a judge of the supe- 
 rior court, which office he held until his death, 
 which happened November 28, 1785, in the fifty- 
 fifth year of his age. 
 
 General Whipple was possessed of a strong 
 mind, and quick discernment. He was easy in his 
 
313 
 
 manners, courteous in his deportment, correct iu 
 his habits, and constant in his friendships. 
 
 He enjoyed through life a great share of the 
 public confidence ; and although his early education 
 was limited, his natural good sense, and accurate 
 observations, enabled him to discharge the duties 
 of the several offices with which he was intrust- 
 ed, with credit to himself and benefit to the pub- 
 lic. 
 
 Few men rose more rapidly and worthily in the 
 scale of society, or bore their new honours with 
 more modesty and propriety. 
 
 Such was William Whipple, whose name, united 
 with the great charter of our freedom, will perish 
 only with the records of the republic. 
 
 WiLLARD, Samuel, vice-president of Harvard 
 college, was one of the most celebrated divines of 
 New-England. He was graduated at Harvard col- 
 lege in 1659. He was ordained a minister at Gro- 
 ton, but afterwards was settled as colleague with 
 Mr. Thacher, the first minister of the old South 
 Church in Boston, April 10, 1678. After the re- 
 signation of president Mather, he as vice-president 
 took the superintendence of Harvard college, and 
 presided over that institution till his death, Sep- 
 tember 12, 1707, at the age of sixty-eight years. 
 
 Mr. Willard possessed very superior powers of 
 mind. His imagination was rich though not luxu- 
 riant ; his perception was rapid and correct ; and in 
 argument he was profound and clear. His learn- 
 ing also was very considerable. In controversy 
 he was a champion, defending the cause of truth 
 with courage, and with enlightened and affectionate 
 zeal. 
 
 No divine, except Dr. Cotton Mather, in this 
 country, prepared more works for the press ; and 
 
 40 
 
^14 
 
 they were all calculated to do honour to the author, 
 and edify pious people. 
 
 Mr. Willard's largest work, and the first folio 
 volume, on divinity, printed in this country, was 
 published in 1726, entitled, A Body of Divinity, in 
 two hundred and fifty expository Lectures on the 
 Assembly's shorter Catechism. It is considered 
 as a work of great merit. 
 
 Williams, Roger, the father of Providence Plan- 
 tation, was born in Wales, in 1599, and was edu- 
 cated at the university of Oxford. After having 
 been for some time a minister in the church of 
 England, his non-conformity induced him to seek 
 religious liberty in America. He arrived at Bos- 
 ton, February 5, 1631. In April, he was chosen 
 an assistant to Mr. Skelton in the ministry at Sa- 
 lem, and after his death was the sole minister of 
 the church. 
 
 In 1635, in consequence of his peculiar senti- 
 ments and puritanic zeal, the sentence of banish- 
 ment was passed upon him. He went to Seek- 
 honck, now called Rehoboth. He afterwards fix- 
 ed upon Mooshausick, which he named Provi- 
 dence, in acknowledgment of God's goodness to 
 him. He purchased the land of the Indians, and 
 while he enjoyed liberty of conscience himself, he 
 granted it to others. Having embraced the senti- 
 ments of the baptists, he was baptized in March, 
 1639, by one of his brethren ; and he then baptized 
 ten others. 
 
 As the founder of one of the provinces, and a 
 writer in favour of civil and religious freedom, he 
 was more bold, just, and liberal, than any other 
 who appeared in that generation. 
 
 Many would smile at seeing the name of Roger 
 Williams enrolled with the legislators of ancient 
 
315 
 
 times, or with the statesmen of modern Europe, or 
 with such a man as Penn, whose steps were more 
 majestic upon the theatre of the great world; but 
 this man was equal to conducting the affairs of 
 this infant colony as well as if a complete system 
 of legislation was formed ; and, as a mediator be- 
 tween the aboriginies and the colonists, if he were 
 the instrument of preserving the peace, of teaching' 
 the Indians some of the arts of life, and of illumi- 
 nating the minds of the heathen with the light of 
 Christianity, he is certainly worthy of more credit, 
 than some mighty hunters of the earth, or those 
 sages whose maxims have made men fierce and 
 revengeful, and caused human blood to flow in 
 streams. 
 
 He died in April, 1683, at the age of eighty-four 
 years. 
 
 His memory is deserving of lasting honour for 
 the correctness of his opinions respecting liberty 
 of conscience, and for the generous toleration 
 which he established. So superior was he to the 
 meanness of revenge, and such was his magnani- 
 mity, that he exerted all his influence with the In- 
 dians in favour of Massachusetts, and ever evinced 
 the greatest friendship for the colony from which 
 he had been driven. 
 
 His talents were of a superior order. In the re- 
 ligious doctrines, which he embraced, he seems to 
 have been remarkably consistent. The scriptures 
 he read in the originals. He published a key to 
 the language of the Indians of New-England, octavo, 
 1643; Truth and Peace, 1644. In this book are 
 disclosed sentiments which have been admired in 
 the writings of Milton and Furneaux. His ideas 
 of toleration he carried further than Mr. Locke, 
 but not beyond the generality of dissenters in Eng- 
 land. 
 
316 
 
 Warren, Joseph, a major-general in the Ame- 
 rican army, and a distinguished patriot, was born 
 at Roxbury, Massachusetts, in the year 1741. At 
 the age of fifteen he entered Harvard college, and 
 received the honours of that seminary in 1759, and. 
 1762. On leaving college he directed his atten- 
 tion to the study of medicine, and in a few years 
 became one of the most eminent physicians in 
 Boston. But he lived at a period, when greater 
 objects claimed his attention, than those which re- 
 lated particularly to his profession. The calls of 
 a distracted country were paramount to every con- 
 sideration of his own interests ; and he entered the 
 vortex of politics, never to return to the peaceful 
 course of professional labour. 
 
 The change in public opinion had been gradual- 
 ly preparing the minds of most men for a revolu- 
 tion. This was not openly avowed; amelioration 
 of treatment for the present, and assurances of 
 kindness in future, were all that the colonies asked 
 from Great Britain ; but these they did not receive. 
 
 The mother country mistook the spirit of her 
 children, and used threats when kindness would 
 have been the best policy. When Britain declared 
 her right to direct, govern, and tax us in any form, 
 and at all times, the colonies reasoned, remonstrat- 
 ed, and entreated for a while ; and when these 
 means did not answer, they defied and resisted. 
 The political writers of the province had been ac- 
 tive and busy, but they were generally screened by 
 fictitious names, or sent their productions anony- 
 mously into the world ; but the time had arrived 
 when speakers of nerve and boldness were wanted 
 to raise their voices against oppression in every 
 shape. Warren possessed first-rate qualities for 
 an orator, and had early declared in the strongest 
 terms his political sentiments, which were some- 
 what in advance of public opinion; for he held as 
 tyranny all taxation, which could be imposed by 
 the British parliament upon the colonies. 
 
M7 
 
 His first object was to enlighten the people ; and 
 then he felt sure of engaging their feelings in the 
 general cause. He knew when once they began, 
 it would be impossible to tread back — indepen- 
 dence only would satisfy the country. 
 
 He embraced every opportunity to assert and 
 defend the most bold and undisguised principles 
 of liberty, and defying in their very teeth the agents 
 of the crown. 
 
 Twice he was elected to deliver the oration on 
 the 5th of March, in commemoration of the massa- 
 cre ; and his orations are among the most distin- 
 guished productions by that splendid list of speak- 
 ers who addressed their fellow citizens on this sub- 
 ject, so interesting to them all. These occasions 
 gave the orators a fine field for remark, and a fair 
 opportunity for eflfect. The great orators of anti- 
 quity in their speeches attempted only to rouse the 
 people to retain what they possessed. Invective, 
 entreaty, and pride had their effect in assisting 
 these mighty masters to influence the people. 
 They were ashamed to lose what their fathers left 
 them, won by their blood, and so long preserved 
 by their wisdom, their virtues, and their courage. 
 Our statesmen had a harder task to perform, for 
 they were compelled to call on the people to gain 
 what they had never enjoyed — an independent 
 rank and standing among the nations of the world. 
 
 From the year 1768, he was a principal member 
 of a secret meeting or caucus in Boston, which had 
 great influence on the concerns of the country. 
 With all his boldness, and decision, and zeal, he 
 was circumspect and wise. 
 
 His next oration was delivered March 6, 1775. 
 It was at his own solicitation that he was appointed 
 to this duty a second time. This fact is illustra- 
 tive of his character, and worthy of remembrance. 
 
 Some of the British oflScers of the army then in 
 Boston had publicly declared that it should be at 
 the price of the life of any man to speak of the 
 
3i§ 
 
 event of March 5, 1770, on that anniversary. War- 
 ren's soul took fire at such a threat, so. openly 
 made, and he wished for the hour of braving it. 
 The day came, and the weather was remarkably 
 fine. The old south meeting-house was crowded 
 at an early hour. The British officers occupied 
 the isles, the flight of steps to the pulpit, and 
 several of them were in it. The orator, with the 
 assistance of his friends, made his entrance at the 
 pulpit window by a ladder. The officers seeing 
 his coolness and intrepidity, made way for him to 
 advance and address the audience. An awful still- 
 ness preceded his exordium. Each man felt the 
 palpitations of his own heart, and saw the pale but 
 determined face of his neighbour. The speaker 
 began his oration in a firm tone of voice, and pro- 
 ceeded with great energy and pathos. 
 
