% .0^ "-^^0^ .^°^> '^ ° " ° \V '^ ^^ . ^ -^^ -^^ fcS ^' ^o *o. 's^-Kf .^ ^ V .1-' -'•'-f^.. ^^-^. %XJ ,4- .f •^ ^^ V*. ^i ^ ^<^^ ■^ .0 "^^ il * °^ • ^-?. ^ ^ v^ , y//. ^°. ^^ 'b^^ v-^. .^^: ^^''' . '^ 0" "^^^ I / to rev. j. r. goodman. Dear Sir, The " Pennsylvania Series of Elementary School Books," is a work which is, at this time, much needed, and I am rejoiced to hear that its publication is commenced by gentlemen fully compe- tent to make it what it should be. The geography, the history, the institutions, the resources, and improvements of our commonwealth, and the biography of our dis- tinguished men, furnish interesting materials for a work of this kind, and information highly desirable for our youth, and necessary to give them a proper estimate of their native state. I am yours respectfully, FRANCIS R. SHUNK, Superintendent Common Schools. Harrishurg, Nov. 1, 1839. /. , , I CHEERFULLY concur in the above sentiments. ^; GEO. N. ESPY, ^ '^ Auditor G^.e-al. Harrisburg, Nov. 1, 1839. Treasury Office, Nov. 1, 1839. Dear Sir, The plan of a new series of primary books, for the use of com- mon schools, which has been submitted to me, is one with which I am well pleased. It has long been a desideratum with me, to have something more exclusively Pennsylvanian, put into the hands of our youths. This object appears to have been attained in the plan you propose, as far as I have been able to examine it. I hope you may suceeed in the undertaking. Yours, truly, DANIEL STURGEON, Treasurer of the Commonwealth, Rev. John R. Goodman. I DO heartily concur in the above. Respectfully yours, JACOB SALLADE, Surveyor General. (1) EXTRACT From His Excellency^ Governor Porter's Message^ January 8th, 1840. We are also in need of a proper system of school books, to be used in our schools, and which should be composed by competent persons, for the instruction of the youths of Pennsylvania. Such a course as would tend properly to impress our youth with a due regard for our own commonwealth, would endear her to their hearts. Her position, wealth, and intelligence ; the admirable and free system of her laws ; her unwavering patriotism and devotion to republican principles ; her distinguished philanthropy and bene- volence, entitle her, in a pre-eminent degree, to the love and ven- eration of her children, who should be early taught properly to estimate her great characteristics. BOARD OF CONTROLLERS OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS, FIRST SCHOOL DISTRICT, PA. (Extract from the Minutes.) At a meeting of the Board, held this day, the following resolution was adopted : Resolved, That the " Pennsylvania Biography j^'' edited by the Rev. J. R. Goodman, be introduced as a reading book, into the Public Schools. RICHARD PENN SMITH, Secretary. January 14, 1840. (2) Pennsylraiila Series of Glementary School Books. CLASS BOOK NO. 6. PENNSYLVANIA BIOGRAPHY MEMOIRS EMINENT PENNSYLVANIANS f^..§-0^).. WITH OCCASIONAL EXTRACTS, IN PROSE AND VERSE, FROM THEIR WRITINGS. Designed as a Reading Book for more advanced Classes* To which is prefixed, as a required Introduction, THE LIFE OF WILLIAM PENN, Proprietary and Governor. ^,,,>*'^3?X2i-^^'e^ PHILADELPHIA : J. CRISSY, No. 4, MINOR STREET. 1840. ri^-s J^(cd6 Entered, according to the act of Congress, in the year 1S39, by REV. J. R. GOODMAN, AXD JAMES CRISSY, in the clerk's office of the district court of the United States m afid for the eastern district of Pennsyl^-ania. STEREOTVPED BV J. FAGAN— PHILADELPHIA. PRINTED BY JAMES CRISSY. (4) THESE MEMOIRS OF EMINENT CITIZENS OF THE COMMONWEALTH, ARE INSCRIBED, BY THE EDITOR, TO THE YOUTH OF HIS NATIVE STATE, IN THE HUMBLE HOPE, THAT THEY MAY INCITE TO A REVERENCE FOR THEIR VIRTUES, AND AN IMITATION OF THEIR EXAMPLES. (5) PREFACE. If is a remark of Dr. Johnson, that *' no species of writing seems more worthy of cultivation than biogra- phy, since none can be more delightful or more useful. Nofte more certainly enchains the heart by irresistible interest, or more widely diffuses instruction to every diversity of condition." In subscribing to the correct- ness of this sentiment of the great moralist, the editor of this work has prepared the memoirs with a special i*eference to the benefits which might be expected to result to the young, from narratives of individuals who have deservedly won the admiration, and secured the reverence of their fellow men. The moral portraits which he has drawn, may, it is hoped, present such features as will call for their close attention ; whilst the account of their lives should beget a desire of imita- tion, in order to secure a like measure of merited renown. A feeling of state pride has also been attempted to be awakened; and among those jewels which he has here exhibited, there will be found many that the people of Pennsylvania will long treasure, as a portion of the legacy bequeathed to them by the great and good of their beloved commonwealth. J. R. G. Philadelphia, 1840. ^^^ CONTENTS. Letters recommendatory, ------------ 1 Dedication, - ----- 5 Preface, -..-----.-- 7 Life of William Penn, ------------- 9 David Rittenhouse, --------------23 Thomas Godfrey, Sr. 36 Francis Hopkinson, -...-------.--49 Thomas Godfrey, Jr. ----- 71 Benjamin Rush, .---..---------77 Edward Drinker, 84 Benjamin West, 87 Robert Fulton, 96 Right Rev. Bishop White, - - 104 Rev. Nathaniel Evans, 112 Rev. John Blair Linn, ------------. 120 Charles Brockden Brown, 136 William Rawle, 149 William Moore Smith, 158 Lindley Murray, 163 Elias Boudinot, 169 Major General Thomas Mifflin, -.-. 173 Major General Anthony Wayne, 185 Commodore Stephen Decatur, ----«-..-. 207 Brigadier General John Cadwallader, -------. 224 Major General John Gibson, 228 Major General Andrew Porter, -.-. 232 Captain Nicholas Biddle, 246 Major General Jacob Brown, ----------- 252 Thomas Mifflin, 259 Thomas M'Kean, 260 Simon Snyder, --------- 263 Joseph Hiester, 267 George Wolf, 274 (8) PENNSYLVANIA BIOGRAPHY. The Pent! Family Arms. WILLIAM PENN. Born A. D. MDCXLIV— Died A. D. MDCCXVIII. If the personal virtues of the illustrious subject of this me- moir, and the Christian graces of his life, call for our admira- tion, the benevolent principles, upon which he founded a new Commonwealth, demand a tribute of commendation from every friend of humanity. Few men, who, by their public acts, have gained an enviable, and ever-during fame, and whose names are imperishably written on the page of history, have merited, more justly, the honour of the world ; as few, who have sup- plied, in their characters, instances of moral purity, have more deservedly received the offerings of that world's reverence. Biography is as if hallowed, when it can record, in all the integrity of truth, instances of such devotion to the promptings of a sacred " spirit within ;" of such unbending fortitude in afflictive trials; of an ever-expanding benevolence to the stranger ; of mercy to the suflerer ; and of exact justice to all. (9) 10 BIOGRAPHY OF To tell of such a man, is to supply the best illustration of how powerful is the influence, and how salutary the control of prin- ciples, which have their foundation in religion ; and the ten- dency of which is, the lasting, solid benefit of untold genera- tions. Through the operation of these principles upon the benevo- lent nnind of Penn, Pennsylvania can justly claim, as the foundation of her settlement, and subsequent prosperity, the eternal maxims of our Holy Faith. Her origin was in these, and essentially so. Guided by the lovely spirit of our Chris- tianity, and urged on by a desire of extending her mild, yet tranforming precepts to the savage, he panted for the posses- sion of a theatre, though it should be a wilderness, and its inhabitants barbarians, upon which he might exhibit the splen- did results that would flow from a government, based upon Gospel truth, administered by Gospel authority, and marked by Gospel simplicity. And the God of providence brought him to the far-off land of the untutored Indian, and gave him the lofty forest as a home for him and his people, and an asy- lum for the wronged of the old world. Here, amid circum- stances sufficient to alarm one less enthusiastic in his sacred object, he planted a colony, such as never before had made the materials for a commonwealth ; and here, with the native savage, he formed a league of justice and friendship, which was never broken; — for the smoke which ascended from the calumet of peace, was an incense that rose not in vain, above the wilderness temple ! It was a treaty, the first that was not ratified by an oath ! And it needed not thus to be confirmed. Had not Penn pro- claimed to the world, his sacred design in establishing a new state? Had not the fundamental maxims for its direction been widely spread ? The court of his sovereign, and the highway, alike, had heard his object ; and the registry of his purpose, and principles, he was aware, was in the minds of all. And why an oath to ratify this holy league ? He had been invest- WILLIAM PENN. 11 ed, as kings before had invested their subjects, with the unin- habited territory of the crown ; and the title was ample and vahd, as kings and the learned servants of kings had told. But the spirit of a religion, so pure and divine as that of the gospel, he believed, gave not the land of the native heathen to be thus conveyed. And with that spirit operating in his breast — a spirit which gave to him the witness and the assurance that it was from above, — with the purest and most sanctified purpose, to treat the barbarian as a brother from a common parent, an oath would have been a solemn mockery. Under the direction of the gospel, he had formed his design, and in gospel sincerity he had resolved never to violate the merciful provision, which respected the Red man's claims over the Red man's land ; and which enforced upon the Christian colonist the sacred obligation, to extend to the poor heathen the sweet charities which bind the communion of the more enlightened. Another trait in the character of the venerable Penn, is, that of religious toleration, which is a primary principle of the government he founded, and which he carried out to its full extent. The cultivation and practice of this virtue, on his part, are the more remarkable, when, as we shall find, he himself was often and severely persecuted, on account of his religious opinions — at that time, peculiar and novel. We say, that the circumstance is the more remarkable, because history has supplied the lamentable truth, that the victim of religious bigotry and intolerance has too often become, in the day of his pride and strength, the unmerciful persecutor, or the minister of a vengeance against which himself had protested. Of the private virtues and qualities of heart, as exhibited in his life, it may be sufficient to say that they were possessed by him to a degree which seldom is attained by beings con- stituted as we are. If the military pursuits of his father be considered, his first and earliest impressions must have been those of violence — yet he was an example of meekness. If the persecutions which constantly followed him on account of 12 BIOGRAPHY OF his religious faith and practices be remembered, the wonder, must be expressed, that still this Christian meekness ever dis- played itself. He had much of moral courage: for the *' truth's sake," he feared not the frown of his king, and ex- posed himself to the displeasure of an earthly parent. Nor had he less of fortitude when called to suffer. He submitted to the laws which imposed fines and heavy penalties, with a martyr's spirit ; but from the bars of his prison, he made himself heard in the cause of a religion which had his soul's best and purest love. Of his large and diffusive benevolence in promoting justice and mercy among men, instances have been stated ; of the application of it to individuals, many cases are on record, which show that it was ever active, even when endangering his beloved province. He was indeed both a great and a good man ! He can be called great ; for he pos- sessed that true nobility of mind and temper which constitutes this elevated quality among men. He was a good man ; for so far as human judgment can reach, in its righteous estimate of the human heart, he sought the knowledge of his duty, that he might follow it ; and served his God in truth and love here below, that he might be qualified, through divine grace, for admission into an immortal world above. The father of William Penn was Sir William Penn, who, early showing an inclination to the navy, was promoted, at the early age of twenty-one, to the rank of a captain, and ten years after, held the appointment of vice-admiral of England. He was born in Bristol, England, and married Margaret Jas- per, the daughter of a merchant in Rotterdam, Holland. During the protectorate of Cromwell, and after the restoration of Charles II., he was continued in the service of both govern- ments ; pursuing his course of duty without regard to the par- ties that distracted his country. To that country he renderefj' important services : in reward for which he was knighted by Charles II. ; and the character which he established was one of honour and fidelity, in all his public offices. He was pos- WILLIAM PENN. 13 sessed of extensive estates in England and Ireland, which on his death, in 1670, were bequeathed, with his paternal bless- ing, to his son William. This son and heir of the admiral, and first proprietor and governor of Pennsylvania, was born in London, on the 14th of October, A. D. 1644. O^ his childhood and youth, the flattering indications were such as to cause his father to afford him the opportunity for acquiring a liberal education ; and he was entered accordingly, about the fifteenth year of his age, a student in Christ Church College, in Oxford University. At this period of his life he became seriously impressed with the truths of religion, through the ministry of Thomas Loe, a preacher of the Society of Friends, or Quakers. Con- ceiving it to be his duty to nourish the sacred feelings which he experienced, and to cultivate them through religious exer- cises, he united to himself a number of fellow-students at the university, and held private meetings for worship. A pro- ceeding, such as this, it might be expected, would be regarded by the college authorities, as at variance with established regulations ; and accordingly, a remonstrance was directed to this communion of youthful Christians. Failing in its pur- pose, however, William was fined for non-conformity to the National or Established Church ; and finally, on account of his i 3rseverance in a course, regarded by him as one he was imperiously bound to follow, he was expelled from the walls of the university, at the age of sixteen. Returning home, he still adhered to his religious habits and peculiar mode of thinking. His expulsion from Oxford, and the odium attached to the Society of Friends, of which his son was the professed admirer, influenced the father to oppose a conduct which he supposed would materially injure his ad- vancement in the world. After much ineffectual persuasion and earnest rebuke, William was turned away from his pa- rents' mansion, and already, a second time, found himself suffering for conscience sake. This expulsion, however, did 2 14 BIOGRAPHY OF not continue for any length of time ; for, through the persua- sive entreaties of his mother, he was again received by his father ; and from a belief that a tour to the continent might wean his son from his offensive tenets and customs, he deter- mined to send him to France, in company with several dis- tinguished individuals. This expedient, to some extent, met the expectations of his parent ; for we find, according to his diary, that about the year 1664, he endured a severe conflict with his religious duty, and the fascinations of a world that flattered him with admiration for his accomplishments. He was enabled to re- sist, however, the opposition to his religious progress ; and he continued to cherish his sacred impressions. Having been admitted, on his return from France, to Lincoln's Inn, with a view of studying law, he continued there until his twenty- second year, and conducted himself with such acceptableness to his father, that he was sent by him to take charge of an estate in Ireland. Here he attached himself to the Society of Friends, in full fellowship, and along with his brethren, was imprisoned at Cork ; but through the exertions of the earl of Orrery was soon liberated. His father remanded him home, and endeavoured, by every means which parental love and concern could effect, to separate him from his attachments ; but it was of no avail, for the son adhered to them from principles, which he regarded as stamped with a divine character. The conflict must have been painfully agonizing to both ; and concluded with a pro- posal from the admiral, that his son should be uncovered in the presence of the king, the duke of York, and himself As wholly inconsistent with the principles of the Quakers, Wil- liam declined ; and the result was, a second dismission. How long this expulsion continued, we are not informed ; but the most convincing evidences of the sincerity of his son's views and conduct, having been supplied in the consistency of his life, the father made no future opposition to his residence WILLIAM PENN. 15 at home. About this time, he became a public preacher among the Friends, and fearlessly held forth the doctrines which him- self had adopted, and which already had caused him much trouble. He also wrote several religious treatises ; one of which, the Sandy Foundation Shaken, occasioned so much offence to the church and government, that he was committed to the Tower of London. Here he continued for seven months, and, though suffering many privations, he yet prepared his most popular work. No Cross No Crown ; a production, which, like all those that came from his pen, is marked with evidences of a vigorous, logical mind ; of extensive reading, particularly in the Scriptures ; and of useful, careful study. In the year 1670, meetings of persons dissenting from the National Church, were forbidden by law, under heavy penal- ties ; which, however, did not deter Penn and his religious friends from preaching in the streets, in the vicinity of their meeting-houses. On one of these occasions, the subject of this memoir was arrested, and committed to the Newgate prison. In the trial which succeeded, he plead his own cause, and was acquitted by the jury : although, by the exercise of an arbitrary authority, the recorder ordered Penn and the jury to be sent to the gaol for contumacy. It was about this time that his father died, entirely reconciled to his son, and be- queathing to him the whole of his estates, with the affecting and impressive admonition : " Son William, let nothing in this world tempt you to wrong your conscience ; so will you keep peace at home, which will be a peace to you in a day of trouble." The measures of the government being sorely oppressive to the Quakers, Penn made two visits to Holland ; in one of which he was accompanied by the celebrated George Fox, and Robert Barclay, original leaders of the Society. Pre- viously to the first of these voyages, he had again been com- mitted to the Tower ; to the Lieutenant of which, on his exam- ination, he made the following bold appeal to his conduct. 16 BIOGRAPHY OF " I make this bold challenge to all men, women, and chil- dren, upon earth, justly to accuse me with ever having seen me drunk ; heard me swear ; utter a curse, or speak one ob- scene word, — much less that I ever made it my practice. I speak this to God's glory, who has preserved me from the power of these pollutions, and that, from a child, begat in me an hatred towards them. But there is nothing more common, than when men are of a more severe life than ordinary, for loose persons to comfort themselves with the conceit, that they were once as they are, as if there were no collateral or oblique line of the compass, or globe, men -may be said to come from, to the Arctic pole ; but directly and immediately from the Ant- arctic. Thy words shall be thy burden ,* and I trample thy slander as dirt under my feet." In 1672, he was married to Gulielma Maria Springett, daughter of Sir William Springett, and fixed his residence at Rickmersworth, in Hertfordshire; occasionally visiting the meetings of his religious friends ; fearlessly advocating their principles, defending their conduct, and aiding them in their persecutions. Indeed, he appears to have been most deeply intersted in their affairs ; for not only was he constantly tra- velling and preaching to the different societies of Friends in England and Ireland ; but occasional voyages were made to those in Germany and Holland. Much of his attention and influence was employed, likewise, in attempting to procure from Parliament a repeal of the laws, which operated so op- pressively against him and his religious associates ; but with no success. The repeated persecutions which he and his brethren were called to suffer, determined him to attempt a settlement in America, upon a plan, not more original than it was benevo- lent in conception. He had previously become possessed of a portion of the province of West Jersey, as one of the creditors of a Friend, named Billings, who had purchased his right from Lord Berkley, the original proprietor, in 1675. But his ex- WILLIAM PENN. 17 periment he wished to be on a larger scale, and unconnected with others. He desired that he might be able to afford an asylum for religious opinion, and an example of a just and righteous government. As the heir of his father. Admiral Penn, he had a large claim upon the crown ; as an equivalent for which, he desired that the territory, now called by his name, might be ceded to him. Charles II., accordingly, on the 4th of March, 1681, by royal charter, granted his petition ; investing him with all the rights of Proprietor and Governor. Measures were immediately pursued for colonizing the new country ; as an inducement for which, he promised a full and entire toleration in " religious persuasion or practice." In respect to the Aborigines, or Indians, his course was pro- claimed to be that of rigid justice and extensive mercy. He regarded them as the sole proprietors of the soil, notwithstand- ing the grant of the crown, and became the occupier of their lands only by purchase, and with their consent, as expressed in the treaties he held with them. The publication of such terms, and the known integrity of the Proprietor, induced an immediate emigration of respectable persons to the new province. Three vessels, filled with colo- nists, sailed in a few months from England ; and the next year not less than fifty ships, some of them from Holland and Ger- many, arrived with settlers. The city of Philadelphia was laid out on the banks of the Delaware ; and when William Penn landed on the shores of a country for which his earnest prayers had been offered, on the 24th of October, 1682, his heart was gladdened by the prosperity of his beloved colony. Treaties were soon made and ratified with the Indians ; the operation of his benevolent principles of government sedulously watched ; and the happiness of all, within the range of his influence, anxiously promoted. After continuing two years in his province, he returned to England ; and through his earnest petitions, succeeded in pro- curing a repeal of the penal laws against his religious society. 2* 18 BIOGRAPHY OF The civil troubles of this period had nigh involved him in iheit consequences ; and to avoid personal difficulty, and not en- danger the success of his experiment in America, he withdrew into retirement. Subsequently to this season, he was afflicted with the loss of his wife ; to the pain of which bereavement, he said, all his other troubles were of no consequence — but which he attempted to soothe in the preparation of religious works. His return to court enabled him to procure a special immunity from the taking of oaths ; an appeal by which, is forbidden, by the tenets of the Quakers. In 1689 he again sailed for Pennsylvania, taking with him his second wife, Hannah, the daughter of Thomas Callowhill, an eminent merchant of Bristol ; with the design of making his province the future permanent residence of his family. But being advised of attempts to harass his government at the court of England, he returned in 1701. Having succeeded in removing the prejudices of his sovereign, he finally fixed his dwelling at Rushcomb, in Buckinghamshire, and continued to reside there for the remainder of his days. Three succes- sive and violent attacks of apoplexy, in the year 1712, mate- rially impaired his memory and understanding ; but, although disqualified by this afflictive dispensation for public employ- ments, he continued to pronounce, in the meeting-house in Reading, short but appropriate and sensible instruction. He continued in this mournful condition until the 5th of July, 1718, when he died, aged about seventy-four years : — having during the whole season of his melancholy visitation, mani- fested that he possessed that calm, divine, and mental felicity, which was to be expected from his religious profession and purity of Hfe ! His works were originally published in two large folio vo- lumes, and are chiefly upon subjects of religion and Christian morals, and matters of civil government. They evidence his sincerity as a Christian and philanthropist. Of the propriety of his views as a statesman, let the province which he founded, WILLIAM PENN. 19 and the prosperity of our own Pennsylvania, be the evidence, as it is the proud monument. Who was William Penn ? What were the principles upon which he established his government ? How did he treat the Indians ? Who was his father, and of what profession ? When and where was Penn born ? At what university was he entered a student ? What occurred at the university ? What was the conduct of his father? For what profession in life did he afterwards prepare himself? When did he become a member of the Society of Friends ? Did he sufier on account of his religion by imprisonment, &c. When committed to the Tower, what was his challenge ? Did he afterwards become reconciled to his father ? What was his father's dying advice ? Why did he desire to have a province in America ? What king granted him Pennsylvania, and from what consideration ? When did Penn arrive in his province ? What did he do with the Indians ? Did his colony flourish? How many visits did he make to his province ? At what place was his residence in England ? When was he visited with a severe sickness ? What was the date of his death? Letter of William Penn to the Indians of the Province, forwarded through his Commissioners. ^'^ London, the 18th of the Eighth month, 1681. " My Friends, " There is a great God and power, that hath made the world, and all things therein ; to whom you and I, and all people owe their being, and well-being; and to whom you and I must one day give an account for all that we do in the world. " This great God hath written his law in our hearts, by which we are taught and commanded to love and help, and do good to one another. Now this great God hath been pleased to make me concerned in your part of the world ; and the king of the country where I live hath given me a great 20 BIOGRAPHY OF province therein ; but I desire to enjoy it with your love and consent, that we may always live together as neighbours and friends ; else what would the great God do to us, who hath made us, not to devour and destroy one another, but to live soberly and kindly together in the world? Now I would have you well observe, that I am very sensible of the unkind- ness and injustice that have been too much exercised towards you by the people of these parts of the world ; who have fought themselves, and to make great advantages by you, rather than to be examples of goodness and patience unto you ; which I hear hath been a matter of trouble to you, and caused great grudging and animosities, sometimes to the shed- ding of blood, which hath made the great God angry. But I am not such a man, as is well known in my own country. I have great love and regard towards you, and desire to win and gain your love and friendship, by a kind, just and peace- able life ; and the people I send are of the same mind, and shall, in all things, behave themselves accordingly ; and if in anything, any shall offend you, or your people, you shall have a full and speedy satisfaction for the same, by an equal number of just men on both sides, that by no means you may have just occasion of being offended against them. " I shall shortly come to you myself, at which time we may more largely and freely confer and discourse of these matters ; in the mean time I have sent my commissioners to treat with you about land, and a firm league of peace ; let me desire you to be kind to them, and the people, and receive these presents and tokens which I have sent you, as a testimony of my good will to you, and my resolution to live justly, peaceably and friendly with you. "I am your loving friend, * "William Penn." WILLIAM PENN. 21 Letter of William Penn, written on his leaving the Province, after his first visit, dated on ship-board, in the Delaware River. •' For Tho. Lloyd, J. Claypole, J. Simcock, Ch. Taijlor, and J. Harri- son, to be communicated in meetings in Pennsylvania, S^c. among Friends ; " Dear Friends, " My love and my life is to you, and with you ; and no water can quench it, nor distance wear it out, or bring it to an end : — I have been with you, cared over you, and served you with unfeigned love : and you are beloved of me, and near to me, beyond utterance. I bless you in the name and power of the Lord ; and may God bless you with his right- eousness, peace and plenty, all the land over. Oh, that you would eye him, in all, through all, and above all the works of your hands ; and let it be your first care, how you may glorify God in your undertakings ; for to a blessed end are you brought hither ; and if you see and keep but in the sense of that Providence, your coming, staying, and improving will be sanctified ; hut if any forget God, and call not upon his name, in truth, he will pour out his plagues upon them ; and they shall know who it is, that judgeth the children of men. " Oh, now you are come to a quiet land, provoke not the Lord to trouble it ; and now liberty and authority are with you, and in your hands, let the government be upon his shoul- ders, in all your spirits ; that you may rule for him, under whom the princes of this world will, one day, esteem it their honour to govern and serve, in their places. I cannot but say, when these things come mightily upon my mind, as the apostles did, of old, ' What manner of persons ought we to he, in all godly conversation /' Truly, the name and honour of the Lord are deeply concerned in you, as to the discharge of yourselves, in your present stations ; many eyes being upon you ; and remember, that as we have been belied about disowning the true religion, so, of all government, to behold us exemplary and Christian, in the use of that, will not only 22 BIOGRAPHY OF stop our enemies, but minister conviction to many, on that account, prejudiced. Oh, that you may see and know that service, and do it, for the Lord, in this your day : — " And thou, Philadelphia^ the virgin settlement of this province, named before thou wert born, what love, what care, what service, and what travail has there been, to bring thee forth, and preserve thee from such as would abuse and defile thee! " Oh, that thou mayest be kept from the evil that would overwhelm thee; that, faithful to the God of thy mercies, in the life of righteousness, thou mayest be preserved to the end : — My soul prays to God for thee, that thou mayest stand in the day of trial, that thy children may be blessed of the Lord, and thy people saved by his power ; my love to thee has been great, and the remembrance of thee affects mine heart and mine eye! — the God of eternal strength keep and preserve thee, to his glory and thy peace. " So, dear friends, my love again salutes you all, wishing that grace, mercy, and peace, with all temporal blessings, may abound richly among you; — so says, so prays, your friend and lover in the truth, "William Penn. " From on board the ketch Endeavour, ) the Sixth Month, 1684." \ PENNSYLVANIA BIOGRAPHY. PART I. SCIENCE, LITERATURE, ARTS, ETC. DAVID RITTENHOUSE. Born MDCCXXXII — Died MDCCXCVI. Few men have more remarkably exhibited the elastic power of genius, in overcoming obstacles of the greatest magnitude, and in conquering the untoward circumstances which beset their progress towards the objects of their pursuit, than the eminent subject of this article. The high elevation in science which he reached, was not more astonishing, than the inade- quate means which he enjoyed for the attainment of that knowledge, the possession of which secured for him the homage of the learned in Europe, and ministered to the glory and benefit of his country. Indeed, the history of the early literature and science of America, is a subject which cannot fail in arresting the atten- tion of every inquirer. Within the first half century of its settlement, almost every province had produced some mighty mind of giant mould ; towering in all the majesty of strength, and calling up the admiration and reverence of the philoso- phers of the old world. They beheld the master spirits of an age, which was emphatically one of intellect, presiding in the (23) 24 BIOGRAPHY OF rude academic grove, which was even yet the forest home of the savage ; and from the wilderness of the barbarian they heard the results of a wisdom, which was not surpassed by her favoured votaries in the venerable halls of enlightened Europe ! It is impossible, when reminded of this truth, to withhold our homage for men who have not only benefited mankind by their discoveries and inventions, but who have aided in raising one of the most splendid monuments of honour and praise to their native land. They were, indeed, the chil- dren of those who had left the regions of long accumulated wisdom ; and where all that ministers to the dignity and ele- vation of the human mind, was industriously cultivated. But their sires were not among the learned and the great of the world ! They were among those who, humble in possessions of any kind, sought either an asylum from the wrongs of their rulers, or a home where competency might reign. And they brought with them but little of this world's goods ; and least of all, the volumes of worldly wisdom. The bible, with the greater part, was the only book which they bore with them over the ocean wave ; and the holy and inspired truths of which they only sought to know. From such an origin there sprang these great and mighty men ,* and they went forth on the course of their glory, con- quering and to conquer. Their eyes had never been cheered with the sight of lofty domes, which crowned the temples of science ; nor had they access to the rich storehouses of wis- dom, which seers had bequeathed to immortality. Their path- way was straight and narrow ; beset with obstacles, at which temerity itself might falter. But they went on, urged by an impulse to which their aspirations and genius gave force; and they conquered, where thousands have yielded ; and the tro- phies which they won, are imperishable, for they are the con- quests of the human mind, itself undying. Among the names of those who achieved so much, with means so partial, David Rittenhouse holds a distinguished DAVID RITTENHOUSE. 25 rank ! " As a philosopher and a man of science,'* is the de- claration of a foreign writer, "America has not produced any one superior :" and it is not in a spirit of national vanity, that it is inquired, whether Europe has on her long scroll of the great and wise, many who excelled him ? He soared where the most venturous had gone, but with no guide; and he gained a measure of glory such as few have gained, but with little aid ! Let the times and the circumstances in which he was placed, — the want of that inspiriting and almost inspiring impulse, which is given from without, by those who, estima- ting the worth and dignity of pursuits such as his, cheer on to the work ; — and then let the stupendous height in science which he reached be scanned, and it must be conceded, that the Astronomer of Pennsylvania is deservedly honoured in the minds of her sons. And in their hearts, too, ought he to be reverenced, deeply reverenced ; for Rittenhouse was a good man I If, before the world, he was one of lofly genius, in private life he was en- deared by the virtues which lend its sweetest, holiest charms. With almost infantile simplicity, and a meekness which is the marked characteristic of the Christian, he can well be com- pared to the immortal Newton ; and the inquiry may here be made. Does not the cultivation of the science of astronomy, in a special degree, produce those graces which adorn the most, since they are the rarest jewels which man exhibits? In him, they were throughout his valuable life, for ever shown ; and added to his great integrity, his affectionate temper, and affa- bility to all, made him the beloved friend, as he was the honoured philosopher. David Rittenhouse was the son of a respectable farmer, and was born on the 8th of April, A. D. 1732, on the pater- nal estate, near Germantown, in the county of Philadelphia. His ancestors were originally from the Duchy of Guelders : and established the first paper manufactory in America, in 3 26 BIOGRAPHY OF the year 1690; a period nearly identical with the introduc- tion of the art in England. In early childhood, his peculiar genius displayed itself; and although the instruction which could be afforded in a remote district of a newly-settled coun- try, must have been necessarily imperfect, yet the defects of his education were surmounted through the strong impulse and energy of his mind. A maternal uncle, indeed, who ap- pears to have devoted much attention to mathematics, though of the humble occupation of a joiner, assisted him in his pro- gress towards knowledge : and on his decease, David inherited, what to him seemed a treasure of wealth, the elementary wc^-ks possessed by his relative, together with the tools of his trade. Of his capacity to use the latter, and as indicative of his propensity to the mechanic arts, it is told of him, that in the eighth year of his age, he made a miniature water-wheel, with some of its adjunct machinery, and soon after, produced a wooden clock, complete in its several parts. In occupations such as these, he sought a relaxation from his severer studies, which were followed, however, with unremitting attention. Every occasion was seized by him for pursuing his researches, and his fondness for figures was ever exhibiting itself. His occupations in the fields did not interfere with this thirst for knowledse : for it was often observed that the fences would be covered with diagrams and calculations ; and that the plough, which he had been using, would frequently show the results of his investigation. Before his nineteenth year he had mastered Newton's Principia, which he found among the books of his relative, and to the full understanding of which . so great a knowledge of algebra and mathematics is necessary. Another, and a greater triumph was achieved by him about this time, in fixing the principles of the method of fluxions ; which he did by his own unaided researches, and for the dis- covery of which he long regarded himself as the author, until DAVID RITTENHOUSE. 27 an event occurred which had some measure of influence upon his future career of professional honour. This was the arrival of the Rev. Thomas Barton, in Norri- ton, where the family of Rittenhouse then resided. He was a Presbyter of the Church of England ; and had come to America in search of preferment. He had but recently graduated at Trinity College, Dublin ; and that he deservedly received the honours of the above institution, the talents which he exhibited in the several distinguished stations to which he was called in this country, bear witness. Having taken charge of an Acad- emy in the vicinity of Rittenhouse's residence, an intimacy soon took place, which was eventually cemented by a union in marriage, between Barton and the sister of our youthful philosopher. The latter, now occasionally aided by the in- struction of his brother-in-law, devoted his attention to the Latin tongue, and was soon able to read his favourite Newton in that language. The library of Barton also furnished him with facilities in his favourite pursuits, which were unremit- tingly prosecuted. Having reached a period of life when the choice of a pro- fession became necessary, he determined upon that of a watch and mathematical instrument maker. To this pursuit he now devoted a sedulous attention ; spending his idle hours, as he called those of relaxation and repose, in his scientific studies. For the space of eight years he followed this course ; and so eager was he to acquire knowledge, that he had seriously im- paired a constitution, at no time very vigorous. Hs soon be- came known to the learned of that day ; and was deservedly regarded by them as an ornament to their circle, as he was honoured with several important appointments by his country. A short time previous, having been presented by his father with the paternal mansion, he married in the year 1764, Miss Colston, the daughter of a respectable farmer, with whom ho lived in the most devoted and affectionate attachment. The valuable knowledge and practical skill of our subject, 28 BIOGRAPHY OF were now called into requisition by his government, and he was appointed a commissioner to define the boundary lines between his native State, Delaware, and Maryland, and be- tween Pennsylvania and New York. At this time also, he first conceived the plan of a new Orrery, which, at intervals, he prosecuted, until he at length perfected one of the greatest monuments of science and practical usefulness. Instruments for exhibiting the relative situations and motions of the celes- tial bodies had, for a long time, been previously used ; but beyond this they had not been extended. Rittenhouse, how- ever, purposed regulating the planets to each other with such nice accuracy, that his instrument might be employed in place of tables for predicting the positions and phenomena of any required period. All of his knowledge in astronomy was employed in its construction, and his matchless practical skill produced at length a work which alone was sufficient to estab- lish an enviable fame. This orrery is now in the University of Pennsylvania ; and another similar to it, is at Princeton College, among the philosophical apparatus of these institu- tions. So great was the interest among the learned, on the exhibition of this instrument, that the legislature of Pennsyl- vania honoured the inventor by appointing a special committee to visit it, and bestowing £400 upon the maker, as an ac- knowledgment for the glory which he had conferred upon his native state. The year 1769 is memorable in the annals of astronomy, on account of the transit of the planet Venus, over the Sun's disk : and it presented an opportunity for the display of the extensive acquisitions of this subject of our memoirs. An in- tense anxiety prevailed throughout Europe, as to the event about to occur ; and its results, so advantageous to the cause of science, were impatiently expected. Through the repre- sentations of Rittenhouse, the American Philosophical So- ciety, in Philadelphia, entered with the most lively zeal into the measures he proposed ; and appointed himself, Dr. Wm. DAVID RITTENIIOUSE. 29 Smith, Provost of the Academy of Philadelphia, now the Uni- versity of Pennsylvania, and Mr. Lukens, surveyor-general of the State, the committee of observation, at Norriton. With the greatest difficulty the necessary instruments were procured, and the requisite preparations made by the Doctor. The expected day arrived, and commenced with all the joyful indi- cations, that its loveliness was auspicious, as to the results of the observations about to be made. But the preparatory labours of our astronomer, the many and arduous duties which devolved upon him as the principal director of the arrange- ments, necessary to the object of their inquiries, had worn dov/n a frame, already enfeebled by long and arduous study. The excitement of the occasion, however, sustained him until the moment of the contact of the planet; when his delight was so great that he fainted, and was received in the arms of his associates ! No higher commendation can be expressed of the great capacity of the Pennsylvania astronomer, than to repeat the admitted truth, that the report of this memorable event by the learned committee at Norriton, is regarded as the most full and complete by the astronomers of the world. About this time, he was honoured with a fellowship in the Royal Society, in England. Rittenhouse continued in the most enthusiastic investigations of his favourite science, and with unabated vigour. His per- sonal merits, and the great integrity of his character, drew upon him the notice of the government ; and demanded his services in those departments where moral virtue and intellec- tual capacity could, alone, present a claim for their occupancy. In the year 1775, when the most animated discussions as to the obnoxious measures of the mother country were carried on, his political integrity recommended him to a seat in the legislature of Pennsylvania : and when resistance to English aggression became general, he was elected one of the committee of public safety. He was likewise appointed Treasurer of the State ; and perhaps it ought to be a matter of special record, 3* 30 BIOGRAPHY OF that during a season of the greatest political confusion, and in too many instances of lawless violence, he discharged his du- ties, with not more ability and firmness, than with the most unbending integrity. His declining health, and his unwearied attachment to sci- entific pursuits, influenced his resignation of the important trusts which had been conferred upon him by his State. But the claims of his country could not be unheeded ; as the ca- pacity which he so eminently possessed, could not be disre- garded at that important period of our history. After having been elected a commissioner of the United States Bank, he was honoured with the appointment of Director of the Mint, by General Washington. Upon him there was devolved the arduous duty to put in operation a department, which is cor- rectly termed an " attribute of sovereignty." That his direc- tory was eflicient, and that his practical skill was of the greatest advantage to the establishment, need not be stated. In this department he continued until within a short time of his death. This melancholy event took place on the 26th of June, 1796, and was preceded by much of pain and suffering, which he bore, however, with a resignation and patience only equal- led by the immortal Newton. Having been told that a friend had inquired after his health, he asked. Why he had not been admitted into his chamber? The attendant replied, that he was too weak to converse with any one ; but observed the astronomer, " I might have pressed his hand." The papers and essays of this amiable and illustrious man, are to be found in considerable numbers among the Transac- tions of the American Philosophical Society, an institution of which he was a distinguished ornament, and towards which he always cherished the liveliest interest. On his death, this society decreed a public eulogium, which was pronounced by Dr. Rush ; and the highest honours were conferred upon his memory by the diflferent literary associations of the country. DAVID RITTENHOUSE. 81 Who was David Rittenhouse ? When, and where was he born ? What is said about his childhood, his ingenuity, great application, &c. f What profession did he adopt ? What very ingenious astronomical instrument did he make ? For what is the year 1769 memorable ? • On that occasion how was he engaged ? What offices did he hold in his native state ? What situations-imder the United States government ? When did he die ? During his sickness what did he remark about one who had called to see him? Extract from Mr. Rittenhouse's Oration, before the American Philoso- phical Society of Philadelphia, February 24, 1775. " The opinion of the earth's rotation on its axis was once violently opposed, from a notion of its dangerous tendency with respect to the interests of reUgion : but as truth is always consistent with itself, so many new proofs were furnished, from time to time, by new discoveries, that a mistaken inter- pretation of some passages in the Bible was compelled to give way to the force of astronomical evidence. The doctrine of a plurality of worlds is inseparable from the principles of as- tronomy ; but this doctrine is still thought, by some pious persons, and by many more I fear, who do not deserve that title, to militate against the truths asserted by the Christian religion. If I may be allowed to give my opinion on a matter of such Importance, I must confess that I think, upon a proper examination, the apparent inconsistency will vanish. Our religion teaches us what philosophy could not have taught ; and we ought to admire with reverence the great things it has pleased divine Providence to perform, beyond the ordinary course of nature^ for man, who is undoubtedly the most no- ble inhabitant of this globe. But neither religion nor philoso- phy forbids us to believe that infinite wisdom and power, prompted by infinite goodness, may, throughout the vast ex- tent of creation and duration, have frequently interposed in a manner quite incomprehensible to us, when it became neces- 32 BIOGRAPHY OF sary to the happiness of created beings of some other rank or degree. "How far, indeed, the inhabitants of the other planets may- resemble man, we cannot pretend to say. If, like him, they were created liable to fall, yet some, if not all of them, may still retain their original rectitude. We will hope they do : the thought is comfortable. — Cease, Galileo, to improve thy optic tube : and thou, great Newton, forbear thy ardent search into the distant mysteries of nature ; lest ye make unwelcome discoveries. Deprive us not of the pleasure of believing that yonder radiant orbs, traversing in silent majesty the ethereal regions, are the peaceful seats of innocence and bliss ; where neither natural nor moral evil has ever yet intruded ; where to enjoy with gratitude and adoration the Creator's bounty, is the business of existence. If their inhabitants resemble man in their faculties and affections, let us suppose that they are wise enough to govern themselves accoi'ding to the dictates of that reason their creator has given them, in such manner as to consult their own and each other's true happiness, on all occasions. But if, on the contrary, they have found it neces- sary to erect artificial fabrics of government, let us not sup- pose that they have done it with so little skill, and at such an enormous expense, as must render them a misfortune instead of a blessing. We will hope that their statesmen are patriots, and that their kings, if that order of beings has found admit- tance there, have the feelings of humanity. — Happy people ! and perhaps more happ)' still, that all communication with us is denied. We have neither corrupted you with our vices, nor injured you by violence. None of your sons and daugh- ters, degraded from their native dignity, have been doomed to endless slavery to us in America, merely because their bodies may be disposed to reflect or absorb the rays of light in a way different from ours. Even you, inhabitants of the moon, situ- ated in our very neighbourhood, are effectually secured, alike from the rapacious hand of the haughty Spaniard and of the DAVID RITTENHOUSE. 33 unfeeling British nabob. Even British thunder, impelled by- British thirst of gain cannot reach you : and the utmost efforts of the mighty Frederick, that tyrant of the north and scourge of mankind, if aimed to disturb your peace, becomes incon- ceivably ridiculous and impotent. " Pardon these reflections ; they rise not from the gloomy spirit of misanthropy. That being, before whose })iercing eye all the intricate foldings and dark recesses of the human heart become expanded and illuminated, is my witness with what sincerity, with what ardour, I wish for the happiness of the whole race of mankind ; how much I admire that disposition of lands and seas, which affords a communication between distant regions, and a mutual exchange of benefits : how sin- cerely I approve of those social refinements which really add to our happiness, and induce us with gratitude to acknowledge our great Creator's goodness : — how I delight in a participa- tion of the discoveries made from time to time in nature's works by our philosophic brethren in Europe. " But when I consider, that luxury and her constant fol- lower tyranny^ who have long since laid in the dust, never to rise again, the glories of Asia, are now advancing like a tor- rent, irresistible, whose weight no human force can stem, and have nearly completed their conquests of Europe ; luxury and tyranny, who by a vile affectation of virtues they know not, pretend, at first, to be the patrons of science and philosophy, but at length fail not effectually to destroy them : agitated, I say, by these reflections, I am ready to wish — vain wish ! that nature would raise her everlasting bars between the new and old world ; and make a voyage to Europe as impracticable as one to the moon. I confess, indeed, that by our connexions with Europe we have made most surprising, I had almost said unnatural advances towards the meridian of glory ; but by those connexions too, in all probability, our fall will be pre- mature. May the God of knowledge inspire us with wisdom to prevent it : let our harbours, our doors, our hearts, be shut 34 BIOGRAPHY OF against luxury. But I return to my subject, and will no longer indulge these melancholy thoughts. " If it shall please that Almighty Power who hath placed us in a world, wherein we are only permitted " to look about vs and to die ;''"' should it please him to indulge us with ex- istence throughout that half of eternity which still remains unspent ; and to conduct us through the several stages of his works ; here is ample provision made for employing every faculty of the human mind, even allowing its powers to be constantly enlarged through an endless repetition of ages. Let us not complain of the vanity of this world, that there is nothing in it capable of satisfying us ; happy in those wants, happy in those restless desires, for ever in succession to be gratified ; happy in a continued approach to the Deity. *' I must confess that I am not one of those sanguine spirits who seem to think that when the withered hand of death hath drawn up the curtain of eternity, almost all distance between the creature and creator, between finite and infinite, will be annihilated. Every enlargement of our faculties, every new happiness conferred upon us, every step we advance towards the perfection of the divinity, will very probably render us more and more sensible of his inexhaustible stores of commu- nicable bliss, and of his inaccessible perfections. " Were we even assured that we shall perish like the flowers of the garden, how careful would a wise man be to preserve a good conscience, during the short period of his existence ! because by his very constitution, which he cannot alter, this is his pride and glory, and absolutely necessary to his present happiness ; because this would insure to him at the approach of death, the soothing reflection, that he was going to restore, pure and uncorrupted, that drop of divinity within him, to the original ocean from whence it was separated. How much more anxiously careful ought we to be, if we believe, as pow- erful arguments compel us to believe, that a conduct in this life depending on our own choice, will stamp our characters DAVID RITTENIIOUSE. 35 for ages yet to come. Who can endure the thought of dark- ening his faculties by an unworthy application of them here on earth, and degrading himself to some inferior rank of being, wherein he may find both his power and inclination to obtain wisdom, and exercise virtue, exceedingly diminished 1 On the other hand, if that humble admiration and gratitude, which sometimes rises in our minds when we contemplate the power, wisdom, and goodness of the Deity, constitutes by far the most sublimely happy moments of our lives, and probably will for ever continue to do so, there cannot be a stronger incitement to the exercise of virtue and a rational employment of those talents we are entrusted with, than to consider that by these means we shall in a few years be promoted to a more exalted rank amongst the creatures of God ; have our understandings greatly enlarged ; be enabled to follow truth, in all her laby- rinths, with a higher relish and more facility, and thus lay the foundation of an eternal improvement in knowledge and hap- piness." 