Theman who has been rocked in the cradle of letters from his childhood—who has become familiar with general science, the classics and the philosophy of the schools—who has had a wealthy father to aid and doting mother to caress—who has enjoyed an uninterrupted course in some far-famed college and the most refined society—such a man is expected to mount the ladder of fame and become a shining light to those whose advantages have been limited to a primary school or no school. If, with all these advantages lavished upon him he sinks into obscurity, the fond anticipations of his doting parents and anxious friends set in gloom. Such has often been the case.
When we see a man whose opportunities of acquiring an education during childhood and youth carried him not far beyond the spelling-book—a man who had no father to aid him by wealth—warn him against the quicksands of error or point him to the temple of science—his intellect encased in the rude quarry of nature at the age of twenty—when we see such a man bursting the fetters that bind his mental powers-throwing off the dark mantle of ignorance—by a mighty effort unveiling his dormant talents and shining in all the beauty of intelligence and greatness, we are filled with admiration and delight.
Such a man was Roger Sherman, the great grandson of Capt. John Sherman, who came from England to Watertown, Mass, in 1635. Roger was the son of William Sherman, born in Newton, Mass. on the 19th of April 1721. His father was a respectable farmer with means too limited to educate his son and bound him an apprentice to a shoemaker. At the age of nineteen he left his master to seek his fortune. His genius had become restless in embryo and pressed for enlargement. No shop could confine—no obstacle deter, no impediment prevent its expansion. The course of his mind was onward and upward like a blazing star, illuminating the horizon of his intellect as it rose. Nature designed him to be great and good—he obeyed her kind commands.
He went to New Milford, Conn. where he followed his trade for three years, devoting every leisure moment to his books, often having one open before him when using his lap-stone. Every obstacle to the pursuit of knowledge was removed by his untiring industry—he ascended the hill of science with a steady pace. He lived within the strictest rules of economy, appropriating a part of his earnings to the support of a widowed mother with a family of small children. The education of these children also received his attention.
In June 1743 he removed his mother and children to New Milford ad entered into the mercantile business, still improving every leisure hour in the acquisition of an education. He rapidly stored his mind with a fund of useful information that ultimately enabled him to commence a public career of usefulness. He also became a member of the church and adorned his profession through life. In 1745 he was appointed surveyor of Litchfield County, having mastered mathematics. Like his cotemporary and friend Benjamin Franklin, he made the calculation for an almanac for several years for a publisher in New York.
At the age of twenty-eight he married Elizabeth Hartwell of Staughton, Mass. who died in 1780 leaving seven children. He subsequently married Rebecca Prescott who had eight children. His fifteen children were carefully trained in the paths of wisdom and virtue. He also supported his mother and a maiden sister until death relieved them from the toils of life.
In the prosecution of his literary pursuits he turned his attention to the study of law in which he made astonishing proficiency. In 1754 he was admitted to the bar, better prepared to enter into this arduous profession and do justice to his clients than many who are ushered into notice with greateclatunder the high floating banner of a collegiate diploma.
The following year he was elected a member of the colonial Assembly and remained in that body during the remainder of his residence at New Milford. He had the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens which enabled him to exercise a salutary influence upon those around him. His reputation as a lawyer and statesman stood high. For industry, prudence, discretion and sound logic—he was unrivalled in theColony. Strong common sense, the safety valve of human action, marked his whole career. He was a philanthropist of the highest order—a patriot of the first water—rendering himself substantially useful to his fellow men and common country.
In 1759 he was appointed a judge of the county court of Litchfield, discharging his duties with great faithfulness and impartiality—correcting vice and promoting virtue.
In 1761 he removed to New Haven where he was appointed justice of the peace—elected to the Assembly and in 1765 was placed upon the judicial bench of the county court. He received the degree of Master of Arts from Yale College, of which he was treasurer for many years, fulfilling the trust with scrupulous honesty and fidelity.
In 1766 he was elected to the Executive Council which was hailed as an auspicious event by the friends of liberal principles. The mother country had manifested a disposition to impose unjust taxation upon the Colonies. It required discretion, experience, nerve and decision to comprehend and expose the corrupt plans of an avaricious and reckless ministry. The Colonies had borne the great burden of the French war in which they had sacrificed large sums of money and fountains of their richest blood. After years of incessant toil the foe had been conquered—an honorable peace obtained for England—the frontier settlements measurably relieved from danger and the soldier had again become the citizen. Whilst their rejoicings on that occasion were yet on the lips of echo, oppression from the crown threatened to blast their fond anticipations of happiness and repose and bind them in chains more to be dreaded than the tomahawk and scalping knife.
His Colony had furnished more money and men and lost more of her brave sons in the French war than any other with the same population. Mr. Sherman had been an active member of the Assembly during the period of its prosecution and remembered well the sacrifices that had been made to oblige the king. He understood well the rights of his own country and those of the crown. He was eminently prepared to discover approaching danger and sound a timely alarm. He was fully competent to probe the intrigues and venality of designing men although the broad Atlantic rolled between him and them.
Mr. Grenville was the master spirit of the British ministry. He determined to put in practice his long cherished theory of taxing the American Colonies. The alarm was soon spread from the north to the south. Appeals for redress, petitions and remonstrances, numerously signed, were forwarded to Parliament. These were passed by like the idle wind. Reason, justice, mercy—all were banished from the bosomsof the ruling power. The rack of oppression was put in motion—screw after screw was turned—the sinews of affection for the mother country began to snap—the purple current rushed from its fountain with increased velocity—indignation was roused in millions of bosoms. In humble imitation of the ancient inquisitors, the screws of the infernal machine were relaxed to give the subjects a confessing respite. The tax upon glass, paper, &c. was repealed. But the main screw was not turned back. The tax on tea was still enforced. This exception was death to the colonial power of England—to America—freedom. The indignation of woman was roused. Her high toned chords were touched—the reverberation electrified the mass as with vivid lightning. Tea was banished by every female patriot and with it all British luxuries and taxed articles.
Mr. Sherman remained undaunted at his post calmly watching the moving elements. Although elevated to the bench of the Superior Court he remained in the Executive Council, a firm and consistent advocate of his country's rights—a bold expounder of Britain's wrongs. He viewed the gathering clouds as they rolled up from the horizon—he saw the streams of lurid fire with which they were charged and calmly waited the crash of thunder that should usher on the terrific storm. The British lion prowled in anger—the Albion Goliah buckled on his armor—the shining steel dazzled in the sun—American blood flowed—popular fury was roused—the sword of vengeance was drawn—allegiance was dissolved—the Colonies werefree.
Judge Sherman was a member of the first Continental Congress and remained firm and unwavering at his post during the heart rending scenes of the Revolution, the formation of the new government and the adoption of the Federal Constitution. With a mind of iron strength enlarged and improved by close study—inured to the toils and intricacies of legislation—the history of his country and of nations stamped upon his memory—the ingratitude and insults of a foreign ministry preying upon his soul—all these combined to press him onward to deeds of noble daring. His capacity was equal to every emergency. He omitted no duty, moving, with the mathematical precision of a planet, within the orbit of sound discretion. He was familiar with all the avenues of men and things—scanned the deep recesses of human nature—traced causes and results to their source and probed to the bottom the springs of human action. The arcana of economies was open before him—solving problems, demonstrating principles and placing them in the full blaze of illustration—clear as light, intelligible as Euclid—irresistible as truth. Youth and young mechanics of our country such was the self-taught self-madeRoger Sherman. Read the history of his life closely. Ponder it well and firmly resolve to make him your model.
