Sages and Heroes of the American Revolution Part 29

At the age of twenty-one Mr. Walton went to Georgia and read law under Henry Young and became a safe counsellor and able advocate. During his investigation of the principles laid down by Blackstone and other elementary writers, he was forcibly impressed with the gross violations of the charter and const.i.tutional rights of the Colonies. The more closely he investigated the more his indignation was roused. He freely expressed his views and feelings and was among the first to oppose the high-handed policy of the British cabinet. He found a few kindred spirits--but by a large majority the crown was sustained in Georgia longer than in any other colony. Many desired freedom but believed its attainment a visionary idea. They preferred present sufferings rather than make an abortive attempt to disenthrall themselves lest heavier burthens should be placed upon them. They felt their own weakness--they dreaded the power of England. Not so with George Walton and a few others who had cl.u.s.tered around him. No display of chains or bayonets could intimidate them. To die in the cause of Liberty was more glorious in their view than to wear the shackles of a tyrant. They were determined never to bend a knee to kings or sacrifice at the altar of monarchy.

Freedom or death was their motto.

In order to test the public mind Messrs. Walton, n.o.ble, Bullock and Houston published a notice over their proper signatures, calling a public meeting to be held at the Liberty Pole, Tondee's tavern, Savannah, on the 27th of July 1774 for the purpose of considering the const.i.tutional rights and privileges of the American Colonies. This was the first Liberty pole planted in that state--the first meeting that was held on that subject. A large concourse of citizens a.s.sembled--an intense anxiety was manifest--hearts beat more quickly--the heaving bosom, the deep sigh, the quivering lip--all told that the meeting was one big with importance. Soon George Walton rose with a dignity peculiar to a man who knows he is right. With the profoundness of an able lawyer--the wisdom of a sage and the eloquence of a Henry--he portrayed American rights and British wrongs in such glowing colors that a stream of patriotic fire ran through the hearts of his audience that concentrated into a broad and unextinguishable flame. A committee was appointed to rouse the people to a sense of impending danger. Governor Wright, with his hireling phalanx, used great exertions to obtain a written pledge from the inhabitants of each parish to sustain the mother country and submit more implicitly to the yoke of bondage. Promises of redress were made only to be broken. But the fire of patriotism had commenced its insulating course. From Mr. Walton and his companions the burning flame spread from heart to heart, from sire to son, from parish to parish and rushing to a common centre rose in one broad sheet of light--illuminating the horizon of Liberty with cheering refulgence.

Many of the more timid patriots of Georgia were long perched on the pivot of indecision. Self-interest and self-preservation caused many to remain inactive for a time--but what persuasion could not do the increasing insults from the crown officers soon effected and roused them to action. Mr. Walton did much to remove the incipient paralysis and produce a healthy tone in the body politic. All the other colonies had united in the glorious cause of freedom--that his state should form a doubtful rear-guard was irksome to his n.o.ble spirit. But he stood firm at his post. His exertions became equal to the herculean task he had undertaken. His powers of mind rose with the magnitude of the occasion--his eloquence and logic bore down every opponent who dared confront him.

When the cry of blood--of _murder_--was raised on the heights of Lexington and reverberated from hill to dale, it came upon the Georgians like a clap of thunder without a cloud. The people started from their reverie--burst the cords that bound them--rose in the majesty of their power--buckled on their armor and bid defiance to the British lion. In May 1775 the Parish of St. Johns sent Lyman Hall to the Continental Congress and in July four colleagues took their seats with him. The Council of Safely was reorganized and vigorous measures adopted to resist the encroachments of imported dictators. In January 1776 the legislature appointed Mr. Bullock President of the Executive Council. He was a bold and active patriot and very obnoxious to the crown officers.

Gov. Wright threatened the members with bayonets--the next hour he was their prisoner and permitted the liberty of his own house only upon his parol of honor. This he violated--fled on board the armed fleet in the harbor--commenced an attack upon the town--was badly whipped and glad to flee from the vengeance of an insulted and enraged people. British authority was at an end in that Province.