36 BIOGRAPHY OF THOMAS GODFREY, SR. It is painful to know, that the fate of genius has become a standing theme with the historian or biographer. Trite and familiar, however, as are the reflections which present them- selves, yet, every instance of the melancholy destiny on earth, of some of the gifled children of lofly aspirations and impulses, will always beget a due share of sorrowful regret. It must needs be, that sympathy should be awakened for the untoward fortunes of those who lived neglected ; struggling, perhaps, with the evils of penury, or the cruelty of ignorant prejudice, and dying without the cheering consciousness, that the world hereafter would honour their names, or even know that they once lived. But, if sensibilities, so honourable to our nature, are mourn- fully experienced in the breast, when a neglect in properly estimating or encouraging merit, is perceived, of what nature should be our emotions, when an act of deliberate and posi- tive injury to a benefactor of mankind, is wantonly perpe- trated ! It is, in most instances, that these favoured sons of an inward " mystic fire," expend the mighty energies of their spirits' power, in securing for themselves some share of fame or renown; careless of the worldly tribute, which a pe- cuniary recompense might afford. It is, that they may be honoured among men, and their names be held in homage by succeeding generations, that they struggle against the thousand evils of life, indifferent as to its necessities or comforts. They toil for glory : and meteor though it may be, yet the impulse is a noble one ; for the motive is not mingled with baser dross, nor tainted with the meaner springs of human action. And, when that is reached, for which they have more earnestly laboured than mortals have ever laboured for earthly gain ; THOMAS GODFREY, SR. 37 to secure "which, repose would not be sought, though Nature called, and made perhaps a premature death the penalty of disobedience to her commands ; and for which much, if not all that sweetens life, was cast away, because the throbbing soul would not be arrested in her career, — when thus made their own, and then to lose it by injustice, is a case so deeply marked with cruelty, that the most stoical must sympathize in the decision awarded by a world which is not worthy of those who were its ornament and praise. Such was the melancholy fate of him whose name stands at the head of this article. Having succeeded in bringing to perfection an improvement in one of the most useful instru- ments in navigation, and lessening the dangers of the mariner, he was deprived of the merit of his invention, and permitted to die in comparative obscurity. He had achieved a triumph in science ; and by his genius had secured a benefit to the world. But the result of his laborious investigations, of the long toil of his mind, was not only neglect, but the bitter mortification of knowing that another, who deserved it not, enjoyed the favour which belonged to him, and bore away the proud hon- ours which himself had won, for an immortality of fame. Indeed, every thing about and around Godfrey, in respect to his life and fortunes, is singularly remarkable and unfor- tunate. Although known to many scientific gentlemen, who were his contemporaries, yet of his origin, or even of the time of his death, no distinct account is given. He was born in the city of Philadelphia, and followed the business of a glazier for some period of his life. In this humble occupation, however, he contrived, through a close application to mathematics and astronomy, to make himself worthy of the notice of Dr. Frank- lin, the Honourable James Logan, Secretary of the Province, Dr. William Smith, and others, who could appreciate his tal- ents, and estimate aright his acquisitions. The first named of the above gentlemen was, for a time, an inmate of the family of Godfrey ; and in his interesting autobiography, states, that 4 38 BIOGRAPHY OF he was the inventor of the Quadrant, and was " a man whoHy absorbed in mathematical studies." That he had made no inconsiderable improvement in these, a reference to the letter of his patron, appended to this article, will demonstrate. Not only by the strength of his mind, and close application, had he made a remarkable progress, but, in order to pursue his researches, he became a proficient in the Latin tongue, the language in which many valuable treatises were, at that time, written. And it was amid the calls of bis humbje occupation, perhaps amid the anxieties consequent upon a limited income, that he was thus enabled to present another instance of the power of genius, in overcoming obstacles of magnitude. That the honour of the invention of the Quadrant, now falsely called Hadley's, belongs to Godfrey, is capable of the most positive proof. It is vouched for by men, not more illustrious in science, than eminent for the integrity of their characters. ; and on the pages of the Royal Society's proceedings, there js recorded the letter of the original and real inventor. Even an explanation of the manner in which he was deprived of the merit and honour of making the instrument, is given in the American Magazine for 1757-8. To place the matter in as clear a view as possible, extracts from this publication will be given, along with the letter to the Royal Society. It will, unfortunately, be seen, that national jealousy alone could have influenced a decision so opposite to the first principles of justice ; and that an institution, venerable for the very ob- jects of its establishment, denied to Godfrey the acknowledg- ment of his claim. It was withholden from him in cruelty ; and upon another was bestowed the bounty which might have relieved the humble child of genius, as well as the glory for which he aimed, and which he had fairly won. Who was Tbotnas Godfrey, Senior? Where was he born ? What trade did he follow ? Where did he acquire a knowledge of Mathematics and Latin? THOMAS GODFREY, SR. 39 What important instrument did he invent t What is a quadrant ? Is it very useful ? Did he receive any reward for his invention ? Who was it that received undue credit? Why was it that Godfrey did not reap the benefit of his ingenuity ? Extracts from the American Magazine, 1757-8. ** On the invention of ike Quadrant, commonly called Hadley^sJ'^ *' The great improvement which the art of navigation has received from the invention of this instrument, must ever place those concerned in it, among the highest class of names that will be remembered by posterity. Though Mr. Hadley, (whose fame in the learned world can suffer no diminution by what we are now to publish,) has great merit in the improvement of this instrument, which bears his name, yet there is sufficient reason to conclude that he was not the first ifiventcT. •*' In the * Philosophical Transactions, No. 435,' there is an account of Mr. Thomas Godfrey's Improvement of Davis's Quadrant, transferred to the Mariner's Bow, by the late Mr. Logan, of this place, whose reputation in mathematics was inferior to few in his day. In that account, it appears that Mr. Godfrey, of this city, had begun to think of that matter 05 early as the year 1730. He was a glazier by trade, and a man of no education, but perhaps the most singular phe- nomenon that ever appeared in the learned world, for a kind of natural or intuitive knowledge of the abstrusest parts of rnatliematics and astronomy. *' In order, therefore, to show how far the honour of this invention is due to Mr. Godfrey, and his patron, Mr. Logan, we propose to publish Mr. Logan's original account, referred to in the above quoted number of the Philosophical Transac- tions ; together with two letters to the Royal Society, written previous to that account, one by Mr. Logan and the other by Mr. Godfrey himself. These three letters will give a com- 40 BIOGRAPHY OF plete view of the whole affair, in its rise and progress. They were put into our hands by a sensible and candid citizen of Philadelphia, with the following pertinent introduction, and, therefore, their authenticity, if they were doubted, may be easily vouched. To the Proprietors, Sec. " Gentlemen, " All civilized states have thought it their honour to have men of great ingenuity born or bred among them. Many cities of ancient Greece had long and sharp contentions for the honour of Homer's birth-place. And, in later times, volumes have been written in Europe, in disputing which city had the true claim to the invention of the art of printing. Nor is it to be wondered that mankind should be so generally eager in this respect, since nothing redounds more to the honour of any state than to have it said that some science of general utility to mankind was invented or improved by them. " Nevertheless, it often happens that the true authors Of many an useful invention, either by accident or fraud, lose the credit thereof; and, from age to age, it passes in the name of another. Thus it happened, heretofore, to Columbus, and many others ; and thus also it has happened to a native of Philadelphia. "Mr. Thomas Godfrey, it is well known to many of us here, was the real inventor of that very useful instrument called Hadley's quadrant, or octant. To him the merit is due, and to his posterity the profit ought to belong. This will fully appear from the three following genuine letters, which, I persuade myself, you'll think worthy of being recorded in your Magazine, in order to restore, as far as possible, the credit of that invention to our city, and to the posterity of Mr. Godfrey. Plow he came to be deprived of it, may be made a question by some. I answer, that Mr. Godfrey sent the in- THOMAS GODFREY, SR. 41 strument to be tried at sea, by an acquaintance of his, an ingenious navigator, in a voyage to Jamaica, who showed it to a captain of a ship there, just sailing for England, by which means it came to the knowledge of Mr. Hadley, though, per- haps, without his being told the name of the real inventor. This fact is sufficiently known to many seamen and others yet alive in this city ; and established beyond doubt by the following letters, written about that time. It is therefore sub- mitted to the world, whether, after perusing the letters, they ought not, in justice, to call that instrument, for the future, Godfrey's, and not Hadley's, quadrant ?" To Dr. Edmund Halley.* •* Esteemed Friend, " The discovery of the longitude having of late years em- ployed the thoughts of many, and the world now expecting, from thy great sagacity and industry, some advances towards it, far exceeding all former attempts, from the motion of the moon ; to the ascertaining of which, thy labours have so long and happily been directed, the following notice, I hope, will neither be thought unseasonable, nor prove unacceptable. That the success of that method depends on finding the moon's true place for one meridian, by calculation, and for another, by observation, I think is generally allowed. The first of which being depended on, from thy great genius, what remains is some certain method for observation, practicable on that unstable element, the sea. " In order to this, thy predecessor at Greenwich, if I mis- take not, for some years published his calculation for the moon's future appulse to the fixt stars, which would save all observation, but that of a glass ; but these not often happen- ing, and the moon often having a considerable parallax when they did, that project dropt. * King's Astronomer at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich. 4* 42 BIOGRAPHY OF " For finding her place by taking her greater distances from stars, the fore-staff or cross-staff cannot be exact enough ; and quadrants, sextants, &c., with two telescopes, are impracticable at sea. " Dr. Biester's late proposal for taking the difference of rad. ascension between the moon and a star, if that should prove practicable, with sufficient exactness, would undoubt- edly answer the intention of all that is to be expected from the moon, if her place was taken on or near the meridian. But to keep the arch of this instrument in the plane of the equator, and at the same time view two objects of unequal altitudes, and considerable distance from each other, by the edges of two sights, with the necessary accuracy, will not, perhaps, be so easy in practice as he would have it believed. " I shall, therefore, here presume, from thy favour shown me in England, in 1724, to communicate an invention, that, whether it answer the end or not, will be allowed, I believe, to deserve thy regard. I have it thus : " A young man, born in this country, Thomas Godfrey by name, by trade a glazier, who had no other education, than to learn to read and write, with a little common arithmetic, having, in his apprenticeship with a very poor man of that trade, accidentally met with a mathematical book, took such a fancy to the study, that, by the natural strength of his ge- nius, without any instructor, he soon made himself master of that, and of every other of the kind he could borrow or pro- cure in English ; and, finding there was more to be had in Latin books, under all imaginable discouragements, applied himself to the study of that language, till he could pretty well understand an author on these subjects ; afier which, the first time I ever saw or heard of him, to my knowledge, he came to borrow Sir Isaac Newton's Principia of me. Inquiring of him, hereupon, who he was, I was indeed astonished at his request, but, after a little discourse, he soon became welcome to that, or any other book I had. This young man, about THOMAS GODFREY, SR. 43 eighteen months since, told me he had for some time been thinking of an instrument for taking the distance of stars, by reflecting speculums, which he beheved might be of service at sea; and not long after he showed me a common sea quadrant, to which he had fitted two pieces of looking-glass, in such a manner as brought two stars at almost any distance, to coincide ; the one by a direct, and the other by a reflected ray, so that the eye could take them both together, as joined in one, while a moving label, or index, on the graduated arch, marked exactly half their distance. For I need not say, that the variations of the angles of reflection, from two speculums, are double to the angle of the inclination of their planes, and, therefore, gives but half the angle or arch of the distance, which is the only inconveniency that appears to me to attend this. But, as it may be made so simple, easy, and light, as not to be much more unwieldy or unmanageable, though of a considerable length, than a single telescope of the same, that inconveniency will be abundantly compensated. " The description of it, as he proposes it, and has got one made, is nearly thus, which he is willing I should communi- cate to thee, if possibly it may be of service. [Here follows a description of Godfrey's Quadrant.] " And, if the method of discovering the longitude by the moon, is to meet with a reward, and this instrument, which, for all that I have ever heard or read of, is an invention alto- gether new, be made use of, in that case I would recommend the inventor to thy justice and notice. He now gets his own and family's bread, (for he is married,) by the labour of his own hands only, by that mean trade. He had begun to make tables of the moon, on the very same principles with thine, till I lately put a copy of those that have lain so many years printed, but not published, with W. Inny's, into his hands, and then, highly approving of them, he desisted. We both wish very much to see thy tables completed, and ushered into the world by thy own hand. On thy receipt of this, I shall hope 44 BIOGRAPHY OF for a line, with thy thoughts on it, which, however they prove, will afford a pleasure to thy real friend, " J. Logan. " Pennsylvania, May '25th, 1732." Letter II. By Mr. Godfrey. Further extracts from the American Magazine. " In our last we inserted a letter of the late James Logan, Esq. of this city, giving an account of Mr. Thomas Godfrey's first notions concerning the sea-quadrant. We now present two other original letters on that subject, the first by Mr. Godfrey himself, and the latter by Mr. Logan, further ex- plaining and digesting the whole." To the Royal Society. " Gentlemen, " As none are better able than the Royal Society to prove and judge whether such inventions as are proposed for the advancing usefijl knowledge will answer the pretensions of the inventors, or not ; and as I have been made acquainted, (though at so great a distance) of the candour of your learned society, in giving encouragement to such as merit approbation, I have therefore presumed to lay before the society the fol- lowing, craving pardon for my boldness. *' Finding by what difficulty a tolerable observation of the sun is taken by Davis's quadrant, and, that in using it, unless the spot or shade be brought truly in the line of the horizon- vane, the observation when made, is good for nothing, to do which requires much practice, and, at best, is but catching an observation ; and, considering farther, the smallness of the 60° arch, and the aptness of the wood to cast, which makes often little better than guess work, I therefore applied my thoughts, upwards of two years since, to find a more cer- THOMAS GODFREY, SR. 45 tain instrument, and contrived the following improvement, as I think, in the make and use of the bow, viz : [here is repre- sented a diagram, or plate of the quadrant, succeeded by a full description.] " Succeeding so well with the sun, encouraged me to under- take what appeared a more difficult task, the finding some way to take the altitude of the stars at sea, (when the horizon may be seen,) better than by the forestaff, which I concluded, must be by bringing the two objects, horizon and star, to- gether. I first considered one reflection ; but the faults of Davis's quadrant were here enlarged, which is chiefly the fly- ing of the objects from each other, by the least motion of the instrument. "I then examined what two reflections would do, which perfectly answered my desire, being equally useful in taking the distance of stars from each other, and also from the moon, and, I believe, practicable at sea ; for I found, that when one star was made to coincide by two reflections with another, the distance of those stars would be double the inclination of the reflecting planes, as may be easily demonstrated. *' I see but one fault in this instrument, and that is, that three feet radius in this, has a graduation no larger than a quadrant of eighteen inches radius. I hope Dr. Halley has received a more full account of this from J. Logan, Esq. ,* then I shall add no more, than that I am, gentlemen, " Yours, &c. " T. Godfrey. " Philadelphia, November 9, 1734." Letter IIL By J. Logan, Esq. A further account of Thomas Godfrey'' s Improvement of Davis's Quad' rant, transferred to the Mariner''s Bow. " Being informed that this improvement, proposed by Tho- mas Godfrey, of this place, for observing the sun's altitude at 46 BIOGRAPHY OF sea, with more ease and expedition than is practicable by the common instrument in use for that purpose, was last winter laid before the Royal Society, in his own description of it, and that some gentlemen wished to see the benefit intended by it more fully and clearly explained, 1, who have here the opportunity of knowing the author's thoughts on such subjects, being persuaded in my judgment, that if the instrument, as he proposes it, be brought into practice, it will, in many cases, be of great service to navigation, have therefore thought it proper to draw up a more full account of it than the author himself has given, with the advantages attending it, which, if approved of by better judgments, to whom what T offer is en- tirely submitted, it is hoped the use of it will be recommended and further encouraged, as well as the author. The rise of the improvement, with its conveniences, as also a description of it, are as follows : " Thomas Godfrey having, under the greatest disadvantages, (as I observed in my first letter to Dr. Halley, giving an ac- count of the invention of the reflecting instrument,) made himself master of the principles of astronomy and optics, as well as other parts of the mathematical science, applied his thoughts to consider the instrument used in that momentous part of business, navigation. He saw, that on the knowledge of the latitude and longitude of the place a ship is in, the lives of thousands of useful subjects, as well as valuable cargoes, continually depend ; — that for finding the first of these, certain and easy methods are furnished by nature, if observations be truly made. But Davis's quadrant, the instrument used by British navigators, (though seldom by foreigners,) he perceived, was attended with this inconveniency, that the observer must bring the shade or spot of light from the sun, and the rays from the horizon, to coincide exactly on the siducial edge of the horizontal vane ; — that, though this can be done in mode- rate weather and seas, with a clear sky, and when the sun is not too high, without any great difficulty ; yet, in other cases, THOMAS GODFREY, SR. 47 it requires more accuracy than can, in some junctures, possi- bly be applied, and more time than can be allowed for it. " Considering this, and the vast importance of such despatch, in the case of great altitudes, or of tempestuous seas or be- clouded skies, 't is presumed, the instrument thus made will be judged preferable to all others of the kind yet known. Some masters of vessels, who sail from hence to the West Indies, have got some of them made as well as they can be done here, and have found so great an advantage in the fa- cility, and in the ready use of them, in those southerly lati- tudes, that they reject all others. And it can scarce be doubted, but when the instrument becomes more generally known, it may, upon the Royal Society's approbation, if the thing appears worthy of it, more universally obtain in prac- tice. 'Tis now four years since Thomas Godfrey hit on this improvement ; for his account of it, laid before the Society last winter, in which he mentioned two years, was wrote in 1732, and in the same year, 1730, after he was satisfied in this, he applied himself to think of the other, viz: the reflect- ing instrument, by speculums, for a help in the case of longi- tude, though it is also useful in taking altitudes ; and one of these, as has been abundantly proved by the maker, and those who had it with them, was taken to sea, and there used in observing the latitude, the winter of that year, and brought back again to Philadelphia, before the end of February, 1730-1, and was in my keeping some months immediately after. It was, indeed, unhappy, that having it in my power, seeing he had no acquaintance nor knowledge of persons in England, that I transmitted not an account of it sooner. But I had other affairs of more importance to me; and it was owing to an accident, which gave me some uneasiness, viz : his at- tempting to publish some account of it in print here, that I transmitted it at last in May, 1732, to Dr. Halley, to whom, I made no doubt, but the invention would appear entirely new ; and I must own, I could not but wonder that our good 48 BIOGRAPHY OF will at least was never acknowledged. This, on my part, was all the merit I had to claim, nor did I then, or now, as- sume any other, in either of these instruments. I only wish that the ingenious inventor himself might, by some means, be taken notice of, in a manner that might be of real advantage to him. [Here follows a description, &c.] " Thus, doubting I have already been too prolix on the subject, to which nothing but a sincere inclination to promote any thing that might contribute to a public benefit, and to do some justice to merit, could induce me, I shall only request, that what I have here offered may be construed by that inten- tion. " J. Logan. " Philadelphia, June 28, 1734." Note by the editors. — " It is easy to see, by a careful perusal of these two letters, and that in our last Magazine, the progress of this invention, and how far Mr. Godfrey ought to be considered as the inventor. 'Tis our business to give im- partial accounts of facts, and transcripts of authentic papers. The reader, after that, is to judge for himself. For our part, we have no hesitation in pronouncing Mr. Godfrey the real original inventor of this famous and useful instrument." FRANCIS HOPKINSON. 49 FRANCIS HOPKINSON, Born MDCCXXXVII — Died MDCCXCI. A RETROSPECT of events in the first century of American history, cannot fail in exciting our wonder at the long array of wise and good men, who were called, under Providence, to direct to a prosperous issue, the national coirasels ; or to erect, in imposing grandeur, the monuments of national glory. From the settlement of the colonies, to the happy result of a people's struggle against oppression, every por- tion of the record is impressed with the seal of intellectual power, as every registry is marked with the firm and broad stamp of moral and sublime courage. It was a period pro- lific in all that gives a higher elevation to man, in the scale of his being ; and it would seem, that the age, foreseen to be one of great revolutions, was provided for, as for some mighty contest of mind with mind ; and that in the wilds of America, there were prepared and qualified by the God of nations, the noble spirits who were to meet, and battle, and triumph, in a strife, between antiquated error and eternal truth ; — in the war of accumulating usurpation with the enduring principles of liberty ; — or in the onset of hoary folly, against the beam- ing day-spring of light and knowledge. In whatever view the men of that period may be regarded, the conclusion will force itself upon the mind, that they indeed were of no common mould. Among them, were to be found the most enthusiastic votaries of science, or the no less ardent students of philosophy or literature; amid cir- cumstances, too, the least encouraging, if not repelling. Rit- tenhouse and Franklin, labouring under all the deprivations which colonial settlements must necessarily present in their first establishments, soared in their lofty aspirations, even to 5 50 BIOGRAPHY OF the heaven-land of brighter and purer intelligences : and in spirit, they dwelt there, as the denizens of a home, with which Nature's title had invested them. In all the freshened luxuriance of their great and important discoveries, they showed the products of their unaided search ; the treasures of their own unaided inquiries. And in almost every depart- ment of knowledge, there could be found some gifted mind ; struggling against difficulties the most appalling, in order to reach the enviable summit of renown. Even those arts, which embellish life, and lend it some of its sweetest charms, could number among their followers, the panting children of genius; born in the wild and unreclaimed wilderness of a new world. And the moral attributes of the men of that age were of a kind, that should beget our greatest reverence. The pure and sterling integrity of their characters, has never been exceeded on this theatre of human error and frailty. Their public virtues were ever resplendent and vigorous ; unsullied by suspicion and unmarred by any prevailing crime. In the privacy of domestic life, they cultivated the graces, which sanctify the circle of those we love the most : and in the more extended social connexions, they were the deserved ornaments. Take them singly or collectively : contemplate the pure and revered Father of his Country, or the amiable Astronomer of Pennsylvania ; or look to the band of patriots in the continental congress, or to the legion of revolutionary soldiers, and the soul must glow with emotions of hallowed and hallowing joy, that such a line of good and great men, were of the land of our birth. In the cabinet or in the field ; in the schools of wisdom, or around the hearth of the spirit's holiest and best affections, they were the transcripts of what mankind should be, when to the highest grade of intellectual capacity they add the influences of our blessed Faith, to direct and control them in every station, and under every circumstance. From the guidance of such men, our countrv FRANCIS HOPKINSON. 51 was blessed by the God of providence ; and evil m\\ be the day, and ominous of evil to her onward prosperity, when their examples and their virtues shall no longer be reverenced or followed. Among these, the name of Francis Hopkinson, is con- spicuously prominent. Descended from parents of literary refinement, and worldly competence, he was enabled to acquire an education which added to his personal merit, and enabled him to take a prominent and useful part in the affairs of his country, at a crisis, which demanded the purest pa- triotism and the soundest wisdom. With a mind peculiarly constituted, and capable of an adaptation to the nature of any subject of its notice and inquiry, however varied, he could be interested in matters of grave legislation, or of religious solemnity ; of polite literature, or playful fancy. By the hap- piest and most sudden transitions, the heavy volume of legal lore was exchanged for the lighter page of poetry ; and the holy offices of religion, of which he ever was the zealous disciple, could be succeeded by the elevating pleasures of music, or researches in natural science, to which he devoted an enthusiastic attention. As a patriot he was inflexibly virtuous ; as a jurist, profoundly qualified ; as a poet, chaste in his conceptions, and harmonious in his versification ; and as a satirist, of cutting ridicule, without bitterness or cruel severity. His services to his country were of immeasurable benefit in the day of her most serious struggle ; and his per- sonal virtues are the best comment upon those moral and religious principles, with which his mind and heart were early imbued. The subject of cur present memoir was born in the city of Philadelphia, on September 28th, 1737. His father was Thomas Hopkinson : an English gentleman of great respect- ability and extensive learning. Having connected himself in marriage with Miss Johnson, a niece of the Bishop of Worces- ter, then an eminent prelate of the established church, he 52 BIOGRAPHY OF received the flattering marks of his sovereign's favour, in being appointed to a colonial station in the Province. He adopted the theatre of his official employment for a permanent home, and soon reached that distinction in society to which his great talents and virtues entitled him. That the former were of a high order, and employed in the more abstract and difficult branches of learning, is evident from the circumstance of his having communicated to Dr. Franklin the idea of attracting the electric fluid by means of metallic points, instead of a blunt instrument, as previously employed. The experiment was successfully exhibited to the American philosopher : and that it was original with Mr. Hopkinson, is asserted with confidence in the cotemporaneous publications of that day, preserved in our public libraries. The incident was likewise frequently- referred to by Mrs. Hopkinson, when, in the pride of her heart, she alluded to the merit of an affectionate husband, in discovering the mode of obviating the severe shock and explo- sion of previous attractions, and the glory of a new discovery in science. Of the great worth of this lady, — that her mind was of a high order, and that her religion was of an elevated tone, we have most fortunately the best evidences, derived from the manner in which she acquitted herself in directing the educa- tion of her son. Called to the performance of the responsible duty by an early bereavement, the amiable and accomplished widow bent all her care to the beloved child, who was the heir of his father's fame, and, as it would seem, the inheritor of his talents. Having received from this parent the domestic train- ing and elementary instruction requisite, he was entered in the Academy of Philadelphia, now the University of Pennsylvania, and soon endeared himself to Provost Smith ; a gentleman not more eminent as a scholar and divine, than for those sterling, but rare qualities of heart, which attract and win ingenuous youth. He passed the college course with much credit, and received the honours of the institution at the first commence- FRANCIS HOPKINSON. 53 ment which was held after its establishment. Having been entered as a student with Benjamin Chew, Esq., attorney- general of the state, he devoted his attention to the law with such application, that his attainments were of no common ex- tent in that pursuit, and evidence, that though he cherished a fond attachment to the higher branches of literature, he had yet, by industrious study, acquired a full knowledge of his arduous pro- fession. In addition to his acquaintance with jurisprudence, and according to the account of a contemporary who intimately knew him, the learned and amiable Dr. Rush, " he excelled in music and poetry, and had some knowledge in painting. But these arts did not monopolize all the powers of his mind : for he was well skilled in many practical and useful sciences, particularly mathematics and natural philosophy, and had a general ac- quaintance with the principles of anatomy, chemistry and natu- ral history. But his forte was humour and satire ; in both of which, he was not surpassed by Lucian, Swift, or Rabelais. These extraordinary powers were consecrated to the advance- ment of the interests of patriotism, virtue and science !" Having completed his law studies, he visited his relations in the land of his ancestors, in the year 1765, and remained there for upwards of two years. On his return, he married Miss Borden, a daughter of the proprietor of the manor of that name, in the state of New Jersey, and where- he fixed his residence. Domestic duties now claimed his concern ; and an increasing family received the affectionate attentions of one, who, himself, had been blessed with the instruction of an amiable and devoted mother. Of the happiness which must have reigned in the home of Mr. Hopkinson, from the affections v/hich were cultivated and practised by those who composed his family circle, the beautiful and striking descrip- tion given by a friend, with much felicity, is a remarkable evidence : " the fear his children had of him, was that of wounding his affections, and not of exciting his anger !" From such a hallowed bliss as that which was the portion 5* 54 BIOGRAPHY OF of Mr. Hopkinson, and from his fond retirement, he was called by the troubles which began to agitate his country, on account of the designs of Great Britain. His patriotism would not allow him to remain an uninterested spectator of the events which were occurring in the political world ; and he accordingly bent the energies of his mind to the aid of the oppressed. A tract, entitled a " Pretty Story," was written by him and published ; in which, the arbitrary injustice of England was exposed. It excited much attention at the time ; and was undoubtedly instrumental in awakening and sustain- ing the noble opposition to the wrongs of the mother country. Soon after he was delegated to the American Congress, and affixed his name to the ever memorable Declaration of Inde* pendence. Whilst occupying this exalted station, he was industriously employed in producing essays of a political cha- racter — all of them marked by his peculiar vein of lively ridicule, and from this quality calculated, in a high degree, to effect the purpose of his patriotism. His "Prophecy," " Letters of a Tory," " Political Catechism," " Answer to General Burgoyne's Proclamation," and " History of a New Roof," were among these; and for humorous point and good sense, are not surpassed by any similar productions. The high estimation in which his talents and worth were held, influenced his appointment to the Loan Office, and soon after, he succeeded George Ross, Esq., as judge of the Admi- ralty Court, for the state of Pennsylvania. Of his exceed- ingly great capacity for this elevated office, it is observed of his decisions, that whenever appealed from to the Superior Court, they were invariably confirmed by that bench. Not did the arduous and responsible duties of his office, prevent him from bestowing his attention to general literature or the politics of the day. The latter had been discussed witli much asperity and violence, in the public papers; and to allay these, Mr. Hopkinson, under the signature of " Calamus," proposed the " High Court of Honour ;" the vehicle of whoso FRANCIS HOPKINSON. 55 proceedings, was to be a paper, to be called the " Rascal's Record." In the succeeding year, he prepared an imaginary- case for this court, out of which grew the following amusing circumstance. The account is supplied by Mr. Hopkinson. "The piece had been inclosed in a cover, addressed to James Wilson, Esq., for whom it had been designed, and sent to his house. Mr. Wilson not being at home, his servant received the packet, and stuck it behind the parlour looking- glass. A Captain , who was frequently deranged in his mind, and at such times full of notions of plots and conspira- cies, went into Mr. Wilson's parlour, without knocking, when none of the family happened to be there, and seeing the packet in the frame of the looking-glass, took it down and went off with it. There was at this time a cause agitated in the Su- preme Court of great popular attention, in which Mr. Wilson and most of the gentlemen of the bar were engaged. The next day I went into court, and happening to be seated near Mr. Wilson, I asked him if he had received my packet ; he told me he did not get home till late in the evening ; that the servant informed him there had been a letter for him, and that he had put it behind the glass ; but that it had all at once disappeared, and nobody could give any account of it, although inquiry had been made throughout the whole family. Whilst we were thus talking, a cry of " make way there 1" was heard in the court, when Captain pushing his way through the crowd, appeared before the bar with papers in his hand. He interrupted the lawyer, who was then speaking, and informed the judges that he had papers in his hand which would imme- diately clear up, and determine the cause before the court, and that he had also discovered a most horrible and dangerous plot, partly against the state, and partly against the judge of the admiralty ; confessing that he had made this great dis* covery by breaking into and robbing that gentleman's house, pointing to Mr. Wilson, declaring that so far as he was ame- 56 BIOGRAPHY OF nable for the robbery, he stood ready to submit to the law. The papers, which I immediately knew to be mine, were lianded up to the bench, and the chief justice was preparing to read the contents aloud to the court ; but I forced my way up to him, and whispered him, that it was only a piece of literary sport between Mr. Wilson and me, and very unfit for the public ear on such an occasion. The papers were then delivered to Mr. Wilson, and the audience assured that they did not concern the present case." It will not be expected that a full account of the writings of our author will be given in this memoir. Of his poetic productions, which are remarkably smooth in their versifica- tion, his " Treaty," written on the banks of the Lehigh, when he was engaged as secretary to the commissioners for estab- lishing a covenant with several Indian nations, and " Science," are the largest. His facetious ballad, " The Battle of the Kegs," is the most popular of his pieces, and has given to him a permanent fame. Besides his decisions pronounced in the Ad- miralty Court, and which exhibit profound judgment, his prose productions are numerous. The greater part of them, how- ever, are of a political character, and written for the particu- lar occasions which called them forth. After the violence of party strife had subsided, he prepared some essays upon the subject of scholastic education ; and his " Collegiate Exami- nation," is a most happy specimen, not only of his acute dis- cernment, but sharp satire. His " Essay on Whitewashing" is familiar to almost every reader of polite literature in this country and Europe ; and it is a matter of grave inquiry, how this admirable article has been placed to the credit of Dr. Franklin ! In the year 1790, Mr. Hopkinson was elevated to thf» situation of judge of the District Court, in Pennsylvania ; but scarcely had he entered upon his new dignity, before death deprived his country and numerous friends of this estimable FRANCIS HOPKINSON. 67 man. On Sunday evening, May 8th, 1791, he was some- what indisposed. He rose on Monday morning and break- fasted with his family. At seven o'clock, he was seized with an apoplectic fit, which in a few hours put a period to his valuable life, in the fifty-third year of his age ; bereaving an affectionate wife and five children, of an endeared husband and beloved parent. His eldest son, the Honourable Joseph Hopkinson, at present holding the same situation which his distinguished parent occupied at his death, and who has se- cured for himself a large share of the world's esteem, for his public and private virtues, is still living. He is favourably known as an admirable jurist, a pleasing orator, and the au- thor of our national anthem, " Hail Columbia." We close this article with the following remarks of his friend and admirer, Dr. B. Rush. " Mr. Hopkinson possessed uncommon talents for pleasing in company. His wit was not of that coarse kind which was calculated to " set the table in a roar." It was mild and elegant, and infused cheerfulness, and a species of delicate joy, rather than mirth, into the hearts of all who heard it. His empire over the attention and passions of his company was not purchased at the expense of innocence. A person who has passed many delightful hours in his society, declares with pleasure, that he never had once heard him use a pro- fane expression, nor utter a word that would have made a lady blush, or have clouded her countenance for a moment, with a look of disapprobation. It is this species of wit alone that indicates a rich and powerful imagination, while "that which is tinctured with profanity, or indelicacy, argues poverty of genius, inasmuch as they have both been considered, very properly, as the cheapest products of the mind. " He was an active and useful member of the great parties, which at different times divided his native state — he was a wkigy a republican, and a federalist , and he lived to see the 58 BIOGRAPHY OF principles and wishes of each of those parties finally and universally successful. " His person was a little below the common size. His fea- tures were small, but extremely animated. His speech was quick, and all his motions seemed to partake of the unceasing activity and versatility of the powers of his mind. " It only remains to add to this account of Mr. Hopkinson, that the various causes which contributed to the establish- ment of the independence and federal government of the United States, will not be fully traced, unless much is ascribed to the irresistible influence of the ridicule which he poured forth, from time to time, upon the enemies of those great poli- tical events." When and where was Francis Hopkinson bom ? What is said about his father ? What discovery in electricity did he make ? At what school was Francis educated ? What profession did he choose ? What is the general character of his writings ? What part did he take in the revolution ? Was he useful to the cause, and how ? What connexion had he with the Declaration of Independence f What office did he hold under the general government? When did he die, and of what disease ? What is said of him by Dr. Rush ? Extracts from the Essays and Writings of Francis Hopkinson. THE OLD BACHELOR. " Oh that I had been made an oyster ! — that I had been stationed in the bottom of the sea — the winds might have blown and swelled the waves mountains high ; I should not have heeded them. Mankind might have satiated themselves with folly, iniquity, and deceit j it would not have troubled me. " Here some journeyman philosopher would interrupt me FRANCIS HOPKINSON. 59 with a learned dissertation on sexes ; and prove, by a chain of irrefragable suppositions, that oysters are male and female. What's that to you, sir? Who asked your opinion? The deuce is in these coxcombs, that they cannot let a man go on in his own way, but they must be throwing straws across his path. " Oh that I had been an oyster ! — 'Tis true, I should not have known what are called the joys of life ; that is, I should not have eaten turtle-soup and venison till I nauseated both, nor have drunk Madeira till I loathed it. True, — neither should 1 be tormented with the treachery of servants, the hypocrisy of relations, or the insults and sarcasms of my fel- low oysters. " You should have heard from me before this, Mr. Aitken, but I have been sick, very sick, — almost at the point of death ; I caught cold by putting on a damp shirt. If I had been married, my wife, perhaps, would have taken care that my linen should have been well aired — perhaps not. Be this as it may, I caught cold, and was very sick. Nobody troubled their heads about me ; I lay helpless, languishing, and ne- glected, above ; my servants rioted and plundered below ; every thing ran into confusion. The common comforts of the sick were not administered to me ; I lay many hours alone, brooding over my own melancholy reflections. I thought I should die — I supposed myself dead — I saw my own funeral — not a single tear to embalm my memory. A few straggling neighbours attended the scanty procession, con- versing on politics, or the current news of the day, as they follow me to the grave. The day after the funeral, some per- son of the next street asks one of my near neighbours, ' Pray, how does the Old Bachelor ? I hear he is sick." ' Fie was sick, but he is well enough now — he was buried yesterday.' — ' Dear me, I never heard of it — and how has the old curmud- geon left his estate?' 'To the Pennsylvania Hospital.' No more is said about me — they pass on to other chat. After 60 BIOGRAPHY OF three days, I am no more thought of than if I had never ex- isted, except by the managers of the Pennsylvania Hospital. No widow to be visited and comforted for the loss of me — no children to keep ray name and memory alive in the world, and to talk of their dear father, some ten or a dozen years after my decease. No elegy, in verse or prose, to celebrate the virtues I never possessed, or palliate the faults 1 really had. Not even a paragraph in the newspaper to announce my de- parture." Extract from the translation of a letter written by a Foreigner on his Travels. " A manufacturer in England has been brought up a maker of pin-heads : He has been at this business forty years, and, of course, makes pin-heads with great dexterity ; but he can- not make a whole pin for his life. Pie thinks it is the perfec- tion of human nature to make pin-heads. He leaves other matters to inferior abilities. It is enough for him, that he believes in the Athanasian Creed, reverences the splendour of the court, and makes pin-heads. This he conceives to be the sum-total of religion, politics, and trade. He is sure that London is the finest city in the world : Blackfriars bridge the most superb of all possible bridges, and the river Thames the largest river in the universe. It is in vain to tell him that there are many rivers in America, in comparison of which the Thames is but a ditch ; that there are single provinces there, larger than all England ; and that the colonies, formerly belonging to Great Britain, now independent states, are vastly more extensive than England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, taken all together. He cannot conceive this. He goes into his best parlour, and looks on a map of England, four feet square; on the other side of the room he sees a map of North and South America, not more than two feet square, and ex- claims — How can these things be ? It is altogether impossible ! FRANCIS HOPKINSON. 61 He has read the Arabian Nights Entertainments, and he hears this wonderful account of America — he believes the one as much as the other — That a giant should rise out of the sea, or that the Delaware should be larger than the Thames, are equally incredible to him. Talk to him of the British consti- tution ; he will tell you it is a glorious constitution. Ask him what it is, and he is ignorant of its first principles ,- but he is sure that he can make and sell pin-heads under it. Mention the freedom of elections, and he will tell you he does not njcddle in these matters ; that he lives in a borough ; and that it is impossible but that squire Goose-Cap must represent that borough in parliament — because squire Goose-Cap is ac- quainted with the prime minister, and his lady comes every Sunday to the parish church in a brocaded gown ; and sits in a pew lined with green cloth. How then can it be otherwise ? — but these are things in which he is not concerned. He be- lieves in the Athanasian Creed, honours the king, and makes pin-heads — and what more can be expected of a man. " It is not so in America. The lowest tradesman there is not without some degree of general knowledge. They turn their hands to every thing ; their situation obliges them to do so. A farmer there cannot run to an artist upon every trifling occasion. He must make, and mend, and contrive for hitw- self. This I observed in my travels through that country. In many towns, and in every city, they have public libraries. Not a tradesman but will find time to read. He acquires knowledge imperceptibly. He is amused with voyag€S and travels, and becomes acquainted with the geography, cus- toms, and commerce of other countries. He reads political disquisitions, and learns the great outlines of his rights, as a man and as a citizen. He dips a little into philosophy, and knows that the apparent motion of the sun is occasioned by the real motion of the earth. In a word, he is sure, that, not- withstanding the determination of king, lords, and commons, to the contrary, two and two can never make jive.'*'' 6 62 BIOGRAPHY OF Extract. — Modern Learning, exemplified by a specimen of a Collegiate Examination. METAPHYSICS. Professor. " What is a Salt-Box 7 Student. " It is a box made to contain salt. P. " How is it divided ? S. " Into a salt-box, and a box of salt. P. " Very well ! — show the distinction. S. "A salt-box may be where there is no salt; but salt is absolutely necessary to the existence of a box of salt. P. " Are not salt-boxes otherwise divided ? S. " Yes : by a partition. P. " What is the use of this partition 1 S. " To separate the coarse salt from the fine. P. "How?— think a little. S. " To separate the fine salt from the coarse. P. "To be sure: — it is to separate the fine from the coarse : but are not salt-boxes yet otherwise distinguished ? S. " Yes : into possible, probable, and positive. P. " Define these several kinds of salt-boxes. S. "A possible salt-box is a salt-box yet unsold in the hands of the joiner. P. "Why so? S. " Because it hath never yet become a salt-box in fact, having never had any salt in it : and it may possibly be ap- plied to some other use. P. " Very true : for a salt-box which never had, hath not now, and perhaps never may have, any salt in it, can only be termed a possible salt-box. What is a probable salt-box? S. " It is a salt-box in the hand of one going to a shop to buy salt, and who hath six-pence in his pocket to pay the grocer : and a positive salt-box is one which hath actually and bona fide got salt in it. P. " Very good ; — but is there no instance of a positive salt-box which hath no salt in it? FRANCIS IIOPKINSON. 63 S. " I know of none. * P. " Yes : there is one mentioned by some authors : it is where a box hath, by long use, been so impregnated with salt, that, although all the salt hath been long since emptied out, it may yet be called a salt-box, with the same propriety that we say a salt herring, salt beef, &c. And, in this sense, any box that may have accidentally, or otherwise, been long steeped in brine, may be termed positively a salt-box, although never designed for the purpose of keeping salt. But tell me, what other division of salt-boxes do you recollect ? S. " They are further divided into substantive and pendent : a substantive salt-box is that which stands by itself on the table or dresser ; and a pendent, is that which hangs upon a nail against the wall. P. " What is the idea of a salt-box ? S. " It is that image which the mind conceives of a salt- box, when no salt-box is present. P. " What is the abstract idea of a salt-box ? S. " It is the idea of a salt-box, abstracted from the idea of a box, or of salt, or of a salt-box, or of a box of salt. P. " Very right : — and by these means you acquire a most perfect knowledge of a salt-box ; but tell me, is the idea of a salt-box, a salt idea ? S. " Not unless the ideal box hath ideal salt in it. P. " True : — and therefore an abstract idea cannot be either salt or fresh ; round or square ; long or short ,* for a true abstract idea must be entirely free of all adjuncts. And this shows the difference between a salt idea and an idea of salt. Is an aptitude to hold salt an essential or an accidental property of a salt-box ? S. " It is essential ; but if there should be a crack in the bottom of the box, the aptitude to spill salt would be termed an accidental property of that salt-box. P. " Very well ! very well indeed ! — What is the salt called with respect to the box ? 64 BIOGRAPHY OF S. " It is called its contents. P. « And why so ? S. " Because the cook is content quoad hoc to find plenty of salt in the box. P. " You are very right — I see you have not misspent your time." SOUNDS. " Sounds have a delightful effect upon the human mind ; especially articulated sounds : and the effect is still more cer- tain, when they have either no meaning at all, or the meaning is not understood. " An ignorant woman, weeping aloud under the influence of a powerful preacher, was asked the cause of her lamenta- tion : Oh, sir ! said she, don't you hear those charming words, Mesopotamia^ Pamphylia^ and Phrygia ? And I knew a lady during the late war, who did not possess one political principle, or had any precise idea of the real caus6 of contest between Great Britain and America, and yet was a professed and confirmed fory : merely from the fascination of sounds. The imperial croivn, the royal robes, the high court of parliament, the lord chancellor of England, and so on, were words of irresistible influence. Whilst Captain A., the taylor; Col. B., the tavern-keeper; and even General Washington, the farmer, only created contempt. But I am persuaded, if some Indian chief, with a long Cherokee or Mohawk name, had commanded our armies, she would have thought much more respectfully of the American cause. " This being truth, and a truth founded in nature, will any one pretend to say, that the Greek and Latin languages are of no use? What! shall we call things by downright vulgar English names ? Shall not the physician have his paregorics and antispasmodics; his lenat Ives and sedatives; his an^i- FRANCIS HOPKINSON. 