The Congressional session of 1775 was one of great labor, anxiety and embarrassment. It required veterans in patriotism to sustain the tremendous shock, the fearful onset. An army was to be raised and organized, military stores provided, fortifications erected, rules of government adopted, plans of operation matured, internal foes to be encountered and legions of hireling soldiers to be repelled. To meet these pressing emergencies the members of Congress had hearts full of courage but an empty treasury. A forlorn hope was before them—a merciless foe on their shores. The torch of hope shed but a dim light. In the name of high Heaven they resolved onLiberty or Death. Nor did they "split on the rock of resolves and re-resolves, where thousands live and die the same." They met the fury of the king with a firmness, wisdom and patriotism before unknown. Their course was onward towards the goal offreedom. No threats of vengeance dismayed them—the shafts of terror fell harmless at their feet—the vials of ministerial wrath were poured out in vain.
In 1776, the Colonies bleeding, reverses rolling frightfully upon them, a conquering army sweeping over their land like a tornado, the streams red with the blood of their kinsmen—the cries of widows and orphans ringing in their ears, the sky illumined with the curling flames of their towns—this band of patriots conceived the bold and sublime plan ofIndependence—a plan that wreathed its projectors with laurels of unfading freshness.
Early in the summer Messrs. Sherman, John Adams, Franklin, Livingston and Jefferson were appointed a committee to draft a Declaration of Rights. It was prepared with much deliberation—reported and on the memorable 4th of July 1776 received the hearty sanction of the Continental Congress amidst the transporting joys offreemenwho hailed it as the bright morning star—to them a prelude to future bliss—to tyrants, a blazing meteor of devouring fire.
Illustrious in all their actions the signers of the Declaration of Independence were pre-eminently so—when, assuming their native dignity, they rose in all the majesty of greatness—bursting their servile chains—cutting asunder the cords of forfeited allegiance—sublimely passing the grand Rubicon and in the eyes of an approving God and an admiring world—declared their countryfree and independent. The era was one of refulgent glory, sacred to the cause of human rights—enduring as genuine patriotism—cheering as the oasis of the desert.
No member of the Continental Congress had studied more closely andunderstood more clearly political economy and finance than Mr. Sherman. His mind was moulded in system. He was a practical man and conversant with every department of government. He was an efficient member of the board of war, ordnance and the treasury. He served on important committees during the whole time of the Revolution. His plans for replenishing the public funds, regulating expenditures and disbursing moneys, were based on rules of frugality and economy corresponding with the embarrassments of that trying period. Fraudulent contractors quailed before his scrutiny—speculations and peculations on government were often paralyzed by his torpedo touch. He guarded, with an Argus eye and parental care the interests of the young Republic.
In the estimation of his colleagues and of our nation, Roger Sherman was second to no one in that bright constellation of sages for sterling integrity and substantial usefulness. At that time honesty and modesty were attributes of merit. It required no stump speeches or bar-room harangues to gain popular favor. Foaming bragadocia—bullying gasconade—personal crimination and a violation of the sanctity of the domestic circle were not then current coin. No bogus politicians were found among the patriots of the Revolution.Principles—notmenwere the political landmarks—not the seven principles of five loaves and two fishes but the heaven-born principles of eternal justice, truth, honesty, equality, freedom, love of country, patriotism, humanity, universal charity and pure benevolence—all harmoniously growing in rich clusters upon the tree ofLiberty.
That was also a time of labor. Inglorious ease was not known to legislators. Long written speeches were not read to the speaker and the walls to be printed for party effect among constituents. Turmoil and billingsgate slang were unknown in the halls of legislation. The business of the nation was performed promptly, faithfully and effectually. Posts of honor were then posts of duty—not of profit. No demagogue bipeds were permitted to fatten at the public crib—no droning sinecures were lounging under the mantle of government. How changed the scene—how fearful the contrast at the present writing! Awake! patriots of my beloved country to a sense of our true interests. Throw off the incubus of ultra party spirit—think, know and act for yourselves—avoid the paralyzing touch of reckless demagogues and purge our land from political corruption.
By his fellow citizens at home Mr. Sherman was held in high esteem. He was continued in the Council during the Revolution. When thecity of New Haven was chartered in 1784 he was elected the first mayor—filling the office with great dignity to the close of his life.
When peace was restored Judges Sherman and Law were appointed to revise the judicial code of Connecticut which duty they performed with great ability and satisfaction to all concerned. Mr. Sherman was a member of the convention that framed the Federal Constitution. From a manuscript found among his papers it appears that this instrument received many of its bright features from him. To his conceptive mind and practical wisdom we are much indebted for the towering greatness and unparalleled prosperity we so eminently enjoy and which will increase and endure so long as the people protect their own interests and are true to themselves. Intimately acquainted with all the local conflicting interests of the Colonies, he was enabled to exercise a salutary influence among the members in reconciling differences between them, which, for a time, threatened to hurl back the elements of government into original chaos and prostrate the fair fabric of Liberty. By examining the earnest discussions, the variety of opinions, the multifarious interests, the intense anxiety, the agony of soul and sacrifice of private views that characterized the formation of the Federal Constitution—we discover wisdom, discretion, charity and patriotism of the loftiest kind shining in all the grandeur of self sacrifice. Based upon the Declaration of Rights—it forms a superstructure, towering in sublimity above all others—radiating its heart cheering influence over our increasing millions of freemen—revered by all patriots at home—respected abroad—unrivalled in the annals of legislation.
Judge Sherman did much to remove the objections made to this important document by the people of his own and adjoining States. He demonstrated to them clearly and convinced them fully—that to effect and perpetuate theUnion, private feeling and interest must yield to public necessity to procure public good and that each State should strive to produce an equilibrium of the general government, forming a grand centre towards which it should ever tend with harmonious and fraternal gravitation—immovable as the perpetual hills.
Judge Sherman was elected a member of the first Congress under the new Constitution and resigned his judicial station which he had so long adorned with the ermine of impartiality and equal justice. His influence was beneficially felt in the national legislature. He used his noblest exertions to promote the wide spread interests of the new-fledged Republic. Traces of his magnanimous propositions and prophetic policy are upon the journals and many of them incorporated in the Acts of that period. When members differed and exhibited the leastacrimony, they were sure to find the peaceful wand of Judge Sherman fanning their heated feelings into a healthful coolness.
At the expiration of his representative term he was elected to the United States Senate of which he was a member when he closed his useful career—bade a long adieu—a final farewell to earth and its toils. He died on the 23d of July 1793 in the full enjoyment of that religion he had honored and practised and which had been a consolation and support amidst the changing scenes of his eventful pilgrimage. He had lived the life of a good man—he died calm, serene and happy. Through faith he triumphed over death and the grave and pressed upward to receive the enduring prize of unfading glory. He could approach the dread tribunal of the great Jehovah—smiling and smiled upon and enter into all the realities of heavenly bliss—enduring as the rolling ages of eternity. Thus lived and thus died Roger Sherman.