In February 1776 Mr. Walton was elected to the Continental Congress and entered upon the high duties of legislation. He was a bold and efficient advocate of every measure calculated to advance the cause of Independence. He warmly supported the Declaration of Rights and proved his sincerity by his vote and signature. Excepting 1779 when he was Governor of Georgia, he was a member of Congress until 1781. He was raised to work and being placed on many committees showed that he could still endure a vast amount of labor. When Congress was compelled to retire to Baltimore on the 13th of December 1776, Messrs. Morris, Clymer and Walton were left as superintendents to aid the army with $200,000 in funds. Mr. Walton was also a member of the Treasury Board and Marine Committee. In every station he ably discharged his duty. In 1777 he performed a very important act in the drama of life by marrying the accomplished daughter of Mr. Chamber.

In 1778 he became Col. Walton and behaved with great gallantry in the battle at Savannah between the American troops and the British. The regiment under his command made a desperate fight until their Colonel was severely wounded, fell from his horse and was taken prisoner. After his wound would permit he was sent to Sunbury and confined with the other prisoners. He was soon after exchanged and returned to Congress.

In January 1783 he was appointed Chief Justice of Georgia. He also filled the gubernatorial chair a second time. He was one of the commissioners that effected a treaty with the Cherokee Indians. He discharged all the onerous duties imposed upon him with credit to himself and usefulness to his country. At one time he was involved in an apparent difficulty which was as singular as it proved harmless and lost none of its romance in the end. During the war a jealousy existed between the civil and military authority in Georgia. Judge Walton was at the head of the former--Gen. McIntosh at the head of the latter. In 1779, when Judge Walton was first Governor of the state, a forged letter, purporting to be from the legislature, was forwarded to Congress requesting the removal of the General. The governor was charged with a knowledge of the transaction--positively denied it--but few if any believed it. It became a party matter--a vote of censure was pa.s.sed upon him by the same legislature that had appointed him Chief Justice the day previous--the Attorney General was directed to inst.i.tute proceedings against him in the Court over which he presided--the only one that had jurisdiction over the offence charged. That was the finale of the great bubble. It was more like a modern political demagogue compromise than any farce found in the history of that eventful period. It inflicted no injury on the fair fame of Judge Walton.

During his latter years Judge Walton confined his public duties to the Bench of the Superior Court. Through the intervals between terms he enjoyed the rich comforts of domestic life with his faithful wife and an only son. He was not wealthy--was free from avarice and was contented with the competence afforded by his public emoluments and the produce of a small plantation. He indulged in good living. Previous to his last illness he suffered much from the gout and other complicated derangements of his system. His useful career was closed on the 2d of February 1803.

Judge Walton was a close student during his whole life. He added to his large experience a general knowledge of the sciences and became an ornament to the judiciary of his state. He was a ready writer and very satirical upon vice and folly. He was of a warm temperament, resenting every indignity but honorable and just, moving within the orbit of consistency under all circ.u.mstances showing clearly that the wildest pa.s.sions may be controlled by wise discretion. He was a stranger to disguise, ardent in his attachments, firm in his purposes, stern and reserved in his manners in general intercourse but free and familiar in the private circle with his friends. He was an open and manly opponent.

He was fond of brevity in all things, systematic in his public and private arrangements and remarkable for punctuality.

Taken as a whole Judge Walton was one of the most useful men of his day and generation. His examples are worthy the imitation of the apprentice, the student, lawyer, judge and statesman. By the force of industry he rose from the humblest walks of life to the most dignified stations within the gift of his const.i.tuents. Youth and young men of America--ponder well the history of George Walton. Let it stimulate you to embrace every opportunity for improvement--drink often and freely at the crystal fountain of useful knowledge now open to all. Remember, O!

remember that you are the architects of your own fortunes. Soon the affairs of a mighty nation, the destiny of increasing millions will devolve upon you. Prepare yourselves to a.s.sume the high stations you must fill--for weal or for wo will depend upon the fitness you acquire.