65 phlogistics, cathartics and diuretics ? Shall not the lawyer have his Jieri facias, his scire facias, and certiorares? Or the divine his latitudinarians, inillenarians, sublapsarians, and supralapsarians ? Shall the chemist give up his hard words, and the botanist his technical terms, in the knowledge of which, his whole science consists? Deplorable will be the state of erudition when this shall be the case. Knowledge, indeed, might increase and become more universally diffused ; but learning would be no more. We might then say, such a man is a man of genius, of wisdom, of understanding; but where should we find the man of profound erudition : one who would spurn at the simplicity of nature's works, and plunge in system, deeper than common sense could even fathom?" Extract of a description of a College Commencement. " Pray, did you mark the learned dissertation, To prove that all the wonders of creation Are only visions of imagination ? That what we see and feel, and substance call. Is nature's sleight of hand — deception all. No matter whether things exist or no, 'Tis quite sufficient if we think they do. Alas, for pity ! that yon beauteous maid Should only be the shadow of a shade : Her glowmg cheek ; her lips of deeper dye, Her panting bosom, and her sparkling eye Are all delusions ; so we have been taught, Existing only in her lover's thought. *' Why should that phantom of an amorous swain. Sigh to the fair imaginary pain? Since all his fancied joys would only prove, Ideal raptures of ideal love. 66 BIOGRAPHY OF Oh, rare philosophy ! Oh ! skill divine ! Pray, ladies, is not this extremely fine ? To such high learning none can make pretence, But those who scorn the bounds of common sense. Stretch wide the wings of seeming demonstration, And soar in regions of their own creation." Extract from a Letter on Whitewashing. *' When a young couple are about to enter on the matrimo- nial state, a never- failing article in the marriage treaty is, that the lixdy shall have and enjoy the free and unmolested exer- cise of the rights of whitewashings with all its ceremonials, privileges and appurtenances. You will wonder what this privilege of whitewashing is. I will endeavour to give you an idea of the ceremony, as I have seen it performed. " There is no season of the year in which the lady may not, if she pleases, claim her privilege ; but the latter end of May is generally fixed upon for the purpose. The attentive husband may judge, by certain prognostics, when the storm is nigh at hand. If the lady grows uncommonly fretful, finds fault with the servants, is discontented with the children, and complains much of the confusion of every thing about her : these are symptoms which ought not to be neglected, yet they sometimes go off without any further effect. But if, when the husband rises in the morning, he should observe in the yard a wheelbarrow, with a quantity of lime in it, or should see certain buckets filled with a solution of lime in water, there is no time for hesitation. He immediately locks up the apart- ment or closet, where his papers and private property are kept, and putting the key in his pocket, betakes himself to flight. A husband, however beloved, becomes a perfect nuisance dur- ing this season of female rage. His authority is superseded, his commission suspended, and the very scullion who cleans the brasses in the kitchen, becomes of more importance than FRANCIS HOPKINSON. 67 he. He has nothing for it but to abdicate, for a time, and run from an evil which he can neither prevent nor mollify. " The husband gone, the ceremony begins. The walls are stripped of their furniture — paintings, prints, and looking- glasses lie in huddled heaps about the floors ; the curtains are torn from their testers, the beds crammed into windows ; chairs and tables, bedsteads and cradles, crowd the yard ; and the garden fence bends beneath the weight of carpets, blankets, cloth cloaks, old coats, under-petticoats and ragged breeches. Here may be seen the lumber of the kitchen, forming a dark and confused mass for the foreground of the picture ; gridiron^ and frying pans, rusty shovels and broken tongs, joint stools, and the fractured remains of rush-bottomed chairs. There a closet has disgorged its bowels — riveted plates and dishes, halves of china bowls, cracked tumblers, broken wine-glasses, phials of forgotten physic, papers of unknown powders, seeds! and dried herbs, tops of tea-pots, and stoppers of departed de- canters — from the rag-hole in the garret, to the rat-hole in the cellar, no place escapes unrummaged. It would seem as if the day of general doom was come, and the utensils of the house were dragged forth to judgment. In this tempest, the words of king Lear unavoidably present themselves, and might, with little alteration, be made strictly applicable. " ' Let the great gods, That keep this dreadful pudder o'er our heads, Find out their enemies now. Tremble, thou wretch, That hast within thee undivulged crimes Unwhipt of justice . Close pent up guilt. Rive your concealing continents, and ask These dreadful summoners grace.' "This ceremony completed, and the house thoroughly evacuated, the next operation is to smear the walls anent, of which it is in- tended to give an account in the present article. In our country, however, it is boldly asserted, there can be found the most convincing proofs in the contemporaneous publications of the day, that a boat, propelled by steam, was not only built, and for upwards of two years, was employed in carrying passen- gers in the several trips she made, but that at the present time 9 98 BIOGRAPHY OF of writing this paper, individuals are still living, who, on different occasions, were on board when thus used. As further confirmatory of the extent of the interest awakened in the minds of Americans, at the period alluded to, it is a matter of unquestioned truth, that simultaneously with the ex- periments in Philadelphia, Rumsey was prosecuting the enter- prise in Virginia, and had succeeded in effecting an important improvement in the boiler. It is likewise worthy of notice, that the unfortunate Brissot, who was at this time travelling in America, states, in his account of the country, that this indi- vidual had issued proposals for building a steam packet, which would require only a voyage of fifteen days between Phila- delphia and London ! With these preliminary remarks, we now proceed to give an account of the first vessel, propelled by steam, to which any positive reference can be made. It was in the year 1788, that John Fitch and Henry Voighi commenced their operations for building a boat and machinery, at a projection of the shore of the Delaware, in Kensington, called Conjuror's Point, by the neighbours, from the mys- tery in which they conducted their novel undertaking. The former of these projectors was, it is believed, a native of one of the New England states, a watch-maker, and of rather limited education. He was poor, and the funds which he employed were chiefly procured from his partner, Voight. This person was a Saxon by birth, and chief coiner of the United States mint. He was a very ingenious clock and mathematical instrument maker, and under the direction of Rittenhouse, by whom he was very highly esteemed, had constructed the machinery of the above department. The smith employed to make the iron work of the boat, was Peter Brown ; and Andrew Wilson was the builder of the vessel. A few shares were sold at $16 each ; but the scepticism of the community prevented the remainder from being taken, and the partners in the project had to depend upon their own resources. ROBERT FULTON. 99 After much vexatious delay, arising chiefly from the diffi- culty in procuring workmen of sufficient skill to complete the several portions of the intricate machinery, the boat at length was set in motion, and her progress, on the first trial, was four miles an hour, against the tide. She had paddles or sweeps at her stern, instead of wheels at the sides, as were afterwards employed by Fulton. Unfortunately, almost every trip which she made on the Delaware or Schuylkill river, was attended with some casualty to the works, which were imperfectly exe- cuted. The boat, however, progressively improved in speed ; and an eye-witness relates, that the last trip she made was from Burlington to Philadelphia, when she moved at the rate often miles the hour. When opposite to Kensington, her machinery broke, and she was afterwards abandoned, both on account of the exhaustion of funds, and the impracticability of securing artisans of sufficient ability for the requisite repairs. It has thus been seen that the honour of completing the first steamboat belongs to our country. That the experiment was not entirely successful, is not attempted to be denied ; yet, that it was as much so as any new invention, connected with such complicated machinery, could be, must be admitted by every candid individual. The attempt was made in a country yet young, and not abounding in the resources of practical skill or mechanical ability. Indeed, it may well be a subject of astonishment, that with means so inadequate, the enterprise was attended with the success already mentioned. In suc- ceeding years, Fulton brought to perfection the object for which Fitch and Voight had toiled ; and to him belongs a glory, equal to that which has been gained by the most expanded genius. Robert Fulton was born in Little Britain,* in the county of Lancaster, and state of Pennsylvania, in the year 1765. His parents were originally from Ireland, and respectably con- nected in that country. They were not, however, opulent ; * Or, according to other autliority, in Lancaster city; his parents havinjj removed to Little Britain wlien he was five months oki. 100 BlOCi RAPIIY OF and the patrii-nony inherit'^d by Robert, on the decease of his father, which occurred when the subject of our memoir was only three years of age, was not, in itself, considerable. From the dictates of filial piety, as well as from the impulses of a gene- rosity, which was an enduring trait in his character through- out life, he not only relinquished the claim to his portion of the estate, in behalf of his widowed mother, but through his industry and talents, was enabled to present her with a pro- perty in Washington county, upon which, in the decline of life, she resided in competency and happiness. The death of this parent was followed by his generous donation of the farm to one of his sisters. The education which Fulton received, was of a limited character,* confined to the common branches of elementary schools. His studious habits, however, enabled him to im- prove his mind beyond the daily instruction he received ; whilst his inquiring disposition was evinced, in his resorting to the shops of the mechanics in Lancaster, during the periods as- signed for recreation, and observing their operations. He also sought every opportunity for making progress in the art of painting, to which he had, at an early age, shown a decided taste, and which, in a brief time, ministered to his resources. Having removed to Philadelphia when yet young, he became an ajjprentice to a Mr. Andrews, in order to acquire a know- ledge of the art of a jeweller. The business, however, did not please him ; and at the age of seventeen, we find that he was a successful portrait painter, and in the receipt of considerable patronage from the public. An urgent recommendation to the measure by a number of distinguished individuals, induced him to visit England ; where his promising genius drew the attention of his countryman, Benjamin West, then celebrated as an historical painter, and possessed of extensive influence among the British nobility and gentry. A warm friendship between the two artists was soon established, and it continued in all its original freshness until the death of Fulton. ROBERT FULTON. 101 Not satisfied with his progress in painting, though sup- plying him with a respectable income, he gradually relin- quished the pursuit, and directed his attention to the me- chanic arts. Through the friendship of West, he had been honoured with the acquaintance of the Duke of Bridgewater and Earl Stanhope, both illustrious for the cultivation of useful knowledge, and the patronage of merit. Through their recom- mendation, he engaged in the attempt to increase the facili- ties of inland navigation ; and in 1794, he procured from the English government, a patent, for a double inclined plane. About this time, he also invented a mill for the sawino- of mar- ble, a machine for spinning flax, and another for manufac- turing ropes. These valuable improvements were patented ; and for their invention, he was honoured with the thanks of the society tor the promotion of arts and sciences, and an honorary gold medal. Besides these important and useful works, he prepared a treatise on canal navigation ; the sug- gestions in which, were of such a valuable character, that his plans were adopted by the British board of agriculture, with a flattering testimonial of their ingenuity. In 1796, Mr. Fulton visited France, with the object of introducing his improvements into that country. He spent several years in Paris, where he devoted himself to the study of the modern languages, to philosophy, and the higher branches of mathematics. While in the French metropolis, he lived on terms of great and affectionate intimacy with Joel Barlow, Esq., the author of our national poem, " The Columbiad ;" to the splendid embellishment of which he materially assisted, when in the course of its being pub- lished. The succeeding year was marked by Fulton's trial of his inventions in submarine navigation and explosion, on the river Seine. The terrible engine which he prepared, he called the torpedo ; and under the direction of Bonaparte, an experiment was made upon a small vessel prepared for the purpose. It succeeded to his entire expectations ; for she 9* 102 BIOGRAPHY OF was blown into fragments, to a vast height in the air. A similar exhibition of the destructive power of the machine, was made by the inventor, on his return to this country, and with the same results. Previously to his leaving Europe, Mr. Fulton re-crossed the channel for England, where he was received with the attention to which his distinguished talents entitled him. A change of ministry interfered with the immediate adoption of his important inventions, and he sailed for the land of his birth, and arrived in New York, in 1808. He now directed his attention to steam-navigation ; and in conjunction with the Hon. Robert R. Livingston, who had suggested the practica- bility of it to him, in Paris, he commenced his operations. Among the many plans of improvement, which occupied his mind, that of navigating boats by steam, had, for some time before, received much consideration ; but the full prosecution of the idea was prevented through the multitude of subjects already demanding his attention. In France, as early as 1803, Mr. Livingston and himself, had constructed a model steamboat ; and the trial, which was perfectly successful, was made on the Seine, in the presence of numbers. Imme- diately on his arrival in America, the building of a steam- vessel was commenced, and in 1807, the boat, which was called the Clermont, began navigating the Hudson, at the rate of five miles per hour, against the stream. Speaking of the experiment, he says : — " The morning I left New York, there were not, perhaps, thirty persons in the city, who believed that the boat would move one mile an hour, or be of the least utility. And when we were putting off from the wharf, which was crowded with spectators, I heard a num- ber of sarcastic remarks. This is the way, you know, igno- rant men compliment what they call philosophers and pro- jectors." He, however, gained his splendid triumph over prejudice and every difficulty : and in the moment of certain Success, it can be easily imagined, there was concentrated a ROBERT FULTON. 103 measure of joy, which fully repaid him for all his previous anxieties and toils. In the second year of the late war between the United States and England, Fulton conceived the plan of 'building a steam man-of-war, and submitted to the government his models, &c. His project was adopted ; and with such avidity was it pur- sued by him, that in four months the stupendous battery was launched, under the name of " Fulton the First." She was estimated to cost three hundred and twenty thousand dollars : a sum not too great, when it is remembered that it was granted for the most formidable engine for the destruction of human life, in naval warfare, that the ingenuity of man has ever contrived. This fearful vessel was not completed until after the termination of the war ; but every trial which was made, confirmed the opinion as to the full sufficiency for the purposes of her struc- ture. A few years since, she was destroyed by an explosion of her magazine, caused through the negligence of a common sailor. In the winter of 1815, his health, which had been previ- ously suffering, both from the delicacy of his constitution, and the arduous labours of his mind, received a severe shock, through an unavoidable exposure to the severity of the season. The consequent illness was violent, but brief. In a few days it terminated in his death, and on the 24th of February of the above year, there departed from the world, which he had im- measurably benefited, one, who was " a martyr to his efforts in the cause of science, of friendship, and patriotism !" What is said about the results produced by steam navigation? When was it that Fitch and Voight commenced their operations for building a steamboat ? Where did ihey conduct the enterprise? Simultaneously with their experiment, who in Vil-gihia was conducting a similar operation ? Did Fitch and Voight succeed ? On what rivers did their boat move ? How was she propelled, by wheels or sweeps ? 104 BIOGRAPHY OF Where was Fulton born, and when ? Had he extensive advantages of education? What is said about his studious habits ? To which of the fine arts did he devote his attention? To what branch of business was he apprenticed in Philadelphia? What induced him to visit England ? With what American artist did he form a close friendship ? To what illustrious persons did West introduce him ? What machines did he invent when in England? When did he visit France ? What is said concerning his inventions in sub-marine navigation and explo- sion ? What was this terrible engine called ? When did he return to this country ? In conjunction with whom did he commence his experiments in steam navi- gation ? Had he previously turned his attention to this subject ? What was the name of the boat that he built on the Hudson ? What does he remark in respect to the first trial ? What can you say about the steam man-of-war ? When did Fulton die? RT. REV. BISHOP WHITE. Born MDCCXLVIII — Died MDCCCXXXVl. The holy lives of her departed people, are the inheritance of the Church of God : the splendid triumphs which they ex- hibited in their deaths, are among her brightest glories ! The legacy of their illustrious examples is precious in the sight of gospel votaries, for the memorial of their virtues is en- shrined in the hearts of the faithful. To the record of their consecrated labours, the worshipper of the altar turns with sacred ardour, for spiritual encouragement ; whilst their hal- lowed names are held in fond and tender remembrance by the believer in that divine religion which they adorned in life, and which enabled them to die, the trophied conquerors of a stern destroyer. RT. REV. BISHOP WHITE. 105 To preserve the memories of the eminent and pious dead, and to cherish, with enduring constancy, the recollection of their faithfulness and godly conversation, is a precept of our holy faith. It ap[)eals to all the sanctified sensibilities of our hearts, for perpetuating the remembrance of departed worth, and registering in the bosom's deep sanctuary, the examples of those who have gone to their reward ; leaving behind them the sweet savour of their deeds, and the reflected beauties of their virtues. It draws the heart in pensive meditation to the tombs of prophets and apostles, of martyrs and holy men; and in the moment of solemn and subdued feeling, lends its spirit to the breast, that it may glow with admiration for the loveliness of religion, aiid be animated to the imitation of the signal virtues of those who adorned their profession by gos- pel graces, and evangelical holiness. Over the tombs of such, the early followers of the humble Nazarene were wont, at stated periods, to strew the flowers which piety had gathered ; or bedew their graves with the tears of tervent gratitude and love. They were occasions, dedicated to religious offices; and whilst embalming, in renewed freshness, the eminent vir* tues of the departed ; or whilst scattering over their remains, the votive offerings of religion, they clothed themselves as with the mantle of the revered, and invoked a portion of that same sacred, consecrating fire, with which their souls were enkindled in faith, and warmed to an active obedience. Occasions like these, could not indeed fail in their intended benefit to the human heart ; for meditcitions upon the moral excellencies of tlie dead, must have a hallowing influence in the breast, not wholly indurated. It is not for the homage which is rendered to (hose who have gone from us, that they are required, but for ourselves ; to the end that our souls may be excited with a glow of admiration ; and that, admiring, we may imitate. It was with this view that they became of stated appointment ; and although they no longer may be connected with religious ordination, yet the occasional con- 106 BIOGRAPHY OF templation of those examples of holy and pure men, which are on record, cannot fail, to some degree, in begetting a share of emulation and reverence. The tribute of love cannot be withheld for their memories, whilst the heart may be awakened to the desire, that we may trace the steps by which they reached that spiritual excellence, which was their adornment and praise, whilst enclothed in mortality. To claim the incense of the heart's reverence for the me- mory of him, whose name is now before us, is to ask a tribute which is emphatically due to virtues, that were ever exhibited in a long life of Christian practice, and to a piety which was ever seen in gospel loveliness. The erring pen which re- cords this memorial of departed excellence, does so without respect to the distinctive principles of religion, which were cherished by the venerable man, whose great worth it would celebrate. It is of the personal merit, the personal graces, the marked purity of his life, and the holiness of his walk, in a world of frailty and transgression, that it would tell; and if primitive simplicity of character ; if apostolic integrity and Christian meekness ; if a piety, ever fervent, yet never obtrusive ; and religion, without pride ,* and knowledge, with- out vanity ; call for commendation and honour ; these are, in no small measure, to be conferred upon his memory and name. Few men have ever secured for themselves a greater share of unmixed esteem and respect, from the world at large, than Bishop White. From childhood, to the period of that good old age, which Providence permitted him to reach, he con- stantly increased in the estimation of the public mind. The religious tenets of the communion in which he was born, and over which he so faithfully presided, were, at one time, un- popular, on account of its colonial connexion with the estab- lished Church of England. His mild, yet faithful exposition of the doctrines which are held by it, removed the prejudices, whilst it convinced the understandings of multitudes. His RT. REV. BISHOP WHITE. 107 exaltation to the bishopric of liis native commonwealth, re- garded at the season of his consecration with jealousy, enabled him, by his apostolic meekness, to exhibit the character of a prelate, who, although invested with the staff of power, em- ployed it only in Christian love, and for its primitive purpose. The influence which he possessed, both from the important relation in which he was placed to a large body of Christians, and his extensive learning, were never the occasion of exciting an ambition to be exalted before the world ; but, on the con- trary, he always shrank, in trembling modesty, from worldly honours, or those distinctions which a vain-glorious heart mijiht seek. Althouujh connected with the events of our revo- lutionary contest, and called by patriotism to interest himself in producing an issue, which a solemn sense of duty made him ardently seek, yet his self-respect, and the dignity of the sacred ministry, would never allow him to mingle in party strife or factious struggles. That his public course was marked by the manifestation of a Christian spirit, abiding in a breast which was, however, not insensible to the claims of the oppressed land of his birth, the great and constant esteem which Washington delighted to extend to him, is the most honourable evidence. Of the benevolence which characterized the life of Dr. White, the best evidences are found, not only in the city of his birth, but throughout the vast extent of the territory of the United States. No appeal for his charity was ever made to him in vain ; and the only inquiry which preceded the be- stowal of his contributions, was whether the objects for their donation, were truly promotive of the relief designed by the petitioners. There is no institution established in Philadelphia, within the century preceding his death, that has not enjoyed, not only the benefits of his munificence, but an ever active interest for its welfare. In the halls of science and literature, is his name not only emblazoned as their patron : but over the lintels of those gates, which open to the asylums of hu* 108 BIOGRAPHY OF man suffering and wretchedness, the beneficence of him, who was the first to weep with the sons and daughters of misery, is traced in distinctive characters. Fie was indeed a benefac- tor of his race ; and whether his aid was needed in \\\e cause of his country, in the promotion of knowledge, or in the alleviation of those distresses of which the appointment of Heaven has made mankind the subjects, still was it ever-living and ever-enduring. To his faithfulness as a servant of the altar, a deserved and merited tribute could be borne, were this a befitting occasion. Sufficient is it to say, that so far as recollection will aid, no ministering clergyman has ever held his sacred station for the same length of time, in the American church, or with the same return of devoted and warm affection, on the part of his par- ishioners, as this reverend subject of our memoir. In his more exalted character of a prelate, he was distinguished not more for the dignity which marked the administration of the respon- sible duties of his station, than for the extensive benefits which have resulted from his judicious exercise of an apostolic corn- mission. In private life. Bishop White may be said to have furnished a happy illustration of the efficacy of gospel principles, in sanctifying the human heart, and qualifying it for the exercise of the best affections and charities of our renewed nature. His home was consecrated by those graces and dispositions, which not only adorn the circle of its innmtes, but give it its sweetest and holiest charms. Those who were favoured with the pri- vilege of an intercourse with him, never failed to experience the conviction, that an affectionate reverence was the willing tribute to be rendered to one, so amiable in his bearing, and of such suavity in his address. In truth, all who knew him, loved him ; and they who knew him best, loved him the most. William White was born in the city of Philadelphia, on the 24th of March, 1748, (O. S.,) corresponding with April 4th, 1748, (N. S.) In his childhood, he manifested a strong in- RT. REV; BISHOP WHITE. lOS clinatioii for the sacred ministry of the church in which he was cradled ; and anecdotes are related, which illustrate the strong influence of religious impressions on his infant heart. Having received the necessary preparation, he was entered in the College of Philadelphia, at present the University of Penn- sylvania; and at the age of seventeen, was honoured with the degree of bachelor of arts, with the credit due to his great talents, and the diligent employment of them. About the close of the year 1770, he repaired to England for holy orders, and was ordained a deacon, in the month of December of the same year. In April, 1772, he received priest's orders, and having left England, where he had greatly improved his mind, through an intercourse with the eminent men of that period, he returned to Philadelphia. In a short time, he was invited to become an assistant rector to the churches, with which he continued connected to the time of his death. Having been appointed chaplain to congress, he discharged his duties at the most critical period of our revolutionary con- test, and under very peculiar circumstances ; the influence of which could only have been overcome by the purest patriotism. In this honourable station, he continued during the sittings of the above body, in his native city, and only resigned his con- nexion with it, when it was removed to Washington, in 1801. In April, 1779, he was elected rector of Christ Church, and St. Peter's, in which charge, and that of St. James, grown out of the other two, he remained the whole of his professional life, to the edification of his admiring and affectionate people. The severance of the Episcopal churches in America, from the English hierarchy, required their organization, in this country, upon those fundamental principles, which are distinctive in the communion to which Dr. White belonged. With the favour of Providence, and the aid of his reverend brethren, and of some excellent laymen of the church, he succeeded in procur- ing a convention of clerical and lay deputies ; who assembled in Philadelphia, in September, 1785. The venerable subject 10 110 BIOGRAPHY OF of our memoir presided ; and after having established a con- stitution for ecclesiastical government, and adopted other requi- site measures, relating to faith and discipline, this respectable body, at a subsequent meeting, in 1786, elected him bishop of the church in Pennsylvania. He soon after proceeded to England for consecration, and along with Dr. Provost, who had been appointed to the same station, in New York, he re- ceived his sacred commission in the Episcopacy of the church, in the chapel of the palace of Lambeth, on the 4th of March, 1787, at the hands of Dr. John Moore, Archbishop of Canter- bury; Dr. William Markham, Archbishop of York; Dr. Charles Moss, Bishop of Bath and Wells ; and Dr. John Hinchliff, Bishop of Petersborough, being present and assisting. It has been before stated, that the benevolence of Bishop White was active and enduring. It was most signally exhibited in all the excellence and loveliness of its hallowed spirit, in his intercourse with his Christian brethren of various denominations of faith. Whilst he cherished with intense affection the distinctive doctrines of his church, and on every required occasion, " set forth" her claims, he did so with entire respect to the peculiarities of such as conscientiously differed from the views which were entertained by him. And it is recorded, in deserved commendation, that in the whole course of his long life, he never wounded the feelings of an individual, by harshness of judgment, or through a for- getfulness of Christian courtesy. In the universal respect and esteem which all, however opposite to him in creed, delighted to extend to this amiable servant of God, he had an honourable reward. Dr. White was a voluminous writer, and his productions are almost entirely of a religious nature. Many of his valuable treatises have been published, and they are consi- dered as important aids, both for the student and matured scholar. It has been announced by his executors, that his wurks arc about being published, in five volumes ; and they RT. REV. BISHOP WHITE. Ill win be received with joy, by all who can properly appreciate their assured excellence. This venerable and revered servant of a Divine Master, expired on the 17th of July, 1836, after a few days' sickness. His death was calm and serene : and he left a world, which he had long trod in the fear of God, and a church, of which he was a bright ornament, to enter upon that unfading inheritance, which is the reward of the faithful children of an Eternal King. The announcement of the death of Bishop White, was followed by a general gloom throughout the city, where he had spent his valuable life, and from the inhabitants of which, on account of his many excellent virtues, he had won a sin- cere and affectionate esteem. On the day of his interment, there was a spontaneous suspension of business ; and the great reverence for his character, was mournfully exhibited, in the vast multitude that followed the remains of the beloved patriarch to his tomb. What are the inheritance of the church of God ? What is a precept of our holy faith ? What was the custom of the primitive Christians? What is said of the benevolence of Bishop White ? What in respect to his ministry ? When and where was he born ? At what college was he educated ? When did he visit England, and for what purpose? When was he consecrated bishop, and by whom ? What is said about him as a writer ? When did he die ? 112 BIOGRAPHY OF REV. NATHANIEL EVANS. Born MDCCXLII — Died MDCCLXVII. If the rigid canons of criticism will not allow the name of Evans to be mscribed among those of the inspired children of poesy and song, yet the cause of virtue requires that there be some memorial of one, who embodied in harmonious verse, the chaste conceptions and moral excellencies of a sound and well regulated mind ! Apart from the merit which might be claimed for him by his admirers, on account of the sup- posed beauties which can be found in his writings, the de- mand of justice is interposed, that there be rendered to his amiable character and pure life, the deserved tribute of esteem and honour. Especially is this called for, since circum- stances, distinctly unfavourable at the time of his brief career in life, have heretofore prevented an exhibition of the claims which rest upon his countrymen, for their admiration and re- spect. The subject of this memoir was born in Philadelphia, on June 8th, 1742. His father, who was a respectable merchant of the city, designed him for the same pursuit, but, having ample means, determined to afford his son the advantages of an education beyond the mere requisites for commercial business. He was accordingly entered in the college of Phi- ladelphia, and soon exhibited his fondness for classical learn- ing, and the wide range of polite literature. He, in a brief time, endeared himself to the faculty of that venerable insti- tution, by his close application and amiable temper; and the regard was reciprocated by our young student in full measure. The volume of his poems, which was edited by the worthy and excellent provost, contains an elegy to the memory of REV. NATHANIEL EVANS. 113 Theophilus Grew, the professsor of mathematics, written in the warmth of a devoted friendship and gratitude. Having continued in the college for six years, he was re- moved to the counting-house of a merchant, with the view, on the part of his parent, of qualifying him for a business which the former designed should be pursued by his son. The taste for literature, however, which he had cherished in his academical course, with so much delight and profit, made him regret that the duties of the counting-house interfered with pursuits so congenial to his mind's best wishes and incli- nation. , On completing the term for which he was engaged at the desk, he immediately returned to the college, and re- sumed his studies with renewed vigour and devotion. Perhaps there are few instances on record, of greater pro- gress in the pursuit of knowledge, or of a more ardent en- gagement in the occupations of the scholar, than that furnished by young Evans. Such was his great diligence in study, that at the commencement, held on May 30th, 1765, a short time after his second matriculation, he was, by special mandate of the Trustees, and upon the unanimous recommendation of the Board of Faculty, honoured with a diploma for the degree of Master of Arts ; although he had not received the pre- vious degree of Bachelor, on account of the interruption in his studies, during the season which was spent in the counting- house. Immediately subsequent to the commencement, he em- barked for England, favoured with the most honourable testi- monials of respect and esteem for his great talents and virtues. The object of his visit to the mother country, was the import- ant one of receiving ordination in the Church of England, and the appointment of Missionary for Gloucester county. New Jersey, from the venerable " Society for propagating the Gos- pel in foreign parts." If his acknowledged abilities were a qualification in a literary point of view, for this sacred call- ing, his piety, and the excellent virtues of his heart and life, 10* 114 BIOGRAPHY OF yielded the assurance of future usefulness. Upon the society's nomination, he was admitted to orders, by Dr. Terrick, bishop of London, exercising provisional authority over the colonial churches. His examination gave the greatest satisfaction to the above prelate, particularly from the perusal of an elegant composition, which had been prepared in a few minutes, upon a theological subject, and upon which his views had been re- quired. On his return to Philadelphia, in 1765, he proceeded to his responsible charge in the neighbourhood, and settled in Had- donfield, N. J. With all that activity and great zeal, which were shown by him in every work to which his mind was directed, he entered upon the sacred duties of a Christian min- ister, and soon beheld the gratifying evidences of his accepta- bleness as a teacher in divine things. But he just lived long enough to show, by the excellent and amiable dispositions of his heart, the purity of hia morals, " the sublimity and sound- ness of his faith," and the warmth of his pulpit compositions, how well he was qualified for the sacred office to which he had wholly devoted himself. He died of consumption, Octo- ber 29th, 1767, in the twenty-sixth year of his age, lamented by all who were favoured with his acquaintance, and none more deeply and affectionately mourned over the bereavement, than the beloved people whom he had not yet served two years ! Evans, like his friend Godfrey, whose works he had edited, and published but a few days previous to his own decease, was cut off in the morning of life, and before that period when the powers of the human mind can fully develope themselves. Enough has been supplied, however, to show that his genius for poetry was not inferior to that of many who have earned a character in that department of literature. His " Ode on the Prospect of Peace," is not only indicative of this quality, but may be subjected to the closest critical examination ; we believe that its many beauties cannot fail in producing that admiration which it deserves. REV. NATHANIEL EVANS. 115 His poems and other compositions were collected by Pro- vost Smith, and published in an octavo volume of two hundred pages, in the year 1772. What is said of the date and place of birth of Rev. Nathaniel Evans? Where was he educated ? What did his amiable disposition secure for him at the above institution? What business was he designed for by his parents ? What special honours did he receive shortly after his return to college ? For what object did he visit England ? By what society was he employed as a missionary, and to what station was he directed ? When did he dief AN ODE, Attempted in the manner of Horace, to my ingenious friend, Thomas Godfrey. " While you, dear Tom, are forc'd to roam, In search of fortune, far from home. O'er bogs, o'er seas and mountains ,* I too, debarr'd the soil retreat Of shady groves, and murmur sweet Of silver-prattling fountains, " Must mingle with the busthng throng, And bear my load of cares along. Like any other sinner : For, where 's the ecstasy in this, To loiter in poetic bliss. And go without a dinner ? " FlaccuSi we know, immortal bard With mighty kings and statesmen fared, And lived in cheerful plenty ; But now, in these degenerate days, The slight reward of empty praise Scarce one receives in twenty. 116 BIOGRAPHY OF "AVell might the Roman swan, along The pleasing Tiber, pour his song, When blest with ease and quiet ; Oft did he grace Mrecenas' board. Who would for him throw by the lord, And in Falernian riot. " But, dearest Tom ! these days are past, And we are in a climate cast Where few the muse can relish ; Where all the doctrine now that's told. Is that a shining heap of gold Alone can man embellish. " Then since 'tis thus, my honest friend, If you be wise, my strain attend. And counsel sage adhere to : With me, henceforward, join the crowd. And like the rest proclaim aloud. That money is all virtue ! " Then may we both, in time, retreat To some fair villa, sweetly neat. To entertain the muses ; And then life's noise and trouble leave — Supremely blest, we'll never grieve At what the world refuses." PSALM CXXXVII., VERSIFIED. " 'Twas on the gentle brink reclin'd. Of fair Euphrates' murm'ring wave. When Zion's fate we call'd to mind. Salt tears our languid cheeks did lave. REV. NATHANIEL EVANS. H? " There, on the willows bending low, Our untunM joyless harps we hung ; For what but grief could from us flow, When unrelenting foes among ? " Ah ! how the victors mock'd our story, Exulting o'er our helpless state ; Sing now, said they, of Zion's glory. And, in your mirth, forget your fate. " How shall we joy in land profane. Or sound Jehovah''s matchless praise 1 How sing the wonders of his reign, To those who slight celestial lays? " Rather than I, in evil hour, Should cease to think of Judah's wrong, May my right arm be void of pow'r. And dumb, for ever, be my tongue. " Let, O Lord, thy wrath in thunder, Speak devoted Edom's ruin ; Who athirst for blood and plunder, Work'd fair Judah's sad undoing. " And thou, O Babel ! doom'd to slaughter. With just return of sighs and groans ! Blest, who each infant son and daughter. Shall dash for thee against the stones." ELEGY To the Memory of my beloved friend, Thomas Godfrey, who died near Wilmington, North Carolina, August 3d, 1763. " Oh death ! thou victor of the human frame ! The soul's poor fabric trembles at thy name ! 118 BIOGRAPHY OF How long shall man be urg'd to dread thy sway, For those whom thou untimely tak'st away ? Life's blooming spring just opens to our eyes, And strikes the senses with a sweet surprise, When thy fierce arm uplifts the fatal blow That hurls us breathless to the earth below. *' Sudden, as darts the lightning thro' the sky, Around the globe thy various weapons fly. Here war's red engines heap the field with slain, And pallid sickness there extends thy reign ; Here the soft virgin weeps her lover dead, There maiden beauty sinks the graceful head ; Here infants grieve their parents are no more. There rev'rend sires their children's death deplore; Here the sad friend — O I save the sacred name! Yields half his soul to thy relentless claim ; O pardon, pardon the descending tear ! Friendship commands, and not the muses here. O say, thou much lov'd dear departed shade. To what celestial region hast thou stray'd ? Where is that vein of thought, that noble fire Which fed thy soul, and bade the world admire I That manly strife with fortune to be just. That love of praise ? an honourable thirst ! The soul, alas ! has fled to endless day, And left its house a mould'ring mass of clay. " There, where no fears invade, nor ills molest. Thy soul shall dwell immortal with the blest ; In that bright realm, where dearest friends no more Shall from each other's throbbing breasts be tore, Where all those glorious spirits sit enshrin'd, The just, the good, the virtuous of mankind ; There shall fair angels in a radiant ring, And the great Son of heaven's eternal king. REV. NATHANIEL EVANS. 119 Proclaim thee welcome to the blissful skies, And wipe the tears for ever from thy eyes. " How did we hope — alas ! the hope how vain ! To hear thy future more enripen'd strain ; When fancy's fire with judgment had combin'd To guide each efFort of th' enraptured mind. Yet are those youthful glowing lays of thine The emanations of a soul divine ! Who heard thee sing but felt sweet music's dart In thrilling transports pierce his captiv'd heart ? Whether soft melting airs attun'd thy song, Or pleas'd to pour the thund'ring verse along, Still nobly great, true offspring of the Nine, Alas I how blasted in thy glorious prime ! So, when first ope the eye-lids of the morn, A radiant purple does the heav'ns adorn. Fresh smiling glory streaks the skies around, And gaily silvers each enamel'd mound, Till some black storm o'erclouds the ether fair. And all its beauties vanish into air. " Stranger, whoe'er thou art, by fortune's hand Tost on the baneful Carolinian strand. Oh ! if thou seest perchance the Poet's grave. The sacred spot with tears of sorrow lave ; Oh ! shade it, shade it with ne'er- fading bays ; Hallowed 's the place where gentle Godfrey lays! (So may no sudden dart from death's dread bow Far from the friends thou lov'st e'er lay thee low) There may the weeping morn its tribute bring. And angels shield it with their golden wings, Till the last trump shall burst the womb of night, And the purg'd atoms to their soul unite !" 120 BIOGRAPHY OF REV. JOHN BLAIR LINN. Born MDCCLXXVII — Died MDCCCIV. The life of this excellent divine and accomplished scholar, supplies a happy instance of the harmonious union of reli- gion with learning — of ardent piety with the pursuit of litera- ture. It affords an example that can be confronted with the mistaken opinion, that the acquisitions which intellectual re- search may gather, are adverse to the progress of spiritual improvement : whilst to the votary of the altar, as well as to the student in secular wisdom, there is given a strong en- couragement to employ to their full extent, those attributes of mind, and to obey those sacred impulses of the soul, which are alike the gift of an Heavenly Father. Indeed, the history of Christianity, from its first publication to the present period of its wide-spread extension, must con- vince the inquirer, that apart from the consideration of their having been the special subjects of divine favour, the labours of those, who most materially advanced the sacred cause of human salvation, were essentially aided by mental culture and improvement. Against the errors of unbelief, they contended in a majesty of strength, which a studious employment of their moral faculties could alone have enabled them to exer- cise. The weapons of infidel violence were accordingly broken in every assault against a power, which was armed with the wisdom of prophets and seers — of the good and great of this world. And well has the religion of our Saviour returned this aid, even to an hundred fold, which, in the early periods of her establishment, she derived from the learning of her noble de- fenders. Beyond that constant, illuminating influence which REV. JOHN BLAIR LINN. 121 she lends to the mind of man, she has been the conservator of the recorded wisdom of the ages that had preceded her advent upon earth. In those centuries of the gospel era, when darkness had enwrapped the nations in midnight gloom, and beneath the humid vapours of which, the faculties of the mind were chilled and palsied, there were preserved, in the cloisters of her priests, the vast treasures of her intellectual wealth, which mighty spirits of yore had bequeathed to the world. It was only in the cells of her monastic institutions, that there could be found the relics of human learning ; and it was from these sacred recesses, that fresh energies were derived, which again impelled the mind to the onward course of improvement and knowledge. If then, the cultivation of literature be not incompatible with the holy office, but on the contrary, may be the means by which its duties will be rendered more efficient and accept- able, the instance, which our present subject affords, claims a more than passing notice. The reverend individual whose name is at the head of this article, was distinguished in his short, but useful life, not more for the accomplishments of his mind, than for his religious walk and conversation. With a piety which was signal in its fervour and permanence ; and with a zeal for the interest of the holy cause in which he had enlisted all the energies of his renewed heart, this excellent and faithful servant of the Most High, was no less the un- tiring student in the higher walks of literature. The pleasures which these pursuits afforded him, are thus beautifully ex- pressed by himself, in his introduction to his poem on the " Powers of Genius." " Literature," he observes, " next to religion, is the fountain of our greatest consolation and delight. Though it be a solemn truth, that the deepest erudition, dis- connected with religion, cannot enlighten the regions beyond the grave, or afford consolation on the bed of death ; yet, when united with religion, literature renders men more emi- nently useful ,• opens wider their intellect to the reception of 11 122 BIOGRAPHY OF divine light, banishes religious superstition, and bows the knee with purer adoration before the throne of God. Literature, on the rugged journey of hfe, scatters flowers ; it over- shadows the path of the weary, and refreshes the desert with its streams. He, who is prone to sensual pursuits, may seek his joy in the acquirement of silver and gold, and bury his affections with the treasure in his coffers. The noble soul, enlightened by genius and taste, looks far above these posses- sions. His riches are the bounty of knowledge ; his joys are those which wealth cannot purchase. He contemplates na- ture in her endless forms, and finds companions where men of different pursuits would experience the deepest solitude." It was through this cultivation of a refined taste, that Mr. Linn was enabled to present the sublime truths of religion on his entrance into the Christian ministry, in a form which excited attention, and captivated by its beauty. The congre- gation, over which he was placed, was distinguished for the intelligence of its members : who could properly appreciate the great worth and capacity of their spiritual director. He soon became endeared to them also, by the excellent qualities of his heart, and the sanctity of his life, whilst his piety gave evidence of the nearness of his walk with the Most High. He deservedly was placed among the first divines of his day ; and this honourable distinction was cheerfully awarded, since his great worth as a Christian man and scholar were universally acknowledged and valued. Through- out the great body of the communion to which he was attached, he enjoyed the esteem and love of his brethren in the ministry, as well as of the laity ; and his removal from this scene of his labours in the cause of a divine religion, was mourned by all, as an affliction of no common extent, to a bereaved church and society, of which he was an ornament. John Blair Linn was born in Shippensburg, Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, March 14th, 1777. He was de- scended from ancestors, who originally came from the Bri- REV. JOHN BLAIR LINN. 123 tish Islands, and at an early period settled in the wilderness of the new world. They were respectable emigrants, distin- guished by their knowledge and piety, and for having sup- plied the church to which they are attached, with several worthy and useful ministers. Of the juvenile period of our subject's life, there is nothing remembered, except that he acquired the rudiments of edu- cation with much facility, and that the elements of the Latin language were mastered at an age earlier than common. In his ninth year, his father removed to New York, and he was placed at a school on Long Island. His preparatory- studies having been completed at this seminary, he was matriculated at Columbia College, and completed his educa- tion with much credit and honour, at the age of eighteen. During his college course, his genius evinced a strong ten- dency to polite literature ; and poetry and criticism became his darling studies. Before his seventeenth year, he had produced a number of poetic and prose pieces, which were published by him in a volume, which is said to contain no small merit. On the completion of his academic education, with the consent of his family, he chose the law for his profession, and was placed under the direction of Alexander Hamil- ton, Esq. The science of jurisprudence, however, had few charms for him, and at the end of the first year of his studies, he determ.ined to relinquish the pursuit. During this period, he had produced a dramatic piece, called " Bourville Castle," and its merit was such, that it was successively performed on the stage of New York, with decided approbation. But an event, in which the friends of religion have cause to rejoice, occurred immediately subsequent to the produc- tion of his drama. This was the expressed purpose of Mr. Linn, to devote the powers of his mind to the sacred ministry. Impressions of religion had been made upon a heart, which had always cherished a holy reverence for sacred things, and 124 BIOGRAPHY OF he now cultivated with anxious soHcitude, the germ which had sprung up in his awakened bosom. It was tended with prayerful care; and the decision which it must be remem- bered was made by one of an ardent mind, to consecrate his life to the solemn duties of the altar, was adhered to, in a strength, which was derived from above, and in a devoted- ness that for ever after gave the evidence of unquestionable sincerity. In the prosecution of this sacred purpose, he withdrew to Schenectady, and placed himself under the care of the Rev. Dr. Romeyn, a professor of divinity in the Dutch Reformed Church. He now assiduously pursued the study of theology, and in the year 1798, was licensed to preach by the classis of Albany. His first exhibition in the character of a public teacher, was followed by the commendation of approving thousands, and he was immediately honoured with invitations from several vacant congregations. He finally accepted the charge of the First Presbyterian Church, in the city of Phi- ladelphia, and he was accordingly ordained and installed in June, 1799. With the greatest faithfulness and zeal, he fulfilled the va- rious parochial duties of his station, and soon secured the warm and affectionate regard of his people. He, however, never intermitted his literary labours, and within the first two years of his ministry, he produced a poem on the death of Washington, written in the style of Ossian ; and one entitled, " The Powers of Genius." This latter is considered the best of his works ; and so great was the approbation of the public, on its publication, that the first edition was exhausted in a few days. After his death, an unfinished production in verse, entitled, " Valerian," was given to the public by his admiring friends, in a quarto volume of ninety-six pages, to which is prefixed an excellent biography, by that accomplished writer, Charles Brockden Brown, Esq., who was connected with Dr. Linn, by marriage. REV. JOHN BLAIR LINN. 125 In the year 1800, the insidious approach of death, through consumption, began to manifest itself to his admiring and affectionate friends ; and our amiable pastor, himself, was as- sured of the hasty strides of the destroyer. From his youth, he was haunted with a fatal conviction, that his life would be brief, and of all diseases, that of a pulmonary affection, he regarded with the greatest horror. The tokens were, alas, infallibly certain ! On the 13th of August, no unusual symp- toms of near dissolution appeared, but on the evening of that day he ruptured a blood-vessel, soon after he had retired. He was hardly able to call his family around him, before he ex- pired ; with the emphatic prayer, " Lord Jesus, pardon my transgressions, and receive my soul !" What is said of the union of religion with secular learning ? What is remarked by Dr. Linn in regard to literature ? Where and when was the doctor born ? What is said of his capacity for acquiring learning ? When did his family remove to New York, and at what college was our subject placed ? How old was he when he graduated ? What profession did he first choose, and under whom t What dramatic piece did he produce ? When his mind became impressed with the views of religion, what resolu- tion did he adopt ? Under what reverend gentleman did he pursue his purpose? To what congregation did he attach himself? What poems did he publish ? When did he die? THE POWERS OF GENIUS. " The human fabric, early from its birth Feels some fond influence from its parent earth : In different regions, different forms we trace, — Here dwells a feeble, there an iron race : Here genius lives and wakeful fancies play, Here noiseless stupor sleeps its life away. 11* 120 BIOGRAPHY OF A rugged race, the clifTs and mountains bear, They leap the precipice and breast the air. Follow the chamois on the pointed rock. And clamber heights to seek their bearded flock. Loud from the Baltic sounds the dreadful storm, And gathering hosts the face of day deform : Beneath their rage the soft Italian yields His boasted laurels and his blooming fields. The wandering Tartars by their rigorous land, Were led to war, to victory and command. While southern climes were sunk in deep repose, (An easy conquest to invading foes.) — Where spreads the quiet and luxuriant vale For ever fann'd by spring's ambrosial gale ; Where over pebbles runs the limpid rill. And woods o'ershade the wildly sloping hill : There roves the swain, all gentle and serene. And guards his sheep while browsing on the green. He leads the dance by Cynthia's silver light, And lulls with sport the dusky ear of night ; Breathes from his pipe the dulcet strain of love. And warbles Ellen, through the mead and grove. — In those drear climes where scorching suns prevail. And fever rides the tainted burning gale ; Where draws