Sages and Heroes of the American Revolution Part 13

Previous to the American Revolution Governor Hopkins had incurred the displeasure of the British ministry by licensing vessels from his province to trade with the French and Spanish Colonies. In this he did not violate the const.i.tution or any law of England. He continued to grant the privilege regardless of the authority illegally a.s.sumed by Great Britain to direct the local concerns of the Colony. He had long been convinced that the mother country cared more for the _fleece_ than the _flock_ she claimed in America which had been often left to contend alone against a merciless foe. With such convictions on his mind, a republican to the core and valuing liberty above life--he was prepared to resist the first scintillations of the unconst.i.tutional claims made by corrupt and corrupting ministers. When the Stamp Act was pa.s.sed his voice and pen were arrayed against it. He showed clearly that this and other Acts of parliament had no foundation in justice and were in violation of the British const.i.tution.

In 1772 the mountain waves of local party spirit having subsided in Rhode Island and its effervescence calmed by the absorbing question of British oppression Mr. Hopkins again took his seat in the a.s.sembly and was continued for three years. In 1774 this patriarch statesman was elected to the Continental Congress and entered with a calm determined zeal upon the responsible duties of that august Convention. The same year he proposed and obtained the pa.s.sage of a bill prohibiting the slave trade in his Colony which greatly incensed the crown officers. To show that he strongly felt what he earnestly advocated--he emanc.i.p.ated all his negroes--the descendants of whom still reside in Providence. He had incorporated their freedom in his will dated some time previous.

In 1775 he was appointed Chief Justice of his Colony--was a member of her a.s.sembly and member of Congress. The ensuing year he was one of the immortalized band of patriots by whose exertions a nation was born in a day and who signed and delivered the certificate of legitimacy to their grateful const.i.tuency. The same year he was President of the board of commissioners of the New England States who convened at Providence to devise plans for the promotion of the glorious cause of freedom. The next year he presided over a similar board at Springfield, Ma.s.s. In 1778 he was a member of Congress for the last time. The next year he closed his long, useful and arduous public career in the a.s.sembly of his native state and retired crowned with the rich foliage of unfading honors--the growth of near half a century. The pure escutcheon of his public fame and private worth was without a spot to obscure its brilliant l.u.s.tre. As a munic.i.p.al officer, judge on the bench, legislator, Chief Magistrate of the Colony and member of the Continental Congress--he discharged his duties faithfully, honestly and ably--with an eye single to the glory of his country.

As a public speaker Mr. Hopkins made no pretensions to elocution but was ever listened to with profound attention. His reasoning was strong--always to the point and his speeches short. His was a vigorous, clear, inquiring, a.n.a.lyzing mind, that surmounted every barrier with the same fort.i.tude, energy and determined resolution that carried Bonaparte over the Alps, Roger Sherman to the pinnacle of fame, Franklin to the summit of science. He was a laborious and extensive leader and a friend to education. He was the princ.i.p.al founder of the Providence library in 1750 and when it was destroyed by fire in 1760--contributed largely towards the purchase of a new supply of books. He was the father of the free school system still in successful operation in Rhode Island. He was a friend to unshackled religion--breathing charity for all whose deportment gave them the impress of divine grace--the only genuine touchstone of true piety. He admired most the creed of the Society of Friends who frequently held meetings at his house. All gospel ministers were made welcome to his hospitable mansion which many called the ministers tavern. He was plain in everything and deprecated pomp and vain show in others.

In addition to his multifarious public duties he was extensively engaged in agriculture, manufactures and commerce. He was a systematic and thorough business man--scrupulously honest, honorable and liberal. He never became wealthy but enjoyed a competence through life. He was repeatedly placed in the crucible of domestic affliction. Of the seven children by his first wife not one survived him. One son was murdered by the Indians, another died in Spain--the youngest, who was the fourth sea captain of the brothers, was presumed to have been lost at sea as his vessel was never heard from after leaving the port of Providence.