He had been a faithful public servant nearly forty years. He had participated in all the trying scenes of the Revolution—he had seen his country burst the fetters of tyranny and become a nation of freemen. He had aided in the consolidation of the general government—she was prosperous and happy. In all the important measures of the state of his adoption and of the American nation, he had acted an important part from the commencement of the French war to the time of his departure to "that country from whose bourne no traveller returns."
As a Christian he was esteemed by all denominations for his consistent piety and expansive charity. With him sectarianism was not religion—for him it had no charms. His philanthropy was broad as the human family—it reached from earth to heaven. He was familiar with the abstruse branches of theology and corresponded with several eminent divines. The Bible was his creed—not the dogmas of men.
In the history of Roger Sherman we have one of nature's sheets of purest white covered with all the sublime delineations that dignify a man and assimilate him to his Creator. His life was crowned with unfading evergreen produced by the rich soil of genuine worth and substantial merit. No ephemeral roses decked his venerable brow. A chaplet of amaranthine flowers surmounts his well earned fame. The mementos of his examples are a rich boon to posterity through all time. Whilst patriotism, religion and social order survive—the virtues of this great and good man will shine in all the majesty of light. His private character was as pure as his public career was illustrious.
Roger Sherman clearly demonstrated that man is the architect of his own fortune. By industry and perseverance in the use of books—now accessible to all, apprentices and mechanics may surmount every barrierand reach the summit of science and take their stations, with superior advantage, by the side of those who have been enervated within the walls of a college. No one in our land of intelligence is excusable for remaining under the dark mantle of ignorance. The sun of science has risen—all who will can be warmed by its genial rays. The means of acquiring knowledge are far superior to those enjoyed by Sherman and Franklin. Let their brilliant examples be imitated by Columbia's sons—our far famed Republic will then be as enduring as time. Let ignorance, corruption, ultra party spirit and fanaticism predominate—then the fair fabric of ourFreedom, reared by the valor and cemented by the blood of the Revolutionary patriots—will tremble, totter and fall. Chaos will mount the car of discord—sound the dread clarion of the dissolution of ourUnionandLibertywill expire amidst the smoking ruins of her own citadel. Forbid it patriotism—forbid it philanthropy—forbid it Almighty God! O! my country men! remember that with us is deposited the rich behest ofLiberty—let us guard it with god-like care and transmit it to our posterity in all the loveliness of native purity.
Mensometimes forsake the path designed for them by their Creator in their manner of speaking, acting and writing. They vainly strive to imitate some noble personage of a higher order by nature and cultivation than themselves and become poor specimens of the Ape. Some young men of respectable talents and acquirements—when they mount the rostrum, endeavor to imitate some orator of notoriety instead of acting out free and unvarnished nature. Originality alone gives beauty and force to eloquence in all its varied forms. Like a piece of marble under the skill of the statuary—a more systematic form may be produced by art but the native material cannot be improved in beauty by the finest art—the brightest paint. Originality must form the base or the richness is lost. No ingenuity can remould the work of nature and retain the full strength of the grand original. We should profit by the wisdom and virtues of great and good men—improve by their precepts and examples—ourmannerin public speaking, ourlanguage, ourstyleof writing—allmustbe original to render them forcible and interesting. Affectation in anything is disgusting to sensible men. It is a coin that cannot be palmed upon the discerning for genuine. Of all counterfeits this is the most readily detected. Away with this worthless trash.If you have not gold, use silver—if neither, use copper—if you have onlybrassyou need no urging to use that.
James Smith was a fine specimen of originality and pleasing eccentricity. He was born in Ireland in 1713. His father came to this country when James was a boy and settled on the west side of the Susquehanna river nearly opposite Columbia in Pennsylvania. James acquired a good classical education under Dr. Allison and retained a great partiality for authors of antiquity to the end of his life. He delighted in mathematics and became an expert surveyor. After finishing his course of study with Dr. Allison he read law in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, probably with an elder brother in that town and with Mr. Cookson. When admitted to the bar he located in the then far west near the present site of Shippensburg in Cumberland County of that state. He blended law and surveying in accordance with the desire and wants of the frontier settlers. Large tracts of valuable land were held under hasty and imperfect surveys and others were located by chamber surveys. Litigation was the natural consequence. No witness could tell more truth than the compass and protractor of Mr. Smith which were free from prejudice and partiality. Possessed of a penetrating mind he scanned future prospects and secured much valuable land. In his compound profession he had full employment. He was on the flood-tide of prosperity. Not willing to sail alone he took for his mate Eleanor Armor of Newcastle who superintended his freight and cabin stores with great skill and prudence.
Mr. Smith was original in everything. With a strong mind, an open and honest heart, a benevolent and manly disposition—he united great conviviality and amusing drollery—yet so discreet and chaste as not to offend the most modest ear. He delighted in seeing the contortions of the risible muscles which were uniformly on duty in all proper circles when James Smith was present. Whenever he came in contact with a pedant he would propound some ludicrous question to him with the utmost gravity—such as this—"Don't you remember that terrible bloody battle which Alexander fought with the Russians near the straits of Babelmandel? I think you will find the account in Thucydides or Herodotus." His memory was retentive and stored with numerous anecdotes which he sometimes related in court and often in company to amuse his friends. His manner was original beyond imitation. With all his wit and humor he held religion in great veneration and was a communicant of the church. No one that knew him dare utter one word against it in his presence, knowing that his cutting lash of keen ridicule would at once be applied. Such a mixture ofqualities are rarely blended in one man. His mind ranged with the quickness of lightning from the deep-toned logic and the profoundest thought to the eccentric ludicrous—all balanced by the equilibrium of discretion and each used at the appropriate time and place. His manner, language, style—everything which he said or did from the most trivial circumstance to the momentous concerns of the nation was purely original.
Of the affairs of his country James Smith was not an idle spectator. No man delights in liberty and independence more than an Irishman. Nor have the Irish people a warm affection for mother Britain. As oppressed as she is, no nation is more sensitive of her rights than "sweet Ireland." When British oppression showed its hydra head in the American Colonies Mr. Smith took a terrible dislike to thebasteand declared he would make fight, unless it withdrew its visible deformity at once. His heart beat high for his adopted country—he came promptly to the rescue. At that time he resided at York and was extensively engaged in iron works and pressed with professional business. He had never consented to fill public stations. Nothing but the importance of the crisis could have induced him to enter the public arena. He reasoned as did Josiah Quincy that—"We must be grossly ignorant of the importance and value of the prize for which we contend—we must be equally ignorant of the power of those who have combined against us—we must be blind to that malice, inveteracy and insatiable revenge which actuate our enemies, public and private, abroad and in our midst—to hope we shall end this controversy without the sharpest—sharpest conflicts—to flatter ourselves that popular resolves, popular harangues, popular acclamations and popular vapor will vanquish our foes. Let us consider the issue—let us look to the end."