the giant snake his loathsome train. And poisons with his breath the yellow plain ; There languid Pleasure waves his gilded wings, And slothful ease the mental power unstrings. Where Iceland spreads her dark and frozen wild On whose fell snows no cheering sunbeam smiled, There, in their stormy, cold, and midnight cell, The cheerless fishermen with stupor dwell ; Wrapt in their furs they slumber life away. And mimic with their lamps the light of day. — REV. JOHN BLAIR LINN. 127 Chill, through his trackless pines, the liunter pass'd, His yell arose upon the howling blast: Before him fled, with all the speed of fear. His wealth and victim, yonder helpless deer. Saw you the savage man, how fell and wild. With what grim pleasure as he pass'd, he smiled? Unhappy man ! a wretched wigwam's shed Is his poor shelter, some dry skins, his bed ; Sometimes, alone, upon the woodless height He strikes his fire and spends his watchful night ; His dog with howling bays the moon's red beam, And starts the wild deer in his nightly dream — Poor savage man, for him no yellow grain. Waves its bright billows o'er the fruitful plain ; For him, no harvest yields its full supply When Winter hurls his tempest through the sky. No joy he knows, but those which spring from strife. Unknown to him, the charms of social life. Rage, malice, envy, all his thoughts control, And every dreadful passion burns his soul. — Should culture meliorate his darksome home, And cheer those wilds where he is wont to roam j Beneath the hatchet should his forest fall. And the mild tabor warble through his hall, Should fields of tillage yield their rich increase, And through his wastes walk forth the arts of peace ; His sullen soul would feel a genial glow, Joy would break in upon the night of woe ; Knowledge would spread her mild, reviving ray, And on his wigwam, rise the dawn of day." 128 BIOGRAPHY OF VALERIAN. " A holy bishop had from Carthage come, To cheer the courage of his friends at Rome ; His character, his goodness, and his rank, Made him an object of the heathen rage. A burst of voices from the frantic crowds Denounced his death. Around his house Gathered the fierce and raving multitude, Tore from his bed the venerable man. Dragged him exulting through the affrighted streets, Dashed him against the earth and craggy walls. And threw his mangled members to the flames. A lovely woman, of exalted rank. Who had renounced the idol gods of Rome, With a sweet infant clinging to her breast. With streaming hair, and garments rudely torn, Was dragged by ruffians in the public view, Was brutally insulted, scourged, and gashed ; While from her arms her little babe was torn, And by the pressure of a dungeon villain. Strangled, and stamped beneath the spurning foot. *' O pardon, sir, these tears, which still will flow ; I am a soldier, nor disdain to weep ; That holy matron who was thus destroyed Was my fond mother. Yes, I saw her die : I tried to save her, but I strove in vain. I, a late convert to the Christian faith. Escaped the dangers of that hateful night, But was reserved for further scenes of woe. My father still inflexibly remained Attached to heathen principles and rites. Whatever his will might be, he had no power REV. JOHN BLAIR LINN. 129 To shield his wife or son from frantic foes. Finding no safety in his house, I fled ; I refuge sought in unfrequented ways, In narrow lanes : and at the dead of night, Stole like a felon from my lurking-place, In search of friends, who roved unhoused like me. " In one lone ramble through the silent streets, A passing soldier marked my hasty steps : He knew me, and commanded me to stop. Alarmed, I strove to disappoint his search ; But he rushed on, discovered where I was. And with his sword, unsheathed, aimed at my life. Forced to oppose his wild impetuous rage, I drew my sword, which in the night I wore, And in the encounter beat the brutal wretch, Bleeding and howling at my feet ; his cry Brought to his aid the nightly guards of Rome. I swiftly fled, and baffled their pursuit. The dying man pronounced my name, and bade His friends remember to avenge his death. Thus noted and proscribed, and like a beast, Hunted and followed by the hounds of blood, I could not long escape their eager search. " One night, within a large and vaulted cave, I, and two hundred Christians more, had met To hear explained the scriptures of our God ; To bend before his awful throne in prayer ; To share the joys of sympathetic hearts. Some happy hours had flown on us ; engaged In acts of worship, and in counsel there, When we were startled by the march of feet, By clashing arms, and voices near our cave. We had not time to fly, before the mouth 130 BIOGRAPHY OF or our rude cavern was by soldiers closed, And some fierce bands rush'd in with spears and swords, And then commenced the dreadful work of death. The small defence which we could make was vain, And vain our supplications to our foes. The voice of prayer and praise, was now exchanged For shrieks of torture, and for dying groans ; Late, where the broken bread and wine were spread. The emblems of a bleeding Saviour's love. Streamed the warm blood, and fell the mangled limb, " Sometime, had Slaughter rioted and raged. When I, contending in the face of death. In hopes that darkness might afford escape. Flew to the places where the lamps were hung, Dashed them to the earth, extinguished all their light. Shrouded in night, and in a cave immured, The Roman soldiers could not now discern Their friends from foes : wild uproar now arose ; Confusion fell upon the heathen fiends ; They poured down blows upon each other's heads, And in mistake, they one another slew : A night more terrible I never saw. I, purposing escape, in silence crept Along the walls, until I reached the door : Then calling to my friends, I bade them seize The present time of flight, and follow me : And springing upwards, o'er the flight of stairs, I gained the street, and saw the moon and stars. Scarce had I time to breathe, and look around. When I was seized by the patrolling guards. Was bound with heavy chains, and then was thrown In a deep dungeon, cold, damp as the grave. Excluded there from light or human voice, I lay some weeks, and would have welcomed death ; REV. JOHN BLAIR LINN. 131 I had but little food, and that was coarse, And such as hunger only would receive. " One day I heard my prison doors unbarred And hailed it as the sound preceding death ; But was surprised to see my keeper followed By a patrician magistrate of Rome. He came, he said, to rescue me from woe, To lead me forth to liberty and life. If I would meet compliantly his terms. And render homage to the gods of Rome. Young man, said he, the emperor is kind, And sends you mercy at your father's prayer. If you renounce the Christian name and faith, Honours await you, you shall roll in wealth. In all the splendours of patrician rank ; But if you still to Christians vile adhere. And thus forget your father, birth, and king. Now nearly numbered are your days of life : Hear, then, and weigh the doom, the foul disgrace, Which you will bring upon your wretched head, By persevering in your headlong course : The king designs to give a splendid feast To his victorious soldiers and his friends. And to conclude the pleasures of the day By exhibitions on the stage at night. These royal exhibitions shall consist Of men contending with fierce hungering beasts. Of gladiators skilled in arts of war. Hear, then, and tremble : 'tis great Nero's will That those who meet the lion in his wrath Should be selected from the Christian herd, Those enemies of Rome, and of the gods : And you, Valerian, if you still refuse To offer incense to the gods of Rome, 132 BIOGRAPHY OF Shall, in the view of clamorous multitudes, War with the lion, or the savage boar, And with your dying pangs feast the dark eye Of Riot and of Joy. Think then, O youth. Before the day of sovereign grace is past ; Renounce the errors of a wretched sect. And fill with joy an aged father's heart. " I heard his overtures, and thus replied : Bear back my answer to the king you serve And tell it to the priests and slaves of Rome, That you have seen Valerian in his cell, Of birth as noble as proud Rome can boast. Chained to the cold ground, like the vilest wretch Buried in filth, in solitude, and night. Pale and worn down, denied the use of food ; But that you found him rooted in his faith. Resolved to brave your haughty tyrant's power. And all the pangs his cruelty can form ; Resolved to die and feast the heathen wolves. Before he would renounce the truths he holds. Or worship any being but his God. Tell also to the sovereign of the world, That, though I die, I supplicate his favour For these poor Christians whom I leave behind; That he would stay the persecuting sword Which riots in their blood. They never did him harm ; Peaceful are they, and, seeking peace of men. They follow in the footsteps of their Lord, And pay to Caesar what to him is due. All that they claim is liberty to serve Their God and Saviour, as they shall think best. The world holds not a nobler race of men, A race more faithful to the God they own, A race more fervent in their country's cause. REV. JOHN BLAIR LINN. 133 Tell to my father, that his son forgives His coldness and neglect, and that he dies In prayers for blessings on his reverend head. O tell him that this heart beats high with love For him who gave me birth, and longs to pour Its hopes, its cares, its sorrows in his breast. ** The Roman magistrate withdrew in wrath. He bade me speedily prepare for death, To sate the hunger of the beast of prey. He bade my keeper give me better food, To nurse my strength against the day of combat, That I might grapple bravely with my foe. My father came, in pity to my wish, To bid his wretched son a last farewell. He wept, he press'd me to his bursting heart, Conjured me by the love I bore to him. By the dear memory of her who died A sainted victim to the cause of Christ. To seek not thus a vile and wretched end. But to renounce the faith 1 had embraced. And live again in happiness and peace. But all his prayers and all his tears were vain ; My resolution nothing could subdue. Rather to meet ten thousand deaths than blast The truths I loved, my fervent hopes of heaven. * * * * * * # "At length the dreadful night of trial came. Clad in light armour, I by force was dragged From my loathed dungeon, and compelled to meet The hateful shouts of eager, gazing crowds. Behold me then upon a public stage. Mocked and insulted, and expecting death. " At signal given, with loud and horrid bound, A lion leaps before my view : his eyes 12 134 BIOGRAPHY OF Like kindled fires glare frightfully on me ; His hairy sides he lashes with his tail ; And, couching down, he pours his chilling cry Of hunger and of rage ; aroused I start From my sad trance, and in defence I rush Against a foe so terrible and fierce. " Soon as he feels the edge of my keen sword His rage redoubles, and his hideous roar Deafens the ear, and shakes the vaulted walls; He waves the terrors of his hoary mane. Collecting all his might, at me he leaps> And with extended claws threatens to tear My quivering members piecemeal on the stage.. I start aside and disappoint his rage, And, aided by the gracious arm of Heaven, Ere he recovers from his bound misspent, I plunge my weapon in his panting heart. The mighty savage falls and rolls in blood, He gasps and struggles in the pangs of death, Loud shouts of exultation rend the air, A thousand voices bid the conqueror live. " The emperor listens to the generous wish : At his command, the guards conduct me back. To my dark cell, there to remain and wait The will and pleasure of my vengeful foes. I met again Coelestian, my kind friend. Whose life, till now, his enemies had spared:. He welcomed me as risen from the tomb. And come to haunt his solitude : he scarce Would listen to my tale, or grant belief To my escape from danger and from death. "Excuse me, friends, if I should draw the veil O'er the new sufferings of my prison-house. REV. JOHN BLAIR LINN. 135 With heavy wing the long and tardy days PassM o'er my dungeon ; still I cherished hope; At length arose the dawn of better days, And freedom came to bless my weary eyes. My father's bribe seduced the keeper's heart, And he consented to unlock the doors, And let Ccelestian and myself depart, While slept the guards, and night had hushed the world. " Escaped from prison, I and my new friend Resolved to fly for ever from those shores Where liberty of conscience was denied. Where God was worshipped midst the fears of death. Disguised, by night, to Ostia's port we came, And meeting there with several Christian friends Who there had gathered with the same design, A vessel we obtained, in which we all Embarked, and left the walls of haughty Rome, Our fields, our country, and our friends behind. And guided by Coelestian on our way. We turned our sails towards these far-eastern climes, The most remote from Roman rage and power." 136 BIOGRAPHY OF CHARLES BROCKDEN BROWN. Born MDCCLXXI — Died MDCCCX. The distinguished honour belongs to Pennsylvania, of re- cording among her eminent children, the name of the first professional author in America. Many of her illustrious sons had previously secured for themselves no small measure of renown, for their discoveries in science, or their attainments in literature ; and the tribute which was freely rendered to them, was not more flattering than it was deserved. Yet the results of their wisdom and genius were given to the world, amid pursuits, not only distinct from those of such as wholly devote their faculties and time to the pen, but which are often adverse to the prosecution of subjects that require an undi- vided and special attention. Among their pressing avocations, they, however, seized every occasion for improving their own knowledge and that of mankind, in whatever was beneficial or elevating ; and, within the forest-wilds of the new world, there were not wanting those who would have adorned the venerable halls of learning in Europe. Yet the circumstances by which they were surrounded, would not permit an entire dedication of their great powers to letters or science, whilst the demands of the reading portion of the colonists were too moderate to warrant an experiment in authorship as a pro- fession. The charge brought against our nation, by transatlantic writers, that we have had but few authors among us, is made without a due consideration of those reasons which fully ex- plain the causes of this deficiency. On the first settlement of our country, and for a long time subsequent, the energies of the people were wholly directed to the realizing of that competency, or wealth, which had induced them to leave the CHARLES BROCKDEN BROWN. 137 eastern hemisphere. Their object was to secure a property, which should repay them for their enterprise and labours : and whilst in the pursuit of it, they neglected such branches of learning as were not immediately required to qualify them for the acquisition of gain. In preparing the wilderness for cultivation, or in converting forests into towns, they found none of that leisure, so essential to the student, nor had they access to those libraries, the value of which the scholar can so well estimate. It was a period, when amid the bustle and activity, which can easily be imagined to have everywhere prevailed, secular learning could not advantageously be pro- secuted ; and, although its necessity and worth may have been acknowledged, yet its possession was regarded as im- practicable, especially as to its higher branches. Another cause of this deficiency can be found in the nature of our civil institutions, or rather in the demands made upon the early settlers for their preparation and establishment. An experiment in government was to be made, and that it should be successful, the abilities and services of the learned were called into action. Minds, of a high order, and capable of reaching the loftiest rank in most of the departments of litera- ture, were however, confined to the arduous task of legislating for a new empire, having new principles of government in its constitution, and requiring a new code of laws for its protec- tion. Accordingly, all who were gifted with talents that had been improved by the advantages of education, beheld before them a sure and certain road of honourable preferment, which, if it did not lead to the summit of literary glory, had, how- ever, its allurements and recompense in the opinions of many, who have well merited the character which has been rendered to the statesmen of our land. Under the influence of such causes, it was not to be ex- pected that all the refinements of learning would be the aim of a people thus placed within the control of circumstances, which could not, at once, be destroyed. Native genius had 12* 138 BIOGRAPHY OF done much, in a comparatively brief period, to elevate th6 character of our country ; and science and philosophy had numbered as their disciples in America, those whos^ names are recorded as upon eternal brass. But the peculiar condi- tion of a large portion of the people prevented the bestowal of that notice and patronage, which are required in matters purely of mental production. The enterprising courage which could impel an individual, under these untoward circumstances, to rest not only his fame, but daily support, upon a profession which had never before been pursued among us, must have been of no common cha- racter. It has the strongest claims for admiration and re- spect ; and these will be increased, when it is remembered, that the requisite qualifications were possessed by the subject of this article to no limited extent. His scholarship was highly respectable, and his genius has deservedly placed him in the front rank of our writers. The cast of his mind was highly imaginative, and the creations of his vivid fancy often partake of genuine poetry, and are always embodied in the fervent, glowing language of a heart that must have throbbed in unison with the impassioned and startling incidents which his pen has so strongly traced. Many of these have called forth ex- pressions of admiration from the sternest critics, and in no humble scale of merit has his name been placed among the writers of fiction and polite literature. There is, however, a recommendation, which the works of Brown possess, that constitutes, in the view of the moralist, their chief merit. Although beautiful specimens of that spe- cies of writing, and of the greatest interest as well of power, to awaken and sustain the attention and feelings, yet his sen- timents and language have nothing of a licentious tendency. His admirers have nothing to fear as to the verdict which may be passed in respect to an improper influence upon the heart of the reader. The productions of his fancy, however, will richly repay, by their many beauties and thrilling incidents, CHARLES BROCKDEN BROWN. 139 a frequent perusal, whilst his moral and literary essays cannot fail in improving the mind, or aiding the heart in its practice of virtue. Charles Brockden Brown was born in Philadelphia, January 17th, 1771. His ancestors were very respectable, and connected with the Society of Friends. At the earliest period of his life, he showed an inclination for books, and when eleven years of age, was placed under the tuition of Robert Proud, favourably known as the writer of the History of Pennsylvania. From this excellent preceptor he acquired a knowledge of the Greek and Latin languages, together with the various branches of an English education. Even during this period he produced a few poetical pieces of some merit, which were communicated to the public through the journals of that day. On completing his education he commenced the study of the law, but in a short time abandoned the idea of making it a professional pursuit. His inextinguishable love of letters would not allow his mind to be devoted to what he considered a dry and laborious study ; and after much anxious reflection, upon the means of future subsistence, he determined to try the career of an author. After producing a few works, of no great extent, or merit sufficient to awaken much interest, he published, in 1798, Wieland, a romance, which exhibits, in a remarkable degree, the powerful workings of passion, ex- cited through the influence of a mysterious agency. The scene is laid in Pennsylvania, and throughout the work, there are examples of a full capacity for this species of composition, and which show that our writer had not mistaken his powers, nor the tendency of his genius. In 1799, he produced his second novel, entitled Ormonde in which he exhibits the force and excellence of female virtue in overcoming the assaults of adversity, and the seducing blandishments of temptation. In the same year he published his third novel, Arthur Mervyn, or Memoirs of the year 1793. 140 BIOGRAPHY OF The scene of the story is laid in Philadelphia, at the time of theawful visitation of the yellow fever; and the whole work is remarkable for a frightful fidelity of colouring, and in the thrilling narration of many horrible incidents of that terrific pestilence. This was soon followed by his beautiful work, Edgar Huntley, or the Adventures of a Sleep- Walker, which in many respects, may be considered his best production in this line of writing. About this time, he commenced a periodical, entitled The Monthly Magazine and American Review ; a publication, which, although of brief existence, gave the strongest evi- dences of the editor's extensive acquaintance with ornamental literature and criticism. In 1800, he produced the second part o^ Arthur Mervyn, and in the succeeding year his novel of Clara Howard. The last of his series of romances was Jane Talbot, first printed in England, and republished here in 1804. In 1803, he became the editor of a periodical, called The Literary Magazine and Amei'ican Register ; and continued publishing it, with much credit, until 1809. It is due to our author that an extract be given from the plan which he an- nounced, as that upon which his publication should be con- ducted. " In an age like this, when the foundations of religion and morality have been so boldly attacked, it seems necessary, in announcing a work of this nature, to be particularly explicit as to the path which the editor means to pursue. He, there- fore, avows himself to be, without equivocation or reserve, the ardent friend and the willing champion of the Christian religion. Christian piety he reveres as the highest excellence of human beings ; and the amplest reward he can seek for his labour, is the consciousness of having, in some degree, however inconsiderable, contributed to recommend the prac- tice of religious duties. As in the conduct of this work, a CHARLES BROCKDEN BROWN. 141 supreme regard will be paid to the interests of religion and morality, he will scrupulously guard against all that dis- honours and impairs that principle. Every thing that savours of indelicacy or licentiousness will be rigorously proscribed. His poetical pieces may be dull, but they shall at least be free from voluptuousness or sensuality ; and his prose, whether seconded or not by genius and knowledge, shall scrupulously aim at the promotion of public and private virtue." Besides these professional labours, Mr. Brown contributed a large number of essays, in literature and politics, to the Port Folio, and other periodicals of the day. Among other occa- sional productions, are two pamphlets, on subjects of a politi- cal character, and which excited much interest on their appearance. A beautiful biographical sketch of his brother- m-law, the Rev. Dr. J. B. Linn, appended to the poem entitled Valerian, by the latter, was also supplied by him, and is a splendid specimen of that kind of composition, A constitution, which from infancy was feeble, was ren- dered still more so, by his great application to the duties of his profession. In the year 1809, his health visibly declined, and gave mournful evidences that it was fatally impaired. He continued, however, with the same assiduity which had al- ways characterized him, in his literary pursuits. The pros- pect of approaching dissolution did not alarm him ; but in Christian calmness he spoke of the event as one which, for him, had no terrors. His mind, fortified by the principle of our Divine faith, contemplated the grave without dread ; whilst the hopes of the Christian enabled him to look beyond it, with serene joy and delight. On the 22d of February, 1810, this accomplished scholar and sincere Christian expired, in the thirty-ninth year of his age. His works of fiction have been published in eight volumes, by Mr. Dunlap, of New York, who has also favoured the public with an interesting biography of his esteemed friend, in two octavo volumes. 142 BIOGRAPHY OF Who was C. B. Brown, and when was he born ? From what respectable teacher did he receive his education ? To what department of literature did he devote his attention? What is the order in which his productions appeared? What was his undertaking in 1803 ? What is the moral character of his works ? When did he die ? Who was his biographer, and in how many volumes are his productions contained ? EXTRACT.—" WIELAND." " She returned with a light ; I led the way to the chamber; she looked round her ; she lifted the curtain of the bed ; she saw nothing. At length she fixed inquiring eyes upon me. The light now enabled her to discover in my visage what darkness had hitherto concealed. Her cares were now trans- ferred from my sister to myself, and she said in a tremulous voice, ' Wieland ! you are not well ; what ails you ? Can I do nothing for yon?' That accents and looks so winning should disarm me of my resolution, was to be expected. My thoughts were thrown anew into anarchy. I spread my hand before my eyes, that I might not see her, and answered only by groans. She took my other hand between hers, and, pressing it to her heart, spoke with that voice which had ever swayed my will and wafted away sorrow. ' My friend ! my soul's friend ! tell me the cause of thy grief. Do I not merit to partake with thee in thy cares? Am I not thy wife?' " This was too much. I broke from her embrace, and re- tired to a corner of the room. In this pause, courage was once more infused into me. I resolved to execute my duty. She follo\ved me, and renewed her passionate entreaties to know the cause of my distress. " I raised my head and regarded her with steadfast looks. I muttered something about death, and the injunctions of my duty- At these words she shrunk back, and looked at me CHARLES BROCKDEN. BROWN. 143 With a new expression of anguish. After a pause, she clasped her hands, and exclaimed, — " ' Wieland ! Wieland ! God grant that I am mistaken ; but surely something is wrong.. I see it ; it is too plain; thou art undone, — lost to me and to thyself.' At the same time she gazed on my features with intensest anxiety, in hope that different symptoms would take place. I replied with vehe- mence, — ' Undone ! No ; my duty is known, and I thank my God that my cowardice is now vanquished, and I have power to fulfil it. Catharine ! I pity the weakness of nature ; I pity thee, but must not spare. Thy life is claimed from ray hands ; thou must die !' " Fear was now added to her grief. '■What mean you ? why talk you of death 1. Bethink yourself, Wieland ; bethink yourself, and this fit will pass. O why came I hither ! Why did you drag me hither V " ' I brought thee hither, to fulfil a divine command. I am appointed thy destroyer, and destroy thee I must.' Saying this, I seized her wrists. She shrieked aloud, and endea- voured to free herself from my grasp ; but her efforts wers vain. " ' Surely, surely, Wieland, thou dost not mean it. Am f not thy wife ? and wouldst thou kill me ? Thou wilt not ; and yet — I see — thou art Wieland no longer ! A fury resist- Less and horrible possesses thee — spare me — spare — help — help—.' " Till her breath was stopped she shrieked for help, — for mercy. When she could speak no longer, her gestures, her looks appealed to my compassion. My accursed hand was irresolute and tremulous. I meant thy death to be sudden, thy struggles to be brief. Alas ! my heart was infirm ; my resolves mutable. Thrice I slackened my grasp, and life kept its hold, though in the midst of pangs. Her eye-balls started from their sockets. Grimness and distortion took place of 144 BIOGRAPHY OF all that used to bewitch me into transport, and subdue me into reverence. ** I was commissioned to kill thee, but not to torment thee with the foresight of thy death ; not to multiply thy fears, and prolong thy agonies. Haggard, and pale, and lifeless, at length thou ceasedst to contend with thy destiny. " This was a moment of triumph. Thus had I successfully subdued the stubbornness of human passions; the victim which had been demanded was given ; the deed was done past recall. " I lifted the corpse in my arms and laid it on the bed. I gazed upon it with delight. Such was the elation of my thoughts, that I even broke into laughter. I clapped my hands and exclaimed, * It is done ! My sacred duty is fulfilled. To that I have sacrificed, O my God ! thy last and best gift, my wife !' " For a while I thus soared above frailty. I Imagined I had set myself for ever beyond the reach of selfishness ; but my imaginations were false. This rapture quickly subsided. I looked again at my wife. My joyous ebullitions vanished, and I asked myself who it was whom I saw. Methought it could not be Catharine. It could not be the woman who had lodged for years in my heart ; who had slept nightly in my bosom ; who had borne in her womb, who had fostered at her breast, the beings who called me father ; whom I had watched with delight, and cherished with a fondness ever new, and perpetually growing ; it could not be the same. " Where was her bloom 1 These deadly and blood-suf- fused orbs but ill resemble the azure and ecstatic tenderness of her eyes. The lucid stream that meandered over that bosom, the glow of love that was wont to sit upon that cheek, are much unlike these livid stains, and this hideous deformity. Alas ! these were the traces of agony ; the gripe of the assas- sin had been there. *' 1 will not dwell upon my lapse into desperate and out- CHARLES BROCKDEN BROWN. -145 rageous sorrow. The breath of heaven that sustained me was withdrawn, and I sunk into mere man. I leaped from the floor; I dashed my head against the wall; I uttered screams of horror ; I panted after torment and pain. Eternal fire, and the bickerings of hell, compared with what I felt, were music and a bed of roses. " I thank my God that this degeneracy was transient, that he deigned once more to raise me aloft. I thought upon what I had done as a sacrifice to duty, and was calm. My wife was dead ; but I reflected, that though this source of human consolation was closed, yet others were still open. If the transports of a husband were no more, the feelings of a father had still scope for exercise. When remembrance of their mother should excite too keen a pang, I would look upon them and he comforted. " While I revolved these ideas, new warmth flowed in upon my heart. I was wrong. These feelings were the growth of selfishness. Of this I was not aware, and to dispel the mist that obscured my perceptions, a new effulgence and a new mandate were necessary. *' From these thoughts I was recalled by a ray that was shot into the room. A voice spake like that which I had be- fore heard, — ' Thou hast done well ; but all is not done — the sacrifice is incomplete — thy children must be offered — they must perish with their mother.' " EXTRACT. — " EDGAR HUNTL Y." " While occupied with these reflections, my eyes were fixed upon the opposite steeps. The tops of the trees, waving to and fro, in the wildest commotion, and their trunks, occasion- ally bending to the blast, which in these lofty regions blew with a violence unknown in the tracts below, exhibited an awful spectacle. At length my attention was attracted by the 13 146 BIOGRAPHY OF trunk which lay across the gulf, and which I had converted into a bridge. I perceived that it had already swerved some- what from its original position, that every blast broke or loosened some of the fibres by which its roots were connected with the opposite bank, and that, if the storm did not speedily abate, there was imminent danger of its being torn from the rock and precipitated into the chasm. Thus my retreat would be cut off, and the evils, from which I was endeavouring to rescue another, would be experienced by myself. " I believed my destiny to hang upon the expedition with which I should recross this gulf. The moments that were spent in these deliberations were critical, and I shuddered to observe that the trunk was held in its place by one or two fibres, which were already stretched almost to breaking. " To pass along the trunk, rendered slippery by the wet, and unsteadfast by the wind, was eminently dangerous. To maintain my hold in passing, in defiance of the whirlwind, required the most vigorous exertions. For this end it was necessary to discommode myself of my cloak, and of the volume which I carried in the pocket of my cloak. " Just as I had disposed of these encumbrances, and had risen from my seat, my attention was again called to the op- posite steep, by the most unwelcome object that at this time could possibly occur. Something was perceived moving along the bushes and rocks, which for a time I hoped was no more than a racoon or opossum, but which presently appeared to be a panther. His grey coat, extended claws, fiery eyes, and a cry which he at that moment uttered, and which, by its re- semblance to the human voice, is peculiarly terrific, denoted him to be the most ferocious and untameable of that detested race. The industry of our hunters has nearly banished ani- mals of prey from these precincts. The fastnesses of Nor- walk, however, could not but afTord refuge to some of them. Of late I had met them so rarely that my fears were seldom alive, and I trod without caution the ruggedest and most soli- CHARLES BROCKDEN BROWN. 147 fary haunts. Still, however, I had seldom been unfurnished in my rambles with the means of defence. "The unfrequency with which I had lately encountered this foe, and the encumbrance of provision, made me neglect on this occasion, to bring with me my usual arms. The beast that was now before me, when stimulated by hunger, was accustomed to assail whatever could provide him with a banquet of blood. He would set upon the man and the deer with equal and irresistible ferocity. His sagacity was equal to his strength, and he seemed able to discover when his antagonist was armed and prepared for defence. " My past experience enabled me to estimate the full ex- tent of my danger. He sat on the brow of the steep, eyeing the bridge, and apparently deliberating whether he should cross it. It was probable that he had scented my footsteps thus far, and, should he pass over, his vigilance could scarcely fail of detecting my asylum. "Should he retain his present station, my danger was scarcely lessened. To pass over in the face of a famished tiger was only to rush upon my fate. The falling of the trunk, which had lately been so anxiously deprecated, was now, with no less solicitude, desired. Every new gust, I hoped, would tear asunder its remaining bands, and by cut- ting off all communication between the opposite steeps, place me in security. My hopes, however, were destined to be frustrated. The fibres of the prostrate tree were obstinately tenacious of their hold, and presently the animal scrambled down the rock, and proceeded to cross it. " Of ail kinds of death, that which now menaced me was the most abhorred. To die by disease, or by the hand of a fellow-creature, was propitious and lenient, in comparison with being rent to pieces by the fangs of this savage. To perish in this obscure retreat, by means so impervious to the anxious curiosity of my friends ; to lose my portion of exist- ence by so untoward and ignoble a destiny, was insupport- 148 BIOGRAPHY OF able. I bitterly deplored my rashness in coming hither unprovided for an encounter like this. " The evil of my present circumstances consisted chiefly in suspense. My death was unavoidable, but my imagina- tion had leisure to torment itself by anticipations. One foot of the savage was slowly and cautiously moved after the other. He struck his claws so deeply into the bark that they were with difficulty withdrawn. At length he leaped upon the ground. We were now separated by an interval of scarcely eight feet. To leave the spot where I crouched was impossible. Behind and beside me, the cliff rose per- pendicularly, and before me was this grim and terrible visage. I shrunk still closer to the ground and closed my eyes. " From this pause of horror I was aroused by the noise occasioned by a second spring of the animal. He leaped into the pit, in which I had so deeply regretted that I had not taken refuge, and disappeared. My rescue was so sud- den, and so much beyond my belief or my hope, that I doubted for a moment whether my senses did not deceive me. This opportunity of escape was not to be neglected. I left my place, and scrambled over the trunk with a precipi- tation which had like to have proved fatal. The tree groaned and shook under me, the wind blew with unexampled vio- lence, and I had scarcely reached the opposite steep when the roots were severed from the rock, and the whole fell thundering to the bottom of the chasm. " My trepidations were not speedily quieted. I looked back with wonder on my hair-breadth escape, and on that singular concurrence of events, which had placed me, in so short a period, in absolute security. Had the trunk fallen a moment earlier, I should have been imprisoned on the hill, or thrown headlong. Had its fall been delayed another mo- ment, I should have been pursued ; for the beast now issued from his den, and testified his surprise and disappointment, by tokens, the sight of which made my blood run cold. CHARLES BROCKDEN BROWN. 149 " He saw me, and hastened to the verge of the chasm. He squatted on his hind legs, and assumed the attitude of one preparing to leap. My consternation was excited afresh by these appearances. It seemed, at first, as if the rift was too wide for any power of muscles to carry him in safety over ; but I knew the unparalleled agility of this animal, and that his experience had made him a better judge of the practica- bility of this exploit than I was. " Still there was hope that he would relinquish this design as desperate. This hope was quickly at an end. He sprung, and his fore-legs touched the verge of the rock on which I stood. In spite of vehement exertions, however, the surface was too smooth and too hard to allow him to make good his hold. He fell, and a piercing cry uttered below, showed that nothing had obstructed his descent to the bottom." WILLIAM RAWLE, LL. D. Born MDCCLIX — Died MDCCCXXXVI. " William Rawle was born in Philadelphia on the twenty- eighth day of April, 1759, of honourable and distinguished parentage, of the society of Friends ; yet their proudest distinc- tion, I say it with no disparagement, was in giving birth to such a son. The earlier years of his life were passed in the acquisi- tion of the rudiments of education, and those sublime principles of elevated morality and religion, which were, in after times, matured into the most devout and exemplary piety. At the age of nineteen, having passed through the various stages of preliminary instruction in his native land, and having for some years been engaged in prosecuting his legal studies under Counsellor Kemp, a learned and distinguished jurist of our sister city of New Yorkj just before the conclusion of 13* 150 BIOGRAPHY OF the American r^volQtiqn, he visited the mother country for the purpose of perfecting himself in the arduous duties of the profession for which he was designed. In London, he was regularly installed a templar, and there pursued his studies with that untiring assiduity which ever signally marked his career through a subsequent brilliant practice of more than half a century. Had he remained in Europe, what scope is there for speculation as to the heights he would have real- ized ! In such a realm, is it venturing too far to say, that a coronet was not above his grasp] What was there in the pretensions of a Copley, and many others, who have been raised to the peerage as the reward of merit, beyond the compass of his mind? What was there in their birth or early hopes that lent stronger claims to advancement ? What was there in their morals or their manners more exemplary or resistless ? " After completing his legal studies, and visiting most of the cities of Europe, in the year 1783, he returned to this country, full of zeal and hope, a most thorough and accom- plished gentleman, a ripe and elegant scholar, an artist, a poet, a philosopher ; and, without which, all other accom- plishments are but dross — a Christian. What a beautiful moral and intellectual picture does such a man at such an age present ! ' How must his worth be seeded in his age, When thus his virtues bud before their spring.' " In person he was rather above the middle height, yet so symmetrical in his proportions as by no means to produce that impression in a casual beholder. In his early life, he must have been eminently handsome, for even at the age of seventy-seven years, when he died, his features, and the whole contour and expression of his face were such as to inspire every one with the strongest veneration and regard. The formation of the upper part of his head, which rose like a WILLIAM RAWLE. 151 tower, was such as might delight and fascinate the phrenolo- gist ; but it is to the internal structure of the man that our attention is to be directed, and to that all must rejoice to turn. "He returned to his home-— his native land — with the fidelity of an untravelled heart. He launched, at once, into the busy and tumultuous tide of a diversified professional life. He took his post where nature and education both placed him, in the very front rank of the profession. He maintained hig ground with such men as Lewis, and Wilson, and Tilghman, and Ingersoll, and Dallas, and gathered, in his forensic career, * golden opinions from all sorts of people.' There never was a more enlightened and unblemished advocate, or a more con- scientious and valuable citizen than the subject of this memoir. " It is a remarkable and beautiful indication of the urbanity of his deportment, and the affectionate regard entertained for him by the members of the bar, that in fifty years, during which time he was engaged in every court, and in almost every important cause, he appears never to have had a per- sonal difference or angry dispute with any of his professional brethren. The courtesy and native dignity of his demeanour, while they forbade any invasion of the respect due to others, charmed and subdued those around him, and taught them by example, the advantages arising from kindness and unity. Towards the bench, he was always conciliatory and respect- ful ; and, whatever might be the result of a cause, having faithfully discharged his duty in its management, he was nei- ther elated by success, nor dejected by defeat. This was the more extraordinary, as his feelings and temper were naturally excitable and enthusiastic ; but to him, as to Socrates, divine philosophy had imparted such self-possession and control, that amidst scenes the most turbulent and tempestuous, he never, for a single moment, lost his serenity and composure. " With a spirit that would have done credit to the best ages of chivalry, tempered, as has been said, by the most bland and courteous manners, with a large income, derived from 152 BIOGRAPHY OF his private fortune and professional emoluments, and with a soul alive to all the sympathies and charities of Hfe, sur- rounded, in the progress of time, by a large, devoted, and lovely family, he stood the very centre of the social circle, and his influence radiated to the extremes! verge of usefulness and hospitality. In his social intercourse no stranger would have supposed him to be a lawyer. So nicely blended were all the accomplishments of this great man with each other, that while the combination was perfect, each integral part of his character was so beautiful in itself as to impart loveliness to all around it, and thereby lose every thing like distinctive or individual claims to our attention. Like the grouping of the statuary of Phidias or Praxiteles, each particular figure would seem to lose its individuality in its contribution to the general beauty of the design ; or, still more clearly to express the idea, in the language of one that never fails, ' His life was gentle, and the elements So mixed in him, that Nature might stand up, And say to all the world — this was a man.* — "In 1791, he was appointed, by President Washington, District Attorney of the United States ; which post, shortly after the election of Mr. Adams to the presidency, he resigned, having continued in office about eight years. The situation of attorney-general was more than once tendered to him by Wash- ington, but as often declined, as being calculated to interfere with those domestic enjoyments for which no public preferment or profit could furnish an equivalent — and the president was him- self too much alive to the influence of retirement and domestic virtue, to demand a sacrifice from another, which he himself so reluctantly made. An appointment to so high a trust, and from so pure a source, and at the age of thirty years, when most men are unknown, is an abundant indication of extraor- dinary merit ,- and the fidelity and ability displayed by him during the continuance of oflice, more than confirmed the ex- WILLIAM RAVVLE. 153 alted expectations which gave rise to the appointment ; and in cold modesty it may be said, that never before, nor since that time, have the interest and dignity of the United States been more signally represented, or more scrupulously main- tained. — " With Rawle, the law was but one of the elements in the proud structure of his eminence. The whole circle of the arts and sciences were tributary to his formation. In paint- ing and sculpture, his taste had been modelled by the best standards, and in the former of those arts, there were few amateurs that could excel him. Of poetry he was a devoted admirer, and at times he himself wooed the muses, with all the grace and success of a legitimate suitor. In philosophy, he was a zealous disciple, and his beautiful translation from the Greek, of the Phajdon of Plato, with his own practical commentary, would, in themselves alone, suffice to protect his name against oblivion. Among the most cherished and the most valuable of his works, however, and which I trust will not be withheld from the world, are those pertaining to the subject of religion. His ' Essay upon Angelic Influences,' is replete with the most fascinating speculation, and the soundest reflection. Nor is his discussion of the subject of Original Sin, and the Virtue of Baptism, although certainly less ela- borate, undeserving of the highest regard and encomium. Added to these, there is to be found among his manuscripts, an argument of the most polished and cogent character, the object of which is to show that there is sufficient proof of the truth of Christianity, to be derived from the parables of our Saviour alone. — " The favourite theory of this extraordinary man was that which related to Angelic Influences, and the immediate, agency of the Deity, in all the concerns of his fallen crea- tures. After infinite reading, as his notes and commentaries show, upon these subjects, his mind settled down upon the 154 BIOGRAPHY OF conviction, that in all our walks through life, wo were accompanied by good and bad angels ; and that the Al- mighty and the Saviour of the world, were every where present — all pervading, not only in the churches where two or three persons had assembled together, in their holy name, but in the seclusion of the study, and the more active pursuits of public life. He thus concludes his elaborate examination into the truth of this doctrine: — * Awful, but most consola- tory thought I wherever I am, God is ; wherever I am, Jesus also is ; here, then, in my chamber, where I sit, is God ; here also is Christ. Let me ever retain this impression, let me ever consider them as present at all my actions, and as reading and knowing all my thoughts. May I not, under this daily inspection, gradually purify my polluted heart, amend my erring life? Blessed Saviour, assist me so to do !' And again, in considering the same subject, a short time before his death, he exclaims — 'Gracious God, Jesus Christ, Saviour of man, let me, a miserable sinner, hope for that mercy which will open for me the chamber of blessed- ness. God is ever present ; Jesus Christ is ever with us. They know my most secret thoughts! How often, notwith- standing all my efforts, are those thoughts unworthy of such a presence ! Oh, may I be able to purify the mind ! Let me figure to myself that my thoughts are words, uttered in the hearing of my Saviour and my God — will it not restrain them? Shall I not, at once, perceive how flagrant it would be, in such language, to address my Lord, my Saviour, my blessed Jesus? Oh, thou benevolent and pow- erful Being, who has, perhaps, infused into me these awful impressions, aid and strengthen me to execute them as they ought to be, in the full sense of thy goodness — and in tlie humble veneration of thy name. Let me, in future, always consider thy divine figure as present, although invisible ; let me endeavour to enter into sweet communion with thee. WILLIAM RAWLE. 155 How rapturous the thought, and how can I fail, if I steadily pursue it, how can I fail to amend my heart !" — "In the year 1815, fate dashed the cup of happiness from the lips of our lamented friend. One of his daughters, an ornament to society, and ' the immediate jewel ' of her family, in the bloom and redolence of health and beauty, and with intellectual charms, even beyond her personal attractions, was suddenly snatched away by death, and left an aching void in the heart of the domestic circle, her friends and the community, which the alleviating hand of lime partially concealed, but could never repair. • Sweet rose — fair flower, untimely plucked, soon faded ; Plucked in the bud, and faded in the spring.' The painter who exhibited the death of Iphigenia, while he disclosed on his glowing canvass the manly sympathy of Achilles, and the stubborn grief of Ulysses, threw a veil over the face of Agamemnon, the agonized father, and thereby acknowledged the inadequacy of art to pourtray the feelings of a parent upon the sacrifice of his child. Let us, then, borrowing instruction from this classic example, draw the curtain over those griefs which the heart alone can feel, but which an angel's tongue could not express. — " To sum up this hasty and imperfect outline of the vir- tues and afBictions of the departed, we cannot do better than refer to the following beautiful and pathetic stanzas, con- tained in the last of his series of journals, and which are expressly introduced by him as applicable to himself From having been adopted to convey his own impressions of his career in life, they possess all the interest of original views, and are, therefore, strongly recommended to our attention and regard. "o 'I know not, and I care not how The hours may pass me by. 156 BIOGRAPHY OF Though each may leave upon my brow A furrow as they fly. *What matters it? each, still shall take, One link from off the chain Which binds me to this grievous stake Of sorrow and of pain. * Time, like a rower, plies his oar, And all his strokes are hours. Impelling to a better shore Of sunshine and of flowers. * I 've tasted all that life can give Of pleasure and of pain : And is it living, thus to live When joys no more remain 1 * All nature has had charms for me, The sunshine and the shade. The soaring lark, the roving bee, The mountain and the glade. * I 've played with being as a toy, Till things have lost their form, Till danger has become a joy. And joy become a storm. ' I've loved as man has seldom loved. So deeply, purely, well ; I've proved what man has seldom proved, Since first from bliss he fell. * Mine eye again can never sec What once my eye has seen ; This world to me can never be What once this world has been. WILLIAM RAWLE. 157 * Speed, then, oh ! speed, my bark, speed on, Quick o'er life's troubled waves, The one that comes — the one that's gone, What is beneath them ? Graves.' — " In the year 1828, the degree of Doctor of Laws was conferred upon him by Dartmouth University, and a short time before his death, he was appHed to by that institution for a third edition of his valuable work upon Constitutional Law, which had been adopted as a text-book in many of the insti- tutions of learning in the United States. At the period of this application, however, his mind was no longer with the world, but in close communion with its Maker. The proposal, there- fore, was declined. For many years of his life, as has been said, he had drunk deeply from the springs of general literature and science ; but as he approached the fount of eternal life and love, all other enjoyments became comparatively insipid. Within the last year of his probation, while sitting by his bedside, knowing his fondness for books, I inquired whether there was any thing I could supply him with from the limited stores of my library. ' Yes,' replied he, ' any book you may have on the subject of religion, will be most welcome to me, as preparatory to the great change that rapidly approaches. General reading is adapted only to general objects ; my at- tention is now directed solely to one, and that is ' to make my calling and election sure.' This was not uttered in the way of repining at the idea of approaching dissolution, or remorse for former misappropriation of time, but in the meekness and firmness of a Christian approaching the judgment seat of his God. He seemed neither to seek nor shun his fate, consider- ing both equally reprehensible, but awaited with apparent, and most admired composure, that awful mandate which should summon him from time to eternity — from corruption to glory —-from among mortals to his kindred saints." 14 158 BIOGRAPHY OF This excellent man, and accomplished scholar, died April 12th, 1836, in the seventy-seventh year of his age. D. P. Brown, Esq. When was William Rawle born, and of what parents? Under whom did he commence the study of the law? When did he visit England, and for what object? In what year did he return to his native land? What is said of his urbanity of deportment? When was he appointed District Attorney of the United States? What domestic event afflicted him in 1815 ? When did he receive the title of LL.D. ? Where did he die ? WILLIAM MOORE SMITH. Born MDCCLIX— Died MDCCCXXI. The inheritance of genius has seldom been so favourably enjoyed by any descendants, through a succession of genera- tions, as by those of the family of which the above accom- plished scholar and poet, was an estimable member. His father, the Rev. Dr. Smith, was the first Provost of the Col- lege of Philadelphia, since merged into the University of Pennsylvania ; and in Europe and America was extensively known as a profound divine, an eloquent orator, and splendid writer. Intimate with the whole range of science, as well as with the classic authors of antiquity, he was enabled to clothe his pulpit compositions in the richest beauties of a refined taste, and awaken an interest in sacred things, by felicitous illustrations. In ornamental literature, he produced specimens of composition which are among the best incur language, and his attainments in philosophy were of a highly respectable order. Few men have done more for the cause of education, WILLIAM MOORE SMITH. 159 in its highest grades, in this country ; for beyond his great and acknowledged ability, the kindness of his heart ever prompted him to notice youthful merit with his expressed favour, and patronize, by every encouragement and generous attention, the faintest indications of mental promise or moral excellence. Devotedly attached to the land of his adoption, he rendered important services with his able pen, at seasons when most required, and under circumstances critically dangerous to his personal fortune. In a long life, dedicated to religion and literature, his great merit had procured for him the esteem of an extensive circle of friends, and his death was justly re- garded as a public calamity by that community, to benefit which, he had generously lent all the energies of his accom- plished mind, as well as the benevolent impulses of an excel- lent heart. ^^yC.