The eventful career of patriarch Hopkins was closed on the 13th of July 1785 after enduring the course of a lingering fever with the same calm fort.i.tude that had marked his whole life. He had lived respected and esteemed--he died peaceful and happy. To the last moments of his life he retained full possession of his mental powers and approached the confines of eternity with a seraphic smile that augured heaven. He had long labored under physical infirmities of a nervous nature. For many years it had been difficult for him to write his name in consequence of an attack of paralysis. His ashes rest peacefully in the city of Providence in his native state. His death produced a mournful sensation over the whole country.

In the relations of husband, father, kinsman, friend, gentleman, citizen, benefactor, philanthropist, neighbor and Christian--this public spirited man and pure patriot was a model of human excellence. By the force of his own exertions be made himself one of the most useful men on record in our history. Let us all imitate his bright examples that we may do our duty in life, be triumphant in death and happy through the rolling ages of eternity.

FRANCIS HOPKINSON.

Wit and wisdom are seldom both prominently developed in the same person.

Wit serves to amuse or exhilarate but rarely produces useful reflection or an improvement of mind. It is emphatically a plume and exposes the head it ornaments to many an arrow from the bow of revenge. Wit makes many conquests but no willing subjects. It produces many _bon mots_ and but few wise sayings. It is an undefined and undefinable propensity--more to be admired than coveted--more ornamental than useful--more volatile than solid--a dangerous sharp edge tool--like a coquette, pleasing company for the time being but not desirable for a life companion.

Rare instances have occurred where the sage, statesman, philosopher and wit have been combined in the same person. Sheridan was such a man and in our own country Francis Hopkinson was the American Sheridan. He was the son of Thomas Hopkinson of Philadelphia, born in that city in 1737.

His father was a man of superior attainments--his mother one of the best, and most intelligent matrons of that age. His father died in 1751 and left the widowed mother with limited means to struggle with all the acc.u.mulating difficulties of raising and educating a large family of children.

Under her guidance and instruction young Francis improved rapidly in his education and exhibited a bright and promising intellect. To advance the interests of her children she confined herself to the absolute necessaries of life. Being devotedly pious, she took peculiar care in planting deeply in their tender minds the pure principles of virtue and cautiously guarding them against all the avenues of vice, the portals of which are ever open. She taught them the design of their creation--the duty they owed to G.o.d and their fellow men and that to be truly happy they must be truly good. With this foundation firmly laid, she placed this son in the University of Pennsylvania where he graduated at an early age and commenced the study of law under Benjamin Chew. He was a close student and made rapid advances in legal acquirements. He possessed a brilliant and flowing fancy, a lively imagination and captivating manners. Although ardently attached to the solid sciences he was fond of polite literature, poetry, music and painting. He excelled in humorous satire, keen as that of Swift and Sheridan. Fortunately these combined talents were brought into extensive usefulness.

In 1765 he visited London where he continued two years making the acquaintance of the leading men of that metropolis and learning the political aspect and designs of the ministers toward his native country.

He added largely to the fund of knowledge before acquired and came home prepared to work.

Soon after his return he married the accomplished Ann Borden of Bordentown N. J. thus fulfilling an important part of the design of his creation. He also appreciated the value of the inst.i.tution he had honored and the joys of connubial felicity. In rearing his children he took the system that had been so successfully adopted by his venerable mother whose instructions were fresh upon his memory. He could adopt no better plan or find a more perfect model to imitate. For a time the cares and pleasures of his family and his professional business engrossed his attention. A crisis soon arrived that arrested this translucent stream of happiness. The oppressions of the mother country had become alarming. Agitation had commenced among the people. The best services of every patriot were needed. His were promptly and efficiently rendered. It was for him to do much in opening the eyes of the great ma.s.s to a just sense of their violated rights. This he did by various publications written in a style so humorous and fascinating as to be generally read. He painted the injustice of the crown and the insults of its hireling officers in vivid colors. His Pretty Story--his Letters to James Rivington--his Epistle to Lord Howe--his two Letters by a Tory--his translation of a Letter written by a Foreigner--his Political Catechism and the New Roof--were all productions of taste and merit.