 The scene was sublime ; a patriot in whom the 
 flush of youth, and the grace and dignity of man- 
 hood were combined, stood armed in the sanctuary 
 of God, to animate and encourage the sons of liber- 
 ty, and to hurl defiance at their oppressors. 
 
 Such another hour has seldom happened in the 
 history of man, and is not surpassed in the records 
 of nations. 
 
 The thunders of Demosthenes rolled at a dis- 
 tance from Phillip and his host — and Tully poured 
 the fiercest torrent of his invective when Catiline 
 was at a distance, and his dagger no longer to be 
 feared; but Warren's speech was made to proud 
 oppressors resting on their arms, whose errand it 
 was to overawe, and whose business it was to 
 fight. 
 
 If the deed of Brutus deserved to be commemo- 
 rated by history, poetry, painting, and sculpture — 
 should not this instance of patriotism and bravery 
 be held in everlasting remembrance 1 If he 
 
 " That struck the foremost man of all this world, 
 
 was hailed as the first of freemen, wlmt honour* 
 
519 
 
 are not due to him, who undismayed bearded th© 
 British lion, to show the world what his country-' 
 men dared to do in the cause of liberty 1 If the 
 statue of Brutus was placed among those of the 
 gods, who were the preservers of Roman freedom, 
 should not that of Warren fill a lofty niche in the 
 temple reared to perpetuate the remembrance of 
 our birth as a nation l 
 
 It was he, who on the evening before the battle 
 of Lexington obtained information of the intended 
 expedition against Concord, and at 10 o'clock at 
 night despatched an express to Messrs. Hancock 
 and Adams, who were at Lexington, to warn them 
 of their danger. 
 
 On the next day he hastened to the field of action, 
 in the full ardour of his soul, and shared the dan- 
 gers of the day. The people were delighted with 
 his bravery, and already considered him as a leader, 
 whose gallantry they were to admire, and in whose > 
 talents they were to confide. 
 
 On the 14th June, 1775, the provincial congress 
 of Massachusetts, appointed him a major-general 
 of their forces. He was at this time president of 
 the provincial congress, having been elected the 
 preceding year a member from the town of Bos- 
 ton. In this body he discovered his extraordinary 
 powers of mind, and his peculiar fitness for respon- 
 sible offices at such a juncture. 
 
 On the 18th, when the intrenchments were made 
 at Bunker's Hill, he, to encourage the men within 
 the lines, went down from Cambridge, and acted 
 as a volunteer. Just as the retreat commenced, 
 a ball struck him on the head, and he died in the 
 trenches, aged thirty-five years. He was the first 
 victim of rank that fell in the struggle of Great 
 Britain. In the requiem over those who have 
 fallen in the cause of their country, which 
 
 *' Time with his own eternal lips shall sing," 
 
 the praises of Warren shall be distinctly heard. 
 
520 
 
 His mind was vigorous, his disposition humane, 
 and his manners affable and engaging. In his 
 integrity and patriotism entire confidence was 
 placed. To the most undaunted bravery he added 
 the virtues of domestic life, the eloquence of an 
 accomplished orator, and the wisdom of an able 
 statesman. 
 
 Wayne, Anthony, a major-general in the army 
 of the United States, was born in Chester county, 
 Pennsylvania, in 1745. 
 
 In 1773, he was appointed a representative to 
 the general assembly, where in conjunction, with 
 John Dickinson, Thomas Mifflin, Charles Thomp- 
 son, and other gentlemen, he took an active part 
 in opposition to the claims of Great Britain, and 
 was of material service in preparing the way for 
 the firm and decisive part which Pennsylvania 
 took in the general contest. 
 
 In 1775, he quitted the councils of his country 
 for the field. He entered the army as a colonel, 
 and at the close of the year accompanied general 
 Thompson to Canada. When this officer was de- 
 feated in his enterprise in June, 1776, and was taken 
 prisoner, colonel Wayne, although wounded, dis- 
 played great gallantry and intrepidity in bringing 
 off the scattered bodies of troops. 
 
 In the same year he served at Ticonderoga un- 
 der general Gates, by whom he was esteemed both 
 for his courage and military talents, and for his 
 knowledge as an engineer. At the close of this 
 campaign he was made a brigadier-general. In 
 the following campaigns he greatly distinguished 
 himself at the battles of Brandywine, Germantown, 
 and Monmouth. For his most daring and success- 
 ful assault upon Stony Point, in July, 1779, con- 
 gress presented to him a gold medal emblematic 
 
mi 
 
 of the action. In 1781, he was ordered to march 
 with the Pennsylvania line from the northward, 
 and form a junction with La Fayette in Virginia. 
 On the 6th of July, after receiving information, 
 that the main body of the enemy under Lord Corn- 
 wallis had crossed James river, he pressed forward 
 at the head of eight hundred men. to attack the 
 rear guard. But to his utter astonishment, when 
 he reached the place, he found the whole British 
 army drawn up to receive him. At this moment 
 he conceived of but one way to escape. He rush- 
 ed towards the enemy till he came within twenty- 
 five yards, when he commenced a gallant attack, 
 which he supported for a few minutes, and then 
 retreated with the utmost expedition. The Bri- 
 tish general was confounded by this movement, and 
 apprehensive of an ambuscade from La Fayette, 
 would not allow of a pursuit. 
 
 After the capture of Lord Cornwallis, he was 
 sent to conduct the war in Georgia, where, with 
 equal success, he vanquished the savage foe. As 
 a reward for his services, the legislature of Georgia 
 presented him with a valuable farm. 
 
 In 1787, he was a member of the Pennsylvania 
 convention, which ratified the constitution of the 
 United States. 
 
 In 1792, he succeeded general St. Clair in the 
 command of the army on the western frontier. In 
 a general engagement with the Indians, he gained 
 a complete victory; and afterwards desolated their 
 country. On the 3d of August, 1795, he concluded 
 a treaty with the hostile Indians northwest of the 
 Ohio. Having now shielded his country from the 
 murderous tomahawk of the Indian savages, and 
 established her boundaries ; after a life of glory 
 and renown, he expired in a hut at Presque Isle, 
 December 15, 1796, aged fifty-one years, and was 
 buried on the shore of lake Erie. 
 
 'U 
 
Mil 
 
 WiLLiAiiisoN, Hugh, M. D. LL. D. one of the 
 signers of the Federal constitution, was born in 
 West Nottingham, Pennsylvania, on the 5th De- 
 cember, 1735. At the age of sixteen, he entered 
 the first class in the college of Philadelphia, and at 
 the first commencement held in that college, he re- 
 ceived the degree of bachelor of arts. He after- 
 wards commenced the study of divinity with Dr. 
 Samuel Finley, and prosecuted it with such success, 
 that in 1759, he was licensed to preach. 
 
 In 1 760, he received the degree of master of arts ; 
 and was soon after appointed professor of mathe- 
 matics in that institution. 
 
 In 1764, he resigned his professorship and left 
 his native country for Europe, to prosecute his me- 
 dical studies at the university of Edinburgh. 
 
 After enjoying the medical lectures of that in- 
 stitution for several years, he went to London, 
 where he remained twelve months diligently pursu- 
 ing his studies. From London he crossed over to 
 Holland, and completed his medical education at 
 Utrecht. After his return to this country, he com- 
 menced the practice of medicine in Philadelphia, 
 with great success. 
 
 In 1769, in conjunction with several of the Ame- 
 rican astronomers, he was employed in making ob- 
 servations on the transit of Venus, which happen- 
 ed in that year; and which were afterwards refer- 
 red to with peculiar notice and approbation by the 
 astronomers of Europe. 
 
 • In 1770, he published " Observations upon the 
 change of the climate of the United States." 
 
 In consideration of these valuable papers, he was 
 elected honorary member of the Holland society of 
 sciences ; of the society of arts and sciences of 
 Utrecht ; and as a further reward of his literary la- 
 bours, the degree of doctor of laws was conferred 
 upon him by the university of Leyden. 
 
 In 1773, he was appointed, in conjunction with 
 Dr. John Ewing, to make a tour through England, 
 
^cotiand, and Ireland, to solicit benefactions lor 
 the college at Newark. 
 
 During his stay in London, he procured the ce- 
 lebrated letters of Hutchinson and Oliver, in which 
 they had secretly laboured to paint, in the most 
 odious colours, the character of the people of Mas- 
 sachusetts. 
 
 He lost no time in delivering them into the hands 
 of Dr. Franklin, who afterwards transmitted them 
 to his constituents in Boston. 
 
 " The indignation and animosity, which were ex- 
 cited on their perusal, roused the people to a great- 
 er opposition to the measures of Great Britain." 
 
 He then passed into Holland, where he heard 
 the news of the declaration of independence. 
 
 As soon as he could arrange his atfairs, he sailed 
 for America, and arrived at Philadelphia in March, 
 1779. 
 
 Shortly after he settled in North-Carolina, and 
 commenced the practice of physic at Edenton, and 
 afterwards removed to Newborn. In 1780, he was 
 appointed a surgeon in the army. 
 
 In 1782, he took his seat as a representative in 
 the house of commons of North Carolina ; from 
 thence he was sent to the general congress. In 
 1786, he was appointed a member to revise and 
 amend the constitution of the United States. 
 
 In 1787, he was appointed a delegate from North 
 Carolina, in the general convention at Philadelphia, 
 who formed and signed the federal constitution 
 of the United States. 
 
 While in congress, he enjoyed a large share of 
 influence, and was appreciated for the purity of his 
 intentions, and his inflexible devotedness to the in- 
 terests of his country. 
 
