Sages and Heroes of the American Revolution Part 14

In 1764 Mr. Huntington was elected to the a.s.sembly and made a very efficient member. In 1765 he was appointed king's attorney and performed the duties of that office until the pestiferous atmosphere of monarchical oppression drew him from under the dark mantle of a corrupt and impolitic ministry. In 1774 he was elevated to the bench of the Superior Court and the next year was a member of the Council of his state. When the all important subject of American rights and British wrongs came under discussion he threw the whole force of his influence in favor of the cause of equal rights. In October 1775 he took his seat in the Continental Congress and became a prominent and useful member. In January following he again took his seat in the Hall of Independence and fearlessly advocated the necessity of cutting the Gordian knot that held the Colonies to England. The solemnity of his manner, the strong force of his reasoning, the lucid demonstrations of his propositions and the unvarnished sincerity of his patriotism--were calculated to carry conviction to every heart and impart confidence to the wavering and timid. He was present at the birth of our nation on the 4th of July 1776 and aided in presenting the admired infant at the sacred font of LIBERTY and became a subscribing witness to the imposing ceremonies of that eventful day. He was continued in Congress until 1781 when ill health compelled him to retire for a season.

He was a man of great industry, honesty of purpose, profound research, clearness of perception and had acquired a large fund of practical knowledge. Human nature he had studied closely. He was well versed in general business, political economy, principles of government and rules of legislation which gave him a place upon important committees. He succeeded Mr. Jay as President of Congress and so ably discharged the duties of that responsible station that when compelled to retire from ill health a vote of thanks was placed upon the record. Hoping that he might be able to return the chair was not permanently filled for a long time. During a part of the _interim_ of his absence from Congress he presided on the bench and was a short time in Council. In 1783 he returned to Congress and at the termination of the session declined a re-election. He had aided in finishing the mighty work of national freedom--the star spangled banner was floating in the breeze of Liberty--his country had triumphed over a merciless foe--her political regeneration had been consummated--America was disenthralled and he desired retirement from public life. This he was not permitted to enjoy. In 1784 he was appointed Chief Justice of his state--the ensuing year Lieutenant Governor and the next year was elected Governor of Connecticut, which office he held until the 5th of January 1796, when death took him from earth and its toils. He had lived the life of the righteous man--his last end was like his. He was a ripe shock full of corn--uniformly beloved in life--deeply mourned in death.

Mr. Huntington was a man of middle stature, dark complexion, keen eyes, countenance expressive, with a deportment calculated to make a favorable impression at first sight. In his life we find much to admire--nothing to condemn. His superior virtues and uniform consistency eclipsed the frailties of his nature. In the performance of all the duties of public and private life he was a model worthy of the closest imitation. From the plough in the field through his bright career to the presidential chair in Congress--to the chief magistracy of his own state--his every action was marked with consistency. His fame is based upon substantial merit--he rendered his name dear to every freeman. The history of his examples should exercise a salutary influence over the mind of every reader capable of appreciating the high importance of being consistent in all things and of perpetuating our UNION through all time.

WILLIAM IRVINE.

Mobocracy is a fearful spirit that is roused to action by a greater variety of elements than either of the unfortunate propensities of human nature. Based upon the boiling anger of those who put this ball in motion--reason is dethroned--reflection paralyzed--justice unheeded--mercy banished--the laws disregarded--power defied. It is the volcano of human society--the earthquake of social order--the whirlpool of brutality--the vortex of destruction. It is fanned by fell revenge--inflamed with burning fury--propelled by reckless impulse--delights in human gore--revels in demoniac confusion--rides on the tornado of faction--snuffs the whirlwind of discord and provokes the indignation of all peaceful citizens.