Enter upon the great theatre of action free from every vice--armed with every virtue. Then and then only will you be prepared to guard the dearest interest of our expanding republic and counteract the fearful evils that are put in motion by wild ambition, sordid selfishness and base intrigue. Upon you will soon depend the happiness of moving millions and of millions yet unborn. Nothing but death can relieve you from this high responsibility--when death calls you, be found at the post of duty.

JOSEPH WARREN.

The popularity of a measure depends much upon the character of those who engage in it. Its justice is inferred from its ardent and unwavering advocacy by men of high moral and religious worth. For righteous cause and consistency in its prosecution--the American Revolution has no parallel on the pages of history. It commanded the n.o.blest exertions of the best and most talented men of that eventful era. Their conduct elicited the admiration of a gazing world. Pure patriotism pervaded their bosoms--self was banished to its original Pandora box. Truckling politicians were despised--demagogues frowned down--disorganizers silenced--the general good of the whole country was the prime object of deep solicitude. On that bright picture the patriot and philanthropist can feast their eyes with increasing delight. The artists have pa.s.sed away and left to us the priceless gem of republican FREEDOM. In lines of living light they traced the path of duty in which we must tread to insure safety and preserve our priceless UNION. In language solemn as eternity they said to us--WALK YE THEREIN. People of America! is this injunction of the venerated dead implicitly obeyed by all? A fearful negative must be responded by every thinking, observing, intelligent, honest man. The alluvion of political corruption has submerged this path of duty and safety. Reckless party spirit has broken down its landmarks.

Disorganizes trample under foot the precious blood that cemented its pavement--the blood of the covenant of LIBERTY. They treat it as an unholy thing and put our country and themselves to open shame. People of America! will you, _can_ you hear the portentous thunders of disorganization--disunion and stand motionless--speechless--until the crash of our LIBERTY--the wreck of our FREEDOM shall unveil to you the wild horrors of chaotic ruin? _You_ are the conservators of our Republic--n.o.bly perform your duty.

Among the lofty patriots who were sacrificed at the shrine of American Liberty was Joseph Warren, born in Roxbury, Ma.s.s. in 1740. He entered Harvard college at the age of fifteen with a maturity of mind and a manly bearing seldom equalled by one of his years. On the completion of his cla.s.sical education he studied medicine and acquired a high reputation and a lucrative practice in the city of Boston. He look an early and decided stand in favor of emanc.i.p.ation from mother Britain. He was an able writer and an eloquent public speaker. His pen and voice were warmly enlisted in the cause of equal rights. He was in favor of resisting every species of taxation for the support of England. He believed the people were prepared for self-government and could best manage their own affairs free from foreign interference. He was one of the first members of the secret committee in Boston that put the revolutionary ball in motion. He had a large and happy influence on those around him. He was bold and energetic, but prudent and discreet.

It was him who sent an express late at night to Lexington to advise Messrs. Hanc.o.c.k and Adams of their contemplated capture. At the battle of Lexington he took an active part and had a portion of his ear lock shot off. In consequence of his high standing and zeal he received the commission of Major General on the 13th of June 1775. Over the army at Cambridge he had a salutary influence. He aided greatly in its first organization--bringing order out of confusion. On the 17th of June he engaged in the battle at Bunker's Hill as a volunteer where he received a ball in his head and died in the entrenchment. Thus prematurely fell one of the brightest ornaments of his day and generation. He was the first American General whose life was sacrificed in the cause of Liberty. He was favorably known as an efficient correspondent to the friends of freedom throughout the colonies and as widely mourned by every patriot. The nation deeply deplored his fall.