 In 1811, he published '' Observations on the cli- 
 mate in the different parts of America, compared 
 with the climate in corresponding parts of the other 
 Continei\t." 
 
t524 - 
 
 In 181^, he published the '• History of North Ca- 
 rolina," 2 vols, octavo. 
 
 His other writings are numerous and detached, 
 and are to be found in almost all of the literary and 
 scientific journals of our country. 
 
 In 1814, he took an active part in the formation 
 of the ^'literary and philosophical society of New- 
 York." His intellectual faculties remained to the 
 last period of his life unbroken, and in their full vi- 
 gour. He died on the 22d May, 1819, in the 85th 
 year of his age. 
 
 West, Samuel, DD. an eminent divine, meta- 
 physical, theological, and controversial writer, was 
 born at Yarmouth, Massachusetts, March 4, 1730. 
 He was graduated at Harvard college in the year 
 1754, having gained a rank among the most distin- 
 guished of his class. About the year 1764, he was 
 ordained at New Bedford. 
 
 His mind was very capacious and strong, his read- 
 ing extensive ; his company was also solicited by 
 men of literary taste from all parts of the common- 
 wealth. 
 
 He was peculiarly fond of associating with those 
 who maintained the cause of rational religion, and 
 christian liberty. 
 
 In politics, he was a zealous whig. He wrote 
 many forcible pieces in the newspapers, which rous- 
 ed the spirit of the timid, and animated the cou- 
 rageous. He deciphered the letters of Doctor 
 Church, which exposed to the enemy the particular 
 state of the American army. When the conven- 
 tion met at Cambridge and Boston, to form a con- 
 stitution for the state, he was a leader in several of 
 the debate^s ; and during the whole session was a 
 very important and influential member. He was 
 
also a member of the Massachusetts convention, 
 which adopted the constitution of the United States. 
 He preached the Dudleian lecture upon the validity 
 of presbyterian ordination, 1782. The university 
 of Cambridge presented him with a diploma of 
 doctor in divinity, 1793. 
 
 He was one of the original members of the Ame- 
 rican academy of arts and sciences, and an hono- 
 rary member of the philosophical society in Phila- 
 delphia. 
 
 He died at Tiverton, Rhode Island, September 
 24, 1807, aged seventy-seven years. 
 
 He was a great biblical critic ; and it has been 
 well observed, that with the same advantages, he 
 "^^ had fallen little short of Buxtorf, Mede, Poole, and 
 Kennicott." 
 
 Besides other publications, he published " Essays 
 on liberty and necessity." To these Dr. Edwards 
 replied in a volume very ably written. 
 
 WiNTHROP, John, LL.D.F. R. S. a distinguished 
 philosopher and astronomer, was graduated at Har- 
 vard college, in 1732. In 1738 he succeeded Mr. 
 Greenwood, asHollisprofessor of mathematics and 
 nautical philosophy, and was more eminent for his 
 scholarship than any other man in New-England. 
 In mathematical science he was considered as the 
 first, during the 40 years he continued the profes- 
 sor at Cambridge university. In the year 1740, he 
 made observations upon the transit. of Mercury, 
 which were printed in the transactions of the royal 
 society. 
 
 In the year 1761, he sailed to St. Johns, in New- 
 foundland, (as it was the most western part of the 
 earth,) to observe the transit of Venus over the sun's 
 disk, as it was an object with the literati, to have 
 
32tJ 
 
 observations made in that place. The 6th of 
 June was a fine day for observing the transit of 
 the planet, and he gained high reputation when 
 these observations were pubhshed. In 1769, he 
 had another opportunity of observing the transit 
 of Venus at Cambridge. As it was the last oppor- 
 tunity that generation could be favoured with, he 
 was desirous to arrest the attention of the people. 
 He read two lectures upon the subject in the col- 
 lege chapel, which he afterwards published, with 
 this motto upon the title page : " Agite mortales ! 
 et oculos in spectaculum vertite, quod hucusce 
 spectaverunt perpaucissimi ; Spectaturi iterum sunt 
 nulli." 
 
 He received literary honours from other coun- 
 tries beside his own. The Royal Society of Lon- 
 don elected him a member ; and the university of 
 Edinburgh gave him a diploma of LL. D. 
 
 In 1767, he wrote Cogitata de cometis, which he 
 dedicated to the Royal Society. This was re- 
 printed in London the next year. The active ser- 
 vices of Dr. Winthrop were not confined to his 
 duties of professorship at Cambridge. He was a 
 brilliant star in our political hemisphere. The 
 family oftheWinthrops had always been distinguish- 
 ed for their love of freedom and the charter rights 
 of the colonies. When Great Britain made en- 
 croachment upon these, by oppressive acts of par- 
 liament, after the peace of Paris in 1763, he step- 
 ped forth among those who boldly opposed the 
 measures of the crown. After having been a pro- 
 fessor for more than forty years, he died at Cam- 
 bridge, May 3, 1779, in the sixty-fifth year of his 
 age. Dr. Winthrop was an excellent classical 
 scholar, and also a biblical critic. The learned 
 Dr. Chauncey always spake of him as one of the 
 greatest theologians he ever met with. In the 
 variety and extent of his knowledge he has seldom 
 been equalled, He was critically acquainted with 
 
M7 
 
 several of the modern languages of Europe. He 
 had deeply studied the policies of different ages ; 
 he had read the principal fathers ; and he was 
 thoroughly acquainted with the controversy be- 
 tween christians and deists. His firm faith in the 
 christian religion was founded upon an accurate 
 examination of the evidences of its truths, and the 
 virtues of his life added a lustre to his intellectual 
 powers and scientific attainments. 
 
 WiNTHROP, John, first governor of Massachu- 
 setts, was born at Groton, in Suffolk, England, 
 June 12, 1587, and was bred to the law. He em- 
 barked for America in the forty-third year of his 
 age, as the leader of those persons who settled the 
 colony of Massachusetts, and with a commission 
 as governor. He arrived at Salem June 12, 1630. 
 He afterwards went to Shawmut, or Boston. In 
 the three following years he was re-chosen gover- 
 nor, for which office he was eminently qualified. 
 His time, his exertions, his interest, were all devot- 
 ed to the infant plantation. 
 
 In 1637, he was again re-elected governor, which 
 office he held until his death, March 26, 1649. 
 
 Governor Winthrop was a most faithful and up- 
 right magistrate and exemplary christian. In the 
 course of his life he repeatedly experienced the 
 versatility of the public opinion ; but when he was 
 left out of oflfice, he possessed perfect calmness of 
 mind, and still exerted himself to serve his coun- 
 try. 
 
 In severe trials, his magnanimity, wisdom, and 
 patience, were conspicuous. 
 
 He left a journal of events from the settlement 
 of the colony to his death, which was of great ser- 
 vice to Hubbard, Mather, and Prince. 
 
 It was published in 1790, in one volume Svo. 
 
628 
 
 WiTHERSPOON, JoHN,DD. LL. D. one of the sign- 
 ers of the declaration of independence, and presi= 
 dent of Princeton college, was born in Yester, near 
 Edinburgh, Scotland, February 5, 1722, and was 
 lineally descended from John Knox. At the age 
 of fourteen, he entered the university of Edinburgh, 
 where he continued attending the different profes- 
 sors with a great degree of celebrity, in all the 
 branches of learning, until the age of twenty-one, 
 when he was licensed to preach the gospel. When 
 a student at the Divinity Hall, his character stood 
 remarkably high for his taste in sacred criticism, 
 and for a precision in thinking, rarely attained at 
 so early a period. He was soon ordained atBeith, 
 in the west of Scotland. Thence, after a few years, 
 he was translated to Paisley. Here he lived in 
 high reputation and great usefulness, until, he was 
 called to the presidency of Princeton college. He 
 arrived with his family at Princeton, New-Jersey, 
 August, 1768, and took the charge of that seminary, 
 over which had presided a Dickinson, Burr, Ed- 
 wards, Davies, and Finley, men distinguished for 
 genius, learning, and piety. His name brought a 
 great accession of students to the college, and by 
 his exertions its funds were much augmented. Dr. 
 Witherspoon continued directing the institution of 
 which he was president, with increasing success, 
 till the commencement of the American revolution ; 
 which event suspended his functions, and dispers- 
 ed the college. As he became an American on 
 his landing in this country, the citizens of New- 
 Jersey, who knew his distinguished abilities, ap- 
 pointed him a member of the convention which 
 formed the constitution of that state. Here he 
 shone with his usual lustre ; eminent as a profound 
 civilian, as he had before been known to be a 
 philosopher and divine. From the revolutionary 
 committees and conventions of the state, he was 
 sent early in 1776 a representative to the congress? 
 of tKe United J^tates. 
 
329 
 
 He was seven years a member of that illustrious 
 body, which, in the face of immemorable difficul- 
 ties and dangers secured to their fellow citizens 
 liberty and independence. 
 
 Dr.Witherspoon was always firm amidst the most 
 gloomy and formidable aspects of public affairs, 
 and always discovered the greatest presence of 
 mind in the most embarrassing situations. It is 
 impossible here to enter into all his political ideas. 
 It is but justice, however, to observe, that on al- 
 most all subjects on which he diftered from the 
 majority of his brethren in congress, his principles 
 have been justified by the result. 
 