Occasions rarely occur to justify these sudden demonstrations of disorder and more rarely result in good. Deliberate action is usually the best to remedy evils that exist in fact--most certainly the best to cure those that are only imaginary. Thus reasoned the Sages and Heroes of the American Revolution and governed themselves accordingly. After pet.i.tions and entreaties for redress failed to remove the wrongs heaped upon them--a systematic and dignified mode of resistance was adopted--not mobocracy. They could then appeal to Heaven for the justice of their cause and elicited the admiration of gazing nations in the course they pursued.

Among those who put forth their n.o.blest exertions to advance the interests of the cause of equal rights was William Irvine who was born near Enniskillen, Ireland, in 1742. His ancestors removed from the north of Scotland to the Emerald Isle. His grandfather was an officer in the corps of grenadiers that fought so desperately at the battle of the Boyne. The grandfather of General Wayne was a brave officer in the same service. The n.o.ble descendants of both were in the same corps in the glorious cause of American Independence.

After completing his school education Mr. Irvine became a student of the celebrated Dr. Cleghorn and proved to be an excellent surgeon and physician. On the completion of his studios he was appointed a surgeon on board a British man of war where he served for several years with great diligence and success. In 1763 he came to America and located at Carlisle, Pennsylvania. His eminent talents--professional acquirements and large experience, soon gained for him a liberal practice and proud reputation. Having no innate love for mother Britain, he was prepared to meet the fearful crisis of the American Revolution. There were numerous powerful influences in Pennsylvania adverse to war with England. There was a large number of the Society of Friends opposed to war under all circ.u.mstances, although quick to seize the benefits resulting from it.

The Proprietary interests were very extensive and in favor of the crown.

To rouse the people to resistance was a herculean task. In this work Mr.

Irvine was active and successful. He was a member of the several preliminary conventions in the colony and became extensively influential in preparing the people for action.

In January 1776 he was commissioned to raise and command a regiment which duty he performed promptly. On the 10th of the following June he joined Gen. Thompson's brigade with his troops near the village of Trois Rivieres. A disastrous attack was immediately made upon the vanguard of the British army stationed at that place. Gen. Thompson, Col. Irvine and near two hundred subordinate officers and privates were taken prisoners and sent to Quebec. An exchange was not effected until April 1778. On his return Gen. Irvine was put in command of the second Pennsylvania brigade and continued in that position until 1781. He was then transferred to Pittsburgh and a.s.signed to the important and delicate duty of guarding the north-western frontier. It was important because difficult to obtain supplies and was menaced with British and Indians.

It was delicate because there existed strong animosities between the first inhabitants of that region and those from Western Virginia who claimed the territory occupied. Under those circ.u.mstances the appointment was a high compliment from the sagacious Washington. The happy results were a strong eulogy upon the wisdom of both. Gen. Irvine succeeded in reconciling the two contending factions--brought order out of confusion and restored harmony and good feeling among those who had long been at variance. This augmented his strength against the enemy and increased the confidence of the people in that entire section of country. He was continued in that command until the war closed and the star spangled banner waved triumphantly over the United States of America.

In 1786 Gen. Irvine was elected to Congress and proved an efficient and valuable member. He was active and useful in the board to settle the accounts between the states and the general government. He was a member of the Pennsylvania convention that sanctioned the Federal Const.i.tution.

In 1796 he was one of the commissioners who were despatched to visit the whiskey boys and endeavor to bring them back to reason, duty and safety.

When it became necessary to order out a military force to quell the insurrection Gen. Irvine was put in command of the Pennsylvania troops.

A short time after he rendered this last service in the tented field he removed to Philadelphia. He there received the appointment of Intendant of military stores which office was subsequently long and ably filled by his son Callender. He was also President of the Society of Cincinnati.

Peacefully and calmly Gen. Irvine glided down the stream of time until the summer of 1804 when he closed his active and useful career and took his departure for "that country from whose bourne no traveller returns."

He had lived highly respected--his death was deeply mourned. His public and private reputation were untarnished--he performed all the duties of life n.o.bly and fulfilled the great design of his creation.