The battle of Bunker's Hill was of vast importance. It convinced the British that they had widely mistaken Yankee prowess and our own people that the enemy was not invincible. A defence of only a few hours' labor was thrown up--the whole force of the Americans was but 1200. This was furiously attacked by a superior number of veteran troops. So closely were they permitted to advance that they supposed the idea of resistance was abandoned. At the dread moment when they were on the point of entering the works a stream of liquid fire sent into their ranks a storm of lead and iron hail that caused the survivors to retreat with terror and confusion. Again and again were they repulsed with dreadful slaughter until the ammunition of the Americans failed and compelled them to retreat. The returns of Gen. Gage show 1054 of the British killed. The patriots had 139 killed. In prisoners, wounded and missing 314. They also lost five pieces of artillery.

Eulogy cannot add to the l.u.s.tre of the name of Warren. Nature had lavished upon him all the n.o.ble qualities that adorn a man. In the spring of 1776 his remains were removed to Boston. Having been Grand Master of the Masonic inst.i.tution of the State, he was buried under the forms of that time-honored order in presence of a large concourse of mourning friends. His memory is perpetuated by a monument erected by his fellow citizens.

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

When G.o.d resolved to set his people free from Egyptian bondage he raised up able and mighty men to effect his glorious purposes. These he endowed with wisdom to conceive, genius to plan and energy to execute his n.o.ble designs. Their oppressive and heartless task-masters had been increasing their burdens with a relentless severity for years. To mercy they were blind, to reason they turned a deaf ear, complaints they treated with contumely, the judgments from heaven they heeded not.

There is a striking resemblance between the history of the Israelites bursting the chains of slavery riveted upon them by the short-sighted Pharaoh and that of the American Colonies throwing off the yoke of bondage imposed by the British king. Like Moses, Washington led his countrymen through the dreary wilderness of the Revolution and when the journey terminated he planted them upon the promised land of Freedom and Independence. Like Moses he placed his trust in the G.o.d of Hosts and relied upon his special aid and direction under all circ.u.mstances. Like Moses he was n.o.bly sustained by a band of Sages and Heroes unrivalled in the history of the world.

The pedigree of Gen. Washington, as traced and ill.u.s.trated by Mr.

Mapleson, carries back his descent to William de Hertburn, Lord of the Manor of Washington, in the county of Durham, England. From him descended John Washington of Whitfield in the time of Richard III. and ninth in descent from the said John was George, first President of the United States. The mother of the John Washington who emigrated to Virginia in 1657 and who was great-grandfather to the General, was Eleanor Hastings, daughter and heiress of John Hastings grandson to Francis, second Earl of Huntingdon. She was the descendant, through Lady Huntingdon of George, Duke of Clarence; brother to King Edward IV. and King Richard III. by Isabel Nevil, daughter and heiress of Richard, Earl of Warwick, the King-maker. Washington, therefore, as well as all the descendants of that marriage, are ent.i.tled to quarter the arms of Hastings, Pole, Earl of Salisbury, Plantagenet, Scotland, Mortimer, Earl of March, Nevil, Montagu, Beauchamp and Devereaux.

Washington was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia, the 22d of February 1732. He lost his father at an early age and leaned on the wisdom of a fond and judicious mother for the exquisite moulding of his youthful mind. He attributed his success in after life to the early training and faithful pruning of his revered mother. Mothers of America!

imitate the example of the mother of the ill.u.s.trious Washington. The prosperity and perpetuity of our UNION depends much upon the training of your sons. Teach them wisdom, virtue, patriotism, love of country, Liberty. Teach them to prize, dearer than life, the sacred boon of FREEDOM that was n.o.bly won and sacredly transmitted to us by the Sages and Heroes of '76.

During his childhood and youth Washington exhibited a strong and inquiring mind. Industry, stability, perseverance, modesty and honesty were early developed in his character and marked his brilliant career through life. He was frank, generous and humane from his childhood.

Nothing could induce him to utter a falsehood, practise deceit or disobey his fond mother. He soared above the trifling amus.e.m.e.nts that so often lead boys and youth astray and prepare them for a useless, often an ignominious existence. He was designed by his great Creator to be a star of the first magnitude on the great theatre of action--the Moses of America. He studied his part thoroughly before he entered upon the stage of public life. When the curtain rose he was prepared for his audience, acquitted himself n.o.bly and retired amidst the grateful plaudits of admiring--reverent millions.