 It is sufficient to select only a few examples. 
 He constantly opposed the expensive mode of 
 supplying the army by commission, which he after- 
 wards prevailed upon to have done by contract. 
 He opposed, at every emission, after the first or 
 second, that paper-currency which gave such a 
 wound to public credit, and which would have 
 defeated the revolution, if any thing could ; and 
 even hazarded his popularity for a time, by the 
 strenuousness of his opposition. In the informa- 
 tion of the general confederation, he complained 
 of the jealousy and ambition of the individual 
 states, which were not willing to intrust the ge- 
 neral government with adequate powers for the 
 common interest. He then pronounced inefficacy 
 upon it : but he complained and remonstrated in 
 vain. Overruled, however, at that time, in these 
 and other objects of importance, he had the satis- 
 faction of living to see America revert, in almost 
 every instance, to his original ideas ; ideas founded 
 on a sound and penetrating judgment, and matur- 
 ed by deep reflection, and an extensive observa- 
 tion of men and things. He affixed his name to 
 that immortal instrument, the declaration of inde- 
 pendence. 
 
 But while he was thus engaged in serving his 
 country as a civilian, he did not lay aside his 
 
 42 
 
character as a minister. He gladly embraced every 
 opportunity of preaching ; for his character as a 
 minister of the gospel he ever considered as his 
 highest honour. As soon as the state of the coun- 
 try would permit, the college was re-established, 
 and its instruction was recommenced under the 
 immediate care of the vice-president, the Rev. Dr. 
 S. S. Smith. After the termination of the struggle 
 for American liberty, Dr.Witherspoon was induced 
 from his attachment to the college to cross the 
 ocean, that he might promote its benefit. Though 
 his success was not so great as could be wished, 
 his enterprise and zeal were not the less deserving 
 of commendation. After his return, he entered 
 into that retirement which was dear to him, and 
 his attention was principally confined to the duties 
 of his office as president, and as a minister of the 
 gospel. For more than two years before his death 
 he was afliicted with the loss of sight, which he 
 bore with exemplary patience and cheerfulness. 
 At length he sunk under the pressure of his in- 
 firmities, and died November 15, 1794, in the se- 
 venty-third year of his age. He was succeeded by 
 that celebrated philosopher and divine, the Rev. Dr. 
 S. S. Smith. 
 
 As president of the college, Dr. Witherspoon 
 rendered literary inquiries more liberal, extensive, 
 and profound, and was the means of producing an 
 important revolution in the system of education. 
 He extended the study of mathematical science, 
 and it is believed he was the first man who taught 
 in America the substance of those doctrines of the 
 philosophy of the mind, which Dr. Reid afterwards 
 developed with so mucli success. As a preacher, 
 his character sLood remarkably high. In this de- 
 partment, he was in many respects one of the best 
 models on which a young pulpit orator could form 
 himself. An admirable textuary ; a profound theo- 
 logian ; an universal scholar; he was deeply versed 
 in human nature ; he was perspicuous* simple, a 
 
331 
 
 grave, dignified, and solemn speaker, and irresist- 
 ible in his manners ; and he brought all'the advan- 
 tages derived from these sources, to the illustra- 
 tion and enforcement of divine truth. 
 
 As a writer he holds a high rank. His know- 
 ledge of every subject he handles is extensive and 
 accurate, his thoughts weighty and condensed, his 
 style simple, and his method very lucid. He ex- 
 hibits great acquaintance with the world, and with 
 the human heart. His works are various, for he 
 wrote on political, moral, literary, and religious 
 subjects. 
 
 They were published in 1802, in four volumes 
 ^vo. 
 
 WisTAR, Caspar, M. D. a learned physician and 
 celebrated anatomist, was born in Philadelphia, 
 September 13, 1761. 
 
 On receiving a classical education, he applied 
 himself to the study of medicine under Dr. John 
 Redman, president of the college of physicians, 
 with whom he remained three years. In the mean 
 time he attended the lectures of Drs. Shippen, 
 Morgan, Kuhn, and Rush. 
 
 Instead of entering immediately into the prac- 
 tice of medicine, he left America in the year 1783, 
 to avail himself of the advantages to be found in 
 the schools of London and Edinburgh, at that time 
 the first in the world. 
 
 Having remained a year in England, he repaired 
 to Edinburgh, where he passed his time in attend- 
 ing lectures and cultivating the friendship of dis- 
 tinguished persons. 
 
 In 1785, he made a journey on foot through 
 parts of the highlands of Scotland, and visited 
 Glasgow, Inverary, and Inverness. He particular- 
 ly enjoyed the esteem and friendship of the great 
 
3S3 
 
 Cullen. For two successive years he was elected 
 one of the presidents of the Royal Medical Society 
 of Edinburgh. He was also elected president of 
 the society for the investigation of natural history. 
 These honours, conferred by a great, a learned, 
 and proud nation, on a )^outh, whose country had 
 but just risen into existence, are the surest testi- 
 mony of uncommon merit. 
 
 In June, 1786, he graduated at Edinburgh, and 
 published on this occasion his thesis " de animo 
 demisso :^'' dedicated to Drs. Franklin and Cullen. 
 
 Toward the end of the year 1786, he took leave 
 of Edinburgh, on his return to America. His fame 
 flew before him to his native city, where he arrived 
 in January 1787, after an absence of more than 
 three years. 
 
 With talents matured, his mind enriched with the 
 fruits of study and experience, he now engaged in 
 the practice of medicine with every advantage. 
 Being eminent, both in medicine and surgery, his 
 practice soon became very extensive. 
 
 In the same year he was elected a member of 
 the college of physicians, and of the American Phi- 
 losophical Society. 
 
 In 1789, he was appointed professor of chymis- 
 try, and in 1792 adjunct-professor of anatomy and 
 surgery with the late Dr. Shippen, one of the fa- 
 thers of the medical school of Philadelphia. 
 
 On the death of Dr. Shippen, in 1808, he was 
 elected as sole professor in the anatomical chair. 
 
 It was here that the scene of his greatest excel- 
 lence was exhibited. In many departments of 
 science, he was conspicuous, but here pre-eminent. 
 
 In his language he was fluent, and in the com- 
 munications of his ideas he had a facility never at- 
 tained but by great masters. 
 
 He was the first who observed and described 
 the posterior portion of the ethmoid bone in its 
 most perfect state, viz. with the triangular bones 
 attached to it. 
 
355 
 
 In 1815, he was elected aii honorary member of 
 the literary and philosophical society of New- York, 
 and the same honour was conferred on him by 
 other literary institutions. In the same year, on 
 the resignation of Mr. Jefferson, he was unani 
 mously elected president of the American Philo- 
 sophical Society. He died January 22, 1818. 
 
 His understandino^ was rather strong than bril- 
 liant. Truth was its object. His mind was pa- 
 tient of labour, curious in research, clear, although 
 not rapid in perception, and sure in judgment. His 
 information was remarkably accurate, and possess- 
 ed a memory extremely tenacious. 
 
 As an anatomist he was not equalled in the 
 United States, nor excelled in any country. 
 
 As an author, he published a " System of Ana- 
 tomy," two volumes 8vo. 1814: besides anonymous 
 essays, and others which had his signature, are 
 printed in the transactions of the college of phy- 
 sicians, and in the transactions of the American 
 Philosophical Society. 
 
 Wilkinson, James, a major-general in the army 
 of the United States, was born in Calvert county, 
 Maryland, about the year 1757. »> 
 
 He was educated under the care of a private tu- 
 tor, a graduate of the university of Glasgow, and at 
 the age of seventeen commenced the study of me- 
 dicine. 
 
 At the commencement of the revolutionary war, 
 his military spirit burst its fetters. Anxious to be 
 numbered with the defenders of his country, and 
 repel foreign invasion, he repaired to head-quarters 
 at Cambridge, and on his arrival received from the 
 commander-in-chief, a captain's commission. 
 
 In 1777, he was appointed a major, and shortly 
 afterwards participated in the victory and capture 
 
334 
 
 of Burgoyne and his army. In the battles of Tren- 
 ton, Princeton, and Br^mdywine, for his gallantry 
 and good conduct he was promoted by congress to 
 the rank of brigadier-general. 
 
 President Washington afterwards appointed him 
 to the command of the posts on the Missisippi. 
 
 During the late war with Great Britain, after 
 taking possession of the country west of the Per- 
 dido, and capturing the post at Mobile, he was 
 transferred to the command of the northern army, 
 with the rank of major-general. After several un- 
 successful attempts to take possession of Canada, 
 he was obliged to retire from actual service on ac- 
 count of the pressing infirmities of age. 
 
 He has published, " Memoirs of his own times," 
 in three volumes 8vo. 
 
 Wythe, George, chancellor of Virginia, and one 
 of the signers of the declaration of independence, 
 was born in the year 1726, in the county of Eliza- 
 beth City, Virginia. His mother, a woman of great 
 acquirements, superintended his education, and 
 taught him the Latin and Greek languages. To 
 grammar, rhetoric, and logic, he added by his own 
 exertions, at an early age, an extensive acquaint- 
 ance with civil law ; a .profound knowledge of 
 mathematics, as well of natural and moral philoso- 
 phy. Of these various attainments, so honourable 
 to his industry and genius, much of the merit, no 
 doubt very justly, is ascribed to the affectionate 
 and tender zeal of his mother. Of this excellent 
 parent, he was bereaved during his minority. And 
 in a short time after, he lost his amiable father. 
 Being thus in the possession of money, like many 
 unthinking youths, he commenced a career of dis- 
 sipation and intemperance, and did not disengage 
 himself from it before he had reached the age of 
 thirty. He then bitterly lamented the loss of those 
 
365 
 
 liine years of his life, and of the learning which, 
 during that period, he might have acquired. But 
 never did any man more effectually redeem his 
 time. From the moment, when he resolved on 
 reformation, he devoted himself most intensely to 
 his studies. 
 