They were of vast importance in rousing the people to a vindication of their rights--the achievement of their Independence.

During the administration of Gov. d.i.c.kinson, political dissensions and party spirit rolled their mountain waves over Pennsylvania threatening to destroy the fair fabric of her new government. The pen of Mr.

Hopkinson was instrumental in restoring order. In an essay called--"A full and true Account of a violent Uproar which lately happened in a very Eminent Family"--he exposed the factious partisans to such keen and severe ridicule that they threw down the weapons of rebellion sooner than if a thousand bayonets had been pointed at their b.r.e.a.s.t.s.

He was among the first delegates elected to the Continental Congress and fearlessly recorded his name on the Declaration of Rights that has proved a consolation to the sons of FREEDOM--a Boanerges to the enemies of LIBERTY. Always cheerful and sprightly, he contributed much towards dispelling the gloom that often pervaded the minds of his colleagues amidst disaster and defeat. He knew their cause was righteous--he believed Heaven would crown it with ultimate success and triumphant victory. His personal sacrifices had been many--still he was ever cheerful and illuminated all around him with flashes of the most brilliant wit. At the commencement of the struggle he held a lucrative situation in the Loan Office under the crown and was a favorite of the king--but the king was not a favorite of his--he promptly severed the connection. With all his wit and humor he was firm as a Herculus. With the fancy of a poet he united the soundness of a sage--with the wit of a humorist he united the sagacity of a politician.

He succeeded George Ross as Judge of the Admiralty Court and was subsequently Judge of the U. S. District Court in Philadelphia. He was highly esteemed for his judicial knowledge, impartial justice and correct decisions. He filled every station in which he was placed with credit and dignity. His frequent essays continued to do much towards correcting the morals of society by ridiculing its evils and abuses.

Guided by a sound discretion, sarcasm and satire are the most powerful weapons wielded by man. Their smart upon the mind is like cantharides on the skin but often requires something more than a cabbage leaf and cerate to heal it. The wit of Mr. Hopkinson was of a n.o.ble cast flowing from a rich and chaste imagination--never violating the rules of propriety--always confined within the pale of modesty but keen as a finely finished rapier. He was an admirer of sound common sense and a zealous advocate of Common School education. He properly appreciated the bone and sinew of our country and knew well that the perpetuity of our Liberty depends more upon the general diffusion of _useful_ knowledge fit for _every_ day use in the ever varying business concerns of life than upon the high toned literature of colleges and universities. He admired the industrious mechanic--he esteemed the honest farmer. In the yoemanry of the soil and inmates of the shops he recognized the defenders of our country.

The useful career of Judge Hopkinson was closed prematurely by an apoplectic fit on the 9th of May 1791. He left a widow, two sons and three daughters to mourn his untimely end and their irreparable loss. He was amiable and urbane in his manners--open and generous in his feelings--n.o.ble and liberal in his views--charitable and benevolent in his purposes--an agreeable and pleasant companion--a kind and faithful husband--an affectionate and tender parent--a stern and inflexible patriot--a consistent and active citizen--a useful and honest man. He was like some rare flowers--while their beauty pleases their medicinal qualities are of great value. In the hands of such men our UNION can be preserved.

WILLIAM HOOPER.

An astute writer has beautifully observed--"If the sea was ink, the trees pens and the earth parchment, they would not be sufficient to write down all the praises due to G.o.d for Liberty." How few there are in our wide spread Republic who realize the truth of this sublime sentiment. How few among the directors of the destiny of our nation who make the law of G.o.d the beginning of wisdom. This apothegm is based upon reason, justice and sound philosophy. No sophistry can controvert it--no casuistry entangle it. To shun all wrong and practise all right is the great _desideratum_ of earthly bliss. Vice is crowned with thorns and plumed with thistles. All the evil pa.s.sions are a laboratory for the manufacture of the miseries of human life. The futile pleasures of earth-vanity, vain glory--the whole category may be richly cl.u.s.tered with blossoms but bear no nutritious fruit. We must look to the great Author of all good for substantial enjoyment. We must implicitly obey his laws to be truly wise. The greatest men who have ever graced the stage of action fully recognized the power and feared to offend the great Jehovah. The Sages and Heroes of the American Revolution were constantly under the influence of this salutary principle. This is inferred from their writings, examples and the proceedings of the Continental Congress. Days of humiliation and prayer were frequently fixed and recommended by legislative proclamation by the general government and by the states.