^(^''^ Of this estimable divine and scholar, William Moore Smith was the eldest son, and as it would seem, by a special ordina- tion of nature, he was the heir, along with his brother, the late Hon. Judge Smith, of Lancaster, of his parent's genius and talent. lie was born in Philadelphia, on the 1st of June, 1759, and was educated at the college, over which his father presided with such credit and usefulness. He completed his studies in the above institution, at an early age, and received its honours with special approbation, on account of his merit and great application. On leaving college, he studied law, under a jurist of repu- tation and capacity, and this profession was pursued by him with honour and profit, until the close of the last century, when be received an agency for the settlement of British claims in America, provided for in the Gth article of Jay's Treaty. The duties of this appointment, alike honourable to his talents and integrity, required his presence in England ; and he accordingly visited that country in 1803, successfully accomplishing the purpose for which his services had been engaged. 100 BIOGRAPHY OF On his return to America, he retired from his professional practice, to a country residence near Philadelphia, where he continued to reside, engaged in his favourite literary pursuits, until his death, which took place on the 12th of March, 1821. Mr. Smith was a ripe and polished scholar, as well as an excellent jurist. It is related of him, that his classical attain- ments were very extensive, and that he retained them in all their original freshness, by constant cultivation, to his death. He was remarkably studious ; and his great acquisitions in knowledge of every kind, aided by a remarkably retentive memory, made his mind a rich treasury of learning. It has been observed, respecting him, that he was a living index to what had passed, as well as what was passing before him ; and his references were seldom marked by error. Notwithstanding his devotion to letters, Mr. Smith was not a voluminous writer. Without any ambition to be the ob- served of the world, or to win its renown, he unfortunately could not be induced to give any work which would have evidenced the great wealth which his mind had gained, through a life dedicated to study and contemplation. Besides some political pamphlets and essays, written for the special occasions which called them forth, he published a volume of poems, in 1765, and their merit procured a republication in London, the following year. It is a cause for regret, that talents such as these evidence Mr. Smith to have possessed, were not allowed to be still better known and enjoyed by the literary world. As in the case of Rev. Dr. Smith, the transmission of men- tal powers, from father to son, is seen in the instance which the offspring of the present subject of this memoir have sup- plied. William R. Smith, Esq., the eldest son, at present in Wisconsin, possesses, in a remarkable degree, the talents and intellectual character of his father. He has written much excellent poetry ; but his pieces, scattered through the differ- ent periodicals of the day, have never been collected in a vo- V WILLIAM MOORE SMITH. 161 lume. The other surviving son, Richard Penn Smith, Esq., has secured for himself a favourable notice from the literary world, through the various contributions which he has fur- nished, and which chiefly consist of poetic pieces, works of fiction, and some dramas, evincing much merit in these seve- ral departments of polite literature. Who was the father of Wm. Moore Smith ? When was Win. M. Smith born ? What profession did he select ? Why did he visit England ? On liis return to America did he prosecute the legal business ? In what engagements did he spend the remainder of his life ? What is said respecting him as a scholar? When did he depart this life ? What is said of the sons whom he left ? THE FALL OF ZAMPOR. A Peruvian Ode. " Now ruin lifts her haggard head, And madly staring horror screams ! O'er yonder field bestrew'd with dead, See, how the lurid lightning gleams ! " Lo ! 'mid the terrors of the storm, From yonder black-brow'd cloud of night, The mighty Capac's dreadful form Bursts forth upon my aching sight ! "But ah! what phantoms, fleeting round, Give double horrors to the gloom. Each pointing to the ghastly wound That sent him shroudless to the tomb ! " On me they bend the scowling eye ; For me their airy arms they wave ! Oh ! stay — nor yet from Zampor fly : We'll be companions in the grave ! 14* 162 BIOGRAPHY OF " Dear victims of a tyrant's rage ! They're gone ! — each shadowy form is fled ! Yet soon these hoary locks of age Shall low as theirs in dust be laid ! " Thou faithless steel, that harmless fell Upon the haughty Spaniard's crest, Swift to my swelling heart, go tell How deep thou'st pierced thy master's breast. " But shall curst Spain's destroying son, With transport smile on Zampor's fate ? No ! ere the deed of death be done The tyrant's blood shall glut my hate. " Yon forked flash with friendly glare Points where his crimson banners fly, Look down, ye forms of fleeting air, I yet shall triumph ere I die ! " He spoke — and like a meteor's blaze Rush'd on th' unguarded Spaniard's lord ; Around his head the lightning plays — Reflected from his brandish'd sword : " ' Great Capac nerve the arm of age, And guide it swift to Garcia's breast, His pangs shall all my pangs assuage, His death shall give my country rest. " Ye powers who thirst for human blood Receive this victim at your shrine !' Aghast the circling warriors stood Nor could prevent the chief's design. " ' 'Tis Garcia's crimson stream that flows, 'Tis Zampor hurls him to his fate — LIJSDLEY MURRAY. 163 The author of my country's woes Now sinks the victim of my hate.' " From Garcia's breast the steel he drew And sheathed it deep within his own — ' I come, ye gods of lost Peru,' He said — and died without a groan." LINDLEY MURRAY. Born MDCCXLV — Died MDCCCXXVI. In the several departments of religion, morals, and litera- ture, Lindley Murray has rendered services not less extensive than efficient. In aid of the human heart, he brought not only, in all their majesty, the claims of our holy faith, in a style persuasive and convincing, but supplied in the purity of his walk and conversation, an engaging example of its divine in- fluence in the individual breast of one of its disciples. A life devoted to the service of his fellow men, was spent in endea- vouring to elevate their minds by presenting the sublime truths of the gospel in a form which gave a charm to the exhibi- tions of eternal things ; whilst intellectual improvement was promoted by his harmonious blending of the precepts of hea- venly wisdom with the canons of secular knowledge. The distinction which he acquired, was secured, to no partial ex- tent, through his many personal virtues ; whilst an enviable honour is deservedly bestowed upon one, who lived in exalting the moral character of mankind, by the compilation of works which had for their object the promotion of a pure religion, and the mental instruction of the rising generation. It will always be a just matter of surprise, although it fur- nishes no small cause of gratulation to all who can appreciate 164 BIOGRAPHY OF liis valuable services, that with a mind qualified to fill a high station in the more distinguished ranks of science and litera- ture, the subject of this memoir should have lent his extensive acquirements to the purpose of preparing the elementary works required in primary schools. The very conception of the plan is a proof of the great benevolence of his character ; and at the same time an evidence of the rectitude and integrity of a sound judgment. The deficiencies in the series of introduc- tory books previous to his undertaking of the task, excited the desire to supply the acknowledged want ; and he accordingly prepared a course of elementary books, which have been de- servedly valued, since their publication, with unlessened inter- est. The extensive use of them in the academies in England and America, is not among the least evidences of their great merit and excellence. His English Grammar, to this day, has, among the many which have since appeared, no one superior to it, and in every instance the attempts to improve it have been admitted failures. His reading books are admirable specimens, not only of system and orderly arrangement of their respective subjects, but their matter contains beautiful specimens of chaste, classical composition, and instructive, moral lessons. They are what works of the kind ever should be : supplying food for the minds of the young, whilst disci- plining the heart in the principles of virtue and religion. In fine, it may in all confidence be said, that no writer has ever done more in supplying the required aids in the education of youth than our author ; and few^ it may be added, have en- tered upon the task with more ability, or prosecuted it with more untiring zeal. Lindley Murray was born in Swatara township, Lancaster county, in the year 1745. His parents belonged to the society of Friends ; and although in the less distinguished walks of life, were honoured with the esteem of the respectable com- munity among whom they resided. The rudiments of that education, which afterwards enabled him to benefit his fellow LINDLEY MURRAY. 165 men and secure for himself so great a measure of honourable distinction, were received by him at the Friends' academy in Philadelphia. When seventeen years of age, his father re- moved to New York ; and Lindley was entered in one of the best schools in that city. Having been destined to the mer- cantile business, in which his father had become eminently successful, he was placed in a counting-house ; but the profes- sion did not please him. His strong inclination to study led him so far as privately to leave his home and seek admission into a school of high character in Burlington, N. J. On being discovered, he returned to his affectionate family, and suc- ceeded in prevailing upon his parents to supply him with a teacher in the languages. His close application to these branches of learning, did not prevent him from cultivating his mind in preparation for his favourite pursuit. For this he always had a decided preference ; and after the consent of his parents had been obtained, he devoted himself to the study of the law, under the direction of the Honourable John Jay. In his twenty-second year, he was admitted to the bar, and soon obtained that measure of practice to which his ac- knowledged talents entitled him, and which his close attention to business had enabled him to secure. On the commence- ment of the war of independence, his health having mate- rially declined, he removed into the country, about 40 miles from New York : here he continued for nearly four years. From this retreat he withdrew in order to follow the pursuits of commerce, and accumulated property sufficient to enable him to retire from business, about the close of the revolutionary struggle. A beautiful country-seat was purchased by him near Bellevue, three miles from the city, but a debilitated con- stitution required his removal to a more congenial climate. He accordingly, by the advice of his medical friends, made a voyage to England, with the intention of remaining there for two years only ; but his bodily infirmities detained him for the remainder of his life. Having purchased a very pleasant 166 BIOGRAPHY OF estate in Ilolgate, near the city of York, he now devoted him* self to reading and the preparation of works for schools. His first production was " The Power of Religion on the Mind," which appeared in 1787. His admirable Grammar was issued in 1795, and is the best work extant. It was succeeded by his English Exercises, and a Key designed to illustrate the Gram- mar. In 1802 he published a French compilation, entitled Lecteur Fran^ais, and subsequently an Introduction to Lec- teur Fran9ais; and in 1804 an English spelling-book. He also published a selection from Home's Commentary on the Psalms, and " The Duty and Benefit of reading the Scriptures." In 1809 he furnished interesting memoirs of his life, and they supply a beautiful sample of this species of writing. After having suffered from bodily affliction the greater portion of his life, he expired, February 16th, 1826, in his 81st year, leav- ing behind him no partial claims for the gratitude and admi- ration of his fellow-men. When and where was Lindley Murray born ? To what religious body did his parents belong ? In what academy did he receive the rudiments of his education ? When did his father remove to New York city ? What pursuit in life was it his father's wish that he should follow ? Was it agreeable ? and if not, what event occurred ? What profession did he finally adopt, and under whose direction ? What did he do on the breaking out of the Revolution ? How did he secure a fortune ? What occasioned his leaving America, and how long did he originally in- tend to remain in England ? At what place did he establish his residence ? What was the first work which he published ? When did he issue his Grammar? What were his other works ? When did he die ? Extract from the Memoirs of the Life and Writings of L. Murray, written by himself. " With regard to the privations and trials, with which it has pleased Divine Providence to visit me, I hope I may say, LINDLEY MURRAY. 167 without assuming too much to myself, that I have long ac- quiesced in my lot, with resignation and cheerfulness. Though I have had for more than twenty years, great debility of body, and almost constant confinement, proceed- ing from my inability to walk, I do not recollect that, in the course of this trying period, I ever repined at my situation, or expressed a dissatisfied sentiment respecting it, except on one occasion. This happened in the first year of my indis- position, and was produced by the following circumstance. I had made considerable efforts to overcome the disorder with which I was affected. But perceiving no good effect from any of them, I began to be tolerably reconciled to my condi- tion. At this time, another physician was called in, to assist the family doctor ; and by his earnest recommendation, I was induced to take a particular medicine, from which he and myself anticipated much benefit. But instead of being useful, it proved injurious to me. The sanguine hope of relief which I had indulged, made me feel the disappointment very severely : and contemplating, at that moment, my prime of life, and the prosperous circumstances with which I was sur- rounded, I foolishly said, it was hard that I should be de- prived of health, at a time when it appeared to be so pecu- liarly desirable. This expression was scarcely uttered, when my heart condemned me for its rashness. I felt remorse for this want of submission to Divine Providence; and was much humbled under the sense of my folly. The painful reflections which I had, on this occasion, probably contributed to make me more guarded, in future, ngainst the admission of thoughts so unjust and irreverent. There has, indeed, amidst all my privations, been no cause for murmuring. I have possessed so many comforts, so many sources of real enjoyment, that I have often thought my debility and confinement could scarcely be called an aflliction. And I sincerely lament, that I have so little improved the blessings which have been conferred upon me. •168 BIOGRAPHY OF " When I contemplate my own unworthiness, and the good- ness of God to me, through the whole course of my life, T feel that I can not be too humble, nor too grateful for his manifold mercies. I can not, indeed, be sufficiently thankful for them. Amidst the numerous blessings which I have received, it has afforded me peculiar satisfaction, that I have been disposed to ascribe them all to Him, as the Origin and Giver of every thing that is good ; as the Parent, Redeemer, and Sanctifier, of men. If I consider him as my Creator and Preserver ; as the Author of the laws and operations of na- ture ; as the Controller and Director of these laws and opera- tions ; as the immediate Bestower of benefits ; or, as our Deliverer from sin and misery, and our hope of eternal life, through the sacrifice and merits of his beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ : I perceive that he is the Source whence every blessing is derived, and the great object of gratitude and love. But as this is a subject of high importance, and on which I love to dwell, my friend will not, I am sure, think it impro- per, if I express myself upon it with more particularity. " As my Creator and Preserver, I owe to him all the facul- ties of my soul and body, all the capacities which I have for the enjoyment of corporeal, intellectual, and spiritual objects; and, consequently, all the advantage and pleasure that I have received from these sources. " As the Author of the laws of nature, of the material, ani- mal, and rational world, I am indebted to him for every benefit, which I have derived from this grand system of Di- vine wisdom and goodness. He has not only given me powers to receive happy impressions, but he has arranged and disposed his works, so that their regular operations sup- ply those powers with objects, which are calculated to em- ploy and gratify them. When this great machine of nature, or any part of it, produces in me pleasurable or beneficial effects, I must attribute them all to its beneficent x\uthor, who superintends and permits these operations. If I am, at any LINDLEY MURRAY. 169 time, enabled to conduct myself so happily as to receive par- ticular benefits from this arrangement and operation of second causes, I still owe them all to Him, who has both presented the feast, and given me power to partake of it, and liberty to choose what is best for me. If, therefore, I am tempted to ascribe any thing exclusively to myself, from the right use of my ability, as a free agent, I am instantly checked by the reflection, that this ability itself is the gift of God." ELIAS BOUDINOT. Born A. D. MDCCXL — Died MDCCCXXI. Elias Boudinot was born in Philadelphia, on the 2d of May, 1740. He was descended from one of those pious refu- gees who fled from France to America, to escape the horrors of ecclesiastical persecution, and to enjoy religious freedom in this favoured land. He had the advantage of a classical edu- cation, and pursued the study of the law under the direction of Richard Stockton, Esq., a member of the first American congress, whose eldest sister he afterwards married. Shortly after his admission to the bar of New Jersey, Dr. Boudinot rose to the first grade in his profession. Early in the revolutionary war he was appointed by congress to the important trust of commissary-general of prisoners. In the year 1777, he was chosen a member of the national congress, and in the year 1782, he was elected president of that august body. In this capacity, he had the honour and happiness of putting his signature to the treaty of peace, which for ever established his country's independence. On the return of peace he resumed the practice of the law. It was not long, however, before he was called to a more im- portant station. On the adoption of the present constitution of the United States, the confidence of his fellow-citizens al- 15 170 BIOGRAPHY OF lotted him a seat in the house of representatives of the United States. In this honourable place he was continued for six successive years. On quitting it to return once more to the pursuits of private life, he was appointed by that consummate judge of character, the first president of the United States, to fill the office of director of the national mint, vacated by the death of the celebrated Rittenhouse. This trust he executed, with exemplary fidelity, during the administration of Wash- ington, of Adams, and (in part) of Jefferson. Resigning this office, and seeking seclusion from the perplexities of public life, and from the bustle and ceremony of a commercial me- tropolis, he fixed his residence in the city of Burlington, (New Jersey.) Here, surrounded by affectionate friends, and visited by strangers of distinction ; engaged much in pursuit of bibli- cal literature ; practising the most liberal and unceremonious hospitality ; filling up life in the exercise of Christian duties, and of the loveliest charities that exalt our nature ; meekly and quietly communicating and receiving happiness of the purest kind ; he sustained, and has left such a character, as will for ever endear his memory to his friends, and do honour to his country. Prior to the revolution he was elected a member of the board of trustees of New Jersey college. At the time of his decease, he was the senior member of this corporation. The liberal donation he made it during life, and the more ample one in his last will, must be long remembered with gratitude by the friends of science. But, while anxious to promote the interests of science, he was not unmindful of the superior claims of religion on his remembrance and his bounty. At- tached by principle and habit to the religious denomination of which he was so distinguished a member, he has been most liberal in his testamentary donations to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, and to their Theological Semi- nary, established at Princeton. But, as his mind, unshackled by bigotry or sectarian prejudice, was expanded by the noblest ELIAS BOUDINOT. 171 principles of Christian benevolence, he has also very liberally- endowed various institutions whose object is to diffuse more widely the light of revealed truth ; to evangelize the heathen ; to instruct the deaf and dumb ; to educate youth for the sacred ministry ; to advance knowledge, and to relieve the wants and miseries of the sick or suffering poor. To those of his fellow-citizens, however, who are peculiarly interested in the wide circulation of the sacred Scriptures, perhaps the chief excellence in the character of the deceased, was the ardent and effective zeal he displayed in the Bible cause. The efforts he at first made, notwithstanding the infirmities of age and much unexpected opposition, to establish the Ame- rican Bible Society ; his munificent donation to this institution at its first organization ; his subsequent liberality to aid in the erection of a depository ; the devise of a large and valuable tract of land ; and the deep and undiminished interest he mani- fested in all the concerns of the national society ever since he was chosen to be its president ; while they spread his fame through every region of the globe, will consecrate his memory in the hearts of his fellow-citizens in America, and his fellow- christians throughout the world. But, if his public services and his private worth claim the tribute of general esteem and affectionate remembrance, the closing scene of his life is no less calculated to console his friends under the heavy loss they have sustained, than it is to edify and support the departing Christian. In the full possession of his mental faculties, and in the assured persuasion of his approaching dissolution; his faith was firm, his patience unexhausted, and his hopes were bright. While, with paternal solicitude, he exhorted those around him to rest on the Lord Jesus Christ as the only true ground of trust ; while, with solemnity and tenderness, he commended a dutiful and affectionate daughter (his only child) to the care of his surviving friends, with humble resignation he expressed his readiness, his desire " to depart in peace," 172 BIOGRAPHY OF ELIAS BOUDINOT. to the bosom of his Father in Heaven : and the last prayer he was heard to articulate, was, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit ! Dr. Boudinot died at his seat in the city of Burlington, New Jersey, on the 24th of October, 1821, in the eighty -second year of his age. On the 26th of October, his remains were committed to the tomb, followed by a large concourse of fa- mily connexions, and by the most respectable inhabitants of the city of Burlington. Among the mourning friends who attended on this occasion, was a deputation from the board of managers of the American Bible Society. Rogers' Biog. Diet, When and where was E. Boudinot born ? From what ancestry did he descend ? With what commission was he honoured by congress ? Was he ever a member of the revolutionary congress, and did he hold any post or rank in that body ? To what important office was he appointed by General Washington? What do we observe as to his benevolence of character ? What great religious institution was he instrumental in establishing ? When and where did he die ? PENNSYLVANIA BIOGRAPHY. PART II. MILITARY AND NAVAL HEROES. MAJOR GENERAL THOMAS MIFFLIN. Born MDCCXLIV — Died MDCCC. " Although Pennsylvania was not inferior to any of her sister states in devotion to the cause of the revolution, or in liberal contribution to the support of the war, it has happened that the catalogue of eminent military characters has received little addition from her. Circumstances are always neces- sary to bring talent into action. The bravest warrior, and the most ardent patriot, without the accidental opportunity of distinguishing himself, may remain unnoticed and obscure ; while others, though without superior merit, derive honour and distinction from a mere concurrence of circumstances. " Anthony Wayne and Thomas Mifflin were those of the children of Pennsylvania, who chiefly contributed to decorate her with laurels. It was the felicity of the former, at a late period,, to have a new opportunity of exhibiting the power and the success of his talents for war. " In tracing the life of Thomas Mifllin, we shall find that an early dedication of all his energies to the cause of his country, an unremitted aspiration for hazardous employment, and a constitutional activity which nothing could wear out, 15 *- (173) 174 BIOGRAPHY OF' were insufficient to place him so high on the roll of historical fame, as some of his competitors ; yet his name and his merits deserve to be recorded. He was in early life ' the beloved man' of Pennsylvania, and the following sketch will show that her confidence and affection, in respect to him, were never diminished. *' Thomas Mifflin was descended from one of the first set- tlers of Pennsylvania, and he was himself a native of Phila- delphia. " In 1744, the year of his birth, the peaceful and humble dependence of a province afforded little prospect that the lapse of a few years would require the high employment of the mind, in the perils of internal warfare, and the establishment of an independent empire. " The general course of education, at that time, was calcu- lated for the utilities of domestic life, or the limited calls of provincial employment ; and it would have been deemed ab- surd and dangerous, to hold up the heroes of Greece and Rome for the imitation of the youth of Philadelphia. Intended for the mercantile profession, the education of Mifflin, although carefully superintended by his respectable father, was not protracted by a close study of ancient languages, and his knowledge of them was, consequently, moderate ; yet he passed with reputation through the usual collegiate course, and was subsequently placed in the counting-house of William Coleman, a man, of whom Dr. Franklin has testified that he had ' the coolest, clearest head, the best heart, and the exact- est morals, of almost any man he ever met with.' " On attaining the age of twenty -one years, he made a voyage to Europe, several parts of which were visited by him with a view to his own improvement, but no further particulars of his travels have reached his present biographer. On his return, he entered into business with one of his brothers, and the affectionate attachment which existed between them, was much noticed. Circumstances afterwards gave him an THOMAS MIFFLIN. 175 opportunity to evince the sincerity of his feelings towards the family of that brother, in a manner which did him the greatest credit. " His opening talents rendered him an early favourite with his fellow-citizens. In the provincial legislature, the city of Philadelphia was then represented by two burgesses, annually elected ; and to be one of those two burgesses, was reckoned no inconsiderable honour, even in quiet times : but when clouds began to gather round us ; when the blind desire to draw a forced revenue from the colonies, led the British ministry to put in jeopardy the immense national profit derived from our trade, and when a severity of restriction on our internal transactions was openly menaced and partly enforced, it became important that the metropolis of the central province should select for its counsellors and agents, men of the purest principles and the best abilities. In 1772, when he had attained only twenty- eight years of age, Thomas Mifflin was chosen one of those burgesses. His conduct gave so much satisfaction to his con- stituents, that in the ensuing year, he again received the same distinction, which was rendered the more flattering, from his having a colleague in the illustrious Benjamin Franklin, who was then on his return from Europe. "A yet more elevated post was soon afterwards assigned to him. In July, 1774, he was included in the list of dele- gates to the first Congress. The appointments of members of Congress were at that time made, in all the provinces, by the legislatures, and continued to be made in this manner, until the adoption of the present constitution. It was an objection- able principle, but practically unavoidable. " All the colleagues of Mifflin were his seniors. Joseph Galloway was a gentleman of the bar, of great talents, and considerable property. He had been an active opponent of the proprietaries, and possessed the confidence of great num- bers of the people, though many suspected that he was not sincerely attached to the American cause, and their suspicions 176 BIOGRAPHY OF were confirmed, by his subsequently joining the army of Sir William Howe. Edward Biddle, also, was a lawyer. He resided at Reading, in the county of Berks : he was a man of ready elocution, sound principles, and correct judgment. Samuel Rhoads, a respectable merchant of Philadelphia, be- longed to the Society of Friends — without the talent of speak- ing in public, he possessed much acuteness of mind, his judg- ment was sound, and his practical information extensive. The other two gentlemen, Messrs. Morton and Humphreys, resided in the country, and were respectable, though not prominent men. " The closed doors of the hall of Congress prevented the public from ascertaining the particular conduct of the mem- bers within it. We find upon the journals, the appointments of committees and their reports. The transcendent abilities of Jay, of William Livingston, Patrick Henry, Chase, Rut- ledge, and many others, could not be recorded in these official protocols. The estimation in which individual members were held, may be uncertainly inferred from the appointments of committees. The name of Mifflin frequently appears in this capacity. "When the news of the battle of Lexington reached Philadelphia, a town meeting was called, and the fellow- citizens of Mifflin were delighted by his animated oratory. Other addresses were delivered on this solemn occasion, all of which partook of the same feeling; but, although the youngest of these speakers, Mifflin had the exclusive merit of suggesting the necessity of a steady adherence to the resolutions that were adopted. The language with which he concluded was long remembered. ' Let us not,' he said, * be bold in declarations, and afterwards cold in action. Let not the patriotic feelings of to-day be forgotten to-morrow, nor have it said of Philadelphia, that she passed noble resolutions, slept upon them, and afterwards neglected them.' " What he recommended to others, he practised himself THOMAS MIFFLIN. 177 The formatioa of military companies and regiments, the acquisition of as great a portion of military knowledge a^s there could be obtained, and the exercises of daily drill and discipline, soon became general. Of one of these regiments, he was appointed the major, and no efforts on his part were wanting to improve this species of domestic defence. But his active spirit could not long be confined to mere measures of preparation ; he panted for opportunities of coming into action, and he flew to the camp then formed before Boston. 'i Destitute of materials for besieging a place even slightly fortified, the occupations of the American army were chiefly confined to restraining the excursions of General Gage, and intercepting his supplies. A small affair of this kind afforded Mifflin the first opportunity of displaying both his courage and Jiis judgment. A detachment had been sent from the British army to a place called Lechmire's Point, for the purpose of collecting cattle ; Mifflin solicited and obtained the command of a party to oppose them, and succeeded, with half disci- pUned militia, in repelling the regular soldiery. An eye wit- ness, the aged and venerable General Craig, declared to tho writer, that he * never saw a greater display of personal bravery, than was exhibited on this occasion, in the cool and intrepid conduct of Colonel Mifflin.' *' With no other opportunity to distinguish himself, Mifflin, in common with his brother officers, was obliged to remain in a state of inactivity, while the enemy were confined in Boston. Hopes were entertained that some effort would be made to capture the town, but Congress had laid General Washington under a restriction of previously obtaining the approbation of a council of war. " A council was called, and on full deliberation it was determined to postpone a measure, the success of which was certainly doubtful. The general was not, however, inclined wholly to relinquish the attempt, and at a later period, a strong work was erected on Dorchester Neck, which would com- 178 BIOGRAPHY OF mand the town, and was expected to draw out a considerable part of the British force j in which event, it was the intention of the judicious chief, to make the attack ; but the enemy, mindful of Bunker's Hill, instead of endeavouring to reduce the newly erected work, resolved to withdraw from a town which they perceived they could not much longer defend. On the 17th of March, 1776, Boston was evacuated, and most of our troops returned to their respective homes. " Very soon after this great event, Colonel Mifflin received from Congress the commission of brigadier-general, which, at so early an age, was no inconsiderable honour. He had, before this time, performed the laborious duties of quarter- master-general ; which were afterwards undertaken by Ste- phen Moylan, an accomplished Irish gentleman, resident among us, but of habits and manners not exactly suited to the difficulties of the times : he therefore soon abandoned the office, and Mifflin was requested by Congress to resume it. Military men know this to be a post of the first neces- sity, and of severe responsibility ; but it is one which tends to withdraw the occupant from the chance of distinction in actual warfare ; and, therefore, as well in this respect, as in regard to the nature of the employment itself, Mifflin's ac- ceptance of the office was somewhat, of an act of self-denial. The country was in a state of disorder — its commerce was suspended — and, of the articles most in demand, some could not be procured at all, and others were reluctantly parted with. In the organization of the department, every thing was new and unsettled ; and, in its operations, almost every measure either offended the people, or disappointed the go- vernment. In all his share of public life. General Mifflin found this the most obnoxious to his feelings, and, for a time, the most prejudicial to his character. " But congress at this juncture entertained a high opinion of him. On their secret journal, it appears (of the date of May 25, 1776,) that a committee was appointed to confer THOMAS MIFFLIN. 179 with Gen. Washington, Gen. Gates, and General Mifflin, ' touching the frontiers towards Canada.' Of the result of this particular conference, no traces appear ; and, as an inci- dent of general history, it would scarcely deserve notice : but to the biographer, it is not devoid of interest. The friends of the youthful hero were gratified by seeing him associated with one on whom the destinies of their country seemed to depend, and with another, whose age and experience stamped a value on his opinions. " In November, 1776, the commander-in-chief sent him from Newark with a confidential letter to congress. — Our affairs, at that time, wore a gloomy aspect, and it required firm hearts to continue in resistance to the apparently over- whelming power of Sir William Howe. " There was probably much committed to Mifflin beyond the contents of the letter ; and congress being desirous to avail themselves of his information and his judgment, he was, in a manner not very usual, nor perhaps altogether consistent with military order, directed to remain near them, of which Gen. Washington was apprised. " The spirits of the people were, at this period, much de- pressed. The contest was considered, by some, as desperate — by all, as doubtful. Our army, dwindling every day in number, was obliged to seek refuge in defensible positions. New Jersey was overrun, and the safety of Philadelphia was endangered. The inhabitants of this city were necessary for its defence, and it was from the country that the recruits for the army, anxiously invoked by General Washington, were to be drawn ; but much torpor and much dejection seemed to prevail. Something out of the common course was necessary to revive the ardour of 1775. Personal application was de- termined on, and one, who besides sincere and unaffected patriotism, had already shared the dangers of the field, and one who possessed a powerful and impressive eloquence, was to be selected. These qualities were combined in Gen. Mif« 180 BIOGRAPHY OF flin, and he was directed to proceed through the adjacent coun- ties, ' to exhort and rouse the mihtia to come forth in defence of their country.' The legislature of Pennsylvania, then in session, was requested to appoint a committee to accompany him. On this honourable and extraordinary mission he set out immediately. He assembled the inhabitants in every con- venient place of public resort ; his animated eloquence was heard from the pulpit of the church, from the meeting-house, and the court-house, and everywhere with the happiest effect. The gallant coup de main at Trenton, produced a gleam of sunshine, which greatly aided his exertions, and he w^is de- lighted at the respectable addition which was soon made to the army in New Jersey. " The sense which Congress entertained of his merits, was evinced by their conferring on him, in the following month of February, the rank of major-general. " In the course of this year, his health became so much impaired, that he was under the necessity of requesting leave to resign, but his application was unsuccessful. — He was not even relieved from the fatigues of the quartermaster-general's department. On the contrary, his labours were increased, by being appointed a member of a new board of war. It would seem, however, that this body did not immediately go into operation, for a report was soon afterwards made to Congress, by one of their committees, that he had been consulted with, and his advice taken as to supplying the army with flour, and other matters which related to the quartermaster-general's department. — "From this time to the close of the war, nothing of much moment occurred in his public life, but his strong hold on the affections of his fellow-citizens still continued ; in 1783, he was again appointed by the legislature of Pennsylvania a member of Congress, and on the 3d of November, in the same year, he was elevated to the dignified station of president of tliat body. THOMAS MIFFLIN. 181 "In this capacity, he had the distinguished honour of re- ceiving, at Annapolis, from one of the first of warriors, and best of statesmen, the resignation of that commission which had borne him to glory, and his country to independence. " The answer of the president to the dignified, yet respect- ful address of the commander-in-chief, closely resembled the manly and simple eloquence of the latter. They are both recorded in the journals of Congress, but those journals could not record the feelings which the occasion inspired. The audience was public, and the impressions made as well by the act itself, as by the manner in which it was conducted, long remained on the minds of all who were present. " Foreigners have not yet ceased to extol the magnanimity of him, who thus voluntarily retired from the command of a victorious army, to the shades of private life, without any dis- tinction above his fellow-citizens ; and of his merits in this respect, his fellow-citizens were duly sensible. If, indeed, he had made an attempt to arrogate to himself any inordinate power, or personal privilege, the genius and character of our country would have prevented its success ; but the purity of his mind forbade his forming such a wish ; his example was followed by his fellow-soldiers, and fellow-sufferers, and never was the dissolution of an army marked by more resignation and tranquillity. The slight and temporary ebullition of June, 1783, deserves scarcely to be mentioned, as an exception to the general demeanour of the common men. " General Mifflin, after discharging the duties of president of Congress, with much dignity and effect, was left out of the new delegation from Pennsylvania, and for a short time re- mained in private life. But his native state, accustomed to see his name enrolled in the list of her public servants, did not long leave him in retirement. " In 1785, he was chosen a member of the state legislature, and when that body convened, they elected him their speaker. In 1788, he was placed by popular suffrage in the seat which 16 182 BIOGRAPHY OF had bten occupied by Franklin, and became first a member, and afterwards president of the supreme executive council. " Prior to this, however, in 1787, when it became obvious to all, that the confederation of the states was inadequate to their safety and happiness, and a convention for the purpose of framing a constitution was agreed on, he was chosen a member. " Of the share which he took in the formation of that une- qualled constitution, which has so much conduced to the fame and happiness of our country, we have no satisfactory know- ledge. The proceedings were secret ; and we can only glean from the imperfect journal of Mr. Gates, part of their debates. His name appears as one of the illustrious band who signed the constitution, of whom but one now remains ! — " As president of the convention, Mifflin was not re- quired to vote, but in committees of the whole, he could both debate and vote, yet his voice was seldom heard. His suf- frages were always on the popular side. " As soon as the constitution went into operation, the elec- tion of a governor became an interesting subject. Wilson, whose views in the convention were entirely theoretical and abstract, deserted his new associates, and concurred with a small number of his citizens in recommending General St. Clair for this high oflice. St. Clair then possessed a good military reputation. He was a man of no extraordinai7 at- tainments, but his private character was fair, and he was much approved of by the federal party ; yet many of the federalists regretted the nomination, and foresaw that, by op- posing the election of Midlin, he would be driven into the opposite political ranks. The mode of election finally adopted by the convention, was admitted to render the success of St. Clair exceedingly doubtful. When it was suggested to Wil- son, that if the system of electors, and the compound ratio had been adopted, there would have been a better prospect of success, he answered with an apophthegm, which showed little THOMAS MIFFLIN. 183 acquaintance with human nature. ' The best man,' he said, ' will always be the most popular.' He forgot the ostracism of Aristides. But the maxim is otherwise fallacious. If St. Clair was thought by some the ' best man in the state,' for this office, others sincerely believed that Mifflin was the best. It is, therefore, a matter of opinion, not of absolute merit. Mifflin was elected by a vast majority, and the preference given him over St. Clair was not to be condemned. His hap- piest exhibitions were those of an executive character. He was ready to conceive, and prompt to execute whatever the duties of such an office required. " The nine years which limited his continuance in office were not altogether years of quiet, regular detail. In 1793, the public mind was disturbed by the indiscretion of the mi- nister from France, and during that and two or three suc- ceeding years, the administration of the United States re- ceived from the governor of Pennsylvania, a ready and effi- cient compliance with all its requisitions. In this, he evinced the merit of subjecting to his sense of duty, those predilections in favour of France, which he entertained, in common with numbers of his fellow-citizens. " The present writer then filled a station which gave him the best opportunities of observing the official proceedings of Governor Mifflin, and he bears a willing testimony to his prompt and effective compliance with the requisitions of the president, on every occasion. He did not, like the executive council in 1783, on the occasion already adverted to, delibe- rate and discuss when it was his duty to act. It was a strong practical proof, that the executive power, in a republic, is most safely confided to a single hand. "The absurd insurrection of 1794, could only be sup- pressed by the display of great military power; and at the head of that portion of the militia of Pennsylvania, which went on the service, Gen. Mifflin cheerfully put himself under the orders of Gen. Lee, Governor of Virginia, who, in 184 BIOGRAPHY OF the regular army, during the war, had been his inferior in rank. In this, he showed his reverence for the constitution of the United States ; which, rendering the president com- mander-in-chief of the whole, authorized him to assign par- ticular services to such officers as he thought proper. "Before his commission as governor expired, his fellow- citizens, unwilling to part with him as a public man, again chose him a member of the state legislature ; in which, how- ever, he could not act, till his successor was installed in the office of governor. His last official communication in the latter character, was on the 7th of December, 1799. It was an eloquent valediction, and was respectfully and affection- ately answered. He then took his seat in the house of representatives, but his shattered constitution disabled him from making in it that imposing figure which he had often done before. He died, during a session of the house, at Lan- caster, on the 21st of January, 1800. Resolutions were passed, expressive of his merits and his services as a soldier and ' a statesman ;' providing for his interment at the public expense and for the erection of a monument to his memory. " Thus ended the chequered life of Thomas Mifflin — brilliant in its outset — troubled and perplexed at a period more advanced — again distinguished, prosperous, and happy — finally clouded by poverty and oppressed by creditors. In patriotic principle, never changing — in public action, never faltering — in personal friendship, sincerely warm — in re- lieving the distressed, always active and humane — in his own affairs, improvident — in the business of others scrupu- lously just." W. Rawle, LL.D, Who were the children of Pennsylvania that chiefly contributed to deco- rate her with laurels? When was General Mifflin born, and what business was selected by his parents for him ? How old was he when he visited Europe, and what was his object? ANTHONY WAYNE. 185 On the breaking out of troubles with the mother country, to what office was he chosen by his fellow-citizens ? What more elevated post was he honoured with ? Who were his colleagues? When the news of the battle of Lexington arrived in Philadelphia,'what did Mifflin ? When he joined the array, what post did he hold ? What occurred at Lechmire's Point ? After the evacuation of Boston, what commission was he honoured with? What is said about the affairs of the country in November, 1776, and how was Mifflin occupied ? What were the sentiments of the legislature of Pennsylvania, and how did they express them in respect to his conduct? What took place at Annapolis? What stations did he occupy in 1785 and 1788? What share had he in forming the Constitution of the Commonwealth ? Who was elected the first governor under that instrument ? How long did he serve in that capacity ? In the insurrection of 1794, what did he do ? When did he die? What was the action of the legislature on that event ? MAJOR GENERAL ANTHONY WAYNE. Born MDCCXLV— Died MDCCXCVI. If the revolutionary congress was pronounced, by an eloquent statesman of Europe, to have been an assembly more august in its wisdom and virtue, than any convention which was ever constituted for national objects, the high character of the military chiefs who fought in defence of the principles which it set forth, calls for the admiration of the world. If it be considered, however, that the heroes of the continental legion, were men who trium.phantly contended with veterans in the science of war, without that requisite training in the profession of arms, which might give some warrant of success, the merit of their glorious deeds must be immeasurably enhanced. The result of their struggles has 16* 186 BIOGRAPHY OF not only been the establishment of a government of free and liberal institutions, but there can be seen, in the men who efTectcd tliis consummation by their courage and patriotism, a striking illustration of the development of hidden qualities, when circumstances call forth their exercise or employment. Previously to the contest between the American colonies and the mother country, no occasion had called forth the mili- tary talents or services of our population. If, as was the case in many sections of the land, the savages committed violence upon the frontier settlements, they were repulsed and over- come by .the same tactics which themselves practised. There Avas not required that systematic knowledge of war, which is essential to the success of the chieftain when engaged with a foe, directed by the skill and science of an accomplished sol- dier. The war of 1757, commonly called the French war, had, indeed, called into active service in the field, many of the colonists ; but the campaigns were too short to acquire a know- ledge in military duties, beyond the first general principles of the art of modern warfare. Besides, the forces which were raised, almost invariably were under the command of officers who were of the standing army of Great Britain, and who were not disposed to communicate to men, with whom they were to be associated for a short time only, any information beyond what was immediately necessary they should possess. When the crisis arrived, which demanded that a struggle should be made in the cause of liberty, it could not be expected, that among the American people any considerable amount of military knowledge should be found. Their pursuits had been peaceful, and they had never cultivated the art of war upon the European system. They, however, shrank not from the conflict, though the odds were fearfully against them, in re- spect to skill or experience. They braved an enemy who had both ; and cared not though the struggle should be un- equal. They had willed to be free ; and they resolved that they would trust to the sacred cause in which they were en- ANTHONY WAYNE. 187 gaged, for victory. They went like the shepherd youth of Israel, with no weapons save the sling and pebbles, to strive with the Philistine champion ; and like him, guided by the God of battles, they returned from the field with the trophies of success. When the issue of our revolutionary war is considered, it is impossible to withhold an expression of the conviction, that the result is to be attributed to him ** who ruleth in the hea- vens." With unskilful captains, whose most striking quality was that of an entire devotion of life, and all for which men would live, to the noble work in which they had enlisted ; — with an army destitute of the necessary appointments, which alone can give strength and pride to the soldier ; and with an enemy, flushed with the glory of fighting under a banner that floated proudly in almost every clime, the important conflict was begun, which involved in its end the fate of a mighty na- tion. With no resources, except such as individual patriotism might supply ; and with a government not fully established, but relying wholly upon the love of country in the popular breast, our rulers nerved themselves for a measure, the bold- ness and magnitude of which, at this time, must awaken the strongest emotions of wonder and astonishment. The cir- cumstances by which they were surrounded, and which could not be overcome by the soundest wisdom, did not deter them from urging on the work upon which all had been staked. And the noble spirits of that day which tried men's souls, hastened with enthusiasm to the tremendous struggle. Al- though it was long and arduous, yet they never faltered. No sufferings could daunt ; no privations could influence them to pause, and look back to the course of interest or safety. They knew their country was suffering, and they would suffer with her, and think it bliss to die in her defence. Sacrifices, such as men had never before made ; miseries, such as never an army before had endured, were cheerfully borne by that band of heroes, who, amid toil and want, amid the carnage of the 188 BIOGRAPHY OF battle-field, or the unheard-of sufferings of an unprovided camp, fought and won those blessings which millions now partake in abundant fulness. Among the heroes of that period, which is an era in the history of nations, General Wayne holds a conspicuous rank. His services in the war of the revolution, were transcendently great ; and none, save the revered chieftain, whom all delight to honour, was more instrumental in effecting the object for which the united colonies had contended. Possessed of a courage, which often approached to imprudence, or even des- peration, he, however, by the strength and vigour of an active mind, was enabled to aid his country in the employment of an excellent judgment, and sound discretion ; whilst, in the battle- field, he was the hero, whose voice was always heard rising above the awful din where the struggle for life and victory was most severe. In the councils of his brave companions he displayed an admirable acquaintance with those principles of the military art, which it would seem were his by intuition. It is true, that the measures which he invariably proposed were those of energy and decision ; but yet they were always accompanied by the proposition that he should be in the van rank of the brave soldiers who might be detailed for their exe- cution. Whether a spirit of such gallantry and pure patriotism was not required in those trying and gloomy seasons, when the most ardent friends of the cause were inclined to doubt as to its final issue, cannot be a question with any, who pretend to a knowledge of the impulses of the human heart. The influence of such an example of devoted gallantry, and of such anxiety to share the dangers of the conflict, could not fail in exciting and sustaining the courage of those, who might otherwise have been inclined, in secret, to withdraw from the further prosecution of a work, that oflen was pronounced im- practicable. With him, the result was never for a moment in doubt or uncertainty. He saw before him a freedom from foreign thraldom ; and though it was to be won by sacrifice AJNTHONY WAYNE. 189 and blood, yet he was ready to be the victim ; and if such should be his fate, he wished rather to be offered up with his armour unbuckled, and his sword unsheathed, than to be found in the dishonourable retreat to which pusillanimity or craven prudence might point for safety. General Wayne was, indeed, a warrior by birth: " Fashioned much to honour from his cradle, He was a soldier, and a ripe and good one ; Exceeding wise, fair spoken and persuading: Lofty and sour to those who loved him not. But to those men who sought him, sweet as summer." Deficient in none of the admirable qualities which are requi-^ site in a chief, he possessed those traits of character which are the more valued, because the less frequently exhibited by such as are invested with command. Possessing the greatest courage, and perhaps, in this quality, never surpassed, he could properly appreciate it in others. His faithful followers rushed with their leader into the battle-strife, from feelings of love and regard, as much as from a principle of military obe- dience. They admired his gallantry, and its spirit was infused into their own breasts. But the constant care which he dis- played for their comfort, and the just estimate of their merito- rious services, together with the open frankness of his bearing to them, enabled him to possess an influence over their hearts, which was truly astonishing. Although a rigid disciplinarian, and strict in punishing every breach of duty, this affection for their leader was never weakened. Whilst the illustrious Wash- ington could rely, in the firmest confidence, both upon the well-tried courage and military knowledge of this valued officer, Wayne, with his Pennsylvania legion, was ever pre- pared to undertake any affair, however hazardous, or beset with the greatest difficulties. His own heart knew no fear, and he was well assured of the unshrinking courage of his brave soldiers. 