 He commenced the study of the law in the office 
 of the late John Lewis, Esq. and at an early period 
 was licensed to practise in the courts of Virginia. 
 He took his station at the bar of the old general 
 court, with many other great men whose merit has 
 been the boast of Virginia. For a short time he con- 
 tirmed their equal ; but by reason of his extensive 
 learning, correctness of elocution, and his logical 
 style of argument, he quickly arrived at the head of 
 the bar. 
 
 When the time arrived, which heaven had des- 
 tined for the separation of the wide, confederated 
 republic of America from the dominion of Great 
 Britain, he was one of the instruments in the hand 
 of Providence for accomplishing that great work. 
 He took a decided part in the very first move- 
 ments of opposition, and urged his fellow citizens 
 to open resistance. With a prophetic mind he 
 looked forward to the event of an approaching 
 war, and resolutely prepared to encounter all its 
 evils rather than to resign his attachment to liber- 
 ty. As the controversy grew warm, his zeal be- 
 came proportionally fervent. He joined a corps 
 of volunteers, accustomed himself to military dis- 
 cipline, and was ready to march at the call of his 
 country. But that country to whose interests he 
 was so sincerely attached, had other duties of more 
 importance for him to perform. It was his destiny to 
 obtain distinction as a statesman, legislator, and 
 judge, and not as a warrior. Before the war com- 
 menced, he was elected a member of the Virginia 
 assembly. After having been for some time speaker 
 of that enlightened and patriotic body, and render- 
 ing himself conspicuous as the vindicator of the 
 
m6 
 
 rights "and privileges of his injured countrymen, 
 he was sent by the members of that body, as one 
 of their delegates to the congress which met at 
 Philadelphia in May, 1775, and did not separate 
 until it had declared the independence of America. 
 In that august assembly, he possessed no small 
 share of influence. He was one of those who 
 signed the memorable declaration, by which the 
 heroic legislators of this country pledged "their 
 lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honours," to 
 maintain and defend its violated rights. 
 
 In November following, by a resolution of the 
 general assembly of Virginia, he was appointed 
 one of the committee to revise the laws of the com- 
 monwealth, and to prepare bills for re-enacting 
 them, with such alterations as the change in the 
 form and principles of the government, and other 
 circumstances, required of this extensive work of 
 legislation. Wythe executed the revision of those 
 laws which had been enacted during the period 
 commencing with the revolution in England, and 
 ending with the establishment of the new govern- 
 ment here, except the acts for regulating descents ; 
 for religious freedom ; and for proportioning crimes 
 and punishments ; which were part of the labours 
 of Mr. Jefferson. 
 
 After finishing the task of new modelling the 
 laws, he was employed to carry them into effect 
 according to their true intent and spirit, and was 
 appointed one of the three judges of the high court 
 of chancery of Virginia: but on a subsequent 
 change in the organization of the court of equity, 
 he was constituted sole chancellor : which high 
 station he filled with the strictest integrity for more 
 than twenty years. Whilst in this office, he pub- 
 lished a collection of chancery reports, which by 
 legal characters are held high in estimation. 
 
 In 1786, he was appointed a delegate to meet 
 the grand convention at Philadelphia to revise the 
 federal constitution. His country never losing 
 
^i37 
 
 sight of his distinguished patriotism and abilities, 
 Avhen occasion required his services, we again 
 find him a conspicuous member of the great public 
 body which assembled at Richmond in 1788, to 
 take into view the adoption or rejection of the late- 
 ly framed constitution of the United States. Dur- 
 ing the debates on this occasion, he acted for the 
 most part as chairman. Amidst all his public ser- 
 vices, throughout all his private life, the devotion 
 of Wythe to his country, his scrupulous discharge 
 of the duties of his office, and his universal bene- 
 volence of disposition, were eminently apparent. 
 Some of the greatest luminaries at the bar, and in 
 the senate, that Virginia has produced, were in- 
 structed in science, and led up the steep of fame 
 by George Wythe. In the list of his pupils we 
 may enumerate two presidents of the United States, 
 a chief justice, and others who by their abilities and 
 virtues are entitled to the most distinguished ho- 
 nours of their country. He presided twice suc- 
 cessively in the presidential electoral college of 
 Virginia, with great distinction and applause. His 
 political opinions were always firmly republican. 
 He died, after a short but very excruciating sick- 
 ness, on the 8th June, 1806, in the eighty-first year 
 of his age. 
 
 President Jefterson, who was the friend of his 
 age, and his compatriot through life, thus draws 
 the portrait of this extraordinary man : " No man 
 ever left behind him a character more venerated 
 than George Wythe. His virtue was of the purest 
 kind; his integrity inflexible, and his justice exact : 
 of warm patriotism, and devoted as he was to li- 
 berty, and the natural and equal rights of men, 
 he might be truly called the Cato of his country, 
 without the avarice of the Roman ; for a more dis- 
 interested person never lived. Temperance and 
 regularity in all his habits, gave him general good 
 health, and his unaffected modesty and suavity of 
 manners endeared him to every one. He was of 
 
 43 
 
338 
 
 easy elocution, his language chaste, methodical in 
 the arrangement of his matter, learned and logical 
 in the use of it, and of great urbanity in debate. 
 Not quick of apprehension, but with a little time, 
 profound in penetration, and sound in conclusion. 
 
 His stature was of the middle size, well formed 
 and proportioned, and the features of his face 
 manly, comely, and engaging. Such was George 
 Wythe, the honour of his own, and model of future 
 times." 
 
 By his last will and testament he bequeathed 
 his valuable library and philosophical apparatus ta 
 his friend Mr. Jefferson, and distributed the re- 
 mainder of his property among the grandchildren 
 of his sister, and the slaves whom he had set free. 
 He thus wished to liberate the blacks not only 
 from slavery, but from temptations to vice. He 
 even condescended to impart to them instruction ; 
 and he personally taught the Greek language to a 
 little negro boy, who died a few days before his 
 preceptor. 
 
 Washington, George, first president of the 
 United States, and a distinguished patriot, hero, 
 and statesman, was born at the seat of his ances- 
 tors, in Westmoreland county, Virginia, February 
 22, 1732. He was educated under the care of a 
 private tutor, and after making rapid progress in 
 the languages, mathematics, and engineering, he 
 embraced the military profession. His abilities 
 were first employed by governor Dinwiddie, in 
 1754, in making remonstrances to the French com- 
 mander on the Ohio, for the infraction of the trea- 
 ty between the two nations, and he afterwards ne- 
 gotiated a treaty of amity with the Indians, on the 
 back settlements; and for his honourable services 
 received the thanks of the British government. 
 In the unfortunate expedition of general Braddock. 
 
•3r>9 
 
 he served as his aid-de-canip, and when that brave 
 but rash commander fell in an ambush, he dis- 
 played great military talents in conducting the re- 
 treat to the corps under colonel Dunbar, and in the 
 saving the remains of the army, from a dangerous 
 and untenable position. 
 
 During the remainder of the war between Eng- 
 land and France, which in their American colo- 
 nies, raged with a spirit of exterminating fury, 
 he was looked up to as the source and director of 
 all military operations, whether intended for an- 
 noyance or protection. 
 
 After the termination of the French war he re- 
 tired to his valuable estate on the banks of the 
 Potomac, to which he had succeeded by the death 
 of his brother. But while engaged at his favourite 
 seat of Mount Vernon, in the peaceful employments 
 of an agriculturist, he also served as a member 
 of the house of burgesses of Virginia, till he was 
 called again into the service of his country, by the 
 proceedings preparatory to the American revolution. 
 
 In 1774, he was one of the seven distinguished 
 citizens, mIio represented Virginia m the first con- 
 gress that met at Philadelphia, and was placed on 
 all those committees, whose duty it was to make 
 arrangements for defence. In the following year 
 a defensive war against the oppressive usurpations 
 of Great Britain having been agreed on by that 
 august and enlightened body, he was unanimous- 
 ly appointed commander-in-chief of the armies of 
 America. This high trust he accepted with diffi- 
 dence, and expressed his intention of receiving no 
 compensation for his services, and only a mere dis- 
 charge of his expenses. Among the friends of 
 liberty his appointment was productive of confi- 
 dence and hope, satisfaction, and joy. 
 
 He immediately repaired to Cambridge, Massa- 
 chusetts, and formed the army into three divisions. 
 Here he had to struggle with great difficulties, the 
 want of arms, ammunition, clothing, and the defect 
 
of discipline; but instead of yielding to despon- 
 dence, he bent the whole force of his mind to over- 
 come them. 
 
 As soon as he could rely upon his troops, he be- 
 came anxious for an opportunity to meet the enemy. 
 In February, 1776, he proposed to a council of 
 his officers to attack the enemy in Boston, but they 
 unanimously disapproved of the daring measure. 
 It was, however, resolved to take possession of the 
 heights of Dorchester, which was accordingly 
 done ; and by this masterly movement, the enemy 
 found it necessary to evacuate the town. 
 