Mr. Smith was a man who looked at the beginning and ending. He examined closely causes, effects and results. He understood human nature and knew well the pulsations of the colonists. He believed the bone and sinew of the land would never yield to the tyranny of mother Britain without a "sharp conflict." For that conflict he was prepared. He well knew that there was but little sinecure mushroom dandy stock on-hand—that the great mass was bone and sinew of the first water. He was for prompt action. A convention of delegates from each county in the state was convened to consider the course proposed by the patriots of New England when the Revolutionary storm had commenced its precursory droppings. Of this convention Mr. Smith was a prominent member and one of the committee that prepared an address to the members of the general Assembly recommending them toappoint delegates to the proposed general Congress with the following instructions which specify the grievances complained of.
"We desire you therefore—that the deputies you appoint may be instructed by you strenuously to exert themselves at the ensuing Congress to obtain a renunciation on the part of Great Britain of all the powers under the statute of 35th Henry VIII. ch 2d—of all the powers of internal legislation—of imposing duties or taxes internal or external and of regulating trade except with respect to any new articles of commerce which the Colonies may hereafter raise—as silk, wine, &c. reserving a right to carry them from one colony to another—a repeal of all statutes for quartering troops in the colonies or subjecting them to any expense on account of such troops—of all statutes imposing duties to be paid in the colonies that were passed at the accession of his present majesty or before this time, whichever period shall be judged most advisable—of the statutes giving the Courts of Admiralty in the Colonies greater power than the Courts of Admiralty in England—of the statutes of 5th George II. ch. 22d and of the 23d of George II. ch. 29th—of the statute for shutting up the Port of Boston and of every other statute particularly affecting the province of Massachusetts Bay passed in the last session of Parliament. If all the terms abovementioned cannot be obtained, it is our opinion that the measures adopted by the Congress for our relief should never be relinquished or intermitted until those relating to the troops—internal legislation—imposition of taxes or duties hereafter—the 35th of Henry VIII. ch. 2d—the extension of Admiralty Courts—the Port of Boston and the Province of Massachusetts Bay are obtained. Every modification or qualification of these points in our judgment should be inadmissible."
By these instructions, directly from the people, we can judge of the feeling that pervaded the great mass of the yeomanry at that time. By referring to the instructions given to the delegates to Congress by the general Assembly, it will be seen that royal influence pervaded that body as they contain scarcely a feature or point similar to those from the primary convention of the people. See them in the life of Ross. That the reader may more fully understand the points referred to in the instructions above copied I will explain the statutes alluded to in their order.
By the statute of 35th Henry VIII. ch. 2d a citizen of America was liable to be arrested and taken to England to be tried for high crimes. By the 5th of George II. ch. 23d the colonists were prohibited from exporting hats and hatters were limited to a specific number of apprentices—"that hatting may be better encouraged in Great Britain." Thestatute 23d George II. ch. 29th imposed similar but more numerous restrictions—the whole and the other particulars named in the instructions being in violation of the constitution of England and of the charters predicated upon it. Constitutional and charter privileges had grown sacred by long and acknowledged usage, by learned and legal construction and by numerous declaratory Acts of the British Parliament passed when sitting under the mantle of reason, justice and sound policy. So fully convinced was Mr. Smith of the true issue between the Colonies and mother Britain that on his return home he raised a company of volunteers and was elected captain by acclamation. This was the pioneer company of Pennsylvania raised for the purpose of confronting the uglybaste—tyranny. It was nine months before the bloody affair at Lexington, showing that Mr. Smith had arrived at a correct conclusion as to the true issue. He introduced thorough discipline in his new corps and imparted to every member the same patriotic fire that illuminated his own noble soul. Around this military nucleus the bone and sinew continued to rally until a regiment was raised. Mr. Smith accepted the honorary title of Colonel but imposed the active commanding duties upon a younger man. He had put the ball in motion and was gratified to see it rolling onward with increasing momentum towards the goal ofLiberty. When the time arrived for action this regiment did honor to all concerned.
Mr. Smith was a member of the next people's convention which convened at Philadelphia in January 1775. He was one of the foremost to oppose force to force and peril life for freedom. He was called anultrawhig and accused of treating the government of his most Christian majesty indecorously. His patriotism had carried him six months in advance of most of the leading men. No one could outstrip him in zeal in the cause of equal rights. His course was onward—right onward to action. For this the time soon arrived. In the spring of 1776 he was on a committee with Dr. Rush and Col. Bayard to organize a camp of 4500 troops to be raised in Pennsylvania. No man was better calculated to render efficient service in this important branch of business. The committee immediately prepared an appeal to the yeoman military which was approved by Congress and widely circulated. It was written in bold and forcible language pointing to the Independence of the Colonies as the great incentive to action. It had a powerful and salutary effect and met with a response from the people that, caused the hirelings of the crown to fly from the province like chaff before the wind. The complement of men was promptly raised.
Almost simultaneous with the promulgation of the Declaration of Independence by Congress a convention of delegates convened for the purpose of raising the arch of a republican constitution and government over the Keystone State. Of this convention Mr. Smith was a prominent member and one of the committee that prepared the Declaration of Rights. For this the committee had the guidance of a polar star that had been brought to light by the illustrious Jefferson and placed in the cerulean canopy of Liberty by the Sages of Congress a few days previous. Theultraismof Mr. Smith had become an admired quality and was surnamedpatriotismby the very persons who had misconceived it a few months previous. His zeal and worth were then properly appreciated. On the 20th of July he was elected to the Continental Congress without an intimation to him of the intended honor until he was officially notified of the fact. Being at the State convention in Philadelphia he immediately took his seat—enrolled his name with the apostles of Liberty upon the chart of freedom and then returned to the convention and essentially aided in completing the new government of the State.
Early in October he fully assumed his congressional duties. The instructions to the congressional delegates had become reversed in two short years. The first clause is worthy of special notice and should be printed in boldrelievoand placed over both chairs in Congress—there to remain through all congressional time. Read and ponder it well ye public men who think more of your personal concerns than the business of your constituents.
"The immense and irreparable injury which a free country may sustainbyand the great inconveniences which always arisefroma delay of its councils, induce us in the first place strictly to enjoin and require you to give not only aconstantbut apunctualattendance in Congress."
At the commencement of our free government the will of the people was respected and obeyed. Their public servants were not then their political masters. Committee rooms were not then diverted from their legitimate use by partisan caucuses. The halls of legislation were not then the forum of chaos, personal crimination—recrimination and unparliamentary procedure. The mantle of infantile purity was then hanging from the shoulders of those in high stations in all the beauty of tasteful drapery.Pro bono publicowas the order of the day—pro libertate patriæwas the motto of each freeman. Mr. Smith obeyed his instructions to the letter. He entered with all his might upon the work set before him. A dark gloom hung over the cause of Liberty at that time. Many of its warmest friends considered success quite problematical.At such a time the sprightliness and proverbial drollery of Mr. Smith were a talismanic antidote against despondency. Always cheerful and elastic—spicing his conversations in private and his speeches in the forum with original wit and humor—he imparted convivial life to those around him. Amidst the waves of misfortune and the breakers of disappointment—like a buoy upon the ocean, he floated above them all and pointed the mariners of Liberty to the port of Freedom. The following extract of a letter written to his wife when Congress was on the point of retreating before Gen. Howe shows that no hyppish feelings cramped the elasticity of his mind.