190 BIOGRAPHY OF The memory of this hero should be treasured in the hearts of his countrymen ; for the services which he rendered were of no common kind ! It was not that he faithRilIy discharged his duties as a leader, in the continental army, and that his patriotic exertions in the cause of freedom were of extensive benefit, that it is required we pronounce his name with reve- rence ; but there is, in addition to these, another claim. And it arises from the consideration of how great was the influence which his superior and gallant bravery had upon the minds of the people, at those periods of our revolutionary struggle, when a gloomy fear had possessed the breasts of all, as to the issue of the contest. In frequent instances, the bold and daring conduct of our general, whilst it struck terror in the ranks of the enemy, gave new hopes, and inspired with new energies his desponding countrymen. His valorous deeds, which are the admiration of the world, and which were exe- cuted in such rapid succession, produced the most signal effects throughout the colonies, at the time when their in- fluence was most needed ; and for future historians there have been supplied the most ample materials for the grateful task of recording an illustrious instance of devoted patriotism and courageous enterprise, in war. Now to his ashes honour ! — Peace he with him 1 And choirs of angels sing him to his rest ! Anthony Wayne was born in Chester county, January 1, 1745. His grandfather held a captain's commission under King William, at the memorable battle of the Boyne, and distinguished himself by his bravery in that severe contest. The undeserved neglect of his sovereign, and his firm attach- ment to the principles of liberty, caused him to leave Europe, and settle in the wilderness of America. He purchased the estate upon which our hero was born, and which still con- tinues in possession of his descendants. The father of General Wayne was a reputable farmer, ANTHONY WAYNE. 191 deservedly honoured with the respect of his fellow-citizens, and entrusted by them with their public interests on several occasions. He, for a long time, represented the county of his birth in the General Assembly of the colony, and from his sound judgment, and close attention to his duties of a delegate, was a useful and valuable member of that body. His withdrawal from public life, afforded an opportunity for the flattering expression of the regard which the constituents of the father entertained for his son, who was accordingly elected the successor of the former in the colonial legislature, in 1773. About this period, the difficulties between the colonies and mother country were assuming an aspect which gave tokens of those events that finally terminated in the severance of the largest portion of her territory, in North America, from Great Britain. Wayne, in this critical period, exhibited that cha- racter for decision, and firmness of purpose, which ever after was displayed by him. The influence of his station was employed to urge that measure, which was afterwards adopted by the continental congress, and which, declaring the United States free and independent, absolved them from every connexion with England. Every occasion was em- ployed by him to animate his fellow-citizens to the resistance of tyranny ; and the honour which Pennsylvania has won for the noble and generous aid she rendered to the cause of liberty, throughout the whole revolution, in no small measure must be attributed to the successful exertions which he used, to excite her people to energetic action. In 1775, having received the commission of colonel from the continental congress, he immediately, with characteristic promptness, commenced recruiting for the regiment which he was directed to raise; and in a few weeks, such was his popu- larity, and so great the confidence in his capacity and patri- otism, that he completed the number of men required. To his praise be it recorded, that every individual who had en- 192 BIOGRAPHY OF listed under his command, was of the county in which Colonel Wayne was born and reared ! With this band of devoted followers, he proceeded, under General Thompson, into Canada. The ill success of this en- terprise to the continental arms, and the capture of General Thompson, need not be dwelt upon in the memoir of a subor- dinate in command. It, however, is due to Colonel Wayne to observe, that though severely wounded, he exhibited the greatest courage and gallantry on the occasion ; and on the defeat, after remarkable exertions, succeeded in gathering to- gether the dispersed troops, and bringing them off in safety. The invading army having retired from Canada, concen- trated their forces at Ticonderoga, under the command of General Gates. On the departure of this officer from the above post, our hero was appointed to its command, and that of Mount Independence ; and at the end of the campaign was appointed a Brigadier General. His great bravery and skill as a military engineer, aided by his previous occupation of a land surveyor, had already secured for him an honourable renown. His anxiety for more active service at length procured for him permission to join the army of Washington, then collected in New Jersey. On his arrival, he was received with the most gratifying evidences of esteem, by his fellow-soldiers. Having been placed in command of a brigade, chiefly composed of his favourite Pennsylvanians, he soon brought it into the field, in a marked style of discipline, and with the special approbation of the commander-in-chief, with whom he soon became a fa- vourite, and whose confidence he always shared. As showing the character of Wayne, and his strong desire at this time for engaging the enemy, the following extract from a private letter to Dr. Rush, is given. " The enemy do not seem to be fond of meeting disciplined troops. My brigade offered General Grant battle six times, ANTHONY WAYNE. 193 the other day ; he as often formed, but always, on our ap- proach, his people broke and ran, after firing a few volleys, which we did not return, being determined to let them feel the effects of a close fire ; and then give them the bayonet, under cover of the smoke. This hero, who was to march through America at the head of five thousand men, by a flank fire of our artillery, had his coat much dirtied, his horse's head taken off, and himself badly bruised, for having the presumption, at the head of several hundred British troops, to face five hundred Pennsylvanians. You may rest assured, Sir, that the Pennsylvanians will not give up the palm op mili- tary GLORY TO any TROOPS ON EARTH." On the retreat of the British army from New Jersey, Wayne was honoured with the special notice of General Washington, in a letter to Congress, for the bravery and skill displayed by him and Colonel Morgan, in harassing the enemy on their march. On the 11th of September, 1777, the first general engage- ment took place, upon the banks of the Brandywine, between the contending armies. The British force consisted of eighteen thousand men, M^ell disciplined and equipped, and commanded by some of the most successful generals of Europe, whilst that of the Americans numbered hardly fifteen thousand, imper- fectly appointed in the materials of war, and but recently brought into service. On this occasion, Wayne commanded a division, and was directed to oppose himself to Knyphausen, the commander of the Hessian allies, and prevent his crossing the ford. The conflict was stubborn and severe, particularly between the divisions of the two generals, and continued until sunset, in all its tremendous violence. Our hero, perceiving some confusion on the right of the American army, withdrew his division, and with General Washington, retired to Chester, waiting for the coming morning. On the next day, the battle was renewed by an attack from Wayne, and the assault was 17 194 BIOGRAPHY OF fierce and determined; but a violent stoini having arisen, which prevented the armies from keeping the field, the con- test, for the time, was of necessity abandoned. This affair, in which so much courage was displayed by all, had a most salutary influence upon the friends of liberty throughout the colonies. The commander-in-chief resolved to venture a second battle with the enemy ; and accordingly directed Wayne, who had command of the advance division of the army, to press on the rear of the British. With his broken force, he encamped, on the night of the 20th, in Chester county, about three miles from the left wing of the enemy, and near to the Paoli tavern. Having used every precaution, as he supposed, against sur- prise, his position was believed to be secure. But, it unhap- pily had been chosen in the midst of a population of traitors to the holy cause in which their country was engaged, and they lent their aid to the horrid massacre which ensued. Acting as guides to the British general. Gray, they conducted him, with a large force, through unfrequented paths, to the ground which Wayne occupied. About eleven o'clock in the night, the dreadful work of death commenced, with the de- structive bayonet alone; and one hundred and fifty, killed and wounded, were the victims of a vengeance, which savage warfare itself can hardly sanction ! Wayne, immediately after the surprise, rallied his remaining force, and successfully opposed any further destruction of his brave followers, by a desperate onset against his treacherous assailants. On his demand, a court of inquiry was appointed ; and the result of the examination was an honourable acquittal of a brave leader, whose noble and gallant soul could not imagine, that among his countrymen there might be a treason, which, in the con- summation of its base purpose, would conspire against the lives of fellow-citizens by barbarous massacre ! In the battle of Germantown, which took place on the 4th of October, General Wayne again distinguished himself by ANTHONY WAYNE. 195 his bravery ; having been appointed to the attacking division, under the immediate command of General Washington. An account of this engagement was transmitted to General Gates by him, in which he declares that the enemy were flying in perfect confusion, before the victorious Americans, for about three hours, and that the fortune of the day was changed through the mad attack upon a small garrison of British artil- lery, in the stone mansion of B. Chew, Esq. Even this fatal error might have been neutralized, had the orders of the com- manaer-in-chief been obeyed by General Stephens, whose duty it was to prevent a retreat of the British army, as well as to oppose any reinforcement from Philadelphia, by taking his position at the Rising Sun, about three miles from the latter city. Had this part of the plan of operations been executed, the capture of the enemy would have been inevitable. Perhaps there is not, in the annals of warfare, a more gloomy page than that which records the great sufferings and privations endured by the American army, in the winter suc- ceeding these operations. They were destitute of clothing, and even the necessaries of life : yet amid all their distresses, their devotion to the cause of their country was unweakened. The letters of General Washington to the continental Con- gress, written during this afflictive season, must for ever call up the most deadened sensibilities of the heart, and warm the admiration, of even those who cannot be favourably interested in the principles for which they contended, when reminded that the track of the soldiery was reddened with blood from their bare feet, when marching to their log- huts at Valley Forge. To prevent the famine which was threatening this distressed garrison, General Wayne was ordered by Washington, at a most teiiipestuous and inclement season, to secure the cattle in New Jersey, near to the Delaware, and to destroy the forage which could not be removed. After a number of skir- mishes, or rather battles, with the enemy, in which he showed 196 BIOGRAPHY OF his usual courage, and all the talents of a partisan chief, he was successful in removing several hundred fine cattle, a number of horses, and large quantities of provender. For this timely succour, obtained through the most dangerous service, in an enemy's district, he received the thanks of his chief, and the blessings of an impoverished army. The opening of the campaign of 1778, was followed by the memorable battle of Monmouth Court House, N. J., to the hazarding of which, all the general officers, except Cadwal- lader and Wayne, were opposed. That the action was most favourable in its issue, and that it fully met the expectations of Washington, who planned it, it is thought best to show from the letter of General Wayne, written to his family after the event. ^^ Spottswood, 1st Jult/y 1778. *' On Sunday, the 28th of June, our flying army came in view of the enemy, about eight o'clock in the morning, when I was ordered to advance and attack them with a few men ; the remainder of the corps under General Lee, was to have supported me : we accordingly advanced and received a charge from the British horse and infantry, which was soon repulsed. Our general, however, thought proper to order a retreat, in place of advancing, without firing a single shot, the enemy following in force, which rendered it very difficult for the small force I had, to gain the main body, being hard pushed, and frequently nearly surrounded. After falling back almost a mile, we met his Excellency, who, surprised at our retreat, knowing that officers as well as men were in high spirits, and wished for nothing more than to be faced about and meet the British fire, he accordingly ordered me to keep post, where he met us, having a body of troops with two pieces of artillery then under my command, and to keep the enemy in play, until he had an opportunity of forming the main army and restoring order. ANTHONY WAYNE. 197 "We had just taken post, when the enemy began their attack with horse, foot, and artillery ; the fire of their united force obliged us, after a severe conflict, to give way ; after which, a most severe cannonade, accompanied by small-arms, was opened by our lefl wing on the enemy, which gave them an effectual check. During the interval which this occasioned, every possible exertion was made use of by his Excellency and the other generals, to spirit up the troops, and prepare them for another trial. " The enemy began to advance again in a heavy column, with a view of turning our left flank, but in this they failed. They then made a similar effort on our right, and whilst our artillery was handsomely playing on them, I advanced with a strong body of troops — we met the enemy — the contest was exceedingly warm and well maintained on each side for a considerable time ; at length victory declared for us ; British courage failed, and was forced to give way to American valour. " Afler retreating a considerable distance, the enemy took a strong position. General Washington, although many of our men were falling with thirst, heat, and fatigue, resolved to renew the action, and made his dispositions for that pur- pose, but night prevented their final execution. " We encamped on the field of battle, with a view of re- commencing the action in the morning, but Sir Henry deemed it prudent to evade this, by retreating in the dead of night ; afler having interred many of his killed, yet leaving us to bury some of his distinguished officers, and two hundred and forty-five of his soldiers, besides taking charge of a great number of his wounded. Our loss in this affair, consists of a few gallant officers killed and wounded, and many brave soldiers in a similar state. " Every general and other officer, (one excepted,) did every thing that could be expected on this great occasion, but Penn- sylvania showed the road to victory." 17* 198 BIOGRAPHY OF The conduct of General Lee, in the affair of Monmouth, which is a portion of our revolutionary history, called for an investigation hy court-martial, and the testimony of General Wayne was given with the bold frankness of an honourable soldier. An angry correspondence ensued between these officers, and intimations in the course of it were made of a resort to personal satisfaction. On the termination of the proceedings, however. General Lee magnanimously, and from the dictates of a noble impulse, transmitted to General Wayne the following letter. ''Berkeley County, Aug. lltk, 1779. « Dear Sir, " You will do me the justice to acknowledge, that at the time I was taught to think, I am sure without foundation, that you were one of the most active in my prosecution, I gave it as my opinion, that you were a brave officer and an honest man. You must likewise recollect, that when you sent me a certain message, at Elizabethtown, I told you that if I was appointed to a command, and had my choice of brigadiei-s, you should be one of my first election. I hope, therefore, that what I am now going to say, you will not consider as paying my court, in this your hour of glory ; for as it is, at least, my present intention to leave this continent, where I have been scurvily and ungratefully treated, I can have no interest in paying my court to any individual. What I shall say, there- fore, is dictated by the genuine feeling of my heart. I do most sincerely declare, that your action in the assault of Stony Point, is not only the most brilliant, in my opinion, through the whole course of the war, on either side, but that it was one of the most brilliant I am acquainted with in his- tory ; the assault of Schweidnitz, by marshal Laudun, I think inferior to it. I wish you, therefore, most sincerely, joy of the laurels you have deservedly acquired, and that you may long live to wear them ; and if you have leisure, as I am curi- ANTHONY WAYNE. 199 ous in these details, to inform me of the particular order of your disposition, you will much oblige one who is, without flattery, with respect, and no small admiration, " Your most obedient humble servant, " Charles Lee. " Brigadier-general Wayne." The operations of the campaign are remembered with dis- tinctness by all, the least conversant in American history, on account of the splendid affair at Stony Point. In July of this year, Washington determined to carry into effect the design of destroying this post, and honoured Wayne with the execution of the enterprise. The garrison was com- manded by Colonel Johnston. The defences of the place were deemed impregnable, as well from the great elevation of the rock, the base of which on one side is washed by the Hudson river, and on the other surrounded by a treacherous morass, passable but at one spot ; as from the formidable batteries erected on the top, and the breast-works which were placed along the sides, commanding the above crossing place. This fortification, supplied with all the munitions for a defence against the most violent assault, was also pro- tected at the time by several vessels of war, lying before it, in the river. With his brave band, chiefly detailed from the Pennsylva- nia line, of which he always had command. General Wayne arrived at eight o'clock in the evening of the 15th of July, within a mile and a half of the formidable redoubt, and after reconnoitering the ground, made the requisite dispositions for the assault. About midnight, he led his troops, with un- loaded muskets, and fixed bayonets, to the attack, and with- out discharging a single gun, carried the fort ; making the garrison which remained after the assault, and amounting to five hundred and forty men, prisoners of war. The resist- ance offered by Colonel Johnston and his brave soldiers, 200 BIOGRAPHY OF was very spirited, and the hazardous nature of the enterprise can be comprehended by the statement, which is a matter of record, that the forlorn hope, under the command of Lieu- tenant Gibbon, consisting of twenty self-devoted associates in this desperate undertaking, numbered but three surviving members at its glorious termination. In this terrible rencontre. General Wayne was seriously wounded on the first assault upon the redoubt; and under the apprehension that his death was the inevitable conse- quence, he begged that he might be carried into the fort; where, amidst the triumphs of his victory, he should die, with the assurance that his blood had not flown in vain, in the cause to which he had consecrated his life. It is in hallowed gratitude to the Governor of Nations, that his impressions in respect to his immediate dissolution, were not confirmed, and that he lived to enjoy the merited honours which his country rejoiced to confer upon him ! By a vote of Congress, a gold medal was directed to be presented to him for his gallant conduct ; and throughout the federative provinces, there prevailed the one, single sentiment, that the hero of Pennsylvania had given, by this individual action, an assurance that there yet remained reason to hope, that in a nation's struggles, there would not be wanting, those, who were gifted with a capacity to lead them to a prosperous issue. It is due to the interest which this renowned action of Wayne must always excite, even in ages yet to come, to pre- sent the orders, given on the occasion of his memorable assault. They are transcribed from his orderly-book, and supply an instance of a calm, indomitable courage, which has never been excelled by any hero of surviving reputation. General Orders and dispositions for the attack. " The troops will march at — o'clock, and move by the right, making a short halt at the creek, or run, on this side, ANTHONY WAYNE. 201 next Clement's ; every officer and non-commissioned officer will remain with, and be answerable for, every man in his platoon ; no soldier to be permitted to quit his ranks on any pretext whatever, until a general halt is made, and then to be attended by one of the officers of the platoon. " When the head of the troops arrive in rear of the hill, Colonel Febiger will form his regiment into a solid column of a half platoon, in front, as fast as they come up ; Colonel Meigs will form next, in Colonel Febiger's rear, and Major Hull in the rear of Meigs's, which will form the right column. " Colonel Butler will form a column on the left of Febiger, and Major Murfree in his rear. Every officer and soldier will then fix a piece of white paper in the most conspicuous part of his hat or cap, as a mark to distinguish him from the enemy. At the word march, Colonel Fleury will take charge of one hundred and fifty determined and picked men, properly officered, with arms unloaded, placing their whole dependence on fixed bayonets, who will move about twenty paces in front of the right column, and enter the sally-port marked ; he is to detach an officer, and twenty men, a little in front, whose business will be to secure the sentries, and remove the abatis and obstructions, for the column to pass through. The column will follow close in the rear, with shouldered muskets, led by Colonel Febiger and General Wayne in person. When the works are forced, and not before, the victorious troops will give the watchword, * with repeated and loud voices, and drive the enemy from their works and guns, which will favour the pass of the whole troops ; should the enemy refuse to surrender, or attempt to make their escape by water, or otherwise, effec- tual means must be used to effect the former, and prevent the latter. " Colonel Butler will move by the route (2) preceded by one hundred chosen men, with fixed bayonets, properly offi- * Remember Paoli I 202 BIOGRAPHY OF cered, at the distance of twenty yards in front of the column, which will follow, under Colonel Butler, with shouldered mus- kets. These hundred will also detach a proper officer, and twenty men, a little in front, to remove the obstructions, &c. ; as soon as they gain the works, they will also give, and con- tinue the watchword, which will prevent confusion and mis- take. If any soldier presume to take his musket from his shoulder, or to fire, or begin the battle until ordered by his proper officer, he shall be instantly put to death by the officer next him ; for the misconduct of one man is not to put the whole troops in danger, or disorder, and he be suffered to pass with lile. After the troops begin to advance to the works, the strictest silence must be observed, and the closest attention paid to the commands of the officers. " The general has the fullest confidence in the bravery and fortitude of the corps that he has the happiness to command. The distinguished honour conferred on every officer and sol- dier, who has been drafted into this corps by his excellency, General Washington, the credit of the states they respectively belong to, and their own reputations, will be such powerful motives for each man to distinguish himself, that the general cannot have the least doubt of a glorious victory ; and he, hereby, most solemnly engages to reward the first man who enters the works, with five hundred dollars and immediate promotion ; to the second, four hundred dollars ; to the third, three hundred dollars ; to the fourth, two hundred dollars ; and to the fifth, one hundred dollars ; and he will represent the conduct of every officer and soldier, who distinguishes himself in this action, in the most favourable point of view to his excellency, whose greatest pleasure is rewarding merit. But should there be any soldier so lost to feelings of honour, as to attempt to retreat one single foot, or skulk in the face of danger, the officer next to him is immediately to put him to death, that he may no longer disgrace the name of a soldier, or the corps, or the state to which he belongs. ANTHONY WAYNE. 203 " As General Wayne is determined to share the danger of the night, so he wishes to participate in the glory of the day, in common with his fellow-soldiers." The qualities of courage and military judgment, exhihited by Wayne, in the instances above recorded, were displayed by him throughout the whole course of service in the cause of his country's independence. In the campaign of 1781, he bore a conspicuous part, and acquired fresh laurels in every instance of his engagement with the enemy. It is recorded of him, that having been deceived into the belief' that only a portion of Cornwallis's army had crossed the James River, he attacked the party on the shores immediately presenting them- selves. The violent and unexpected resistance which he met, however, convinced him of his error. But nothing daunted, he bravely pushed on the attack; and, from its boldness, the enemy supposed it to be the leading assault of approaching numbers. It need not be a matter of special record, that in the transactions of a campaign, which was closed with the surrender of Cornwallis and his forces, that one, who had thus distinguished himself in the course of our struggle for liberty, fulfilled the expectations of his admirers. In the first conflict, he was the courageous champion of the rights of man ; and after the last triumphant struggle, he stood by the side of Washington and La Fayette, to receive the acknowledgment, that the majesty of their principles claimed the submission of those who had previously warred against them ! It is due, however, to this hero of Pennsylvania and her gallant army, to give the particulars of an afl^air, which was the concluding battle in the history of our revolutionary strug- gle. It will be seen how nobly these devoted patriots in the cause of' their country, sustained themselves unto the very termination of the conflict ; and how the brave sons of our beloved state had the honour of striking the last blow in the field of freedom's war! The account is given by the late Chief Justice Marshall, in his valuable life of Washington. 204 BIOGRAPHY OF " When General Wayne entered Georgia, the British troops retired to Savannah, and the Americans advanced to Ebenezer. Propositions for the suspension of hostilities were made in the Southern department about the time that they were rejected in the North. The same motives continuing to in- fluence Congress, they were rejected in the South also, and the armies still continued to watch each other. While the whole attention of Wayne was directed towards Savannah, an unlooked-for enemy came upon his rear, entered his camp in the night, and, had not his army been composed of the best materials, must have dispersed it. A strong party of Creeks, marching entirely in the night, guided by white men through unfrequented ways, subsisting on meal made of parched corn, reached the neighbourhood of the American army undiscovered ; and, emerging in the night from a deep swamp which had concealed them, entered the rear of the camp about three in the morning of the 23d of June. The sentinel was killed before he could sound the alarm, and the first notice of danger was given by the fire and yell of the enemy. They rushed into the camp, and, killing the few men they met with, seized the artillery. For- tunately, some time was wasted in attempting to turn the pieces. Captain Parker, with his company, had returned that evening from a fatiguing tour of duty, and they were asleep in the rear, near the artillery, when the Indians entered the camp. Roused by the fire, and perceiving the enemy, he drew off his men in silence, and formed them, with the quar- ter-guard, behind the general's house. W^ayne was instantly on horseback, believing the whole garrison of Savannah to be upon him. Parker was directed to charge immediately with the bayonet, and orders were dispatched to Posey to bring up the troops in camp without delay. The orders to Parker were executed so promptly, that Posey could not reach the scene of action in time to join in it. The Indians, unable to resist the bayonet, soon fled ; leaving their chief, his white ANTHONY WAYNE. 205 guides, and seventeen of his warriors, dead on the spot. Only twelve prisoners were made. The general's horse was shot under him, and twelve privates were killed and wounded. This sharp conflict terminated the war in Georgia. Sa- vannah was evacuated on the 11th of July, and Wayne rejoined General Greene." After the peace, we find General Wayne honoured with several important stations in civil life. He was a delegate to the respective conventions that prepared the late constitution of Pennsylvania, and that of the United States, and in both bodies he was regarded as a valuable member. In the year 1792, he was appointed to succeed General St. Clair, who had previously resigned his command in the army, and was ordered to proceed against a formidable force of Indians, then ravaging our western frontier. They had twice defeated the armies sent against them, and were flushed with victory, and insolent from past success. The enterprise was considered, by all, as extremely hazardous, and its suc- cess doubtful. But the appointment of Wayne was made by General Washington, who well knew the capacity of the officer in whom he had confided this honourable trust, and the expectations of the commander-in-chief, and of the coun- try, were not disappointed. In a short time, his troops, who were raw recruits, were disciplined and prepared for the campaign. Having advanced into the country occupied by the savages, he adopted the precautions necessary against a surprise from his treacherous foe. On the 20th of August, 1793, the army of Wayne commenced a general attack upon the enemy, and so violent and decisive was it, that in a few hours they were defeated with immense loss. To chastise them for their massacres of the border settlers, and to strike such terror into them, as hereafter might efl^ectually deter the tribes from future out- rages, he destroyed all their huts and corn-fields; and the 18 206 BIOGRAPHY OF country which they lately held by violence, presented all the traces of devastation and ruin. The signal defeat of the Indians was succeeded by a peace throughout our vast and uncultivated territory, which endured for many years, through the influence of this memorable battle, upon the fears of our savage neighbours. The frontier settlements were no longer disturbed by the war-whoop of the murderous red-man, but a rapid improvement of the wil- derness was every where visible, and security was once more enjoyed by the adventurer. It need not be remarked, that to the services of General Wayne are these advantages to be referred, in a great measure. With no immediate claims upon him, from that country which he had so honourably and effectually served, on the termination of the Indian war, he retired to his estate in Chester county. Here, in the midst of his beloved family, he lived in the enjoyment of their afTection and reverence, and with the inward gratification of having rendered impor- tant services to the land of his birth. In the year 1796, having proceeded to the north-west frontier of the state, in the discharge of some military duty, he was attacked with a severe sickness, and in the month of December, this brave soldier expired, in an humble hut on the shores of Lake Erie. His remains were afterwards removed to the family cemetery ; and over them a neat monument has been raised, to show where repose the ashes of the brave warrior. When and where was General Wayne born ? What is said about his grandfather ? What about his father ? On the commencement of our revolutionary struggle, what commission did he hold ? Of what county in the state were his military followers ? To what part of North America did his first expedition proceed ? At the end of this campaign, to what rank was he promoted ? Whose division of the army did he now join? In his letter to Dr. Rush, what does he say about Colonel Grant? STEPHEN DECATUR. 207 What is said about the battle of Brandy wine ? What about the massacre of Paoli ? Mention the incidents of the battle of Germantown. Tell about the privations of the succeeding winter. What affair took place at Monmouth in 1778 ? How did General Lee conduct himself; and what did he write to Wayne? Tell about the storming of Stony Point. What occurred in the campaign of 1781 ? What is said about the affair in Georgia ? What troops struck the final blow in the war for independence ? What was Wayne's conduct in the Indian war of 1792? When and where did he die ? COMMODORE STEPHEN DECATUR. Born MDCCLXXIX — Died MDCCCXX. No department of our government was organized with more difficulty, as regards the operation of an extraneous influence through the irresistible efTect of public sentiment, than that of the navy. From causes, which at this time, it would be al- most impossible to comprehend, a large and powerful party had arrayed itself against the establishment of a marine force, even sufficient to protect the colonies, in 1775. The princi- ples upon which the opposition rested, were chiefly those of economy ; and the erroneous supposition, that the creation of cuch a power would be hazardous to the liberties of the nation. The resistance was sufficiently protracted to beget a factious and hostile spirit among our countrymen, and which was ac- tively exhibited on every attempt to increase this power, be- yond the most distinct and pressing necessity. It became one of the most serious questions in our policy of government ; and like all other popular subjects, was discussed with ear- nestness. Even so far had the measure been agitated, that it was a leading principle with many, to oppose every proposition 208 BIOGRAPHY OF that its friends brought forward, to strengthen this arm of national defence to the extent which the honour of our country required. Pressed down by such circumstances of hostility, our small, though gallant navy, fought itself into favour, by a succession of victories, that have called forth the admiration of the world. In the gaining of these, it would seem that both officers and men exercised their bravery, not only from the sacred feelings of patriotism, but with a resolution to exhibit to their mistaken countrymen, the advantages of this power, as a means of na- tional defence. And well, indeed, have they succeeded in thus destroying an error which had long fastened itself upon the popular mind ! Whilst covering themselves with im- perishable glory, they benefited, to the greatest extent, the gervice, which they honoured by their bravery and skill. Prejudice was weakened, if not entirely destroyed ; and this department is now regarded with that consideration which its merits and importance claim for it. The services of Decatur, both in the cause of his country, and in thus changing popular opinion in respect to the Ame- rican navy, by his gallantry, are deservedly acknowledged by all. They were of a nature which will always call forth the tribute of praise and honour ; for they have added to his nation's glory, and procured for his own name an enduring renown. The ancestors of this brave officer were Huguenots, and residents of La Rochelle, in France, until the persecutions of Louis XIV., which followed the repeal of the edict of Nantz, compelled them to fly from their country. His grandfather, with others, who had emigrated with him, settled in Rhode Island, and married a lady of that slate. The father of the subject of this memoir, was born in Newport, and at an early age removed to Philadelphia, where for a season he pursued the business of a merchant, and occasionally took the com- mand of a vessel ; having been bred to the profession of a STEPHEN DECATUR. 209 sailor. When the navy was first estabHshed, he was honoured with the command of the sloop-of-war Delaware ; and his conduct whilst in this situation was such as to give an earnest of future usefulness to his country, when an occasion should present itself. On the completion of the frigate Philadelphia, which had been built by the contributions of the merchants of the city, whose name she bore, he was placed in command of her, through the strong recommendation of those who were instrumental in her construction. In this commission he con- tinued until the termination of the war with France, when he retired from the service, and settled on an estate, about five miles from Philadelphia. His capacity and courage as an officer were frequently exhibited, in a manner which has se- cured for his name a large measure of credit. Stephen Decatur was born January 5th, 1779. After re- ceiving an education, which would qualify him for the pro- fession to which his inclination had led him, he obtained a midshipman's warrant, in 1798, when nineteen years of age. He immediately repaired to the frigate United States, and commenced his brilliant career of honour and glory, under Commodore Barry, then in command of the above vessel of war. His strict attention to duty, and the daring courage which he always manifested, when an opportunity would call it forth, endeared him to his commanding officer and others. He was rapidly, though deservedly promoted to the rank of lieutenant, and remained in the frigate to which he was first appointed, until she was ordered to be repaired. At his ur- gent request, he was privileged to join the brig Norfolk, then bound to the Spanish Main, and sailed in her as first lieuten- ant, under the expectation that some occasion might afford him a chance for signalizing himself in the service of his country. On her return, he resumed his station on board the United States, and remained in it until the close of the French war. His next appointment was to the Essex, and he was directed 18* 210 BIOGRAPHY OF to join the squadron under the command of Commodore Dale, then destined for the Mediterranean, to protect our commerce against the piratical depredations of the Turk. In the second expedition, he joined the New York, which was one of the squadron, under the command of Commodore Morris. On both these occasions, he won the regard of his superiors, by his strict obedience to duty, and his venturous bravery. Having returned to America, he sohcited the privilege of immediately proceeding to the Mediterranean, in order that he might participate in the war, which it was seen, was inevi- tably to occur with at least one of the Barbary Powers. His request was granted by his country, and Lieutenant Decatur was ordered to the command of the Argus. He proceeded to join the squadron of Commodore Preble, then in the above sea ; and as previously directed, resigned the Argus to Lieu- tenant Hull, his senior officer, and took the command of the Enterprize, in the commission of which, this gentleman was on his arrival. This exchange having been made, he pro- ceeded to Syracuse, the place of rendezvous for the squadron. The information he received on reaching Syracuse, at once awakened that spirit of adventure, which he had exhibited on every previous occasion, but which now had for its object an enterprize, by the successful execution of which, he has earned an immortal renown. The frigate Philadelphia, commanded by Captain Bain- bridge, in chasing a corsair, had run aground on the Barbary coast, and fallen into the hands of the Tripolitans. Every means had been employed to render her unfit for future ser- vice, before deserting her : but in a Cew days she was floated, and anchored under the batteries of Tripoli, where she was repaired. She was an acquisition to the marine of the Turk, of no mean importance, and might have become a formidable weapon against our squadron. Captain Bainbridge, in a letter to Commodore Preble, had suggested the practicability of de- stroying her, and the latter officer communicated the opinion STEPHEN DECATUR. 211 to young Decatur. His ardent temperament, and unquencha- ble thirst for glory, at once induced him to volunteer in the hazardous service ; and he was finally permitted by his com- manding officer to undertake the formidable enterprize. A ketch, which a short time before had been captured from the enemy, was placed under his command, and the Intrepid, which was the name his vessel now bore, was soon filled with the requisite number of officers and men ; all panting to dis- tinguish themselves in an affair of such danger. Under con- voy of the Siren sloop of war, commanded by Lieutenant Stewart, our hero proceeded to the scene, where his gallantry and fearless courage were to be evidenced. The following extract from Cooper's Naval History, furnishes a graphic and vivid account of the aflJair. "The orders of Lieutenant Commandant Decatur were clear and simple. The spar-deck was first to be carried, and then the gun-deck ; after which, the following distribution of the party was made, in order to set fire to the ship. Mr. De- catur, with Messrs. Izard and Rowe, and fifteen men, were to keep possession of the upper deck : Mr. Lawrence, with Messrs. Laws and M'Donough, and ten men, were to repair to the berth-deck, and forward store-rooms. Mr. Bainbridge, with Mr. Davis, and ten men, were to go into the ward-room and steerage ; Mr. Morris, with eight men, was to go into the cock-pit and after store-room ; Mr. Thorn, with the gunner, surgeon, and thirteen men, were to look after the ketch ; to Mr. Izard was assigned the command of the launch, should she be needed ; and Mr. Anderson, with the Siren's cutter, was to secure all boats alongside of the ship, and to prevent the people from swimming ashore, with directions, however, to board, as soon as the first duty was performed. " Fire-arms were to be used only in the last extremity, and the first object of every one was to clear the upper-deck, and 212 BIOGRAPHY OF gun-deck of the enemy. These arrangements were plain and judicious. The watchword was ' Philadelphia.' " As the ketch drew in with the land, the ship became visi- ble. She lay not quite a mile within the entrance, riding to the wind, and abreast of the town. Her foremast, which had been cut away while she was on the reef, had not yet been replaced ; her main and mizzen-topmasts were housed, and her lower yards were on the gunwales. Her lower standing rig- ging, however, was in its place, and, as was shortly afterwards ascertained, her guns were loaded and shotted. Just within her lay two corsairs, with a Cew gun-boats and a galley. " It was a mild evening for the season, and the sea and bay were smooth as in summer, as unlike as possible to the same j)lace, a few days previously, when the two vessels had been driven from the enterprize by a tempest. " Perceiving that he was likely to get in too soon, when about five miles from the rocks, Mr. Decatur ordered buckets, and other drags, to be towed astern, in order to lessen the way of the ketch, without shortening sail, as the latter expe- dient would have been seen from the fort, and must have awakened suspicion. In the mean time, the wind gradually fell, until it became so light as to leave the ketch but about two knots' way on her, when the drags were removed. " About ten o'clock, the Intrepid reached the eastern en- trance of the bay, or the passage between the rocks and the shoal. The wind was nearly east, and, as she steered di- rectly for the frigate, it was well abaft the beam. There was a young moon, and as these bold adventurers were slowly advancing into a hostile port, all around them was tranquil, and apparently without distrust. For near an hour they were stealing slowly along, the air gradually failing, until their motion became scarcely perceptible. " Most of the ofliccrs and men of the ketch had been ordered to lie on the deck, where they were concealed by low bul- warks, or weather-boards, and by the different objects that STEPHEN DECATUR. 213 belong to a vessel. As it is the practice of those seas to carry a number of men, even in the smallest craft, the appearance of ten or twelve men would excite no alarm, and this number was visible. The commanding ofRcer himself stood near the pilot, Mr. Catalano, who was to act as interpreter. " The quarter-master at the helm, was ordered to stand directly for the frigate's bows, it being the intention to lay the ship aboard in that place, as the mode of attack which would least expose the assailants to her fire. "The Intrepid was still at a considerable distance from the Philadelphia, when the latter hailed. The pilot answered that the ketch belonged to Malta, and was on a trading voyage; that she had been nearly wrecked, and had lost her anchors in the late gale, and that her commander wished to ride by the frigate during the night. " This conversation lasted some time ; Mr. Decatur in- structing the pilot to tell the frigate's people with what he was laden, in order to amuse them ; and the Intrepid gradually ran nearer, until there was every prospect of her running foul of the Philadelphia, in a minute or two, and at the very spot contemplated. But the wind suddenly shifted, and took the ketch aback. The instant the southerly puff struck her, her head fell off, and she got a stern-board, the ship, at the same moment, tending to the new current of air. The effect of this unexpected change was to bring the ketch directly under the frigate's broadside, at the distance of about forty yards, where she was perfectly becalmed, or if any thing, drifting slowly astern, exposed to nearly every one of the Philadelphia's lar- board guns. " Not the smallest suspicion appeared to have yet been excited on board the frigate, though several of her people were looking over her rails; and notwithstanding the moonlight, so completely were the Turks deceived, that they lowered a boat, and sent it with a fast. Some of the ketch's men, in the mean time, had got into her boat, and had run a line to the frigate^s 214 BIOGRAPHY OF fore-chains. As Ihey returned, they met the frigate's boat, took the fast it brought, which canne fronn the after part of the ship, and passed it into their own vessel. These fasts were put into the hands of the men, as they lay on the ketch's deck, and they began cautiously to breast the Intrepid alongside of the Philadelphia, without rising. As soon as the latter got near enough to the ship, the Turks discovered her anchors, and they sternly ordered the ketch to keep off, as she had deceived them, preparing at the same time to cut the fasts. All this passed in a moment, when the cry of ' Americanos,' was heard in the ship. The people of the Intrepid, by a strong pull, brought their vessel along-side of the frigate, where she was secured quick as thought. Up to this moment, not a whisper had betrayed the presence of the men concealed. The instructions had been positive, to keep quiet until com- manded to show themselves, and no precipitation, even in that trying moment, deranged the plan. *' Lieutenant Commandant Decatur was standing ready for a spring, with Messrs. Laws and Morris quite near him. As soon as close enough, he jumped at the frigate's chain-plates, and, while clinging to the ship himself, he gave the order to board. The two midshipmen were at his side, and all the officers and men of the Intrepid arose and followed. The three gentlemen named were in the chains together, and Lieutenant Commandant Decatur and Mr. Morris sprang at the rail above them, while Mr. Laws dashed at a port. To the latter would have belonged the honour of having been first in this gallant assault, but wearing a boarding belt, his pistols were caught between the gun and the side of the port. Mr. Decatur's foot slipped in springing, and Mr. Charles Morris first stood on the quarter-deck of the Phila- delphia. In an instant Lieutenant Commandant Decatur and Mr. Laws were at his side, while heads and bodies appeared coming over the rail, and through the ports, in all directions. " The surprise appears to have been as perfect as the as- STEPHEN DECATUR. 215 sault was rapid and earnest. Most of the Turks on deck crowded forward, and all ran over to the starboard side, as their enemies poured in on the larboard. A few were aft, but as soon as charged, they leaped into the sea. Indeed, the constant plunges into the water, gave the assailants the assurance that their enemies were fast lessening in number, by flight. It took but a minute or two to clear the spar-deck, though there was more of a struggle below. Still, so admi- rably managed was the attack, and so complete the surprise, that the resistance was but trifling. In less than ten minutes Mr. Decatur was on the quarter-deck again, in undisturbed possession of his prize. There can be no doubt that this gallant officer now felt bitter regrets, that it was not in his power to bring away the ship he had so nobly recovered. Not only were his orders on this point peremptory, however, but the frigate had not a sail bent, nor a yard crossed, and she wanted her foremast. It was next to impossible, there- fore, to remove her, and the command was given to pass up the combustibles from the ketch. " The duty of setting fire to the prize, appears to have been executed with as much promptitude and order, as every other part of the service. The officers distributed themselves, agreeably to the previous instruction, and the men soon appeared with the necessary means. Each party acted by itself, as it got ready. So rapid were they all in their movements, that the men with combustibles had scarcely time to get as low as the cock-pit and, after store- rooms, before the fires were lighted over their heads. When the officer entrusted with the duty last mentioned, had got through, he found the after-hatches filled with smoke, from the fire in the ward-room and steerage, and he was obliged to make his escape by the forward ladders. The Ameri- cans were in the ship from twenty to twenty-five minutes, and they were literally driven out of her by the flames. The vessel had got to be so dry, in that low latitude, that she 216 BIOGRAPHY OF burnt like pine ; and the combustibles had been as judiciously prepared, as they were steadily used. The last party up, were the people who had been in the store-rooms, and when they reached the deck, they found most of their companions already in the Intrepid. Joining them, and ascertaining that all was ready, the order was given to cast off. Notwithstand- ing the daring character of the enterprise in general, Mr. Decatur and his party now ran the greatest risks they had incurred that night. So fierce had the conflagration already become, that the flames began to pour out of the ports, and the head-fast having been cast off, the ketch fell astern, with her jigger flapping against the quarter-gallery, and her boom foul. The fire showed itself in the window, at this critical moment ; and beneath, was all the ammunition of the party, covered with a tarpaulin. To increase the risk, the stern- fast was jammed. By using swords, however, for there was not time to look for an axe, the hawser was cut, and the Intrepid was extricated from the most imminent danger, by a vigorous shove. As she swung clear of the frigate, the flames reached the rigging, up which they went, hissing like a rocket, the tar having oozed from the ropes, which had been saturated with that inflammable matter. Matches could not have kindled with greater quickness. The sweeps were now manned. Up to this moment, every thing had been done earnestly, though without noise ; but as soon as they felt that they had got command of their ketch again, and by two or three vigorous strokes, had sent her away from the frigate, the people of the Intrepid ceased rowing, and as one man, they gave three cheers, for victory. This appeared to arouse the Turks from their stupor, for the cry had hardly ended, when the batteries, the two corsairs, and the galley poured in their fire. The men laid hold of the sweeps again, of which the Intrepid had eight of a side, and favoured by a light air, they went merrily down the harbour. " The spectacle that followed, is described as having been STEPHEN DECATUR. 5^17 both beautiful and sublime. The entire bay was illuminated by the conflagration, the roar of cannon was constant, and Tripoli was in a clamour. The appearance of the ship was, in the highest degree, magnificent ; and to add to the effect, as her guns heated, they began to go off. Owing to the shift of wind, and the position into which she had tended, she, in some measure, returned the enemy's fire, as one of her broad- sides was discharged in the direction of the town, and the other towards Fort English. The most singular effect of this con- flagration, was on board the ship, for the flames having rurl up the rigging and masts, collected under the tops, and fell over, giving the whole the appearance of glowing column^ and fiery caps. Under ordinary circumstances, the situation of the ketch would still have been thought sufficiently peri- lous, but after the exploit they had just performed, her people, elated with success, regarded all that was now passing as a triumphant spectacle. The shot constantly cast the spray around them, or were whistling over their heads, but the only sensation they produced, was by calling attention to the bril- liant jets d'eau that they occasioned, as they bounded along the water. But one struck the Intrepid, although she was within half a mile of many of the heaviest guns for some time, and that passed through her top-gallant sail. " With sixteen sweeps and eighty men, elated with success, Mr. Decatur was enabled to drive the little Intrepid ahead, with a velocity that rendered towing useless. Near the har- bour's mouth, he met the Siren's boats, sent to cover his re- treat, but their services were scarcely necessary. As soon as the ketch was out of danger, he got into one, and pulled aboard the brig, to report to Lieutenant Com. Stewart, the result of his undertaking. The Siren had got into the offing some time after the Intrepid, agreeably to arrangement, and anchored about three miles from the rocks. Here she hoisted out the launch and a cutter, manned and armed them, and sent them in under Mr. Caldwell, her first lieutenant. Soon after, the 19 218 BIOGRAPHY OF brig weighed, and the wind having entirely failed outside, she swept into eight fathoms water, and anchored again, to cover the retreat, should the enemy attempt to board the Intrepid with his gun-boats. It will readily be supposed that it was an anxious moment, and as the moon rose, all eyes were on the frigate. After waiting in intense expectation, near an hour, a rocket went up from the Philadelphia. It was the signal of possession, and Mr. Stewart ran below to get another for the answer. He was gone only a moment, but when he returned, the fire was seen shining through the frigate's ports, and in a few more minutes, the flames were rushing up her rigging, as if a train had been touched. Then followed the cannonade, and the dashing of sweeps, with the approach of the ketch. Presently, a boat was seen coming alongside, and a man in a sailor's jacket, sprang over the gangway of the brig. It was Decatur, to announce his victory. *' The ketch and brig lay near-each other for about an hour, when a strong and favourable wind arose, and they made sail for Syracuse, which port they reached on the 19(.h. Here the party was received with salutes and congratulations, by the Sicilians, who were also at war with Tripoli, as well as by their own countrymen. "The success of this gallant exploit, laid the foundation of the name which Mr. Decatur subsequently acquired in the navy. The country applauded the feat generally ; and the commanding officer was raised from the station of a lieutenant to that of a captain. Most of the midshipmen engaged were also promoted. Lieutenant Com. Decatur also received a sword. " In whatever light we regard the exploit, it extorts our admiration and praise ; the boldness in the conception of the ^nterprize, being even surpassed by the perfect manner in which all its parts were executed. Nothing appears to have been wanting in a military point of view; nothing was de- ranged ; nothing defeated. The hour was well chosen, and STEPHEN DECATUR. 