 The seat of war was afterwards removed to 
 New-York and New-Jersey, where the British had 
 brought to operate the whole of their disposable 
 force, which was computed at .55,000 men, while 
 that of the Americans did not exceed 27,000, of 
 these a large proportion was militia. On the 27th 
 of August, in the memorable battle of Long-Island, 
 the Americans experienced an entire defeat. In 
 this affair general Sullivan commanded in person, 
 while he was only a spectator of the scene. He 
 however assumed, in the following night, the im- 
 mediate superintendence of the evacuation of 
 Long-Island, in the execution of which, he effected 
 one of the most renowned retreats that is any 
 where recorded in military annals. 
 
 Forced from his position in New-York, he re- 
 treated to the White Plains, where on the 28tli 
 October, a considerable action took place, in which 
 the Americans were overpowered. After the loss 
 of forts Washington and Lee, he passed into New- 
 Jersey in November, where he was pursued by a 
 triumphant and numerous, enemy. Here, his diffi- 
 culties and embarrassments, dangers and suffer- 
 ings, were inconceivably great. His army was 
 ■ daily diminished by sickness, desertions, and other 
 misfortunes incidental to war. The few that re- 
 mained faithful to his standard, did not amount to 
 3000 men. When winter commenced they were 
 
341 
 
 bare footed and almost naked, and destitute of 
 every comfort; and every circumstance tended to 
 fill the minds of the votaries of freedom with des- 
 pondence. But his mind, great at all times, but 
 greatest in adversity, rose above every obstacle, 
 and did not despair of the success of his cause. 
 Inflexible in his determination to save his country, 
 or perish in the conflict, he infused into his fol- 
 lowers the same resolution. It was hence, under 
 Providence, that the arms of America were render- 
 ed invincible. In this critical situation, he was 
 only separated from the enemy by the river Dela- 
 ware. Anxious to remove the depression which 
 hung like a mildew on the public mind, he resolv- 
 ed to cross the Delaware, and become the assail- 
 ant. Accordingly on the night of the 25th Decem- 
 ber, he crossed the river nine miles above Trenton, 
 in a storm of hail mingled with rain, with about 
 2400 men. In the morning, about 8 o'clock, he 
 surprised Trenton, and took 1000 Hessians pri- 
 soners, with about 1000 stand of arms, and six 
 field pieces. The loss of the Americans were two 
 privates killed and two frozen to death. On the 
 same day he re-crossed the Delaware with the 
 fruits of his enterprise. In a day or two he passed 
 again into New-Jersey, and concentrated his forces 
 at Trenton. Lord Cornwallis on hearing of this 
 disaster, marched immediately with all his forces, 
 bent on retrieving this misfortune. Having, on the 
 evening of the 2d of January, 1777, taken a posi- 
 tion, which in his opinion, placed the American 
 army completely in his power, he encamped for the 
 night, confident of making a successful attack in 
 the morning. At this critical moment, when it 
 was hazardous if not impracticable to retreat into 
 Pennsylvania, he left his encampment in the night, 
 and moved ofl" to the left of the enemy, and early 
 in the morning, attacked and overthrew, a strong 
 detachment of the enemy, that was stationed at 
 Princeton. The loss of the British on this occa- 
 
342 
 
 sion in killed, wounded, and prisoners, amounted 
 to upwards of 600. During this march many of 
 his soldiers were without shoes, and their feet left 
 the marks of blood upon the frozen ground. Corn- 
 wallis in the morning broke up his camp, and 
 alarmed for his stores at Brunswick, pushed on the 
 pursuit. Thus the military genius of general 
 Washington, under the blessing of Divine Provi- 
 dence, rescued Philadelphia from the threatened 
 danger, obliged the enemy, which had overspread 
 New-Jersey, to return to New- York, and revived 
 the desponding spirit of his country. No sooner 
 had the news of these successful operations reach- 
 ed the court of Versailles, than France became the 
 ally of the United States. 
 
 After sundry instances of generalship and mili- 
 tary address in the state of New-Jersey, in which 
 he manifested a decided ascendency over the Bri- 
 tish commander, he, in compliance with the di- 
 rections of congress, and the wishes of the public, 
 rather than from the dictates of his own judgment, 
 engaged the enemy in the celebrated battle at Bran- 
 dywine, September 9, 1777, and suffered a defeat. 
 Cornwallis, soon after took possession of Philadel- 
 phia, and posted a strong division of his army at 
 Germantown. This division, general Washington 
 determined to attack, a measure which he effected 
 on the morning of the 4th October. The affair 
 was planned with great wisdom, and promised, at 
 first, a glorious issue, but from unforseen causes, 
 the enterprise failed. 
 
 Towards the close of December, he retired into 
 winter-quarters at Valley Forge. Here, the forti- 
 tude and patience of his soldiers experienced a 
 trial almost too severe for human nature to endure. 
 For a time they were unfed, unclothed, and without 
 a shelter from the inclemency of the weather. — 
 Nothing but the personal influence of their much- 
 loved commander, could have retained them in ser- 
 vice. The mere principles of military compact 
 
343 
 
 would have been insufficient for the purpose. But 
 the dissolution of the army at this period would 
 have been the loss of freedom. 
 
 In the mean time, he, in his personal and official 
 character, sustained the utmost injustice and wrong. 
 Moved by envy, or something worse, a faction of 
 malcontents was formed to remove him from com- 
 mand, and to appoint in his place general Gates, 
 whose successes of late had given him a high re- 
 putation. But his name was too dear to the great 
 body of Americans to admit of such a change, and 
 the meditated mischief recoiled on themselves. 
 The British army having abandoned Philadelphia 
 on the 17th and 18th of June, 1778, he pursued 
 them, annoying them in their march through the 
 state of New-Jersey. 
 
 On the 28th of June, he met the enemy on the 
 plains of Monmouth, and after a hard fought battle, 
 he obliged them to retire from the field. General 
 Washington slept in his cloak on the field of battle, 
 intending to renew the attack next morning; but at 
 midnight the British troops marched off in such 
 silence, as not to be discovered. The loss of the 
 British was 300, while that of the Americans was 
 69. Thus after the vicissitudes of two years war, 
 both armies were brought back to the point from 
 which they set out. 
 
 In the two succeeding campaigns, it did not fall 
 to the lot of the commander-in-chief to be person- 
 ally concerned in any very distinguished military 
 events. But his active and capacious mind had 
 full employment in the public service ; in the 
 council chamber of the nation as well as in the 
 field. In January, 1780, a winter memorable for 
 its severity, his utmost exertions were necessary 
 to save the army from dissolution. The soldiers in 
 general submitted with heroic patience to the want 
 of provisions and clothes. Their sufferings at 
 length were so great, that two regiments actually 
 
344 
 
 mutinied, but by his exertions it was timely sup* 
 pressed, and the ringleaders secured. 
 
 In September, 1780, the treachery of Arnold 
 was detected. 
 
 In September, 1781, lord Cornwallis having pe- 
 netrated from the south, with an army of 10,000 
 strong, took possession of Yorktown, in Virginia. 
 
 In the meantime, general Washington, at the 
 head of the combined force of French and Ameri- 
 cans, marching from Williamsburgh, proceeded to 
 invest the enemy's position. The siege com- 
 menced on the 28th September, and continued un- 
 til the 19th of October, when the British force was 
 compelled to surrender themselves prisoners of 
 war. This event filled America with joy, and was 
 the means of terminating the glorious contest. 
 On the 19th April, 1782, a cessation of hostilities 
 took place. 
 
 In March, 1783, he exhibited his characteristic 
 firmness jn opposing an attempt to produce a mu- 
 tiny by anonymous letters. His address to his 
 officers on the occasion displays, in a remarkable 
 degree, his prudence and the correctness of his 
 judgment, and was the happy means of repressing 
 the spirit which was breaking forth. In June, he 
 addressed a letter to the governors of the several 
 states, congratulating them on the result of the 
 contest in the establishment of independence, and 
 recommending an indissoluble union of the states 
 under one federal head, a sacred regard to public 
 justice, the adoption of a proper peace establish- 
 ment, and the prevalence of a friendly disposition 
 among the people of the several states. After the 
 evacuation of New-York, he entered it, accompa- 
 nied by governor Clinton and many respectable 
 citizens. 
 
 On the 4tli of December, after having taken a 
 most solemn and affecting leave of his companions 
 in arms, he proceeded to Annapolis, when congress 
 was in session. Here with no less solemnity, and 
 
345 
 
 in a manner equally aftecting, he took leave also 
 of them, after surrendering into the hands of their 
 president his commission which he had borne dur- 
 ing eight years of solicitude and peril, exertion, and 
 glory. He then retired to Mount Vernon, to enjoy 
 again the pleasures of domestic life. 
 
 In 1786, he was convinced, with other states- 
 men, of the necessity of substituting a more vigor- 
 ous government, and was, in 1787, again called 
 from domestic retirement, to take a seat in the con- 
 vention, w^hich formed the present constitution, and 
 over which, by the unanimous voice of his col- 
 leagues, he was appointed to preside. 
 
 On the adoption of the constitution, he was una- 
 nimously elected president of the United States. 
 
 His elevation to this office was productive, at 
 once, of universal joy and reviving hope. On his 
 journey to the seat of government, he was every 
 where saluted with honours and distinctions worthy 
 of the father and protector of his country. On his 
 arrival at New-York, he was inducted into office on 
 the 30th April, 1789, and at once entered upon the 
 arduous and exalted duties which it imposed. Of 
 the w^isdom and ability with which these duties 
 were discharged, the happy and glorious result of 
 his administration can best testify. For the libe- 
 rality of its views, soundness of its principles, the 
 correctness of its details, and the dignified gran- 
 deur and firmness of its march, it was achefd'oeu- 
 vre of human achievement. 
 