"If Mr. Wilson comes through York give him a flogging—he should have been here a week ago. I expect to come home before election—my three months are nearly up. General left this on Thursday—I wrote to you by Col. Kennedy."This morning I put on the red jacket under my shirt. Yesterday I dined at Mr. Morris's and got wet coming home and my shoulder got troublesome, but by running a hot smoothing iron over it three times it got better. This is a new and cheap cure. My respects to all friends and neighbors—my love to the children."I am your loving husband whilst"James Smith."Congress Chamber, 11 o'clock."
"If Mr. Wilson comes through York give him a flogging—he should have been here a week ago. I expect to come home before election—my three months are nearly up. General left this on Thursday—I wrote to you by Col. Kennedy.
"This morning I put on the red jacket under my shirt. Yesterday I dined at Mr. Morris's and got wet coming home and my shoulder got troublesome, but by running a hot smoothing iron over it three times it got better. This is a new and cheap cure. My respects to all friends and neighbors—my love to the children.
"I am your loving husband whilst
"James Smith.
"Congress Chamber, 11 o'clock."
On the 23d of November 1776 Mr. Smith was placed on the committee to devise means for reinforcing the American army and for arresting the destructive career of Gen. Howe. The powers of this committee were very properly transferred to Washington soon after. He was on the committee that laid before Congress conclusive testimony of the inhuman treatment of the American prisoners at New York. The ensuing year he declined a re-election but his constituents informed him he was public property and must be usednolens volens. He obeyed their will and continued at his post with unabated zeal and industry. When Congress was compelled to retreat to York he closed his office against his clients and placed in it the Board of War. He sacrificed all private interests that would promote the glorious cause of Liberty. In November 1778 he resigned his seat in Congress and for a season enjoyed the comforts of domestic life. Being advanced in years and having full confidence in the ability of the United States, aided by the French, to maintain Independence—formed his excuse for leaving the field of his arduous labors. In 1780 he consented to servein the State legislature. He then retired finally from the public arena. He continued to pursue his professional business successfully and profitably up to 1800 having been a member of the bar for sixty years. His eccentricity, wit and humor retained all the freshness of originality to the end of his life. He was a great admirer of the illustrious Washington. A castigation from his ironical tongue was the certain consequence to any one who spoke against religion or Washington in his presence at any time or place. Upon these two points he was very sensitive. The former he adored—the latter he revered. He corresponded regularly with Franklin and several others of the patriarch sages of '76. He had preserved a rich cabinet of letters, all of which were burnt with his office about a year before his death.
Surrounded by an affectionate family and a large circle of ardent friends—this happy son of Erin glided smoothly down the stream of time until the 11th day of July 1806 when his frail bark was anchored in the bay of death—his immortal spirit in the haven of bliss. In life he was useful—in death happy. In life he was loved and honored—in death his loss was deeply mourned. His exit from earth left a blank not readily filled. His public and private character were unsullied by a spot or wrinkle. When living he was the life of every circle in which he moved—no one who knew him could forget him when dead. Ennui could not live in his presence. He was warm hearted, kind, affectionate and a friend to the poor. He never entertained malice. He used his opponents much as a playful kitten does a mouse—teasing without a desire to hurt them—a propensity that rendered him more formidable than a knight of the sword and pistols. Such pure originals as James Smith are like the inimitable paintings of the ancient artists—few in market and hard to be copied.
Ingratitudeis the extract of baseness, the essence of blackness, the ergot of meanness, a concentrated poison, the spawn of a demon—the fuel of Pandemonium. Its breath is pestilence, its touch is palsy. Of all the vile acts of man towards man none throw such a freezing chill over the whole body and drive back the rushing blood upon the aching heart like base and damning ingratitude. Indifference continued, coldness persevered in, favors forgotten, friendship unrequited and sometimes cruel abuse—from one who has been the willing recipient of our love, bounty and voluntary aid—brings a palsying horror over the soul that thickensthe purple current in the veins making the head sick and the heart faint.
A nation may be ungrateful as well as an individual. Thus it was with England towards the American Colonies. In addition to contributing to the support of the home government of the mother country, much blood and treasure were expended by the Americans in conquering Canada for the special benefit of Great Britain. It was owned by the French who were long the common enemy of the English. Immediately after that conquest the most ungrateful and unjust oppression was commenced by the ministry of England upon her Colonies here. To cap the climax—the very Indians the Americans had conquered and made allegiant to the mother country—that cruel mother employed to murder and scalp those who had aided her. A premium was given forscalps—not forprisoners.
Among those who essentially aided in the conquest of the Canadas was John Stark, born in Londonderry, New Hampshire, on the 25th of August 1728 O. S. When John was but eight years of age his father removed to what is now called Manchester. Clearing land and an occasional hunting or fishing excursion with his father was the business of John in early life. In this manner the tide of time carried him along until the 28th of April 1752 when he was taken prisoner by the St. Francois Indians. He left home with two others to visit their beaver traps and at the time of his capture was separated from them. The savages ordered him to lead them to his companions which he pretended to do but led them two miles in the opposite direction. Their position was discovered by the discharge of their guns to call Stark to them. The Indians proceeded below where their boat was moored and ordered Stark to hail them when they approached. He did so and told them to escape to the opposite shore. They attempted to do so—one of them was immediately shot and killed—the other Stark saved by snatching the gun from the Indian who aimed at him for which he was most cruelly treated. His companion was then taken prisoner. In about six weeks they were ransomed and restored to their anxious friends. Thus ended his first lesson in the school of peril.
In the winter of 1753 the Court of New Hampshire sent an exploring expedition into Coos County and employed young Stark as pilot to the company. He performed his undertaking to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. In 1754 a party was sent to the upper part of this county to learn if the French were erecting a fortification—if so, the reason why. Stark was again employed as conductor and led the expedition upon the track he travelled when a prisoner. On the commencement of hostilitieswith the French and Indians in 1755 he was commissioned a Lieutenant under Captain Rodgers whose boldness and enterprise were in unison with those of Stark. They speedily raised a company of brave hardy men and were ordered to join the regiment at Fort Edward. They arrived shortly after Sir William Johnson was attacked by the French and Indians near Bloody Pond. In the fall the troops returned to their homes. In the winter of 1756 a corps of rangers was raised to protect the frontier settlements. Rodgers and Stark were put in command and repaired to Fort Edward in April with their company. Nothing worthy of note occurred until the winter of 1757 when this company and two others were ordered to seize the supplies on the way from Crown Point to Ticonderoga. The Colonial troops had taken a few sleighs and were on their way to Fort George when they were furiously attacked by the combined force of the French and Indians. A desperate and bloody battle was fought—Captain Spickman was killed and Captain Rodgers severely wounded. The entire command then devolved upon Lieut. Stark. Being overpowered by numbers he ordered a retreat. With the coolness and skill of an experienced veteran he drew off his men keeping the enemy at a respectful distance by a well directed fire when too closely pressed. He brought away all his wounded men and had them conveyed in sleighs to Fort George. He was at once elected to fill the place of Captain Spickman. The next spring he was ordered to New York where he suffered severely from the small pox and was unfit for duty until the next autumn when he returned and wintered at Fort Edward.