219 no doubt it was a chief reason, why the corsairs, gun-boats and batteries, were, in the first place, so slow in commencing their fire, and so uncertain in their aim, when they did open on the Americans. In appreciating the daring of the attempt, we have only to consider what might have been the conse- quences, had the assault on the frigate been repulsed. Di- rectly under her guns, with a harbour filled with light cruizers, gun-boats, and galleys, and surrounded by forts and batteries, the inevitable destruction of all in the Intrepid, must have fol- lowed. Those were dangers, that cool steadiness and entire self-possession, aided by perfect discipline, could alone avert. In the service, the enterprize has ever been regarded as one of its most brilliant achievements ; and to this day, it is deemed a high honour to have been one of the Intrepid's crew. The effect on the squadron then abroad, can scarcely be appre- ciated, as its seamen began to consider themselves invincible, if not invulnerable, and were ready for any service in which men could be employed." In the subsequent year, an attack upon Tripoli was planned, and the command of one of the assaulting divisions of the force, was given to Captain Decatur. On the 2d of August, the signal was given for the bombardment of the town and fort ; and Decatur, who was in the leading boat, within range of the batteries, received their heavy fire. He continued ad- vancing, until he came in contact with a vessel of the enemy, when, followed by the American portion of his crew, the Nea- politan sailors having remained behind, he boarded her in the most gallant style. The Turks were overcome with great slaughter, though the engagement lasted for ten minutes only. As our victor was proceeding with his prize, the boat which had been commanded by Lieutenant James Decatur came near, and informed him that an enemy's vessel had been cap- tured ; but that after her surrender, her commander had in cold treachery shot his brother, and was then making for the 220 BIOGRAPHY OF harbour with the boat. The emotions of the gallant captain can be easily imagined. Without one thought as to the des- perate course which first suggested itself, he immediately pur- sued the Turkish assassin, and followed him in his single boat to the very line of the enemy's fleet. He succeeded in getting ulong-side of his foe, and springing on deck, with but twelve followers, fought his way to where the commander stood. The Turk was armed with an espotoon, and Decatur possessed only a cutlass. He rushed upon the object of his vengeance, however, and a fearful contest ensued. In a pass that he made, his sword striking the head of the weapon which his antagonist used, was broken near to the hilt, and at the same time he received a wound in the breast and right arm. De- catur now sprung upon him, and a fierce struggle followed. Both fell, but Decatur uppermost. At this critical juncture, the Turk succeeded in drawing a dagger from his belt, and was preparing to plunge it into the body of his enemy, when Decatur shot him with a pistol, which he had in his pocket. During this personal struggle between the commanders, their respective crews were engaged in a terrible conflict ; and when Decatur, after his victory, attempted to aid his brave sailors, still contending, it was with difficulty that he could move among the dead that strewed the deck. An instance of heroic courage occurred during this conflict, of which it would be unpardonable to omit the record. Dur- ing the early part of Decatur's struggle with the treacherous Turk, the former was attacked in the rear by one of the enemy. He had just aimed a blow with his sabre that would have been fatal, when a sailor who had been so badly wounded as to be without the use of his hands, seeing no other means of saving his commander, rushed between him and the falling weapon, and received the blow on his own head. His skull was fractured ; but the noble fellow recovered, and was generously rewarded by his country. The war of 1812, with Great Britain, supplied Decatur STEPHEN DECATUR. 221 With another opportunity of adding to the measure of glory- already won. On October 25th, of the above year, having the command of the frigate United States, he fell in with his Britannic majesty's ship, Macedonian, mounting forty-nine guns, and commanded by Captain S. Garden, one of the ablest officers in the British navy. The contest was continued at a distance for some time, the enemy having the advantage by being to windward. After the frigates had come to close ac- tion, the battle was but of brief duration, and terminated in the surrender of the Macedonian. The entire period of the whole engagement was only of one hour and a half in duration. The enemy's ship lost her mizzenmast and other of her spars, and was much injured in her hull. The number of her killed was thirty-six, and of wounded sixty-eight. The damage sustained by the United States was inconsiderable, and in a few hours she was ready to resume her cruize, had not Com- modore Decatur considered it advisable to convoy his prize into port. The loss of the American frigate was only four killed and seven wounded. The next important action in which Decatur was engaged, was when in command of the frigate President. Having left New York on the 14th of January, 1815, the next morning, at five o'clock, he discovered a large sail, nearly ahead, and shortly after, three more were discovered in chase. At day- light, the nearest vessel, which was a razee, commenced firing, but without effect, and the President soon distanced her. The wind at this time grew light, and the other ships rapidly gained upon the Commodore, especially one, which was a heavy fri- gate. Every means was employed to avoid an engagement with such fearful odds ; but at three o'clock, the nearest ship had got within gun-shot, and commenced a sharp fire, which was returned by the President. Every prospect of escape, as the wind was to the advantage of the foe, had now disap- peared, and the gallant Commodore adopted the bold measure of boarding the enemy. 19* 22^ BIOGRAPHY OF " It was truly astonishing, (an eye-witness on board gives the account,) to see the cool, deliberate courage and cheerful- ness that prevailed among the officers and crew, in the face of an enemy four times their force. From this you may con- ceive what we would have done, had we any thing like an equal force to contend with. Every arrangement was now made to close with the leading ship, which had at this time ranged up nearly within pistol-shot ; our brave commander placing himself at tlie head of the boarders. At five P. M., we wore short round, with the intention of laying him on board ; but, as if he had anticipated our design, he immedi- ately wore, and hauled to the wind, fearing to close, although the whole squadron were coming up fast : he having the wind, it was impossible to close for boarding. We now opened our fire, and in fifteen minutes his sails were very much cut up. Both ships now falling off, continued engaging before the v/ind, for an hour and a half: in which time, his spars, sails, and rigging, were literally cut to pieces, and his firing nearly silenced, only giving single guns at long intervals. We now quit him, and in hauling up, had to expose ourselves to a raking fire, but he was so much cut up that he could not avail himself of the advantage, and only fired three or four shot. We then, astonishing to relate, went out of action with every sail set, and soon left our antagonist out of sight. We were now going otT, with our damage but trifling, sails all wet again, and began to flatter ourselves with the probability of escaping. But about two hours from the time we left the ship we had engaged, one of the enemy had approached within half gun- shot, and another, taking a raking position, we were assailed with so superior a force, and without any probability of escape, that our brave commander, with great reluctance, being influenced by motives of humanity, ordered a signal of surrender to be made : notwithstanding, however, they con- tinued to fire into us for fifteen minutes after. We were now taken possession of by the Pomone and Tenedos, of thirty- STEPHEN DECATUR. 223 eight each, and Majestic, razee, of sixty-two guns, and found the ship we had engaged was the Endymion, mounting fifty- one guns. Our loss was very severe, as you may suppose, from the length of the action. Commodore Decatur received a severe contusion on the breast. The loss of the enemy was likewise very great." Our affairs with Algiers having assumed a hostile appear- ance. Commodore Decatur was dispatched, in the spring of the year 1815, with a squadron, to reduce that regency to submission. He hoisted his flag on the Guerriere, and oa his passage thither, fell in with the Algerine Admiral, Rais Himmida. Having no hopes of escape, the Turk resolved to defend his ship to the last, and exhibited a remarkable bravery. His ship of forty-six guns was surrendered, after an engagement of twenty-five minutes only, and immedi- ately after he had received his death. The number of pri- soners was four hundred and six, and upwards of thirty were killed. This action was fought on the 17th of June of the above year, and on the nineteenth of the same month, our gallant Commodore captured an Algerine brig of twenty-two guns, and one hundred and eighty men. Decatur arrived before Algiers on the 29th of June, and promptly opened a negotiation with the Dey ; dictating such terms as the insolent conduct of the regency had made it the duty and honour of our country to demand. Every means to evade a submission to them was attempted by the crafty enemy; but the firmness and decision of the Commodore were not to be overcome. His conditions were sternly ad- hered to, and his purpose to destroy the city, if they were not consented to without delay, was expressed with a demon- stration of carrying it into effect. They were at length accepted ; and the emphatic lesson then received by them, was never forgotten. Some time after his return to the United States, Commodore 224 BIOGRAPHY OF Decatur, on the organization of that department, was ap- pointed one of the Naval Board, and continued in that station until his death. This occurred on March 22d, 1820, near Bladensburg, where he fell, mortally wounded, by Commo- dore Barron, in a duel. What is said about the ancestors of Commodore Decatur ? When was the latter born ? At what age did he enter the American navy ? Was his promotion rapid and merited ? Tell about the frigate Philadelphia, and the proceedings of Decatur in relation to her destruction. What took place the subsequent year ? Relate the affair of his taking a prize, and what afterwards occurred. What did the noble sailor do for his commander ? In the war of 1812, did Decatur distinguish himself, and how? What do you say about the United States and Macedonian ? What about the engagement between the President and a greatly supe- rior force of the enemy ? What was the conduct of Decatur in the contest with Algiers ? When and how did he die ? GENERAL JOHN CADWALLADER. Born MDCCXLII — Died MDCCLXXXVI. This distinguished officer was born in Philadelphia, and was remarkable for his zealous and inflexible adherence to the cause of America, and for his intrepidity as a soldier, in upholding that cause during the most discouraging periods of danger and misfortune. At the dawn of the revolution, he commanded a corps of volunteers, designated as " the silk stocMng company,^'' of which nearly all the members were appointed to commissions in the line of the army. He after- wards was appointed colonel of one of the city battalions; and, being thence promoted to the rank of brigadier-general, was JOHN CADWALLADER. 225 intrusted with the command of the Pennsylvania troops, in the important operations of the winter campaign of 1776, and 1777. He acted with his command, and as a volunteer, in the actions of Princeton, Brandywine, Germantown, and Monmouth, and on other occasions ; and received the thanks of general Washington, whose confidence and regard he uni- formly enjoyed. When general Washington determined to attack the British and Hessian troops at Trenton, he assigned him the command of a division. In the evening of Christmas day, 1776, gene- ral Washington made arrangements to pass the river Dela- ware, in three divisions : one, consisting of 500 men, under general Cadwallader, from the vicinity of Bristol ; a second division, under the command of general Irvine, was to cross at Trenton ferry, and secure the bridge leading to the town. Generals Cadwallader and Irvine made every exertion to get over, but the quantity of ice was so great, that they could not effect their purpose. The third, and main body, which was commanded by general Washington, crossed at M'Konkey's ferry ; but the ice in the river retarded their passage so long, that it was three o'clock in the morning before the artillery could be got over. On their landing in Jersey, they were formed into two divisions, commanded by generals Sullivan and Greene, who had under their command brigadiers lord Sterling, Mercer, and St. Clair : one of these divisions was ordered to proceed on the lower, or river road, the other on the upper, or Pennington road. Colonel Stark, with some light troops, was also directed to advance near to the river, and to possess himself of that part of the town, which is be- yond the bridge. The divisions having nearly the same dis- tance to march, were ordered, immediately on forcing the out- guards, to push directly into Trenton, that they might charge the enemy before they had time to form. Though they marched by different roads, they arrived at the enemy's advanced post within three minutes of each other. The out-guards of the 226 BIOGRAPHY OF Hessian troops at Trenton soon fell back, but kept up a con- stant retreating fire. Their main body being hard pressed by the Americans, who had already got possession of half their artillery, attempted to file off by a road leading towards Princeton, but were checked by a body of troops thrown in their way. Finding they were surrounded, they laid down their arms. The number which submitted was twenty-three officers, and eight hundred and eighty-six men. Between thirty and forty of the Hessians were killed and wounded. Colonel Rahl was among the former, and seven of his offi- cers among the latter. Captain Washington, of the Virginia troops, and five or six of the Americans, were wounded. Two were killed, and two or three were frozen to death. The detachment in Trenton, consisting of the regiments of Rahl, Losberg, and Kniphausen, amounted in the whole to about fifteen hundred men, and a troop of British light-horse. All these were killed or captured, except about six hundred, who escaped by the road leading to Bordentown. The British had a strong battalion of light infantry at PrincetorT, and a force yet remaining near the Delaware, su- perior to the American army. General Washington, there- fore, in the evening of the same day, thought it most prudent to recross into Pennsylvania, with his prisoners. The next day after Washington's return, supposing him still on the Jersey side, general Cadwalladercrossed with about fifteen hundred men, and pursued the panic-struck enemy to Burlington. The merits and services of general Cadwallader, induced the Congress, early in 1778, to compliment him by an unani- mous vote, with the appointment of general of cavalry ; which appointment he declined, under an impression that he could be more useful to his country in the sphere in which he had been acting. The victory at Trenton had a most happy effect, and gene- ral Washington, finding himself at the head of a force with JOHN CADWALLADER. 227 which it was practicable to attempt something, resolved not to remain inactive. Inferior as he was to the enemy, he yet determined to employ the winter in endeavouring to recover the whole, or a great part, of Jersey. The enemy were now collected in force at Princeton, under lord Cornwallis, where some works were thrown up. Generals Mifflin and Cadwal- lader, who lay at Bordentown and Crosswick's, with three thousand six hundred militia, were ordered to march up in the night of the first of January, 1777, to join the commander- in-chief, whose whole force, with this addition, did not exceed five thousand men. He formed the bold and judicious design of abandoning the Delaware, and marching silently in the night by a circuitous route, along the left flank of the enemy, into their rear at Princeton, where he knew they could not be very strong. He reached Princeton early in the morning of the third, and would have completely surprised the British, had not a party, which was on their way to Trenton, descried his troops, when they were about two miles distant, and sent back couriers to alarm their fellow-soldiers in the rear. A sharp action ensued, which however was not of long duration. The -militia, of which the advanced party was principally composed, soon gave way. General Mercer was mortally wounded while exerting himself to rally his broken troops. The moment was critical. General Washington pushed for- ward, and placed himself between his own men and the British, with his horse's head fronting the latter. The Ame- ricans, encouraged by his example, made a stand, and re- turned the British fire. A party of the British fled into the college, and were attacked with field-pieces. After receiving a few discharges, they came out and surrendered themselves prisoners of war. In this action upwards of one hundred of the enemy were killed on the spot, and three hundred taken prisoners. The Americans lost only a few, but colonels Has- let and Potter, two brave and valuable oflicers, from Delaware and Pennsylvania, were among the slain. Rogers' Biog. Diet, S28 BIOGRAPHY OF After having continued in the army until the close of the war, General Cadwallader retired into private life, and resided on an estate in Shrewsbury, Kent county, Maryland, where he died on February 10th, 1780, honoured with the esteem of his fellow-citizens, and lamented by the country which he had so valiantly aided. Where was General Cadwallader born, and in what year ? What was the name of the corps he commanded on the breaking out of the revolution ? To what command was he afterwards promoted ? In what actions was he engaged, and how did he distinguish himself? How was his great gallantry proposed to be rewarded by Congress ? Describe his brave attack upon the enemy at Princeton. What was the loss of the enemy, — what that of the Americans ? When did he die ? MAJOR GENERAL JOHN GIBSON. Born MDCCXL — Died MDCCCXXII. " John Gibson was born at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, on the 23d of May, 1740. He received a classical education, and was an excellent scholar at the age of eighteen, when he entered the service. He made his first campaign under General Forbes, in the expedition wljich resulted in the ac- quisition of Fort du Quesne, (Pittsburg,) from the French. At the peace of 1763, he settled at Fort Pitt, as a trader. Shortly after this, a war broke out again with the Indians, and he was taken prisoner at the mouth of Beaver creek, together with two men who were in his employment, while descending the Ohio in a canoe. One of the men was immediately burnt, and the other shared the same fate, as soon as the party reached the Kenhawa. General Gibson, however, was preserved by an aged squaw, and adopted by her in the place JOHN GIBSON. 229 of her son, who had been killed in battle. He remained several years with the Indians, and became familiar with their language, habits, manners, customs, and traditions. It is to be regretted, that the low degree of estimation in which these objects were held, prevented him from giving his col- lections to the public, as in the present state of taste for Indian antiquities, they would have been valuable. No person, who had equal opportunities of acquiring information of this kind, was so well qualified to communicate it, except his late friend, the Rev. Mr. Heckwelder. At the termination of hostilities, he again settled at Fort Pitt. " In 1774, he acted a conspicuous part in the expedition against the Shawnee Towns, under lord Dunmore ; particu- larly in negotiating the peace which followed, and restored many prisoners to their friends, after a captivity of several years. On this occasion, the celebrated speech of Logan, the Mingo chief, was delivered ; the circumstances connected with which, have still sufficient interest to justify a relation of them here, as received from the lips of General Gibson, a short time before his death. When the troops had arrived at the principal town, and while dispositions were making pre- paratory to the attack, he was sent on with a flag, and au- thority to treat for peace. As he approached, he met with Logan, who was standing by the side of the path, and ac- costed him with, 'My friend Logan, how do you do? I am glad to see you.' To which, Logan, with a coldness of man- ner evidently intended to conceal feelings with which he was struggling, replied; ' I suppose you are;' and turned away. On opening the business to the chiefs (all but Logan) assem- bled in council, he found them sincerely desirous of peace. During the discussion of the terms, he felt himself plucked by the skirt of his cavote^ and turning, beheld Logan stand- ing at his back, witn his face convulsed with passion, and beckoning him to follow. This he hesitated to do ; but re- flecting that he was at least a match for his supposed antago- 20 230 BIOGRAPHY OF nist, being armed with dirk and side pistols, and in muscular vigour more than his equal, and considering, above all, that the slightest indication of fear might be prejudicial to the ne- gotiation, he followed in silence, while the latter with hurried steps, led the way to a copse of wood at some distance. Here they sat down, and Logan, having regained the power of utterance, after an abundance of tears, delivered the speech in question, desiring that it might be communicated to lord Dunmore, for the purpose of removing all suspicion of insin- cerity on the part of the Indians, in consequence of the re- fusal of a chief of such note to take part in the ratification of the treaty. It was accordingly translated, and delivered to lord Dunmore immediately afterwards. General Gibson would not positively assert, that the speech, as given by Mr. Jefferson, in the Notes on Virginia, is an exact copy of his translation, although particular expressions in it induced him to think that it is ; but he was altogether certain that it con- tained the substance. He was of opinion, however, that no translation could give an adequate idea of the original ; to which, the language of passion, uttered in tones of the deep- est feeling, and with gesture at once natural, graceful, and commanding, together with a consciousness on the part of the hearer, that the sentiments proceeded immediately from a desolate and broken heart, imparted a grandeur and force inconceivably great. In comparison with the speech as de- livered, he thought the translation tame and insipid. " On the breaking out of the revolutionary war, he was appointed to the command of one of the continental regi- ments, and served with the army at New York, and in the retreat through New Jersey : but for the rest of the war, was employed on the western frontier, for which, by long expe- rience in Indian warfare, he was peculiarly qualified. In 1788, he was a member of the convention which formed the constitution of Pennsylvania, and subsequently a judge of the court of common pleas of Allegheny county, and also a ma- JOHN GIBSON. 23 jor-general of militia. In 1800, he received from president Jefferson, the appointment of secretary of the territory of In- diana ; an office which he held till that territory became a state. At this time, finding that the infirmities of age were thickening on him, and labouring under an incurable cataract, he retired to Braddock's Field, the seat of his son-in-law, George Wallace, Esq., where he died on the 10th of April, 1822 ; having borne through life the character of a brave soldier and an honest man." When and where was general Gibson born ? What was his education ? When did he make his first campaign, and under whom? In his second campaig">, what occurred to him — how was he saved, and how long did he live among the Indians ? Relate the events of 1774, and especially his interview with Logan the chief. In the revolutionary war, what command had he, and where engaged? What station did he hold on the adoption of the «tate constitution in 1788? With what appointment was he honoured by President Jefferson { When did he die, and where ? Recite Logan's speech. The following is the speech of Logan, alluded to in the foregoing sketch, and which the compiler conceives will be proper in this place : Speech of Logan, a Mingo Chief, to Lord Dunmore, Governor of Vir- ginia, 1774. " I appeal to any white man to say, if ever he entered Lo- gan's cabin hungry, and he gave him not meat ; if ever he came cold and naked, and he clothed him not. During the course of the last long and bloody war, Logan remained idle in his cabin, an advocate for peace. Such was my love for the whites, that my countrymen pointed as they passed, and said, ' Logan is the friend of white men.' I had even thought 232 BIOGRAPHY OF to have lived with you, but for the injuries of one man. Co- lonel Cresap, the last spring, in cold blood, and unprovoked, murdered all the relatives of Logan, not even sparing my women and children. There runs not a drop of my blood in the veins of any living creature. This called on me for re- venge. I have sought it ; I have killed many ; I have fully glutted my vengeance : for my country I rejoice at the beams of peace. But do not harbour a thought that mine is the joy of fear. Logan never felt fear. He will not turn on his heel to save his life. Who is there to mourn for Logan ? Not one." Rogers's Biograpliical Dictionary. MAJOR-GENERAL ANDREW PORTER. Born MDCCXLIII — Died MDCCCXIII. "Andrew Porter, colonel of the fourth, or Pennsylvania regiment of artillery, and subsequently brigadier and major- general of the second division, Pennsylvania militia, was born in what is now Worcester township, Montgomery county, Penn- sylvania, on the 24th September, 1743. His life affords a striking and useful example of what native energy and genius may accomplish, unfostered and unaided, except by its own exertions. Without the influence of family and friends, with- out the common advantages of early education, he rose to rank and respectability, both in civil and military life, and held a distinguished station in the scientific world. Nature gifted him with a strong and vigorous intellect, and a clear discriminating mind ; and these faculties being applied, al- though comparatively at a late period in life, to scientific pur- suits, with untiring industry and perseverance, their possessor was rewarded with a success seldom attained by those who enter on a similar course, under more favourable auspices. ANDREW PORTER. 233 " His father, Mr. Robert Porter, a native of Ireland, who emigrated to this country in early life, was a respectable far- mer, but in moderate circumstances, and having a large family of children, he was unable, had he been so disposed, to ex- pend much upon their education. Andrew, the subject of this notice, had shown an early taste for reading what few books he could procure ; and when at the age of eighteen or nine- teen, his father had determined on his learning the trade of a carpenter, with an elder brother, that brother, after a few months' trial, declared he must give him up ; that Andrew was too fond of books and figures, and too little disposed to work, ever to be useful to him as an apprentice. About this period of his life a circumstance occurred, laughable in itself, but which had a serious effect in giving a direction to his future pursuits. He had, from the first, discovered a taste for ma- thematics, and had read some few books in that branch of science, in which he was directed by an Irish gentleman, named Patrick Mennon, whom he occasionally met, and who taught a school some ten or fifteen miles from Mr. Porter's residence. Seeing in those books the draft of a sun-dial, and the principles upon which it was constructed, he conceived the idea of making one for himself He started off to a soap-stone quarry, on the banks of the river Schuylkill, near Spring Mill, and having selected a suitable stone, he carried it to his father's residence, a distance of eight or ten miles, where, his brothers being absent, he reduced it to a proper size and shape, by the use of their saws, planes, and chisels, but in his opera- tion completely spoiled the tools : the dial was finished ; but on the return of his brothers, he was banished from the car- penter's shop. His father then attempted to confine him to the business of farming: this too failed ; and believing that his aversion to labour, and his fondness for books, were so great, that he would never be successful as a farmer or me- chanic, he determined on fitting him, in some measure, for the humble occupation of a country schoolmaster. He was sent 20* 234 BIOGRAPHY OF for a short time to Mr. Mennon's school, during which he made rapid improvement, especially in the mathematics, and then opened a school himself, in the neighbourhood of his father's residence, pursuing his favourite study at every leisure moment. " Understanding that Dr. Rittenhouse was spending some time at his farm, in Norriton, young Mr. Porter paid him a visit, for the purpose of borrowing some work on fluxions, or conic sections. The doctor inquired whether he had ever had any mathematical instruction ; from whom, and for what period of time ; and finding that he had received but a few months' regular tuition, told him he thought he could not com- prehend the work which he wished to borrow. Our young mathematician, however, insisted that he was prepared to enter on the subject, and a conversation ensued, which so satisfied the doctor of the correctness of his knowledge, that he advised him not to bury himself in the country, but imme- diately to proceed to Philadelphia, and open a mathematical school there. " In the spring of the year 1767, he removed to Philadel- phia, and took charge of an English and Mathematical school, which he conducted with much reputation and celebrity, until the spring of the year 1776, when, at his country's call, he bade adieu to his peaceful avocations, to defend her cause. During his residence in Philadelphia, he was the associate of Doctors Rittenhouse, Ewing, Rush, and other distinguished scientific men, made great progress in his favourite studies, and became an accurate astronomer. *'0n the 19th of June, 1776, he was commissioned by congress, a captain of marines, and ordered on board the frigate Effingham. At this time his school contained about one hundred scholars, and enabled him to support, comforta- bly, a family of five children, who had recently lost their mother ; but all considerations of family or self, seemed to him to be lost in the cause of his country. Not finding in the ANDREW PORTER. 235 marine service the opportunity of rendering his country the service he desired, he was shortly after transferred to the artillery, a corps, in which, from his previous studies, he was qualified to be eminently useful. He continued to serve as a captain of artillery, with great reputation for science and bravery, until the year 1782, when he was promoted to a majority, to rank as such from the 19th of April, 1781. He was subsequently promoted to the successive ranks of lieu- tenant colonel, lieutenant colonel commandant, and colonel of the fourth, or Pennsylvania regiment of artillery ; which latter station he held at the disbanding of the army. " While in the army, he was personally engaged in the cannonade at Trenton, and in the battles of Princeton, Bran- dywine, and Germantown. In the latter action, nearly all his company were killed or taken prisoners ; and in the first, he received on the field, in person, the commendation of General Washington, for his conduct in the action. In the month of April, 1779, he was detached with his company to join General James Clinton's brigade, in the operations under General Sullivan, against the Indians. He left the grand park of artillery at Pluckamin, on the 6th, and arrived at Albany on the 13th of May, where he joined General Clinton, with whom he proceeded to Canajoharie, on the Mohawk river. Hence the troops were marched to the head of the Otsego lake. Here it was that Captain Porter suggested to General Clinton the idea of damming the outlet of the lake, to collect a sufficiency of water for the conveyance of the troops, in boats, to Tioga point, where they were to meet General Sul- livan's army. The experiment was tried ; the water in the lake raised, by stopping the outlet, to the height of three feety and an artificial fresh created, which answered the proposed purpose, and the effect of which, on the river, was felt as low as Northumberland. The troops arrived safely at Tioga Point, joined General Sullivan, and having, by the battle of the 29th of August, and the subsequent destruction of the Indian towns, 236 BIOGRAPHY OF cornfields, &c., accomplished the object of the expedition, the artillery rejoined the main army, and wintered at Morristown. " When the siege of Yorktown was determined on. Colonel Porter was ordered to proceed to Philadelphia, and superin- tend the laboratory, at which the various kinds of ammunition for that siege were prepared. He remonstrated against being thus removed from a station in which he might distinguish himself in the field, to the superintendence of what was gene- rally considered a mere chemical laboratory. His objections were silenced at once by this remark of the commander-in- chief: ' You say you are desirous of being placed in that situation in which you can render your country the most effi- cient services ; our success depends much on the manner m which our cartridges, bombs, and matches, are prepared. The eye of science is required to superintend their prepara- tion ; and if the information of General Knox, who knows you well and intimately, is to be depended on, there is no officer in the army better qualified than yourself, for the station I have assigned you.' " The grand object for which the Americans had taken up arms, having been accomplished by the peace of 1783, and the army being disbanded, Colonel Porter retired to private life. The trustees of the University of Pennsylvania tendered to him the Professorship of Mathematics in that institution, which he declined. He was subsequently appointed by the supreme executive council of the state, a commissioner for running, by astronomical observations, the lines between Penn- sylvania and Virginia ; Pennsylvania, and what is now Ohio ; and Pennsylvania and New York. In this business he was engaged during the years 1784, 5, 6, and 7, in company with Dr. Rittenhouse, Bishop Madison, Dr. Evving, General Clin- ton, and other gentlemen of science. He shortly after retired to his farm, in Norriton township, Montgomery county, within a few miles of the place of his nativity, on which he continued to reside until the spring of 1809. In the year 1800, he was ANDREW PORTER. 237 appointed, in conjunction with Generals Irvine and Boude, to settle the controversies of the Pennsylvania claimants in the seventeen townships, in the county of Luzerne, but resigned the situation the next spring. In the same year, he was ap- pointed Brigadier General of the first brigade, second division of Pennsylvania militia ; and shortly after, on the removal of General Peter Muhlenberg to Philadelphia, he was made Major General of the division. "In the month of April, 1809, the late excellent and la- mented Governor Snyder selected him to fill the office of Surveyor General of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, which situation he held until his decease, which took place on the 16th of November, 1813. The present lucid arrangement of that office was effected by him. He found it in much dis- order, remodelled it, and made order and harmony out of chaos and confusion. "During the years 1812 and 1813, he declined the situa- tions of brigadier-general in the army, and secretary of war, of the United States, both of which were offered to him by President Madison, believing that his advanced age would prevent the execution of the duties of either situation, with that efficiency which the public good and his own character required. " He died, universally lamented, at the advanced age of seventy years and upwards, and was buried at Harrisburg, with military honours, in the Presbyterian burial ground at that place, where a neat white marble monument designates the depository of his remains. " General Porter was twice married ; first in 1767, and secondly in 1777, his first wife having died in the year 1775. He left to survive him, his second wife, and ten children ; six sons and four daughters. In stature, he was rather above the middle size, athletic, and rather inclined to corpulency. His long service in the army, gave him a military air and dignity, which he carried with him throughout life. He was 238 BIOGRAPHY OF gentlemanly and courteous in his intercourse with society ; but premeditated injury could rouse instantly all the appalling energy of his character. In his politics he was decidedly republican ; in his morals, pure ; and in his friendship, warm and sincere." Rogers' Biographical Dictionary. What were the titles of General Porter? When and where was he born ? What were the disadvantages of his early life ? Tell the anecdote of the sun-dial, and his connexion with Dr. Rittenhouse. When did he remove to Philadelphia, and in what business did he engage? What commission in the marines did he first hold, and what in the army ? In what engagements was he? and especially what was his advice about Tioga Lake ? What was the testimony of General Washington as to his great mathemati- cal science ? On the termination of the war, to what professorship was he appointed ? To what office did Governor Snyder appoint him ? What offices were tendered him, in the war of 1812 ? When did he die ? CAPTAIN NICHOLAS BIDDLE. Born MDCCL — Died MDCCLXXVIII. The ancestors of Captain Biddle were among the most respectable and influential of the colonists in America. They were the first settlers of the province of New Jersey, and held extensive tracts of land in that territory. His grand- father, William Biddle, Esq., was a gentleman of large for- tune ; which was inherited by his son, the parent of the sub- ject of our present memoir ; and who settled in Philadelphia, about the year 1740. A series of misfortunes materially lessened his great resources ; but without the most remote suspicion, that his established character for moral integrity NICHOLAS BIDDLE 239 and elevated honour, had been injured by the failure of his extensive commercial transactions. His sixth son, Nicholas, was born on the 10th day of Sep- tember, 1750; and after having received the advantages of a complete English education, at the age of fourteen, he made a voyage to Quebec, which was the beginning of his maritime adventures. To navigation, his inclinations led him to devote himself, as his future profession ; and he prosecuted his pur- pose by making a number of trips, marked by the variety of fortune to which the life of a sailor has been at all times subject. In 1770, difficulties between England and Spain, in respect to the Falkland Islands, threatened a war; and our youthful hero proceeded to England, for the purpose of entering into the naval service of Britain. His honourable recommenda- tions of character and fitness, procured for him the warrant of a midshipman, and he was immediately appointed to a sta- tion in a vessel of war, commanded by Captain, afterwards Admiral Sterling. An adjustment of the matter by negotia- tion between the two governments, delayed the opportunity, so ardently desired by him; for displaying the intrepid courage which he possessed. In 1773, England projected an exploring expedition to the North Pole, with the view of discovering a passage to the Pa- cific. To be included among the hardy adventurers that com- posed the company in this important enterprize, young Biddle made every exertion ; but was unsuccessful in the object of his wishes. His unconquerable spirit and desire for active duty, however, induced him to offer himself as a common sailor, and, disguised as such, he was entered among the crew of the Carcase, commanded by the Honourable Captain Phipps. Having been recognized by one of the seamen, who had pre- viously known him as a midshipman, he explained to him his purpose, in assuming a character subordinate to that which belonged to him, and requested that the circumstance should 240 BIOGRAPHY OF not be communicated. The faithful tar retained the secret in his breast, and our adventurer sailed with the expedition, without having been discovered. In the same ship was Ho- ratio Nelson, afterwards Lord Admiral, and the renowned hero of the Nile ; and both these young men were appointed coxswains, by the commander. The vessels engaged in this enterprize, proceeded within eleven hundred miles of the North Pole ; and their crews suffered very severely in the high lati- tude of the frozen region ; having, on one occasion, been sur- rounded with almost immoveable and mountainous islands of ice. On his return to England, the indications of a rupture be- tween the American colonies and the mother country were such, as to convince him that a war was inevitable. He did not hesitate for a moment, as to the course which the love of his native land prompted him to follow. Having resigned his warrant in the British navy, he immediately hastened to Ame- rica. On his arrival in Philadelphia, he solicited an appoint- ment in the infant navy of our country, and was gratified with the command of the Camden. This was a galley, built by the colony of Pennsylvania, for the defence of the Delaware, be- fore congress had provided any armed vessels. The situa- tion, however, not presenting an opportunity for signalizing himself, he applied to congress to be received into the regular marine, just then established ; and he was honoured with the command of the Andrew Doria, a brig of war, mounting four- teen guns, and with a crew of one hundred and thirty men. He was directed to join the expedition, commanded by Com- modore Hopkins, for the relief of the south, and where it was to act against the naval force under Lord Dun more, then ravaging the coast of Virginia, and the adjacent country. By some strange perversion of his orders, Hopkins, after having passed the scene of his operations, determined to make an attack upon New Providence, and accordingly directed his course to that point with the squadron under his command. NICHOLAS BIDDLE. 241 For this unwarrantable and singular conduct, he was sus- pended by congress, on his return, and by a vote of that body, was finally dismissed from the service, on the 2d of January, 1777. On his entrance into the American navy, Mr. Biddle was received with marked attention and honour, and soon won, by his gallant bearing, the warm regard of his brother officers. Among these, was Lieut. John Paul Jones, renowned for his daring courage, and the many intrepid actions which he per- formed during our revolutionary struggle. He was engaged in the same enterprize with Biddle ; and on the occasion of his taking the command of his vessel, then lying before Philadel- phia, had the honour of being the first that raised the flag of the stripes and stars. It, indeed, has been claimed for Jones, that he was the one who planned our national standard ; for previous to this circumstance, it is known that flags of various devices had been adopted by the respective colonies. With this famous hero, Biddle formed a close and enduring intimacy ; and the friendship which he always delighted to extend to him, was warm and sincere. He regarded him as a congenial spirit ; a hero, whose boldness of character he could duly appreciate ; for his own impulses were those of intrepid enterprise and courage. He delighted to extend to him every attention and respect ; and introduced him to the circle of society in which himself moved, as an officer of the greatest merit and promise. Captain Biddle, previously to leaving the Delaware, fur- nished a striking instance of undaunted bravery, which, in itself, would establish a character of the most determined courage. Two of his men had deserted from the vessel, which was then anchored near the Capes, and having been arrested, were imprisoned by the town authorities in the Lew- istown jail. An officer and a couple of the crew were ordered to bring them on board ; but they had barricaded the doors within, and threatened instant death upon any one who should 21 242 BIOGRAPHY OF attempt to remove them. It was known that the deserters were not only armed, but men of most desperate purpose. The officer who had been despatched, returned and reported the matter to his commander. Captain Biddle immediately- hastened on shore, and ordering the doors to be forced open, entered, with his pistol in his hand. Green, who was the more daring of the two, presented his weapon, and was pre- paring to fire as soon as the Captain appeared ; the latter called to him, that if he discharged his pistol and missed, that instant death would be his portion. The wretch was intimi- dated by the resolute and determined bearing of his com- mander, and along with his associate, at once surrendered ! If such an instance of intrepid bravery deserves to be recorded, it is with pleasure that mention is made of the hu- manity of our hero. On their passage to New Providence, the crews of the squadron were attacked with the small-pox ; and this loathsome disease made fatal ravages both among the officers and men. Captain Biddle had shipped his sailors at Philadelphia, and taken the precaution of receiving only such as had been inoculated, so far at least as it could be ascer- tained. When this pestilence first appeared, he requested that its suffering victims might be brought to the Andrew Doria, and mournful to say, his vessel was soon filled with patients. With his own hands, he administered the prescribed medi- cines, and with the greatest humanity endeavoured to alleviate their sufferings. Pie gave up his own cot to a midshipman, whom he attended with the greatest care, and which was never withdrawn until the object of his nursing attention ex- pired. Every privation was cheerfully borne by this noble soldier; and of every comfort was he deprived, except the blessed one of doing good to his fellow-creatures. Renowned, and justly so, is this great officer among his countrymen, for his gallantry and courage ; honoured is he in their hearts, for the services he so effectually rendered to his native land ; but his humanity on this occasion, must endear his memory, so NICHOLAS BIDDLE. 243 long as this cardinal virtue of mortals can be appreciated by the afflicted sufferer on earth ! When the expedition appeared before New Providence, the town immediately surrendered, without even a faint show of resistance. The Andrew Doria was at this time so completely crowded with the sick, that had an engagement taken place, it would have been impracticable to work the vessel, both from this circumstance, and because the number of those who were in health, was not sufficient to attend to the poor sufferers, or even man the boats. Captain Biddle hastened for New Lon- don, with his floating hospital, and on his arrival, removed his patients on shore.- After refitting, he sailed on a cruize to the Banks of Newfoundland, to intercept some store-ships and transports belonging to the enemy ; and which were bound for Boston, then in a state of siege. In this object, he was eminently successful, and fulfilled the expectations of his coun- try by his gallantry. With but one hundred men, he captured two vessels from Scotland, having on board a large amount of stores, and four hundred troops^ chiefly Scotch highland- ers. The ofncers were placed on board of one of the prizes, and the command of it was given to Lieut. Josiah, with orders to proceed to the first port. The vessel, unfortunately, was recaptured by the British frigate Cerberus, to which Lieut. Josiah was removed, and not only ordered to do duty, but received most ungenerous and cruel treatment, from the pre- text that he was an Englishman. Conduct so greatly at vari- ance with prevailing usages among civilized nations, and so destitute of generosity, on the part of the victor, immediately warmed the indignation of Biddle, and he promptly wrote a letter to the British Admiral, at New York, informing him of the treatment which his lieutenant was receiving, and declar- ing, in the most emphatic terms, that a retaliatory course would be pursued, towards a son of Lord Cranstown, who was then liis prisoner, if the former should continue to be subject to such dishonourable proceedings. He also addressed 244 BIOGRAPHY OF the Naval committee of Congress upon the subject ; and his communication having been laid before the House, resolutions were passed, proposing an exchange of Lieut. Josiah for an English officer of equal rank, and remonstrating to Lord Howe, against the cruel usage he had received. These pro- ceedings had their effect, and the Lieutenant, after ten months' captivity, was released. An idea of the extent of the depredations upon the enemy's commerce, and the number of vessels captured by Captain Biddle, may be formed, when the fact is stated, that on his return from this successful cruize, he had but five of the crew which he originally took with him at its commencement. So crowded was his own vessel with prisoners, that for days be- fore his return to Philadelphia, he never left the deck of his vessel, not even for repose, in order to guard against mutiny. About the latter end of the year 177G, a new frigate, called the Randolph, and built by Congress, was completed, and the command of her given to Captain Biddle, who had es- tablished, by his signal bravery, a high reputation in the ser- vice. The vessel was a beautiful one ; mounting thirty-two guns, and well fitted, in every respect, with the exception of her crew. To complete this, he was compelled to enlist a large number of British prisoners of war, who were desirous to enter under an officer of such acknowledged merit. Hav- ing completed his arrangements, he sailed from Philadelphia, in February, 1777. A few days after his departure, he discovered some defects in the spars of his vessel, but he proceeded on his voyage. A heavy gale ensued, which car- ried away all his masts; and he was obliged to bear away for Charleston, to repair the serious damage his ship had sustained. Previously to his reaching that port, however, a more threatening occurrence took place, which required an exhibition of the most fearless action and determined conduct on the part of our commander. This was the breaking out of a mutiny among the crew, many of whom, as before NICHOLAS BIDDLE. 245 stated, were British prisoners, who had influenced others to join them in the desperate design of destroying the officers, and taking the ship. The first notice which Captain Biddle had of the conspiracy was the giving of three cheers by the mutineers, who had collected on the deck. In this fearful emergency, the bold determination of his character did not, for an instant desert him. Rushing among the rash malcon- tents, he cut down their ringleaders, and by his resolute valour, struck terror into the breasts of the others. They soon submitted, and order was again restored to his ship, which, but for his decisive conduct and daring boldness, would have been a scene of murderous violence and carnage. Having refitted in Charleston, he again set sail, and soon fell in with four vessels from Jamaica, bound to England. Among these was the True Briton, of twenty guns ; the gas- conading captain of which, had frequently expressed a desire to fall in with the Randolph. His wish, in this instance, was gratified, but instead of meeting his enemy, he made every disposition to sheer off. Finding his escape impossible, he hove to, and kept up a steady though distant fire upon the Randolph, which at length bore down upon him, and when preparing to pour in a broadside, the valorous commander of the Briton struck his fiag ! The other three vessels were easily captured, and our hero returned to Charleston, after only a week's absence, with these prizes. They were of great value ; and their appearance in the waters of the above city, was cheered with enthusiasm by the patriots of that high-minded community. Of the degree of this excitement, an instance was supplied in the subsequent proceedings, so honourable to South Carolina and Captain Biddle. A squadron was immediately fitted out by the state, and the command of it given to the commander of the Randolph. The vessels were immediately fitted for sea, and consisted of the ship General Moultrie, Captain Sullivan, of eighteen guns, brigs Fair American, 21* 246 BIOGRAPHY OF Captain Morgan, of fourteen ; Polly, Captain Anthony, of sixteen; and Notre Dame, Captain Hull, of sixteen guns. The orders given to Biddle were, to direct his attention to the marine force of the British, at that time blockading the port of Charleston, and annoying its valuable trade. Besides the usual equipment of sailors for liis respective vessels, our hero was supplied with a corps of fifty men, from the troops of Carolina, to act as marines on board of his frigate. After having experienced some difficulties in crossing the bar, the fleet put to sea, and steered an easterly course, in expectation of meeting the force already mentioned as com- mitting extensive depredations upon the commerce of the southern colonies. The next day our commander retook a ship belonging to one of the eastern states, and which had been dismasted. Having no cargo on board, the crew, some small stores, and guns, amounting to six, but of small calibre, were taken out, and the vessel was destroyed. It having been ascertained that the blockading squadron had left the coast. Captain Biddle directed his course to the West Indies ; and after having cruized for some days in the latitude of Bar- badoes, he succeeded in capturing an English schooner, bound from New York to Grenada. So fully deceived as to the character of the Randolph, was the Captain of the En- glish vessel, that he did not discover his error until afier his surrender. Prior to the eventful 7th of March, 1778, our gallant com- mander expected to be attacked by the enemy, then cruizing in the above waters ; and was on the alert against any surprise. He was aware of his being surrounded by a force superior to that of his squadron ; but this knowledge seemed to inspire him with additional desire for an engagement. It was stated by Captain Blake, who commanded the land-troops, acting as marines on board of the General Moultrie, and who was among the few survivors afler the dreadful explosion of the Randolph, that at dinner, a few days before the battle. Cap- NICHOLAS BIDDLE. 