 On the expiration of his second term of office, 
 he, although perfectly assured of success, declined 
 a third election to the presidency, and withdrew to 
 the shades of private life, with an increase of reso- 
 lution to abandon them no more. 
 
 In September, 1796, he published his farewell 
 address to the people of the United States. A 
 public document of the richest value, and will be 
 handed down to the latest posterity with the im- 
 mortal declaration of independence. 
 
 44 
 
34(3 
 
 This great and good man expired December 14, 
 1799. This melancholy event, which was in a 
 short time announced in every section of the coun- 
 try, produced a shock more severe and extensive 
 than had ever, perhaps, been experienced from the 
 death of a mortal. 
 
 From one end of the continent to the other, the 
 most exalted honours were paid to his memory. 
 Nor were the tributes on this occasion confined to 
 America. Some of the ablest pens and most elo- 
 quent tongues in Europe were exerted in portray- 
 ing the virtues and services of the deceased. 
 
 In stature he was upwards of six feet; in his 
 form muscular and well proportioned, exhibiting 
 the appearance of unusual strength; and in all'his 
 movements easy and graceful. The lineaments of 
 his face were rather on the Grecian than the Ro- 
 man model. 
 
 His appearance was strongly indicative of his 
 character. It exhibited the most striking repre- 
 sentation of greatness and majesty, that have ever 
 been seen attached to the person of a mortal. No 
 one could approach him without experiencing this 
 sentiment, and feeling that he was in the presence 
 of the greatest of men. 
 
 Considered as a compound of whatever is most 
 estimable and magnificent in man, he is without 
 a parallel in history or tradition. In no other in- 
 dividual, ancient or modern, has such transcendent 
 greatness been found associated with such exalted 
 virtue. Perfection does not belong to humanity : 
 but the nearest approach to it that mortal has at- 
 tained, is believed to have been in him. A pa- 
 triot without a blemish ; a statesman without guile ; 
 a leader of armies without ambition ; a magistrate 
 without severity, yet inflexible in uprightness; a 
 citizen exemplary in the discharge of every duty, 
 a man in whose character weakness and faults ap- 
 peared but as specks on the brightness of the sun ; 
 who had religion without austerity, dignity with- 
 
M7 
 
 out pride; modesty without diffidence; courage 
 without rashness ; politeness without affectation; 
 affability without familiarity. Such was the founder 
 of American liberty and independence. 
 
 His writings are expressed in a style of dignified 
 simplicity. The following have been published ; 
 *' Official Letters to the American Congress, writ- 
 ten during the War," 2 volumes 8vo. 1795. "Let- 
 ters to Arthur Young and Sir John Sinclair, on 
 Agriculture, and the Rural Economy of the United 
 States," 2 volumes 8vo. " Farewell Address to 
 the people of the United States." 
 
 West, Benjamin, a celebrated histr^rical painter, 
 was born near Springfield, Chester county, Penn- 
 sylvania, in the year 1735. At an early age, he 
 evinced an attachment for drawing, and displayed 
 an uncommon precocity of talent in that art. His 
 designs were beheld with wonder by his parents 
 and friends, from whom he received every encou- 
 ragement. 
 
 At the age ofsixteen, he settled in Philadelphia, 
 where he acquired ne,/ facilities in the progress of 
 his favourite art. Here he also received employ- 
 ment as a portrait painter. His success at histori- 
 cal painting was so flattering, that after passing 
 nearly a year in New- York, where he painted the 
 "Student reading by candle-light," he determined 
 to visit the classical shores of Italy. He accord- 
 ingly embarked, in 1760, on board of a vessel des- 
 tined for Leghorn ; after which, he immediately 
 proceeded to Rome, and entered on the 10th July, 
 1760. He was immediately introduced to cardinal 
 Albani, and Mengs. At the recommendation of 
 Mengs, he visited Florence, Bologna, and Venice, 
 and studied the most eminent masters of anti- 
 quity. 
 
348 
 
 On his return to Rome, animated by a noble 
 spirit of emulation, he determined to rival his fel- 
 low students by painting two pictures, one of " Cy- 
 men and Iphigenia," and another of "Angelica 
 and Medora," when he resolved to return to Ame- 
 rica. At Parma, by express invitation of the prince, 
 he was presented at court. 
 
 He now passed through Savoy into France, on 
 his return home, and resided some time at Paris. 
 He at length arrived in England, on the 20th Au- 
 gust, 176^; and after due consideration he deter- 
 mined to settle in London. 
 
 He was introduced by Dr. Markham, archbishop 
 of York, to Dr. Johnson and Mr. Burke. 
 
 In 176.5, he painted "the Parting of Hector and 
 Andromache," for the bishop of Bristol ; and "the 
 Return of i^he Prodigal Son," for the bishop of 
 Worcester. 
 
 Dr. Drummond, archbishop of York, now be- 
 came one of his most zealous patrons, and for 
 whom, he painted "Agrippina landing with the 
 ashes of Germanicus." On finishing this picture, 
 he was introduced by the archbishop to the king, 
 and afterwards to the queen. 
 
 On seeing this picture, the king, as a mark of 
 his approbation proposed to him, " the final depar- 
 ture of Regulus from Rome." 
 
 With all possible haste, he produced a sketch, 
 which pleased his majesty greatly, and from this 
 moment, he exhibited a partiality for him, which 
 continued uninterrupted during the long term of 
 forty years. 
 
 He was frequently invited to spend tlie evening 
 at Buckingham house, and it was with him, in the 
 conversation with his majesty, that the plan of the 
 royal academy was first canvassed and digested. 
 
 Mr. West continued to receive the patronage of 
 his royal highness, and for whom he painted " Ha- 
 milcar, making his son swear implacable enmity 
 against the Romans." "The death of Wolfe;" 
 
349 
 
 " The death of Epaminondas ;" and " The death of 
 Chevalier Bayard." 
 
 He was also employed to paint thirty-five pic- 
 tures, illustrative to the history of revealed reli- 
 gion, which were to be placed in his majesty's pri- 
 vate chapel at Windsor castle. 
 
 On the death of Sir Joshua Reynolds, in 1791, 
 he was unanimously elected president of the royal 
 academy. 
 
 After the peace of Amiens he visited Paris, for 
 the express purpose of contemplating the noble 
 series of statues and pictures contained in the 
 splendid galleries of the Louvre. He received 
 on this occasion a distinguished reception not 
 only from the French artists, but the French go- 
 vernment. 
 
 The honours paid to him in France, appear to 
 have given umbrage in England, and he partially 
 lost the royal patronage for a time. He, however, 
 appealed to the public ; and the appeal was not 
 in vain. The several large pictures painted by 
 him, on his return, were exhibited with great eclat, 
 and proved highly productive. The British insti- 
 tution presented him with 3000 guineas, for the ce- 
 lebrated composition of "Christ healing the Sick," 
 while a copy, which he presented to the hospital of 
 Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia, actually enabled the 
 committee of that institution, to enlarge the build- 
 ing for the reception of no less than fifty additional 
 patients. 
 
 The death of Mrs. West on the 10th December, 
 1817, proved a melancholy event in his life, by has- 
 tening his own. Accordingly on the 10th March, 
 1820, this great painter expired, without a struggle. 
 His body was afterwards transferred to one of the 
 saloons of the royal academy, and interred with 
 great funeral pomp, in St. Paul's cathedral. 
 
 In his deportment Mr. West was mild and consi- 
 derate : his eye was keen, and his mind apt; but he 
 was slow and methodical in his reflection. 
 
350 
 
 As an artist, he will stand in the first rank. His 
 name will be classed with those of Michael Ange- 
 lo and Raphael. His powers of conception were 
 of a superior cast — equal in their excellence to 
 Michael Angelo's energy, or Raphael's grandeur ; 
 and, in the inferior departments of drawing and 
 colouring, he was one the greatest artists of his 
 
 He received from his majesty for pictures on va- 
 rious subjects, historical and religious subjects, 
 and family portraits, £34,187 sterling. The whole 
 number of the works of his pencil amount to near- 
 ly one thousand. 
 
 Walton, George, one of the signers of the de- 
 claration of independence, was born in Frederick 
 county, Virginia, about the year 1740. At an early 
 period, he removed to Georgia, where he prosecut- 
 ed the study of the law, under the superintendence 
 of H. Young, Esq. Having completed his studies, 
 he embarked in the practice of his profession in 
 the year 1774. The progress of the revolution in 
 the other colonies, soon rendered it necessary that 
 Georgia should take a decided part either in favour 
 of, or in opposition to the royal government. At 
 this critical period, the cause of liberty proved tri- 
 umphant, and a council of safety was appointed. 
 
 In consideration of his zeal and patriotism he 
 was elected by the legislature of Georgia, a dele- 
 gate to the general congress, on the 20th February, 
 1776. On the 4th July, he was one of those worthy 
 patriots, who pledged "their lives, their fortunes, 
 and their sacred honours,'' in support of the liber- 
 ties of the people in that solemn declaration, which 
 for ever separated the colonies from Great Britain. 
 
 He was successively re-elected to the congress 
 of 1777,78, '79, '80, and '81 ; in this latter year, he 
 
351 
 
 finally retired from the great national council, in 
 whose proceedings he had so long and ably as- 
 sisted. 
 
 As an evidence of the public confidence in his 
 talents and usefulness, he was six times elected a 
 representative to congress ; twice, a governor of 
 the state ; once a senator of the United States ; 
 and four times judge of the superior courts. The 
 latter ofiice he held until the day of his death. 
 