In 1758 Gen. Abercrombie planned an attack upon Ticonderoga. The rangers under Major Rodgers were sent forward to reconnoitre the enemy and make way for the main body of troops. The evening previous to that fatal attack the Major received orders to carry the bridge between Lake George and the plains of Tie early the next morning. On the approach of the rangers the French and Indians were assembled in force to dispute their passage. A halt was made—Capt. Stark advised the Major to advance rapidly by which means the bridge was cleared instantly. During the whole of that sanguinary action no officer manifested more cool and determined bravery than Capt. Stark. The Colonial troops were defeated which ended that campaign. It was an unfortunate affair inspiring the Indians with boldness in their career of predatory warfare.
Early in 1759 Capt. Stark obtained leave of absence and hastened to his fond parents and friends. Above all he consummated his plighted vows to Elizabeth Page who he promptly led to the hymeneal altar inthe good old fashioned way. The tables were covered with spare-ribs, baked pork and beans, pumpkin pies, short cake, gingerbread and dough-nuts. Smiling faces, hearty kisses and good wishes had free course and were not cramped into nonentity by modern etiquette. Imported refinement has been frittering away the richest enjoyments of American life for the last fifty years.
The ensuing spring he repaired to his post in the army and added to his military fame in the reduction of Crown Point and Tie. He served to the end of the French war and saw the English standard wave triumphantly over the Canadas. His bravery forced unqualified applause from his superiors who were subsequently compelled to witness a new edition of his military tactics fresh from the font of liberty.
At the consummation of the conquest of the Canadas he retired to the bosom of his family where he drank deeply of the untold joys of domestic felicity until British tyranny roused him to action in a nobler cause. He had fought in the army of the mother country until her most hated enemy had been conquered on the heights of Abraham. He had been her faithful subject but was not willing to become her slave. He boldly opposed the usurpations of the crown and kindled the fire of patriotism in all around him who had courage to be free. He was prudent but firm as the granite rock. He hoped for the best—prepared for the worst. He delighted in the sunshine of peace but held himself ready to meet the fury of the impending storm should it burst upon his beloved country. He pointed his neighbors to the dark clouds as they rose higher and blacker and urged them to prepare for the approaching crisis. Soon American blood stained the heights of Lexington—the cry—to arms! to arms!—rent the air and was carried, as on wings of mighty wind, to the remotest bounds of the down-trodden colonies.
On the reception of this heart-rending news Capt. Stark mounted his horse and hastened to the scene of action. On his way he imparted patriotic fire to those he met urging them to rally at Medford where he would meet them on his return. Large numbers assembled there with their rusty muskets, powder-horns and slugs. By acclamation he was made their leader with the rank of Colonel aided by Lieut. Col. Wyman and Maj. McClary. Ten large companies promptly rallied around him with hearts beating high for their injured bleeding country. The necessary discipline was introduced—all were anxious to learn military tactics. Shortly after the organization of his regiment Col. Stark was ordered by Gen. Ward to examine Noodle's Island for the purpose of locating a battery. With two other officers he repaired to the placedesignated and returned under a brisk but harmless fire from a British boat in close pursuit. At the battle of Bunker's Hill his regiment seemed invincible. Unbroken and undismayed—his brave soldiers repelled the repeated attacks of the enemy with dreadful slaughter. When ordered to retreat his men reluctantly obeyed the command.
In the service of enlisting troops and obtaining supplies for the army Col. Stark had no superior. His influence was broad and commanding. When Boston was evacuated he marched his regiment to New York to aid in erecting fortifications. The ensuing May he was ordered to Canada. In June he met his troops at St. Johns and proceeded to the mouth of the Sorrel. The unfortunate expedition to Three Rivers was undertaken contrary to his advice. At Chamblee he and his men rendered essential service to the troops at that place then suffering under the small-pox. From there he crossed over to Chimney Point and encamped. When ordered to Ticonderoga by Gen. Schuyler he drew up a formal remonstrance assigning his specific objections and correctly pointed out the disasters that must and did render the expedition abortive. On presenting his views to the General he obeyed the order. When Gen. Gates took command of the northern army he placed Col. Stark over a brigade. Towards the close of that campaign Congress was led into the error of raising several younger Colonels to Brigadiers—a violation of common justice—a source of discord in the army. About the same time Col. Stark marched into Pennsylvania and joined Washington a few days before the battle of Trenton. So poorly shod and disheartened were the soldiers that then composed the mere nucleus of the American army, that they melted the snow with gushing blood from their feet and scalding tears from their eyes. At the battle of Trenton Col. Stark led the vanguard and contributed largely towards obtaining the most important victory of the Revolution. At Princeton he was equally efficient. On retiring to winter quarters at Morristown Washington despatched him to his native state to raise recruits and supplies. In April he was surprised to learn that a new roll of promotions had been made out and his name omitted. He was too patriotic to complain—too high-minded to submit to such ingratitude. He surrendered his commission and retired to his farm—still urging every man to action in the cause of Liberty.
When New Hampshire was called upon to furnish men to oppose the onward march of Burgoyne Gen. Stark was urged to take command of her troops. He informed the Council he was willing to lead the troops where duty called but would not place himself under any power but that of his own state. His terms were promptly accepted. Thebrave Stark was immediately under way with an independent corps of dauntless soldiers who were ready to followhimthrough storms of iron hail and British thunder. He encamped at Bennington, Vermont, where he was waited upon by Maj. Gen. Lincoln who had orders to conduct the New Hampshire troops toheadquarters. The Maj. Gen. found himself in the wrong box and returned to Gen. Gates who complained to Congress and Washington that Gen. Stark was bent on fighting upon his own hook which he was permitted to do with great effect. Apprised of this apparent discord Burgoyne despatched Col. Baum to cut off the Americans by detail. Gen. Stark determined to give the illustrious visitant a warm reception. On the 13th of August 1777 Baum encamped on an eminence near the town and erected a breastwork of logs—his ardor for a sudden attack having abated. Early the next morning Gen. Stark formed his troops into two divisions of attack and a reserve. The two divisions advanced upon the front and rear of the enemy at the same time and drove them so rapidly upon the reserve that many were killed and most of the balance taken prisoners. In a short time a formidable reinforcement approached from the British army ready to snatch the laurels of victory from the Americans. At that critical moment Col. Warner advanced with his bold Green Mountain boys and kept a far superior number at bay until Gen. Stark could bring all his men into action that could be spared from guarding the prisoners. The red coats were routed and were so generous as to leave their artillery for the use of the patriots. A considerable number of prisoners were taken in the second engagement—the mantle of night saved many more from the same fate. As Gen. Burgoyne advanced, Gen. Stark retired to the vicinity of the American army to take part in a general engagement which he saw must soon occur.