THOMAS JEFFERSON.

[Ill.u.s.tration: {Thomas Jefferson portrait and signature} ENGRAVED BY T.B. WELCH FROM A PORTRAIT BY G. STUART.]

Genuine moral courage is a sterling virtue--the motive power of the true dignity of man. It invigorates the mind like a refreshing dew falling gently on the flowers of spring. It is a heavenly spark--animating the immortal soul with the fire of purity that illuminates the path of rect.i.tude. It is an attribute that opposes all wrong and propels its possessor right onward to the performance of all right. Based on virtue and equity, it spurns vice in all its borrowed and delusive forms. It courts no servile favors--fears no earthly scrutiny. No flattery can seduce it--no eclat allure--no bribe purchase--no tyrant awe--no misfortune bend--no intrigue corrupt--no adversity crush--no tortures can subdue it. On its breastplate is inscribed in bold relievo--_Fiat just.i.tia--ruat calum_. [Let justice be done though the heavens fall.]

Without it, fame is ephemeral--renown transient. It is the saline basis of a good name that gives enduring richness to its memory. It is a pillar of light to revolving thought--the polar star that points to duty, secures merit and leads to victory. It is the soul of reason--the essence of wisdom--the crowning glory of mental power. It was this that nerved the leaders of the American Revolution to n.o.ble and G.o.d-like action.

In the front rank of this band of patriots stood Thomas Jefferson, who was born at Shadwell, Albemarle County, Virginia, on the 24th of April 1743. His ancestors were among the early pioneers of the Old Dominion and highly respectable. They were Republicans to the core--in affluent circ.u.mstances and exercised an extensive and happy influence.

Thomas was the son of Peter Jefferson, a man much esteemed in public and private life. The liberal feelings imbibed from him by this son were conspicuous at an early age. From his childhood the mind of Thomas Jefferson a.s.sumed a high elevation took a broad and expansive view of men and things.

He was educated at the college of William and Mary and was always found at the head of his cla.s.s. Untiring industry in the exploration of the fields of science marked his collegiate career. He a.n.a.lyzed every subject he investigated, pa.s.sing through the opening avenues of literature with astonishing celerity. His mind became enraptured with the history of cla.s.sic Greece and republican Rome. Improving upon the suggestions of liberal principles found in the cla.s.sics, he early matured his political creed and opposed every kind of government tinctured with the shadow of monarchy, hierarchy or aristocracy.

After completing his collegiate course he commenced the study of law under Chancellor Wythe, whose liberal views were calculated to mature and strengthen those already preponderating in the mind of Jefferson.

With regard to the oppressions of the mother country--the justice and necessity of resistance by the Colonies, their kindred hearts beat in unison. By a thorough investigation of the principles of law and government, Jefferson became rapidly prepared to enter upon the great theatre of public life--the service of his injured country. Planting himself upon the broad basis of Magna Charta--encircling himself within the pale of the British Const.i.tution--he demonstrated most clearly that the ministry of the crown had long been rapidly advancing beyond the bounds of their legitimate authority--exercising a tyranny over the Colonies not delegated to them by the const.i.tution of the monarchy they represented. So luminous were his expositions of chartered rights on the one hand and acc.u.mulating wrongs on the other, that he became the nucleus of a band of patriots resolved on LIBERTY OR DEATH.

At the age of twenty-two he was elected to the legislature which enabled him to disseminate his liberal principles throughout the Colony. He proclaimed himself the unyielding advocate of equal rights and had engraved upon his watch seal--"Resistance to tyrants is obedience to G.o.d." By his eloquence and unanswerable arguments he kindled the flame of opposition in old Virginia which increased as tyranny advanced. In 1769 a resolution was pa.s.sed by the legislature--_not to import a single article from Great Britain_. In the advocacy of this proposition by Mr.