 He closed his useful and laborious life on the 
 2d of February, 1804, leaving in the memory of his 
 actions and his accomplishments, a lasting monu- 
 ment of his worth, and a rich legacy to his country. 
 
 Williams, William, one of the signers of the 
 declaration of independence, was born in the town 
 of Lebanon, Connecticut, on the 8th April, 1731. 
 
 At the age of sixteen, he entered Harvard col- 
 lege, and was graduated in 1751. 
 
 In 1756, he commenced his political career, as 
 the town clerk of Lebanon, to which station he was 
 annually elected during the long period of forty- 
 five years. He was chosen about the same time to 
 jepresent the town in the general assembly of Con- 
 necticut, and for many years acted as speaker of 
 the house of representatives. During the greater 
 part of the revolution, he was a member of the 
 council of safety, whose sessions were daily and 
 unremitting. 
 
 In 1780, he was elected counsellor, and was an- 
 nually re-elected for twenty-four years. He was 
 seldom absent from his seat in the legislature for 
 more than ninety sessions, except when he was a 
 delegate to the general congress. 
 
 In fact, he expended his whole life in the ser- 
 vice of the public, and in promoting the prosperity 
 of his country. 
 
352 
 
 He was appointed a delegate to represent the 
 state of Connecticut in the general congress of 
 1776. He was therefore present and assisted in 
 the deliberations of that august assembly, when 
 the great charter of our independence was submit- 
 ted to its considerations. He now embarked en- 
 thut^iastically in the cause of the colonies, and by his 
 writings and eloquence, he aroused the feelings of 
 his fellow citizens to resist the arbitrary measures 
 of Great Britain, and to maintain their rights. He 
 was a member of the state convention which adopt- 
 ed the present constitution. Mr. Williams con- 
 tinued to render distinguished services to his coun- 
 try, till the day of his death, which took place on 
 the 2d August, 1811, in the eighty-first year of his 
 age. 
 
 WoLcoTT, Oliver, LL. D. one of the signers of 
 the declaration of independence, was born at East 
 Windsor, Connecticut, on the 26th November, 
 1726. He was graduated at Yale college in 1747. 
 He applied himself to the study of medicine under 
 the direction of his brother, but before he was 
 established in practice, he was appointed, in the 
 year 1751, first sheriff for the county of Litchfield. 
 He afterwards filled various offices, and lastly was 
 appointed chief judge of the court of common 
 pleas for the county. 
 
 On all questions preliminary to the revolutionary 
 war, he was a firm advocate of the American cause. 
 
 In July, 1775, he was appointed by congress one 
 of the commissioners of Indian affairs for the 
 northern department. 
 
 In January, 1776, he attended congress at Phila- 
 delphia, and remained with that body till the de- 
 claration of independence was adopted and signed. 
 He then returned home, and was appointed major- 
 
'jiy.^ 
 
 general of fourteen regiments ol" the Connecticut 
 militia, which were ordered for the defence of New- 
 York. 
 
 In November, 1776, he resumed his seat in con- 
 gress, and accompanied tliat body to Baltimore, 
 during the eventful winter of 1777. In the ensu- 
 ing summer he joined the army under general 
 Gates, and took the command of the militia : and 
 aided in taking the army under Burgoyne. 
 
 In February, 1778, he attended congress at 
 Yorktown. 
 
 In 1779, he took the field at the head of a divi- 
 sion of the militia for the defence of the sea coast 
 of Connecticut. 
 
 From 1781 to 1783, he occasionally attended 
 congress. 
 
 In 1784 and '5, he was a commissioner of In- 
 dian affairs, and was one of those wdio prescribed 
 the terms of peace to the Six Nations of Indians. 
 
 From 1786, he was annually elected lieutenant- 
 governor, till 1796, when he was chosen governor, 
 which office he held till his death, which happened 
 on the 1st December, 1797, in the seventy-second 
 year of his age. Governor Wolcott was an inflex- 
 ible patriot, 
 
 " Nor kings, nor worlds could warp his steadfiist mind^" 
 
 and the numerous ofiices which he filled, are pledges 
 of the universal esteem and confidence of his fel- 
 low citizens. Incorruptible integrity and unshaken 
 firmness were conspicuous in his character. He 
 was the friend of virtue and religion. He was per- 
 sonally acquainted with most of the great actors 
 of the American revolution, and his name is re- 
 corded in connexion with most of its important 
 events. 
 
 4i> 
 
iSo4 
 
 Wilson, Alexander, a celebrated naturalist, 
 was born in Scotland about the year 1768. He re- 
 ceived the elements of a classical education at the 
 grammar school at Paisely, his native town. At 
 an early period of life he evinced a 'strong desire 
 for literature, and occasionally contributed essays 
 and poetry to the periodical publications of the day. 
 
 In 1792, he published "Watty and Meg," a 
 poem, which at the time was attributed to Burns, 
 and ranks with the best productions of the Scottish 
 muse. 
 
 In 1794, ho embarked for America, and arrived 
 at Philadelphia, where he procured employment as 
 a copperplate printer. After various changes of 
 residence and employment, he at length solicited 
 and received an engagement from the trustees of 
 the Union School, on the Schuylkill, near Philadel- 
 phia. It was here that he contracted an intimacy 
 w^ith Mr. Vv''i}iiam Bartram, the naturalist, which 
 continued unabated to the last moments of his ex- 
 piring friend. 
 
 His friend, whose long life had been spetit in 
 travels and researches into nature, perceiving the 
 turn of his mind for natural history, 'took every 
 pains to encourage him in a study, which, while it 
 expands the faculties, and purifies the heart, in- 
 sensibly leads to the contemplation of the glorious 
 Author of nature. 
 
 Mr. Bartram possessed some works on natural 
 history, particularly those of Catesby and Edwards ; 
 these Mr. Wilson attentively perused, and found 
 himself enabled, even with his slender stock of in- 
 formation, to detect errors and absurdities into 
 which these authors had fallen. 
 
 Having perused all the works of naturalists, par- 
 ticularly those relating to the birds of America, 
 and finding them teeming so much with theories, 
 fables, and misrepresentations, that he no longer 
 looked upon them as authority, but turned to ex- 
 
ploring the fields and the woods as his only safe 
 guide. 
 
 Having satisfied his mind of the utility of a cor- 
 rect history of the birds of North America, he ap- 
 plied himself with unremitted exertions to the ac- 
 complishment of this favourite work. 
 
 In 1807, he made several excursions into the 
 western parts of Pennsylvania to procure speci- 
 mens, and in the following year, under the patron- 
 age of S. F. Bradford, Esq. of Philadelphia, the 
 first volume of that splendid work made its appear- 
 ance. From this moment he began to emerge 
 from the vale of obscurity, and attain that enviable 
 distinction in the republic of «?cience and letters, 
 which it is the lot of but few to enjoy. 
 
 In 1810, he published a second volume. Shortly 
 after its appearance, he took a tour as far as New- 
 Orleans, and returned in the course of the next 
 year to Philadelphia with the fruits of his industry 
 and perseverance, including several specimens of 
 birds hitherto unknown. 
 
 In 1812, he made an excursion to the eastward, 
 for the purpose of collecting specimens, and of 
 adding to his stores of knowledge. In the mean 
 time the publication advanced as rapidly as a due 
 regard to correctness and elegance would permit. 
 
 Besides the journeys already mentioned, he 
 made excursions to the sea shore in pursuit of the 
 waders and webfooted tribes ; which he found in 
 immense numbers. The aggregate of his peregri- 
 nations amounted to upwards of ten thousand 
 miles. 
 
 In the early part of the year 1813, he published 
 the seventh volume of the American Ornithology. 
 He immediately made preparations for the suc- 
 ceeding one, but unfortunately his great anxiety to 
 conclude the work, condemned him to an excess of 
 toil, which, inflexible as was his mind, his bodily 
 frame wos unable to bear. He was attacked by a 
 
<55G 
 
 disease which, after a few days of illness, put a 
 period to his useful life, August 23, 1813. 
 
 As a naturalist, perhaps no age or nation can 
 lay claim to one who was more eminently qualified. 
 He was indebted for his ideas, not to books, which 
 err, but to nature which is infallible ; and the in- 
 estimable transcript of her work, which he has be- 
 queathed to us, possesses a charm which affects 
 us the more, the better we become acquainted with 
 the delightful original. 
 
 Ward, Artemas, the first major-general in the 
 American army, was graduated at Harvard college 
 in 1743, and was afterwards a representative in the 
 legislature. When the war commenced with 
 Great Britain, he was appointed by congress first 
 major-general, July 17, 1775. After the arrival of 
 Washington, in July, when disposition was made 
 of the troops for the siege of Boston, the command 
 of the right wing of the army at Roxbury was in- 
 trusted to general Ward. 
 
 He resigned his commission in April, 1776, 
 though he continued for some time longer in com- 
 mand at the request of Washington. He after- 
 wards devoted himself to the duties of civil life. 
 He was a member of congress, both before and 
 after the adoption of the present constitution. 
 After a long decline, in which he exhibited the 
 most exemplary patience, he died at Shrewsbury, 
 October 28, 1800, aged seventy-three years. 
 
 He was a man of incorruptible integrity. So 
 fixed and unyielding were the principles which 
 governed him, that his conscientiousness in lesser 
 concerns was by some ascribed to bigotry ^'f: 
 life presented the virtues of the christian. 
 
 END. 
 

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