247 tain Biddle remarked, " we have been cruizing here for some time, and have spoken a number of vessels who, no doubt, will give information of us ; and I should not be surprised, if my old ship should be out after us. As to any thing that carries her guns on one deck, I think myself a match for her." On the above day, about three o'clock, post meridian, a signal was made from the Randolph, that a sail was to wind- ward. On nearing before the wind, she appeared as a large sloop, with a square sail set ; although previously she had presented the appearance of a ship. About four, the squad- ron hauled upon a wind, in order to speak the Randolph. At seven, this vessel being then at windward, hove to ; and the General Moultrie, rather leeward, about one hundred and fifty yards astern, hove to likewise. The enemy's vessel, at eight o'clock, fired a gun ahead of the Moultrie, and hailed her. The reply was, the " Polly of New York." The former hauled her wind and spoke the Randolph. It was now for the first time discovered that the enemy's ship was a two- decker. Although the disparity of the two vessels was so striking, that desperation alone could have prompted an en- gagement, yet the intrepid bravery of Biddle would not allow him to avoid the conflict. After several questions and replies between the two ships, and as the enemy was getting on the weather-quarter of the American frigate, one of her officers, Lieutenant Barnes, announced her to be the Randolph. The American stripes were immediately hoisted, and a broadside poured into the British vessel. The action was now com- menced with terrific activity, and during its brief continuance, was marked by increasing violence. A short time after the engagement. Captain Biddle received a severe wound in the thigh ; and the greatest confusion prevailed through the Ran- dolph, from a report that he was killed. Directing himself to be raised, and exhibited to his brave fellows, he ordered a chair to be placed on the quarter-deck, and occupying it. 248 BIOGRAPHY OF cheered on his crew, in a loud and distinct voice. As the enemy's stern cleared the Randolph, Captain SulUvan, of the General Moultrie, directed a broadside into him ; but the foe having rapidly shot ahead, brought her between the hostile ships and the above vessel, whose last broadside is supposed to have been received by the Randolph, from this circum- stance. In this tremendous conflict, the fire of Captain Biddle was so constant and rapid, that his vessel, during the whole period of the engagement, appeared as if entirely surrounded with a continual blaze. Her broadsides were three to one of those of the enemy, and were directed with the greatest skill and service. The action, which has no parallel in naval warfare, not only on account of the great disparity of force between the two belligerent vessels, but from the desperate courage dis- played by the Randolph, had now lasted twenty minutes. The bleeding commander was still seated in his chair, on the quarter-deck ; and although in the most excruciating torture, from the wound he had received, was encouraging his faithful crew to still further deeds of unexampled bravery. The sur- geon of the ship was in the act of examining the injury which his gallant superior had sustained, when an explosion of the magazine took place, and the awful contest closed with the destruction of the Randolph, and her magnanimous defenders ! It is not to be expected that even any rational conjecture can be formed, as to the immediate cause of this dreadful ca- tastrophe. Only four men, out of three hundred and fifteen, survived the appalling disaster; and who, after four days, were discovered clinging to a portion of the wreck, and pre- served, as if by Providence, amid the fearful dangers which had encompassed them, to relate the partial account of those circumstances that immediately preceded an event that de- prived his country of one of the most faithful and gallant heroes in her service. That the engagement was marked by peculiar circum- NICHOLAS BIDDLE. 249 Stances, is evident from the fact, that when the explosion took place, the captain of the Fair American was so convinced of its being the enemy's vessel that had been destroyed, that he actually hailed her with his trumpet; believing that his in- trepid commodore was the victor. As he neared the ship, however, he was mournfully convinced of his error. He per- ceived that the enemy was very much injured in her spars, sails, and hull ; and that until the disaster, the Randolph had every advantage over the foe. That this was the case is ma- nifest; for the two-decker was entirely incapacitated from pursuing the American vessels, and they easily escaped, on account of her disabled condition. The vessel with which Captain Biddle had engaged, was the Yarmouth, of sixty-four guns, and commanded by Captain Vincent. It will be remembered that the Randolph had thiv' ty-tiDO guns only. So that the force of his Britannic majesty's ship, was as txco to one, or exactly double ! From a letter of Captain Vincent, dated March 17th, 1778, we learn that on the 7th of the same month, while cruising to the eastward of the island of Barbadoes, he made six sail, standing to the southwest. The Yarmouth bore down upon the chase, which was ascertained to be two ships, three brigs, and a schooner. About nine o'clock in the evening. Captain Vincent succeeded in ranging up on the weather-quarter of the largest and fore- most of the vessels ; the ship next in size being astern, and to the leeward. Having hoisted his own colours, the Yar- mouth ordered the ship near her to show her ensign, when the American flag was run up, and a broadside immediately poured into her from the stranger. The action now com- menced with tury between the vessels, and it was vigorously maintained for twenty minutes, when the American ship blew up ! So near, according to the account of the British com- mander, were the two belligerents, that fragments of the wreck struck the Yarmouth ; and among other things, an American 250 BIOGRAPHY OF ensign, rolled up, was thrown upon her forecastle. The flag was not even singed nor soiled ! In the extended account of Captain Vincent, he states that the vessels in company with his enemy, now steered different courses, and that the Yarmouth attempted to give chase to two of them, but was obliged to abandon his purpose, because his sails had suffered so much in the action, that the vessels pursued soon run out of sight. The number killed, accord- ing to his own account, was five men, and the wounded amounted to twelve. On the fifth day after, when cruizing near the scene of the terrible contest, a piece of the wreck was discovered, with four men on it, making signals for re- lief. They were taken on board, and reported that they had belonged to the United States ship, Randolph, of thirty-two guns, Captain Biddle, the vessel that had blown up in action with the Englishman on the night of the seventh. The poor fellows had been upon the portion of the wreck ever since the fatal disaster, without any sustenance except a little rain- water. Such was the fate of the gallant Biddle ! It was one, which all who can admire, with the least sensibility, the in- trepid courage of the hero, must deplore and mourn over I In the hearts of his countrymen, his memory ought to be en- shrined ; for his name is a legacy of honour to a nation, in whose very infancy of establishment, he was an ornament and glory. In his noble spirit, there were mingled those vir- tues which exhibit our nature in its purest aspect ; and the humane principles of his heart were not less active than the impulses to deeds of bravery, which were ever struggling in his breast. Had he never before exhibited his intrepid courage, this final action would be sufficient to cover him with an ever-during renown. To increase the measure of it, his generous enemy has lent his testimony to the steadiness and spirit, with which he commenced the conflict against a force so vastly superior ; yet the disparity did not appal him, NICHOLAS BIDDLE, 251 though a mad desperation, it can never be believed, urged him on to battle. This was not an ingredient in the character of Biddle : he was a hero, in the true and strict interpretation of the term. He was exceedingly brave, but he was not rash ,• he was intrepid, but not reckless. And with these standard qualities of the warrior, he went into the conflict, which, though in our view, it might not give one faint hope of victory, even should his other vessels behave as well as his own ; yet, surrounded as the whole affair is in mystery, is it not a legitimate inference, that he intended to close the battle in triumph, by boarding, and hand to hand, to struggle and conquer in the cause of his beloved country ! What is said about the ancestors of Captain Biddle? When was the latter born ? What pursuit did his inclinations lead him to adopt ? When did he enter the English navy, and which was his first expedition ? What great naval hero did he find in this expedition? Why did he leave the British service and return to his native land ? Which was his first vessel ? How was he received by his brother officers, and with whom in particular did he form a lasting friendship? What is said about the flag of the stars and stripes ? Relate the anecdote about the two deserters. Tell of his conduct in relation to the pestilence among the crew of the squadron. What was the affair on his cruize to Newfoundland ? Relate fully all the circumstances of his brave conduct when command' ing the Randolph — the mutiny of the crew — the conduct of the people of Charleston, — his affair with the Yarmouth, of 64 guns, &.c. &c. 252 BIOGRAPHY OF MAJOR GENERAL JACOB BROWN. Born MDCCLXXVI — Died MDCCCXXVI. The annals of the American revolution present not a fairer nor more splendid page, than that which registers the full and generous aid that Pennsylvania rendered in the mighty strug- gle. The important services which she freely gave, at the very onset of the conflict, were bestowed, not from an imme- diate interest, but from a love of freedom, — the spirit of which was incorporated in her charter, — as well as from those con- siderations which had their controlling influence in a noble sympathy. Responding to the primary action of Virginia, in resisting usurped power, she made common cause with her, and the colonies that afterwards revolted ; although no op- pressive measures had been directed against herself. By the provisions of the royal grant of Charles II., made to William Penn, she was, in a great measure, exempted from those as- saults upon her dignity and privileges, to which the other provinces were subject. Yet she magnanimously came forth, and gave her treasures and her hardy sons, to war in de- fence of those principles, to which the world has since done homaare, and the hearts of men now treasure in their holiest sanctuaries. In the war of 1812, waged against the same empire, Penn- sylvania was again in the van-guard of those, who went forth to battle for their country. Her immense resources were freely and even lavishly employed in the cause in which the United States were then engaged ; and her population sup- plied a large portion of the troops that rallied under the ban- ner of an insulted nation. No questions as to the expediency of the war, or the manner in which it was directed, and much less, any demonstration of resistance to the measures JACOB BROWN. 258 of the general government, caused her to hesitate as to the course which patriotism required. All that could be bestowed, — and it was much, very much, — was brought and laid upon the country's altar. It was an oblation which she gave ; and it was gathered in gladness, and teeming plenty, as a free-will offering, in a cause from which she could not be a recreant. Her great and important services are a matter of historical record ; and they should be regarded by her children as among the many evidences which prove the patriotism and virtue of their great commonwealth. In this war, a native of Pennsylvania bore a distinguished and honourable part. Major General Brown, a prominent leader in what has, with propriety, been termed the second contest for independence, was born in Bucks county, and was descended from ancestors who accompanied William Penn to America. They were attached to the Society of Friends, and trained their offspring in the principles of their religious faith. The present subject of these memoirs, received a good English education ; on completing which, he took charge of a school in his neighbourhood. Having qualified himself for land surveying, he adopted it as a profession, and succeeded in realizing a respectable income. At the age of twenty- three, he emigrated to the state of New York, and became extensively engaged in land speculations. At what time he relinquished his connexion with the communion in which he was reared, does not appear, but, at the breaking out of the war, we find him holding the commission of a brigadier in the militia of the State of New York. He had previously held subordinate stations, and acquitted himself with much credit ; sufficient to give an earnest of full capacity for more active service. At the commencement of hostilities, the command of the frontier of the state of New York, was held by General Brown. It embraced the entire line, from Oswego to St. Regis, and of more than three hundred miles in extent, in- 254 BIOGRAPHY OF eluding tlie important point at Sackett's Harbour. The moot skilful arrangements were made by him, in defence of his command, and, on many occasions, he exhibited consummate prudence and firmness, in the transportation of troops, &c., before the face of the enemy. In this campaign, the famous action at Ogdensburgh was fought, in which eight hundred British regulars were beaten by an American force of four hundred men, hastily collected together, and wanting the ne- cessary discipline. In 1813, on the opening of the campaign, he again took the field, and was appointed to the more immediate defence of Sackett's Harbour. On repairing to his command, he found the works in a most neglected condition, and but four hun- dred raw recruits. With the promptness that always distin- guished him, he made the necessary dispositions for protection, and succeeded in gathering a few hundred volunteers. In this laborious duty, he was materially aided by Colonel Bockus, of the United States' army ; an accomplished and brave sol- dier. The violent assault made by a large force from the enemy, was met by General Brown, at the head of his raw troops, with determined bravery ; and after a struggle, which was most severe, he succeeded in compelling him to retire with immense loss. The reputation of General Brown, as a brave and good officer, was now so well established, that he was appointed a brigadier in the army of the United States. The first duty, after this flattering testimonial from his country, was to trans- port the army, under Wilkinson, down the St. Lawrence, in the expedition against Montreal. Although the design failed in its object, yet the service in which he was the more imme- diately engaged, was successfijlly executed. The enemy having gained possession of Fort Niagara, General Brown was directed to lead an expedition for its re- covery. He promptly responded to his orders, and such was his celerity of movement, that he arrived at Buffalo before it JACOB BROWN. 255 v;as well known that he had left Sackett's Harbour. Ad^ vancing, with the same rapidity, into the enemy's country, he reduced Fort Erie, by a bold and vigorous assault. He next moved towards the enemy, who lay entrenched in his works at Chippewa. The following is a correct account of the succeeding operations, "On the morning of the 4th of July, General Scott, with his brigade, and a corps of artillery, advanced. After some skirmishing with the enemy, he selected a judicious position for the night ; his right resting on the river, and a ravine in front ; at eleven at night, General Brown joined him with the reserve, under General Ripley, and a corps of artillery, under Major Hindman — a field and battering train were also brought up; General Porter arrived in the morning, with a part of the New York and Pennsylvania volunteers, and some of the warriors of the Six Nations. *' Early in the morning of the 5th, the enemy attacked the pickets; by noon, he showed himself on the loft of the army, and attacked one of the pickets, as it was returning to camp. " At four o'clock in the afternoon. General Porter advanced with the volunteers and Indians, in order to induce the enemy to come forth. General Porter's command met the light par- ties of the enemy in the woods. The enemy was driven, and Porter pursued until near Chippewa, where he met their whole column, in order of battle. The heavy firing induced a belief that the entire force of the enemy was in motion, and prepared for action. General Scott was ordered to advance with his brigade, and Towson's artillery. The General advanced in the most prompt officer-like manner, and, in a few minutes, was in close action with a superior force of the enemy. By this time, General Porter's command had given way, and fled in disorder, notwithstanding the great exertions of the General to rally them. This retreat left the left flank of General Scott's brigade greatly exposed. Captain Harris was directed, 25G BIOGRAPHY OF with his dragoons, to stop the fugitives, behind the ravine, fronting the American camp. General Ripley, with the twenty- first regiment, which formed part of the reserve, passed to the left of the camp, under cover of the wood, to relieve General Scott, by falling on the enemy's right flank, but, before the twenty-first could come into its position, the line commanded by General Scott closed with the enemy. Major Jessup, commanding the left flank battalion, finding himself pressed in front and flank, and his men falling fast around him, or- dered his battalion to ' support arms, and advance /' the order was promptly obeyed, amidst the most deadly and destructive fire. Having gained a better position, he poured on the ene- my a fire so galling, as caused him to retire. The enemy's entire line now fell back, arid continued to retreat, until at the sloping ground desending towards Chippewa, when they broke, and fled to their works. " General Brown, finding the pursuit of the troops checked by the batteries of the enemy, ordered up his ord- nance, in order to force the place, by a direct attack, but was induced, by the report of Major Wood, and Captain Austin, who reconnoitred the enemy's works, the lateness of the hour, and the advice of his officers, to order the forces to retire to camp. The American troops, on no occasion, be- haved with more gallantry than on the present. The British regulars suffered defeat from a number of men, principally volunteers and militia, inferior to the vanquished enemy, in every thing but courage; and the gallant Brown, a woods- man, ' a soldier of yesterday,' put at defiance the military tactics of the experienced Major General Riall. "On the twenty-fifth of July, General Brown's army was encamped above Chippewa, near the battle ground of the 5th. The brigade under General Scott, moved past Chippewa, and halted at Bridgewater, in view of Niagara Falls. At half-past four o'clock, P. M., the battle was commenced by the enemy. The enemy, being numerically superior to the JACOB BROWN. 257 Americans, he was able to extend his Jine so as to attempt to flank. In ord^r to counteract the apparent view of Gene- ral Riall, he was fought in detachments — he was charged in column. The ground was obstinately contested until nine o'clock in the evening, when General Brown decided to storm a battery, which the enemy had on a commanding eminence. Colonel Miller commanded on this enterprise, which was so resolutely entered on, that the enemy, unable to withstand the charge, retired to the bottom of the hill, and abandoned his cannon. The enemy now gave way, and was pursued some distance. The American army then be- took itself to the securing of prisoners, and bringing off the wounded. " While the army was thus employed. General Drummond arrived with a reinforcement to the enemy, when he, unex- pectedly to the Americans, renewed the battle, with a view to recover his cannon. The army, having quickly formed, resisted the attack with courage ; and, after a close engage- ment, the enemy was repulsed, as he was in two other similar attempts. The American army having effected the removal of nearly all the wounded, retired from the ground a little before midnight, and returned to camp. " On the morning after the battle, the Americans, under Generals Ripley and Porter, reconnoitred the enemy, who did not show any disposition to renew the contest, and then burned the enemy's barracks, and a bridge at Chippewa, after which, they returned to Fort Erie. " The enemy was believed to have lost between twelve and thirteen hundred men, including Major General Riall, who was wounded, and, with eighteen other officers and one hundred and fifty non-commissioned officers and privates, taken prisoners. The Americans lost — killed, one hundred and seventy -one; wounded, five hundred and seventy-two; missing, one hundred and seventeen — total, eight hundred and sixty. 22* 258 BIOGRAPHY OF " The British force engaged, amounted, by their own con- fession, to four thousand live hundred men, mostly, or wholly regulars, beside a host of Indians ; the American force did not exceed two thousand eight liundred men, con- sisting, in a great proportion, of the militia of Pennsylvania and New York. " General Brown received two wounds, but continued to command until the action ended." Having recovered from his wounds, in the course of a few weeks. General Brown was again in the field, and strenu- ously engaged in making arrangements for the defence of the posts within the line of his command. His chief attention was directed to Fort Erie, and in a short time his admirable arrangements were completed. On the 16th day of Septem- ber, he made a bold sortie upon the enemy, under the com- mand of General Drummond, and drove him from the bat- teries, which he had raised to command the fort. The loss of the British, in this splendid affair, was more than eight hun- dred men ; all his cannon spiked, and the entire demolition of his works. General Drummond hastily retreated, and fell back on Fort George, leaving the American force in security and repose. The Peace of Ghent, in a few months after, terminated the war; in the last battles of which, General Brown per- formed a conspicuous part. He was continued in the service on the reduction of the army, and in his rank, as the merited reward of his great services. He died in the year 1826, having won for himself, a large share of glory, and national gratitude. When was General Brown born ? and in what part of Pennsylvania ? Of what religious persuasion were his parents? What was his first profession ? When did he make his residence in the state of New York ? Give an account of the several battles in which General Brown distin- guished himself. When did he die ? PENNSYLVANIA BIOGRAPHY. PART III. GOVERNORS OF PENNSYLVANIA. SINCE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE STATE CONSTITUTION IN 1790 ; AND WHO ARE NOW DECEASED. THOMAS MIFFLIN. Elevation to office A. D. 1790 — Expiration of Constitutional terra A. D. 1799.— Tenure 9 years. His Excellency, Thomas Mifflin, as has been seen in the admirable article from the pen of the late W. Rawle, Esq., and which commences the second part of these memoirs, had the honour of being the first Governor that occupied the chair of state in Pennsylvania. To this elevated station he arrived, not only through the important and many services which he had rendered during the whole of our revolutionary struggle, but also on account of the great statesman-like talents which were deservedly awarded him. The judgment of his capacity, in this respect, was not erroneous ; and in the cabinet, as in the field, he acquitted himself with full honour and accepta- bleness to his admiring and patriotic countrymen. Who was the first Governor, after the adoption of the Constitution of 1790? How long did he occupy the chair of the executive? What is said about his capacity for this station ? In what part of this book is there a full account given of Mifflin ? (259) 260 BIOGRAPHY OF THOMAS M'KEAN. Elevation to office A. D, 1799 — Expiration of Constitutional term A. D, 1808.— Tenure 9 years. The second in the order of time, of the Governors of Penn- sylvania, was the illustrious subject of this memoir. The patriotic and efficient labours which for a long period he had rendered to his injured and oppressed country, were directed by a capacity and energy, that were hardly exceeded by any of the great statesmen of the eventful season of the revolu- tionary contest. With intellectual powers of the highest grade, his moral attributes were such as eminently fitted him for the trying times in which he lived. His unyielding integrity and stern honesty, — his unflinching courage and immovable ad- herence to principles, essentially connected, in his view, with the public weal, and the sacred cause of human freedom, were sterling virtues in the gloomy days of a tremendous struggle. And faithfully, and in all their force and mighty strength, were they exhibited by one, whose name should never perish in a land which he greatly benefited by the purest patriotism, and honoured by his great learning and the splendid powers of a noble mind. If Thomas M'Kean had done no more than to affix his sig- nature to the great instrument of American freedom, he had well secured for himself an imperishable glory! Yet this act of moral and subUme courage, was one only in the series of noble deeds. Early identifying himself with the destiny of his native land, it would seem that he lived but for her honour and prosperity ; struggling with the bravest in the war-strife, or counselling with patriotic statesmen in the hall of liberty. Wherever and whenever his country called, there and at the time was he in obedience to her summons ; and the aid he brought, and the influence he lent to the national cause, were THOMAS M'KEAN. 261 invaluable and effective. He had made an holy offering of himself and all that was his, before the altar of that country; and hand in hand, and heart with heart, he went forth among the patriarchs of freedom; — the venerable sires, who would live only whilst the spirit of freedom abode in their homes, or the voice of the oppressor should no more reach their shores ! Thomas M'Kean was born in Chester county, Pennsyl- vania, on the 19th day of March, 1734. At a proper age he was placed under the tuition of the Rev. Dr. Allison, one of the most successful teachers of that day. Having completed his academical course, he entered himself, a student in law with David Finney, of New Castle, Delaware ; and after his admission to the bar, rapidly acquired a large share of profes- sional practice. Extending his attention to the courts of Phi- ladelphia, his reputation deservedly increased : and in 1762 he was elected as a delegate to the assembly of New Castle county. For eleven consecutive years he was honoured with this station ; and even after his removal to Philadelphia he was elected for six years more. The acts of the British parliament in relation to stamp du- ties, occasioned the assembling of a Congress, selected by the respective colonial assemblies ; and to this body Mr. M'Kean was appointed. In their deliberations he exhibited an active interest, and was placed on the most important committees. With regard to all the public events, which subsequently oc- curred, his decisions in favour of the colonies were promptly made, and eloquently enforced. On the declaration of inde- pendence, he associated himself with the members of a pa- triotic legion raised in Philadelphia. He was elected their colonel, and marched at the head of them to join General Washington, with whom he and his brave band continued, until a flying-camp of 10,000 men was raised. It is proper here to remark that, Mr. M'Kean was returned to the revolutionary Congress invariably by the two states of Delaware and Pennsylvania, — that he was the only member 262 BIOGRAPHY OF from the day of its opening, in 1774, to that of the signing of the preUminaries of peace, in 1783 ! Another statement is called for, to wit, that whilst he was the Chief Justice of Pennsylvania, he was also president of Congress, in 1781. In the above exalted judicial station, he continued for twenty- two years, until he was elected governor of the commonwealth, in 1799. His administration is admitted to have been marked with gi-eat ability, and benefit to the state. Whilst in the tenure of the office, parties were unfortunately, and too fiercely struggling for the ascendency ; and the more vivid recollec- tions of the violence which the political belligerents exhibited, it is to be hoped, have long been buried. In this unhappy contest. Governor M'Kean manifested the firmness of his character. He was willing that his measures should be judged by their results : and to posterity he was prepared to leave the verdict as to his integrity of purpose. Let posterity at least reverence the memory of a sterling pa- triot, — let especially the scholar do homage to his great talents, — and let the jurist speak with pride of him whose ermine was never sullied, and who was an ornament in the temple of justice ! This excellent father of the republic died on the 24th of June, 1817, in Philadelphia. When was Thomas M'Kean born, and in what part of Pennsylvania ? What profession did he study, and under whom ? What do you say about his election to the assembly of Delaware, and for how many years ? What part did he take in the revolution ? Was he in the continental congress — an officer of that body — did he sign the Declaration of Independence ? Did he hold any military station ? What judicial station in Pennsylvania, and for how long? When was he elected governor, and how long was he in the chair? When did ho die ? SIMON SNYDER. 263 SIMON SNYDER. " Elevation to office A. D. 1808 — Expiration of Constitutional term A. D. 1817.— Tenure 9 years. Simon Snyder was born at Lancaster, in the state of Pennsylvania, in November, 1759. His father was a re» spectable mechanic, who had emigrated to Pennsylvania, from Germany, about the year 1740. The maiden name of his mother was Knippenberg. She was born near Oppenheim, in Germany. In April, 1774, his father, Anthony Snyder, died at Lancaster. In 1776, Simon Snyder left Lancaster, and went and resided at Yorktown, Pa. There he remained more than eight years. In that place he learned the tanning and currying business. As a proof of early integrity, it may be mentioned that he served an apprenticeship of four years, without being bound by any indenture or written contract. At York, he learned at night school, kept by John Jones — a worthy member of the Society of Friends — reading, writing, and arithmetic, and made some progress in the mathematics. Often at the midnight hour, after a hard day's work, Simon Snyder was found engaged in the pursuit of knowledge ; and his Sundays were almost constantly devoted to its acquire- ment. In July, 1784, he removed to the county of Northumber- land, to that portion of it which is now a part of Union county. There he became a storekeeper, and the owner of a mill. lie soon became very useful, and much respected as a scrivener. He was in all situations, and at all times the friend of the poor and the distressed ; modest and unassuming; yet was his sound judgment, impartiality, and love of justice, so well known, and duly appreciated, that he was elected imani- moudij by the freeholders of a large district of country, a 264 BIOGRAPHY OF justice of the peace. In this office he continued to officiate for twelve years, under two commissions. The first was granted under the constitution of 1776, and the last was under the constitution of 1790. So universally were his decisions respected, that there never was an appeal from any judgment of his to the court of common pleas, and but one writ of certio- rari was served on him during all that time. Though the inhabitants consisted of that description of persons who are the settlers of all new countries, amongst whom quarrels and disputes are very frequent, yet so great was his personal in- fluence, and so strenuous his effi:)rts to reconcile the contending parties, that he generally prevailed : indeed, so efficient was his influence, that of the many actions brought before him for assaults and batteries, during the whole period of twelve years, he made return to the court of quarter sessions of but two re- cognizances. These are evidences of an extraordinary degree and extent of public confidence in the disposition, judgment, and general good principles and character of Mr. Snyder, a confidence which his whole life proved to have been well deserved. In 1789, he was elected a member of the convention, which formed the late constitution of the state. Mr. Snyder had heretofore taken but little part in the political contests of the day, yet his principles seem to have been well understood ; and his votes in the convention prove him to have been, then, as he continued through life, the steady supporter of those invalua- tle principles, which were best calculated to maintain the rights and promote the happiness of the people of this free country. In 1797, he was elected a member of the legislature. He was never considered a speaker of much impression, nor did he ever speak at great length, yet what he did say was list- ened to with marked attention, and always carried weight, because he never spoke but when he felt assured that it was his duty, to speak, and that he had something in the way of SIMON SNYDER. 265 fact or information to communicate, which should influence the minds of his fellow-members. As a committee man, his services were much sought and much valued. In 1802, he was chosen Speaker of the House of Representatives. As a Speaker, Mr. Snyder presided with dignity, with a full know- ledge of his duties, and a most accurate recollection and prompt application of the rules of the house. The writer is of opinion that no decision of Speaker Snyder's was ever reversed by the house. It is certain that the amendments, which were frequently of moment, suggested by him as speaker, even when the bill was in its last stage, were almost always adopt- ed, with a unanimity which marked the high respect enter- tained by the house for his judgment. With him originated in our legislature a proposition to en- graft the arbitration principle on our judicial system, as well as many other wholesome provisions for the adjustment of con- troversies brought before justices of the peace. He continued, after repeated unanimous elections, to preside in the speaker's chair to the session 1804-5, inclusive. During that session, he was taken up as a candidate for the office of Governor, and ran in opposition to the then Governor, Thomas M''Kean. The question of calling a convention to amend the State Con- stitution, was so intimately interwoven with the question of who should be Governor, that the contest was conducted rather in reference to the question of the convention, than upon the principles or popularity of the candidates. Governor M'Kcan was re-elected by a majority of 5000. In 1806, Mr. Snyder was again elected to the House of Representatives, and again chosen Speaker, and was re-elected to both stations in 1807. fn 1808, he was taken up as a candidate for Governor, and after an arduous contest, was elected by a majority of 28,000. In 1811, he was re-elected, and also in 1814. His conduct ]n the war of 1812, was patriotic and worthy of a Governor of Pennsylvania. 23 26G BIOGRAPHY OF In the session of 1813-14, a very large majority of both Houses of -the General Assembly, passed the bill which was called the bill to charter Forty Banks. The candidate for Governor was at that time nominated by the members of the Legislature. Having assembled in caucus for that purpose, it was remarked, after the meeting had been organized, that the bill to charter the forty banks was then before the Go- vernor, and that it would be prudent to adjourn the caucus, without making any nomination of a candidate for Governor, until it was ascertained whether he would or would not ap- prove of the bill. Within three days. Governor Snyder re- turned the bill, with his objections, and it did not pass that session. The independence of Governor Snyder was the theme of almost universal praise, and he was that year re- elected by nearly 30,000 majority. Having served the con- stitutional period of nine years, he retired to his former place of residence, Selin's Grove, where, at the general election, he was elected and forthwith entered upon the discharge of his duties as a guardian of the poor of the township. At the next general election, Mr. Snyder was elected a Senator of the state of Pennsylvania, and served one session. He died in the spring of 1820, honoured, respected, and beloved. He was in truth an honest and an upright man. Peace to his ashes ! Alderman Binns. When and where was Simon Snyder born ? What were his difficulties in acquiring an education ? and how did he over- come them ? To what trade did he apprentice himself? When he removed to Northumberland county, what were his pursuits? Mention the different offices and stations with which he was honoured ? When was he first elected Governor of the State ? and how long did ho hold the station? What important measures did he propose and establish ? What was his conduct during the war of 1812? When did he die ? JOSEPH HIESTER. 267 JOSEPH HIESTER. Elevation to office, A. D. 1820.— Retirement from office, A. D. 1823. Tenure 3 years. Joseph FIiester, late ex-governor of Pennsylvania, was born in Bern Township, Berks county, on the 18th of Novem- ber, 1752. He was the son of John Hiester, a farmer, who emigrated from Germany to this country, about the year 1734. The motives that induced him to take this step, as he often stated to his son Joseph, were the state of vassalage existing at that time in his native country, which exacted from the peasantry a certain amount of work for the then reigning or governing family, and nobility, without any pay or reward to the labourer, whatsoever. This, and the heavy burden of taxes to which they were subjected, and other grievous and unjust exactions of their time and substance, together with the flattering accounts of the New World, which had even then reached Germany, induced him to emigrate. After his ar- rival in this country, he took up a tract of land in Bern Township, Berks county, on the west side of the river Schuylkill. It was on the farm which John Iliester then took up, that Joseph Hiester was born, and brought up to a farmer's life; rising at the dawn, and following the plough, doing all the usual and laborious work which appertains to the clearing and cultivation of a farm. The writer has frequently heard him say that he v/as put to the plough so young, that when it would strike a stone or a stump, and slip from the furrow, he had not strength to replace it immediately, and was frequently knocked down by its catching a root, when turning up newly cleared land. He received the rudiments of a plain English and German education. In his nineteenth year he married 268 BIOGRAPHY OF Elizabeth Whitman, the daughter of Adam Whitman, an old and highly respectable citizen of Reading, which was then a mere village. Shortly after, he removed to the town of Read- ing and commenced store-keeping, in company with his father- in-law. Joseph Hiester was an active whig, and took an open and manly stand in favour of the rights of America, in all the troubles which preceded and were consequent upon the revo- lutionary war. It is well known that the constituted authori- ties of Pennsylvania were in the outset opposed to the revolu- tion, and continued so even after the battle of Lexington : indeed, the General Assembly, in 1776, instructed the Penn- sylvania Delegation to Congress, to vote against a declaration of independence. The people of Pennsylvania, who were generally in favour of the revolution, became alarmed at these proceedings of the Assembly, and determined to put the go- vernment of the state into the hands of the whigs. To effect this, a General Provincial Conference was called by the Phi- ladelphia City Committee. The State Conference met in Phi- ladelphia on the 18th of June, 1776 ; called a convention to reorganize the constitution ; ordered that the draft by Con- gress of 6000 men from Pennsylvania should be carried into effect, (which the Assembly had refused to do,) and instructed the Pennsylvania Delegation in Congress to vote for the de- claration of independence ; and acted with laudable prompti- tude and energy on all matters of a similar character which came before them. Joseph Hiester, then a captain of militia, and but twenty- four years of age, was a member of this conference, and gave a hearty concurrence to all these measures. This was a pe- riod when many true friends of their country had gloomy forebodings as to the issue of the contest with Great Britain in which these colonies were then engaged. After the dissolution of the convention, Joseph Hiester, then an active and influential young man, hastened home to Berks JOSEPH HIESTER. 269 county, and 'galling his fellow citizens together, by beat of drum, he harangued them on the alarming state and gloomy prospects of their country, and explained the necessity of prompt action on the part of all true lovers of America and liberty. He stated that Washington was in a perilous situa- tion in New Jersey, without sufficient men or means to engage the proud and confident legions of the enemy. Having thus excited the sympathy, and roused the slumbering patriotism of his hearers, he expressed a desire to raise a company of volunteers, and march forthwith against the enemy. He then laid forty dollars on the drum-head, and said, " I will give this sum and the appointment of sergeant to the first man who will subscribe the articles of association for a volunteer corps, to march at once and join General Washington. I will also, said he, pledge myself to furnish the company with blan- kets, and the funds necessary for their equipment, and on their march." This promise he honourably and faithfully fulfilled. Captain Hiester was heard with attention, and his proposition was favourably received. After a few moments' consultation with those around him, Mathias Babb stepped forward, signed the articles, and took the money from the drum-head. This example, and the advancement of further small sums of money, induced twenty men to sign the articles that evening ; and in ten days, Captain Hiester had eighty men enrolled in his company. The success of Captain Hiester led to the determination to raise a battalion, or regiment, in Berks County, under the au- thority of the legislature, or executive council of Pennsylva- nia, it is not recollected which. It was early ascertained that the liberality and well-earned popularity of Captain Hiester would secure him the command of the troops about to be raised. At this period he was called on by Mr. Haller, who was also a citizen of Reading, who expressed a strong desire to join the service, but on condition of his obtaining the com- mand. He was answered by Captain Hiester as follows: — 23* 270 BIOGRAPHY OF *'• The office you seek must be the gift of our fellow-soldiers ; but I assure you I am not anxious for commanrl, further than it may enable me to serve my country. I will willingly yield all claim to the command, rather than our country shall not have the benefit of your services." This declaration was fol- lowed by Captain Hiester declining to be a candidate, and using his influence in favour of Mr. Haller, who was elected. The facility with which he yielded to Mr. Haller's wishes, and a reliance upon the purity of the motives which had in- duced him thus to decline rank and precedence, was the cause of a new application of a similar character. Mr. Edward Burd was desirous to obtain the oiTxoe of major, and also ap- plied to Mr. Hiester, whose promotion to that rank was the more ardently desired by the men, from the handsome man- ner in which he had yielded the colonelcy. Mr. Hiester un- hesitatingly consented to Mr. Burd's request, and with the same result ; — Mr. Hiester declaring to the men his entire willing- ness to continue to serve as captain, or even to serve in the ranks, if he could thereby the better serve his country. These declarations, often and to different men repeated, had the desired effect ; and the officers were elected as he wished. The public spirit of Captain Hiester, his disregard of his own promotion, his desire to obtain the services of able and distinguished men for the country, and the handsome man- ner in which this was done, greatly endeared him not only to the soldiery, but to the whole body of his fellow-citizens. Captain Hiester and the other troops soon marched from Reading to New Jersey. On their arrival at Elizabethtown, they learned that General Washington was on Long Island with the army. On communicating this information to the company commanded by Captain Grant, they and some of Captain Hiester's men, refused to march further, and said they could not be compelled to march beyond the boundaries of their own state. This critical condition of afiairs again ex- hibited Captain Hiester in a most enviable point of light. He JOSEPH HIESTER. 271 had the men drawn up in a compact body, and addressed them in such a strain of honest and indignant eloquence, that the hearts of the men soon beat in unison with the patriotic pulsations of the speaker. " You have marched thus far," said he, " resolved to fight for your families and your homes — will you now prove cowards, and desert your country in the hour of danger, and when your help is most wanted ? I would be ashamed to return home with you ! I will go for- ward — yes, if I go alone ! I will go and join General Wash- ington as a volunteer — as a private. I will not return with- out striking a blow when the enemy is before me. But surely you will not turn your backs to the enemy and leave your country at their mercy ! I will try you once more," said he ; and raising his voice as when giving the word of command, be said aloud, " Fall in, fall in ! my friends and neighbours, fall in ! those who are ready to fight for freedom and Ame- rica, when the drum beats and the word is given, will give six cheers. Fall in, and march to join George Washington." The men fell in, they shouldered their arms, the drums beat, the cheers were given heartily, and at the word of command to march, the whole line, three men excepted, fell in and moved forward. These three, however, soon sprung into the ranks ; three cheers were again given, and they all marched forthwith to join the commander-in-chief. On Long Island, they were frequently engaged in skir- mishes with the enemy. At length a general engagement took place on the plains of Jamaica ; many of our troops were captured, and amongst them Captain Hiester, and some of his men. The cruel treatment shown to the prisoners, is a mat- ter of history ; a disgrace to the British name. Captain Hies- ter, along with other American officers, was confined on board the prison-ship Jersey^ where they suffered terribly from con- fined and impure air, and hunger. Many died of fevers, and other infectious diseases. From the Jersey prison-ship. Cap- tain Hiester was removed to New York to prison, where the 272 BIOGRAPHY OF treatment received was very little better than what they had received on board ship, and the scarcity of food was equally- great. Here Captain Hiester was attacked with a slow fever, during which he was attended by some of his own fellow- soldiers, who were also prisoners. He was finally exchanged, and returned home until his health was restored. He subsequently joined the army, with the rank of Colonel. In a skirmish with an advance party of the enemy, previous to the battle of Germantown, he was slightly wounded, and narrowly escaped being made prisoner. He continued in the service to the end of the war ; after which he returned to the bosom of his famil}'. The popularity acquired by his public spirit and devotion to country during the revolutionary war, he never lost. In all the revolutions of party, his neighbours, who had the best opportunity of knowing his public spirit and his private worth, continued at all times firmly attached to him. He was elected Major-General of the militia after the war. Having thus given some account of the services and suffer- ings of General Hiester, during the revolution, we shall notice the services he rendered his country in a civil capacity. Soon after the war, he was elected to the legislature of his native state, Pennsylvania, where he served for many years, with honesty and fidelity. He was chosen by Berks county a member of the convention which met in Philadelphia, No- vember, 1787, to consider and ratify or reject the present Federal Constitution. He was also a member of the convention which met in Philadelphia in 1789, to form a constitution for the state. He served in the state legislature under this constitution many- years. He was elected to Congress, and served without intermis- sion from December, 1797, to 1805. He was again elected to Congress from December, 1815, till January, 1821, when JOSEPH HIESTER. 273 he resigned his seat, having served in the national councils fourteen years. In 1820, he was elected Governor of Pennsylvania, having previously been an unsuccessful candidate for that office. After having served three years, although much urged by partisans and friends, he refused to permit his name to be , again used as a candidate for the same office, and returned to Reading, where, surrounded by friends and neighbours, by whom he was affectionately respected and highly esteemed, he lived happily, and descended to the grave full of years and full of honour. His maxim through life was, " Be sober, honest, and industrious," which maxim he often repeated to his children and grandchildren. He died June lOth, 1832, in the eightieth year of his age, and was buried in the ground of the German Reformed Church, of which he was a pious and communicant member. The attendance of the military, and other demonstrations of respect and attachment, all of which were promptly ten- dered, were respectfully declined, and his unostentatious funeral made up of sorrowing relations, friends, and neigh- bours, was in perfect keeping with the truly republican sim- plicity which had marked the course of his long and useful life. Alderman Binns. When and in what part of Pennsylvania was Joseph Hiester born ? To what occupation was he reared ? On the breaking out of the revolution, what part did he take ? Relate his measures to raise a company; and his patriotic self-denial in respect to military promotions. What was his conduct in New Jersev and when taken prisoner on Long Island, in what ship was he confined ? In what battle was he wounded ? What civil stations did he occupy ? When was he elected governor? and how long did he continue in office ? What was his maxim through life ? When did he die ? 274 BIOGRAPHY OF GEORGE WOLP. Elevation to office A. D. 1829. — Election of successor A. D. 1835. — Tenure 6 years. Among the names of those, who will long be associated with two of the most important measures ever adopted by any- state, and which have largely entered into the economy of the government of Pennsylvania, that of George Wolf must occupy the first rank in the distinction to be awarded. The magnificent, and not more magnificent than stupendous works of internal improvement, owe in a great measure their suc- cessful continuance and enlargement to his sagacious discern- ment and persevering exertions. The merit to be bestowed for the part, which he took, by employing the influence of his office to the erection of this proud monument of our com- monwealth's enterprise, must be enhanced, when it is consi- dered that a determined hostility was arrayed against the plan, even by many of his personal and political friends throughout the state. Elevated, moreover, to his dignified sta- tion, at a period of pecuniary embarrassment, it was alone through an exhibition of energy on his part, that a disposition 10 proceed no further in the work, already commenced, was triumphantly overcome by him. In his administration a large portion of the improvements which now call for the ad- miration of all, was completed ; and Clinton in New York, and Wolf in Pennsylvania, have alike led behind them im- perishable claims for the world's homage ! But there is a structure still more sublime, which Governor Wolf raised, that in its grandeur and majesty towers far above even the monument which our state works constitute. It is more sublime ; for it has in it all of moral beauty and intel- lectual splendour. It is that system of general education GEORGE WOLF. 275 by means of common schools, of which through the same energy of character and determination of purpose, he laid the foundation. Well may Pennsylvania indeed be proud of this glorious work ; and deeply in the hearts of her children, and children's children, should there be cherished a reverence for the name of him, who, amidst appaUing difficulties, stood up as the unflinching champion of the first rights of the human mind. He was the executive of a great and free people ; but he knew that to be free, a people need but will it. To pre- serve, however, that freedom ; to be conscious of its bless- ings, and to enjoy them in all their freshness and in the greatest measure, he equally knew, they must be enlightened and virtuous. And with this eternal maxim in his breast, and impelled by its force, his truly philanthropic heart urged him to that measure, with which the best interests of our great commonwealth are most indissolubly connected. In the long vista of future times, which it is hoped may confi- dently be imagined, as bright and glorious for the destiny of the state which Penn founded, his name can be seen, en- circled with all the trophies and beaming radiance that a benefactor of his race has nobly won ! George Wolf was born in Northampton county, Pennsyl- vania, in August, 1777. His parents were from Germany; and gave their son the best education, that the region of country in which they resided could afford. In his minority he was the principal of an academy in his native county : and whilst occupied in its duties, commenced the study of the law, under the direction of the Honourable Judge Ross of the Supreme Court. Having been admitted ^o the bar at the age of twenty-one, he entered upon the practice of his profession in Easton, and was soon in the receipt of a lucrative patronage. The first public situation which he held, was that of clerk of the Orphan's Court of Northampton, conferred by Governor Snyder. This he subsequently resigned, in order to accept 276 BIOGRAPHY OF GEORGE WOLF. the election of a representative to the state Legislature. After having served in this capacity for some successive sessions, he declined the further flattering suflrages of his constituents, and returned to the practice of his legal profession. In the year 1824, he was elected to the Congress of the United States, and continued a member of that body until 1829, when he was called to preside as governor, over his native state. Having been twice honoured with the support of his fellow-citizens, he became a candidate for the third term in 1885. A division having taken place in the ranks of the political party to which Governor Wolf belonged, and Mr. Muhlenburg being placed in nomination by a portion of it, the election resulted in favour of Ritner; though the vote given for Governor Wolf was highly respectable and nu- merous, far exceeding that of his more immediate opponent. In 1836, he was appointed by General Jackson first comp- troller of the treasury of the United States ; and in 1838, Mr. Van Buren honoured him with the commission of collector of the port of Philadelphia. In this office he continued until his sudden and much regretted death, which took place March 11th, 1840, in the sixty-third year of his age. What two great measures did Governor Wolf promote ? When and where was he born ? When yet a minor, what situation did he hold ! What profession did he study ? and under whom ? What was the first public situation that he held ? When was he elected to Congress ? When was he honoured with the situation of Governor ? and how long did he occupy it ? Through what cause did he not succeed as a candidate for the third term ? What other offices did he hold? When did he die? THE END. Hio? 75 ;| .^ ;^- .<^ > % h:.{^-^ ^ '^'P. .^'\ \ ^\ .^ ^^:. 'j^o'-v <^ '■^/ /\ "-?;»!" ^'\ ^M <^. "^ a\ "y> -» O \^ c ° " *" -» ^ V'^/ '^^.^ ^ ^s 4?-^. 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