Jefferson, the adherents of the crown were astonished at the boldness and firmness with which he exposed and laid bare the venal corruption of the British cabinet. It gave a fresh impetus to the cause of Liberty just bursting into life.

With ample pecuniary means--with talents equal to the work he had undertaken, his soul illuminated with the fire of patriotism--his indignation roused against the hirelings of the king--his sympathies excited by the sufferings of his country--his moral courage raised to the zenith of its glory--Mr. Jefferson was amply armed for the conflict and became one of the master spirits of the Revolution--a gigantic champion of universal freedom--a pillar of fire, flashing terror and dismay into the ranks of the foe.

He wrote "A Summary View of the Rights of British America"--addressed it to the king respectfully but very plainly pointed to the true position of the two countries and the final result of the policy of ministers.

The following is an extract. "Open your breast, sire, to liberal and expanded thought. It behooves you to think and act for your people. The great principles of right and wrong are legible to every reader. To perceive them needs not the aid of many counsellors. The whole art of government consists in the art of being honest." The art of being _honest_ in matters of government is a knotty problem for some modern politicians to solve. Were they all _honest_ a political millennium would illuminate our country--bring us back to primitive _tangible_ landmarks and unmask mult.i.tudes of political wolves cunningly dressed in sheep's clothing.

So exasperated was Lord Dunmore on perusing this article from the pen of Jefferson that he threatened to arrest him for high treason. Finding most of the members of the legislature, then in session, quite as treasonable in their views he at once dissolved that body.

The following year the British ministry, in answer to pet.i.tions for redress of grievances, sent to the legislature of the Old Dominion a series of propositions that _they_ termed conciliatory but which added insult to injury. Their fallacy was exposed by Mr. Jefferson in such a masterly strain of eloquent burning logic and sarcasm, that conviction was carried to a large majority of his colleagues. They were referred to a committee which reported an answer written by him and was very similar to the Declaration of Independence. This reply was immediately adopted.

The ball of resistance was put in motion--the electric fluid of patriotism commenced its insulating powers in the north and south--extending from sire to son, from heart to heart, until the two streams of fire met in the centre--then rising in grandeur, formed the luminous arch of Freedom--its chord extending from Maine to Georgia--its versed sine resting on the city Penn.

Under its zenith at Philadelphia, Mr. Jefferson took his seat in the Continental Congress on the 21st of June 1775. Although one of the youngest members of that venerated a.s.sembly of patriotic sages, he was hailed as one of its main pillars. Known as a man of superior intelligence, liberal sentiments, strict integrity, stern republicanism and unbending patriotism--his influence was strongly felt and judiciously exercised.

From the beginning he advocated a separation from the mother country and ably met every objection urged against it. In his view, oppression, not recognised by Magna Charta, had dissolved all allegiance to the crown--that the original contract had been cancelled on the heights of Lexington by American blood. Submission was no longer a virtue--the measure of wrongs had been overflowing for years--public sentiment demanded the sundering of the Gordian knot--a voice from Heaven proclaimed in tones of thunder--"_Let my people go_."

The following year the Declaration of Independence was proposed. Mr.

Jefferson was appointed chairman of the committee to prepare this momentous doc.u.ment. The work was a.s.signed to him by his colleagues. He performed the task with a boldness of design and beauty of execution before unknown and yet unrivalled. The substantial result of his labor has long been before the world. Admiring nations have united in bestowing the highest encomiums upon this sacred instrument. As a masterpiece of composition--a lucid exposition of the rights of man--the principles of a free government--the sufferings of an oppressed people--the abuses of a corrupt ministry and the effects of monarchy upon the destinies of man--it stands unequalled. Pure in its origin--graphic in its delineations--benign in its influence and salutary in its results--it has become the chart of patriots over the civilized world. It is the _ne plus ultra_ [nothing more beyond] of a gigantic mind raised to its loftiest elevation by the finest touches of creative Power--displaying its n.o.blest efforts--brightest conceptions--holiest zeal--purest desires--happiest conclusions. It combines the attributes of justice--the flowers of eloquence--the force of logic--the soul of wisdom. It is the grand palladium of equal rights--the polar star of rational LIBERTY--the Magna Charta of universal FREEDOM and has crowned its author with laurels of enduring fame.