Among those of the sages who appear to have lived in the fear of G.o.d was William Hooper, born at Boston, Ma.s.sachusetts, on the 17th of June 1742.

He was the son of the Rev. William Hooper who came from Kelso, south of Scotland and was for many years pastor of Trinity Church in Boston. He was a man of high accomplishments, a finished scholar, a learned theologian, an eloquent preacher, a devoted Christian, a useful and beloved pastor. Being of a slender const.i.tution William received the first rudiments of his education from his father. At the age of seven he entered the school of Mr. Lovell where he remained eight years. He then became a student of Harvard University. His talents were of a high order--his industry untiring. He was ever averse to fleeting pleasures and trifling amus.e.m.e.nts. During vacation he explored his father's library instead of indulging in a relaxation from study and mingling in the convivial circle. He had a great taste for the cla.s.sics and belles lettres. He paid close attention to elocution and composition. He aimed at refinement in everything.

He graduated in 1760 and commenced the study of law under James Otis one of the most distinguished counsellors of that time. From the piety he had exhibited from his youth his father had hoped he would incline to the pulpit but freely yielded to his choice. He was a thorough law student and was admitted to the Bar richly laden with the elements of his profession. By several wealthy connections residing in Wilmington, North Carolina, he was induced to locate at that place where he soon obtained a lucrative business. To convince the people that he contemplated a permanent residence and a fulfilment of all the n.o.ble designs of his creation--he married Anna Clark, a lady of unusual accomplishments, strength of mind and high attainments. His legal fame rose rapidly upon a substantial basis. In 1768 he was employed to conduct several important public trials which he managed with so much skill and address as to place him in the first rank of able advocates.

He was treated with marked attention by Governors Tryon and Martin and by Chief Justice Howard. His estimable character, superior talents and extensive influence were worth securing for their royal master. The ulterior object they had in view it required no Daniel to interpret. Mr.

Hooper was one who had no price. He was not a man of principle according to his personal interest but a n.o.ble patriot of the first water. He had received his legal education in Boston where the designs of the British ministers had been probed for years. He had imbibed liberal views, was a friend to equal rights and had planted himself upon the firm basis of eternal justice from which flattery could not seduce or dangers drive him.

Previous to the Revolution he gave a sample of his moral and personal courage worthy of record. In 1766 a dangerous a.s.sociation was formed in North Carolina called _Regulators_--composed mostly of poor, ignorant, desperate men who were led by those of more intelligence but with baser hearts who promised them large rewards in the end. They had increased so rapidly that in 1770 they amounted to three thousand. They opposed the civil authorities--drove the judges from the bench, committed personal outrages and threatened to destroy all order, defying civil and military power. Mr. Hooper took a bold stand against them--advised a prompt attack by the military--his plan was approved--a severe battle ensued--the insurgents were dispersed and quiet restored. In 1773 he was elected to the a.s.sembly of his province at the very time the creatures of the crown attempted to throw a ministerial coil around the people. In William Hooper they found a troublesome customer--a bold, fearless, eloquent, uncompromising opponent to their schemes of tyranny. In the legislative hall he met them with unanswerable arguments. By a series of essays he spread their designs before the people. He was no longer flattered by the crown officers but became a favorite with those he esteemed more highly--the people who returned him again to the a.s.sembly.

A question came before that body that tested the powers of Mr. Hooper.

The statute creating the judiciary had expired. In framing a new one an attempt was made to model it so as to meet the designs of the British cabinet. So powerful was the influence of this friend of the people that he kept his opponents at bay and the province was a year without courts.