On the 15th September his term of service expired when he returned home with his troops. He immediately reported himself to the council and urged the necessity of sending new recruits at once to aid in capturing the British army. In a few days he joined Gen. Gates with a stronger force than before. He was in favor of a bold movement and placed his troops in the rear to cut off all communication with Lake George. The surrender of Gen. Burgoyne took place soon after when Gen. Stark returned home with his troops. Shortly after his return Congress commissioned him to prepare an expedition against Canada making his head quarters at Albany, New York. He performed the duties assigned him with promptness and fidelity. The project was abandoned and he permitted to return to his family. Early in 1778 he was put in command of the northern departmentwhich was in a chaotic condition—with but few troops to protect an extensive frontier—a combination of tories, peculators, defaulters and reckless speculators around him—all tending to render his situation unpleasant and embarrassing. He commenced a rigid reform and continued in the vigorous discharge of his duty until October when he joined Gen. Gates in Rhode Island where he continued until the close of that campaign. During the ensuing winter he was engaged in raising recruits and supplies for the army. The next spring he was stationed in Rhode Island to attend to any calls that might be made by the enemy and received all their visiting parties with such marked promptitude and attention that they took final leave in November. About this time he was ordered to join Gen. Washington in New Jersey with such troops as could be spared from the garrison. The campaign closed without the anticipated battle and Gen. Stark was put upon his usual winter service of obtaining recruits and supplies for the army. Early in the ensuing May he joined Washington at Morristown and was in the battle of the Short Hills. Gen. Washington found it necessary to send him back to New England to obtain more recruits and supplies and concentrate them at West Point. This duty he performed nobly and successfully. He then repaired to his troops at the Liberty Pole in New Jersey. In September he joined Gen. St. Clair. Shortly after that he was ordered to advance near York Island with 2500 men and a large train of wagons and secure all the grain and forage possible and remain their for further orders. He was completely successful, returning to West Point with a large supply of necessaries for the army. On his return he was reduced very low by sickness which rendered him unfit for duty until the next spring when he was put in command of the northern department. He found it in a worse condition than when he took charge of it previously. Tories, spies, traitors and robbers were acting in concert with the enemy in Canada. Energetic measures were required and adopted. A military post was established at Saratoga. A leader of the plunderers was arrested and his company secured. A British Lieutenant's commission was found upon his person—he was tried by a court martial—condemned as a spy and hung the next day. His friends were threatening and noisy—a copy of the proceedings was sent to Washington—received his unqualified approbation and placed Gen. Stark in a position to restore the department to a healthy tone. He continued at that station until after the surrender of Cornwallis when he returned to his native state for the winter to raise recruits and supplies. It is believed Gen. Stark did more in this service than any one individual during the Revolution.Deservedly popular, a patriot of the first water, an officer of cool undaunted bravery and great skill—he exerted a large and salutary influence. He was very successful during the winter and reported himself to Gen. Washington early in April—receiving the hearty thanks of the commander-in-chief for his faithful services during the struggle for freedom. At West Point he closed his long and useful military career—took an affectionate leave of his companions in arms—urged upon his troops the propriety of returning to their homes in peaceful and dignified order and of preserving pure and untarnished the rich laurels that decked their manly brows. He was greeted with enthusiastic applause and tears of affection unknown to the present era. He returned to the warm embrace of his dear family and bid a last farewell to public life. His advice was often asked and wisely imparted in public affairs. Quietly and happily he passed down the current of time until the 8th day of May 1822 when his frail bark of earth was moored in the port of death—his immortal spirit in the haven of eternal rest.
In all the private relations of life Gen. Stark was pure beyond all suspicion. He was worthy, virtuous, amiable and honest in the fullest sense of these terms. In reviewing his life we are carried back to that eventful era when the pilgrim fathers held their lives by a slender tenure amidst the red men of the wilderness that they might enjoy that liberty of conscience which is the inalienable gift of God. If all could but faintly realize the value of the blood and treasure that our Liberty cost—the reckless party spirit that is now stripping that Liberty of its richest foliage, would be banished from the heart of every reflecting man—patriotism would revive like drooping plants after a summer shower—demagogues would find their proper level and disorganizers have permission to stay at home or make an excursion up salt river. Then we might more fondly hope for the perpetuity of our glorious UNION—the preservation of thatFreedomwhich has been sacredly transmitted to our care.
Discretionis wisdom put in practice. It is the development of a sound judgment and good heart. It seeks a happy equilibrium in all things—aims at pure happiness in time and futurity—seeks to accomplish noble ends by honorable means—shuns every appearance of evil—meets the ills flesh is heir to with Christian fortitude and resignation.It applies the touch stone of plain common sense and Revelation to everything. The discreet man discerns what is clearly right and has moral courage and energy to pursue it. He is cool, deliberate, resolute, strong, efficient. He practices economy without parsimony, benevolence without ostentation, sincerity without dissimulation, goodness without affectation, religion without hypocrisy, power without abuse.
Parents should teach this sterling virtue to their children by precept and example. Teachers should enforce it upon their pupils as the helm of human action. It should be the bright morning star in the political arena—legislative halls—cabinet—executive chamber—international intercourse—courts of justice—seminaries of learning—pulpit—social meetings—domestic circle—family government—juvenile nursery—in short—discretion should regulate all our conduct for time and eternity.
So thought and so acted Richard Stockton, born near Princeton, New Jersey, in October 1730. His great grandfather of the same name came from England in 1670—purchased some 7000 acres of land near Princeton and in 1682 effected the first European settlement made in that part of the Province. On this estate the Stockton family continued to reside happily until driven off by the army of Lord Howe.
Under the instruction of the celebrated Rev. Dr. Samuel Finley, Principal of West Nottingham Academy in Maryland, the talents of Richard were rapidly and strongly developed in early youth. From that seminary he went to the college at Princeton and graduated at the first annual commencement of Nassau Hall in 1748. At the age of eighteen he commenced the study of law under David Ogden then at the head of the New Jersey bar. He studied closely for six years when he was admitted fully prepared for the practice of law. How different the course of law students now. Two years of superficial study is deemed a hardship by some young men. A mere smattering of the elementary principles is imprinted on theirmemoriesnot on theirunderstandings. A collegiate diploma and influential friends are thrown into the dangerous breach, a slight examination is made—the youngmennot the younglawyers, are admitted to the bar, fully prepared to create litigation and lead their clients into the vortex of error and trouble—perhaps ruin them.
Not so with Mr. Stockton. Years of toil had prepared him to become a safe and judicious adviser. He could clearly discern the right and wrong between litigants—then kindly enforce the one and correct the other by sound reasoning and a lucid exposition of the principles of law and equity applicable to the case. Such lawyers are peace makers—a blessing in community. The reverse are cancers uponsociety—an annoyance to courts the sepulchres of their clients' money—living nuisances in the commoving mass.
Mr. Stockton opened an office at his paternal mansion and rose rapidly to the zenith of professional eminence. His fame expanded so widely that he was frequently employed to try important suits in other colonies. In 1763 he was honored with the degree of Sergeant at Law. In 1766, he closed his professional career richly rewarded for his faithful and arduous labors. He committed the settlement of his business and his practice to Elias Boudinot who had married his sister and who was well qualified to follow in the steps of his illustrious predecessor.