In the autumn of 1776 Mr. Jefferson was appointed a commissioner to the court of France in conjunction with Messrs. Franklin and Deane for the purpose of forming a treaty of alliance. Ill health of himself and family and an urgent necessity for his services in his native state, induced him to decline the proffered honor and resign his seat in Congress.

He was immediately elected to the first legislature of his state convened under the new Const.i.tution. On taking his seal in that body his attention was at once directed to the demolition of the judicial code which had emanated from the British Parliament. The work of rearing a new superstructure was mostly performed by him. The first bill he introduced was aimed at the slave trade and prohibited the farther importation of negroes into Virginia. This is a triumphant refutation of the accusation often reiterated against Mr. Jefferson--_that he was an advocate of slavery_. To its _principles_ he and a large majority of the South were always opposed and submitted to it _practically_ by ENTAIL.

It is a fact beyond dispute that he struck the first blow in the Colonies at the unhallowed trade of _importing_ human beings for the purpose of consigning them to bondage. That this was the first great step to towards a correction of the most cruel feature of this system, originated by philanthropic England, is equally true. To transfer those negroes, born in the United States, from one section of this country to another, bears no comparison in cruelty to the heart-rending barbarity of forcing the African from his native home--even should he fall into the hands of those _emanc.i.p.ators_ who, instead of returning him to his native sh.o.r.es--_put him an_ "APPRENTICE" _to hard labor on their own plantations_. Consistency thou art a jewel rather rare. Common humanity forbids the sudden emanc.i.p.ation of the slaves as proposed by emissary Thompson and his converts.

Mr. Jefferson next effected the pa.s.sage of bills destroying entails--primogeniture--the church as established by England and various others--a.s.similating the entire system of jurisprudence in the state to its republican form of government. He reported one hundred and twenty-six bills, most of which were pa.s.sed and const.i.tute the present much admired statutory code of Virginia.

In 1779 Mr. Jefferson was called to the gubernatorial chair of his native state, then surrounded by perils. The British troops, led on by the proud Tarleton and the traitor Arnold, were spreading death and devastation over the Old Dominion and contemplated the capture of the governor. Terror seized the more timid patriots--the boldest were alarmed at the approach of the merciless foe. The energy of the governor was equal to the emergency. He rallied the bone and sinew of old Virginia, who "with hearts of oak and nerves of steel," checked the enemy in their bold career of indiscriminate slaughter. He imparted confidence and vigor to the desponding and roused them to bold and n.o.ble action. He dispersed the black cloud that hung over his bleeding state and inspired the friends of liberty with cheering hopes of ultimate success. So highly were his services appreciated during the eventful term of his administration that the legislature entered upon their records a unanimous vote of thanks to him for the able and efficient manner he had discharged his public duties--highly complimenting his talents, rect.i.tude, moral courage and stern integrity.

In 1783 he again took his seat in Congress--one of the brightest luminaries in the galaxy of statesmen. The chaste and moving address to Washington when he surrendered his commission, was from the soul-stirring pen of Jefferson. He was chairman of the committee to form a territorial government for the extensive regions of the then far west.

True to his long cherished desire to ultimately emanc.i.p.ate the negro, he introduced a clause prohibiting slavery in any of the territories or the states that should be formed from them after 1800.

In May, 1784, he was a minister plenipotentiary in conjunction with Dr.

Franklin and John Adams, with power to negotiate treaties of commerce with several European nations. In July he embarked for France and arrived in Paris on the 6th of August. During his absence he visited several foreign courts but spent most of his time in France. He commanded the highest respect and was made a welcome guest in the halls of literature, legislation and jurisprudence. Kings and courtiers treated him with profound deference and were convinced intelligence and talent were not exclusively confined to the old world.