He was then fully before his const.i.tuents the champion of equal rights.

By the people he stood approved and admired.

On the 25th of August he was elected to the general Congress in which he rendered efficient services. He was one of the important committee that prepared a statement of the rights of the colonies, the manner these rights had been infringed and the most probable means of effecting their restoration. He was one of the committee that reported the statutes that affected the trade and manufactures of the colonies. Upon the report of these two committees the proceedings of that Congress were based which raises a fair presumption that the very best men were placed upon them.

The next year he was returned to Congress and was chairman of a committee to prepare an address to the people of Jamaica relative to British oppression. It was written by him in a bold and vigorous style and proved conclusively that ministerial insolence was lost in ministerial barbarity--that resistance or slavery had become the issue.

On the 12th of June 1775 Mr. Hooper offered the following preamble and resolution which were pa.s.sed by Congress, corroborating the intimation in the exordium to this article.

"It is at all times an indispensable duty devoutly to acknowledge the superintending providence of the great Governor of the world, especially in times of impending danger and public calamity--to reverence and adore His immutable justice as well as to implore his merciful interposition for our deliverance--therefore

Resolved--That it is recommended by Congress that the people of the American Colonies observe the 20th day of July next as a day of public humiliation, fasting and prayer."

The zeal and exertions of this ardent patriot in the glorious cause of freedom were constant and vigorous. He served industriously in committee rooms and was greatly esteemed as a forcible debater in the House. In the spring of 1776 he was a member of the conventions that convened at Hillsborough and Halifax in N. C. and was one of the leading and most eloquent speakers. He also prepared an address to the people of the British empire which was written with great nerve and energy. He then took his seat in Congress and boldly supported the Declaration of Independence. He had long been convinced of its necessity and rejoiced to find his views so warmly supported by the ablest men of that eventful era. When the thrilling moment arrived to take the final question his vote and signature sanctioned the bold measure.

In February 1777 he obtained leave of absence from Congress and returned to his family. When the news of the defeat of Washington at Germantown reached him he was surrounded by a circle of his friends who seemed dismayed at the intelligence. He rose calmly from his seat and earnestly remarked--"We have been disappointed but now that we have become the a.s.sailants there can be no doubt of the issue." Before his return from Congress his property at Wilmington had suffered from royal vengeance.

His personal safety was then in jeopardy--he was compelled to flee to the interior to avoid the hemp. His family had removed several times. He and all the signers had made arrangements with the French minister to remove to one of the French West India islands in the event of the failure to maintain Independence. He did not return to Wilmington until it was evacuated by the enemy in 1781. During his absence his family remained exposed to the proverbial insults of his Christian majesty's officers and soldiers. He remained in the province for the purpose of rousing the people to action and was an efficient member of the new government. In 1782 he removed to Hillsborough for the purpose of resuscitating his long neglected private affairs and again took his place at the Bar. In 1786 he was appointed by Congress a member of the court organized to determine the controversy between New York and Ma.s.sachusetts relative to disputed territory which was amicably settled by the parties.

Mr. Hooper continued to aid in the legislation of his adopted state and pursue his profession until 1787 when his health became impaired which compelled him to retire from public life and the bar and seek that repose in domestic enjoyment that had always been more congenial to his mind than public stations however lofty. In his retirement he carried with him the esteem of his fellow citizens and the grat.i.tude of a nation of freemen. Not a blemish soiled the bright escutcheon of his public character or private reputation. He had served his country faithfully and sacrificed his fortune on the altar of liberty. With the strictest fidelity he had discharged the duties of husband, father, friend, citizen, lawyer, patriot, statesman. From the high eminence of conscious integrity he looked down upon a life well spent. With the eyes of faith he looked forward to a crown of unfading glory. In October 1790 he closed his eyes in death and returned to the bosom of that G.o.d whom to fear is the beginning of wisdom. Dear relatives, ardent friends and a grateful nation mourned his premature death. Mr. Hooper was of the middle height, slender and elegant in form, gentlemanly and engaging in his manners, with strangers rather reserved, with his friends frank and familiar, free from affectation, of a serious turn, at all times candid and sincere. His countenance beamed with intelligence and benignity, his powers of conversation were pleasing, instructive, chaste and cla.s.sical.