Anxious to further enrich his mind, in June of that year he embarked for Europe and arrived safely at London. His legal fame had been spread in that country—his visit was anticipated and he was received by the dignitaries of England with marked attention. He was presented at the Court of St. James by one of the Cabinet members and delivered to the King an address from the College of New Jersey, expressive of their joy at the repeal of the peace disturbing Stamp Act.
During his stay in Europe he rendered lasting service to this college by inducing Dr. Witherspoon to become its President pursuant to his recent election to that station—adding another brilliant star to the list of high minded talented patriots who nobly conceived, boldly prosecuted and gloriously consummated the emancipation of the colonies. During his visit he communicated freely with the statesmen of England who were friendly to the cause of constitutional rights and confirmed them more strongly in favor of the Americans.
In February following he visited Edinburgh where he received the kindest attention from those in commission who gave him the freedom of the city and a magnificent public dinner at which he delivered an eloquent and thrilling speech—fully sustaining his reported forensic fame—more than realizing their most sanguine anticipations. His company was courted by the most scientific of that ancient seat of learning. He was made the honored and welcome guest of every nobleman on whom he could call.
He also visited Dublin and received the hearty Irish welcome so characteristic of that warm hearted nation. The oppressed situation of that down trodden people convinced him more strongly of the fate that awaited his native country if she yielded to the imperious and humiliating demands of the British ministry. His noble resolves were then and there made—he was prepared for future action.
Mr. Stockton was surprised to find so few in England who understood the situation and character of the Americans—the English were astonished to find so great a man from the western wilderness. Misapprehension often produces disastrous consequences to individuals and nations. The comprehensive mind of this philanthropist readily saw the result of this ignorance of the people of the mother country relative to the colonists and embraced every opportunity to dispel this dark mist that hung over the land of his ancestors like the mantle of night. With many he succeeded—but when those who wield the destiny of a nation are wading in corruption—breathing the atmosphere of tyranny—influenced by sordid avarice—thirsting for a stretch of power—delighting in cruelly and oppression—they dethrone reason—would dethrone Jehovah if they could—defy justice—trample on constitutions and laws—stop at nothing to accomplish their demoniac purposes. Thus acted the British ministers when they turned a deaf ear to the petitions and remonstrances of the Americans and the wise counsels and warning voices of the ablest statesmen in their Parliament. With untiring industry and determined perseverance they wove the web of our Independence and gave it an enduring and beautiful texture before unknown.
The mind of Mr. Stockton was enriched and embellished by his varied intercourse with the great men of the United Kingdom. He had listened to the forensic eloquence and powerful arguments of Blackstone and the other celebrated pleaders in Westminster Hall. He had treasured his mind with the clear and erudite decisions of the learned judges who then graced the English bench. He had witnessed the enrapturing rhetoric of Chatham—the logical genius of Burke—the fascinating manners of Chesterfield and saw Garrick on the flood tide of his glory.
After an absence of a little over a year he embarked for home and arrived in September 1767. He was received with demonstrations of the liveliest joy by his fellow citizens and with great kindness and affection by his relatives.
In consequence of the high opinion of his talents entertained by the king he appointed him to a seat in the Supreme Judiciary and Executive Council in 1769. In 1774 he was appointed an associate judge of the Supreme Court with David Ogden his law preceptor. Two better judges could not have been selected for the people—but to the king they ultimately became as obnoxious as a crown of thorns and plume of thistles.
The revolutionary storm was gathering. Dark clouds were rolling into a conglomerated mass. An awful crisis had arrived. The flames of revenge were spreading like fire on a prairie in autumn. Mr. Stockton was a favorite of the crown. It became necessary for him to choose whom he would serve. The immense influence he wielded made his decision of great importance to the king and Colonies. Now came the test of patriotism. Sordid self and inflated aristocracy could have had no difficulty in deciding. Nor had he, but came to a very different conclusion from most of the crown officers. He knew much of the mother country—he knew and loved his own better. The pomp of kings and pageantry of courts had no charms for him. He was a republican, a patriot, a friend ofLiberty. In her cause he promptly enlisted—under her banner he took his stand willing to sacrifice kingly favor, property and life in defence of the sacred rights of his bleeding injured country. He carried with him his friend, Rev. Dr. Witherspoon, both of whom were elected to the Continental Congress in June 1776, just in time to immortalize their names by recording them on the Magna Charta of our rights. Mr. Stockton was among its boldest advocates, brandishing the amputating knife fearlessly in public and private circles. Nor did he stand alone. The members of that body soon acquired the art of cuttingfiveandsix. They forged and finished a blade, pure as Damascus steel and placed it in the hands of their proscribed President. At one bold stroke the cords of parental authority were cut asunder. America was redeemed, regenerated and free.Libertydipped her golden pen in the cerulean font ofjusticeand recorded the names of thefifty-sevenupon the shining tablet of enduring fame. Heaven smiled its approbation—angels shouted for joy—nations gazed with admiring wonder—every patriot responded a loud—Amen!!!
The rich store of information, matured experience, soaring talent and enrapturing eloquence of Mr. Stockton—rendered him one of the most useful members of that Congress. His acute knowledge of law, political economy, human nature, chartered rights and of men and things—commanded the respect and esteem of all his colleagues. He performed every duty with zeal, industry and integrity. In the autumn of 1776 he was sent with George Clymer to inspect the northern army, with power to supply its wants and correct any existing abuses. In the able discharge of this duty they had the approbation of Congress and the army.
Soon after his return Mr. Stockton was called to remove his family to save his wife and children from the proverbial brutality of the approaching enemy. In the effort to do this he was taken prisoner and in the most inhuman manner taken to New York and consigned to the common prison. He was deprived of every comfort—kept twenty-four hours without any provision and then received a coarse and scantysupply—the British violating the laws of humanity—of nations and all rules of civilized warfare. This base treatment impaired his health and laid the foundation of disease that hastened his death. His capture was effected by the information of a Tory who was subsequently indicted and punished for his perfidy.
This abuse of one of its members roused the indignation of Congress. Gen. Washington was directed to send a flag of truce to Gen. Howe and through great exertions finally obtained the release of Mr. Stockton. Simultaneous with his capture the demoniac enemy committed to the flames his extensive library, papers and everything combustible—leaving his highly ornamented plantation a blackened waste.
Oppressed by want and disease he was unable again to take his seat in Congress but continued to be a consulted counsellor in public affairs at his residence near Princeton. His opinions had great weight and proved a national blessing. Among his complicated diseases he had a painful cancer upon his neck. He endured his severe affliction with Christian fortitude up to the 28th of February 1781 when death relieved him from pain and consigned him to the peaceful kingdom of the dead. At his exit to the world of spirits many warm hearts were sad—thousands dropped the sympathetic tear—our nation mourned the loss of a valued son.
Thus prematurely closed the brilliant career of one of the bright luminaries of that eventful period. His science and knowledge were unusually extensive. He was the first Chief Justice of his state under the new constitution. He acquitted himself nobly in all the relations of life—lawyer, judge, statesman, patriot, gentleman, citizen, friend, husband, father, Christian and man. He was an ornament to society—an honor to his country and a blessing to mankind.