He was in Paris when the French Revolution commenced and was often consulted by the leading members of the national convention relative to the best course to be pursued in order to establish their government upon the Republican basis. So far as was proper he gave his opinions freely in favor of rational Liberty.

He returned on the 23d of November 1789 and was received with great enthusiasm and kindness by his fellow citizens. Soon after his arrival he resigned his ministerial commission and became Secretary of State under President Washington. The appointment was a compliment to the matured judgment of the chief magistrate and proved a lasting benefit to our country. Familiar with every principle of government--comprehending the requisites necessary to perfect and perpetuate the new confederation--he proposed amendments to the const.i.tution, which, with some suggested by John Adams and others, were adopted. He did much towards reducing the new order of things to harmonious system. Well versed in diplomacy, international law and the policy of European courts--he was prepared to plant the permanent land marks of foreign intercourse which stand as beacon lights to guide our nation safely in its onward career. A reciprocity of commerce and honorable peace with other governments--a rigid neutrality with belligerents--a careful avoidance of entangling alliances were some of his leading principles.

To submit to nothing that was clearly _wrong_--to ask for nothing that was not clearly _right_--was a doctrine of Jefferson forcibly inculcated in his able correspondence with the French ministers during the brief period of their Republic. This motto has been handed down from sire to son and is firmly nailed to the flag staff of the star spangled banner.

To the domestic concerns of our country he devoted a laudable and laborious attention. He recommended the adoption of a uniform system of currency, weights, measures and many other things designed to advance the best interest of the infant Republic. He urged the importance of protecting our fisheries and of encouraging enterprise in all the branches of industry. He demonstrated the advantages of every species of commerce and the necessity of preventing others from monopolizing the sources that legitimately belonged to the United States. He exhibited a masterly exposition of existing facts, showing the increasing policy of European courts to restrict the intercourse of America that they might engross trade. He submitted to Congress an elaborate and able report relative to the privileges and restrictions of the commercial intercourse of this with other countries, which showed great foresight, close observation and thorough investigation. It received great attention and was the foundation of a series of resolutions introduced by Mr. Madison, embracing the doctrines it contained--forming the great line of demarkation between the _old_ school federal and democratic parties. It would require a skilful engineer to trace the original line _now_ in consequence of the rapid growth of under brush.

Having served his country long and faithfully and contributed largely in placing her on the great highway of FREEDOM and prosperity, Mr.

Jefferson retired from public life on the 31st of December 1793 enjoying for a season the more peaceful and substantial comforts of life at Monticello. He imparted comfort to all around him--treated his slaves in the kindest manner, reducing to practice the mode of treatment he always recommended to others. The education of his children--the cultivation and improvement of his land and the resumption of his scientific researches, gave to him an exhilarating consolation he had long desired and could never enjoy in the arena of public business and political turmoil. His manner of life at the time alluded to is happily described by the Duke de Liancourt who visited him during his brief time of repose.

"His conversation is of the most agreeable kind. He possesses a stock of information not inferior to any other man. In Europe he would hold a distinguished rank among men of letters and as such he has already appeared there. At present he is employed with activity and perseverance in the management of his farms and buildings and he orders, directs and pursues, in the minutest detail, every branch of business relating to them. I found him in the midst of harvest from which the scorching heat of the sun does not prevent his attendance. His negroes are nourished, clothed and treated as well as white servants could be. Every article is made on his farm--his negroes being cabinet makers, carpenters and masons. The children he employs in a nail manufactory and the young and old negresses spin for the clothing of the rest. He animates them all by rewards and distinctions. In fine, his superior mind directs the management of his domestic concerns with the same ability, activity and regularity, which he evinced in the conduct of public affairs and which he is calculated to display in every situation of life."