His habits were in strict accordance with the religion he exemplified.

His disposition was benevolent, hospitable and kind. As a public speaker he was eloquent, logical, persuasive, sometimes sarcastic. As a whole he was among the best specimens of man as he comes from the clean hands of the Creator. Whilst we admire his virtues let us imitate his examples.

SAMUEL HUNTINGTON.

Consistency is the crowning glory of meritorious fame. It is a bright jewel in the escutcheon of a name. It sheds a radiating l.u.s.tre over the actions of men. "Be consistent" was a Roman motto and once guided its sages, heroes and _literati_ in the path of duty--the surest path of safety. Consistency dignifies the man and prepares him for n.o.ble and G.o.d-like deeds. It is based upon wisdom and discretion--the pilot and helm of the bark of life in navigating the ocean of time. Without it the breakers of chaos, the sand bars of folly--the rocks of disaster cannot be avoided. Without it the brightness of other talents and attainments of a high order are often eclipsed by the clouds of error and obscured by the breath of ridicule. With it--mediocrity shines and enables the plough-boy of the field--the mill-boy of the slashes--the apprentice of the shop to reach the pinnacle of enduring fame and leave the indiscreet cla.s.sical scholar to sink into a useless gilded ornament in the world.

Dr. Young has truly said--"With the talents of an angel a man may be a fool." Consistency is susceptible of cultivation and should be kindly and earnestly pressed upon youth by parents and teachers. It is of more importance than the entire contents of the magazine of cla.s.sic lore combined with an eloquence that could move the world of mankind.

The sages of the American Revolution were remarkable for consistency.

Many of them rose from the humble walks of life to eminence by the force of their own exertions guided by this darling attribute and became the most useful men of that eventful epoch.

Among this cla.s.s Samuel Huntington held a respectable rank. He was born on the 2d of July 1732 at Windham, Connecticut. He was the son of Nathaniel Huntington a plain farmer, who gave this son only a common English education whilst three of the others graduated at Yale College, all of whom became ministers of the gospel, one of them attaining a fair eminence as a theological writer. Their pious mother led them to the pure fountain of gospel truth and had the pleasure of seeing the four walking hand in hand towards the goal of unfading joy. Samuel followed the plough until he was twenty-two years of age. He was remarkable for industry and sterling honesty. He was an extensive reader and a close observer of men and things. His native talent was strong, his judgment clear, his reflections deep. From his childhood to his grave consistency chastened every action. This was his strong forte and insured his success through life. It was a pa.s.sport beyond the power of a college to give.

Samuel Huntington went from the plough to the study of law in his father's house, loaning books from Zedekiah Elderkin of the Norwich bar.

With astonishing rapidity he mastered the elementary books--was admitted and opened an office in his native town. His reputation as an honest and consistent man was already on a firm basis. His fame as a safe counsellor and able advocate soon added another story to this superstructure. He did not aim at Ciceronean power or Demosthenean eloquence but closely imitated Solon and Socrates. His manner was plain but marked by a deep sincerity that seldom fails to impress the minds of a court and jury favorably--often foiling the most brilliant displays of forensic eloquence. With his other strong qualities he combined the motive power of business--PUNCTUALITY. Although he had gained a lucrative practice in his native town he removed to Norwich in 1760 where a wider field opened before him. Carrying out the principle of consistency, in 1762 he emerged from the lonely regions of celibacy with Martha, the accomplished daughter of Ebenezer Devotion and entered the delightful bowers of matrimony--thus giving him and her an importance in society unknown to single blessedness. Martha proved an amiable companion--blending the accomplishments of a lady, the industry of a housewife, the economy that enriches, the dignity of a matron--the piety of a Christian.