At the age of twenty-one Washington was selected by Gov. Dinwiddie to visit the hostile French and Indians and endeavor to induce them to withdraw from the frontiers and smoke the pipe of peace. The mission was one of great peril. His path lay through a dense wilderness for four hundred miles infested by wild savages and beasts more wild than them.

He arrived at Fort Du Quesne in safety. Whilst the French commandant was writing an answer to the governor, Washington took the dimensions of the fortress un.o.bserved by any one. He then returned home unmolested and unharmed by any accident. Peace was not desired by the red men. It was necessary to raise a regiment of troops to repel the murderous invaders.

Washington was invested with the commission of Colonel and took the command. He marched, in April 1754, upon the track he had pursued when he visited the fort previously. On his way he surprised and captured a number of the enemy. When he arrived at the Great Meadows he erected a small stockade fort and appropriately named it Fort Necessity. Here he was reinforced swelling his little army to four hundred men. He then contemplated an attack upon Fort Du Quesne, situated at the junction of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers forming the Ohio and the present site of the iron city of Pittsburgh. He now learned that the French and Indians, to the number of fifteen hundred, were advancing upon him. The attack was commenced with great fury and continued for several hours when the French commander offered liberal terms of capitulation and gladly permitted the young champion and his brave Virginians to march away unmolested. This brilliant achievement placed Washington high on the scale of eminence, as a bold, skilful and prudent military officer.

It occurred on the 4th of July--a happy prelude to the glorious 4th of July 1776.

The ensuing year another expedition was sent against Fort Du Quesne of about two thousand troops under command of the unfortunate Braddock who had more courage than prudence--more self-conceit than wisdom. He spurned the advice of the "beardless boy" and rushed into an ambush where he and near one-half of his men met the cold embrace of the king of terrors. The enemy consisted of only five hundred French and Indians secreted in three ravines forming a triangle. In this triangle of death Braddock formed his men and remained until he had five horses killed under him and was mortally wounded. During all this time not one of the enemy could be seen. One hundred native Virginians with fixed bayonets and led by Washington would have routed them in ten minutes. I speak from the record as I have examined every rod of the ground. After the fall of Braddock Washington saved the survivors under Col. Dunbar by a judicious retreat. He had warned the British General of his danger who spurned the "beardless boy." At a subsequent period he negotiated a peace with the Indians on the frontiers and was voted the thanks of mother Britain.

Unwilling to again witness such a waste of human life Washington resigned his military command and retired to his peaceful home. Shortly after this he was elected to the legislature and was highly esteemed as a wise, discriminating legislator--exhibiting a mind imbued with philanthropy and liberal principles guided by a sound discretion and cultivated intellect adorned with a retiring modesty too rare in men of talent at the present day. From this field of labor he entered one of greater magnitude, of vaster importance--one big with events involving consequences of the most thrilling interest to his country and himself.

He was elected to the Congress of 1774. The solemnity that pervaded the opening ceremony of that august a.s.sembly has been before portrayed.

During the opening prayer, Washington only was upon his knees, imitating the att.i.tude of his pious mother in her earnest appeals to the throne of Grace. On all occasions his mind seems to have reached from earth to Heaven. He seemed to dwell in the bosom of his G.o.d. Devoted, unsophisticated, humble, relying piety marked his whole course of life--a piety sincere in its motives, consistent in its exhibitions and illumined by the refulgent sunbeams of living charity. He was returned to the next Congress and took his seat little antic.i.p.ating the mighty work in reserve for him. On the memorable 19th of April 1775, American blood was again made to leap from its fountain by order of Major Pitcairn on the heights of Lexington. Justice looked at the purple current as it flowed and sighed. Mercy carried the tragic news to the ethereal skies--the eagle of LIBERTY heard the mournful story--descended in a stream of liquid fire--planted the torch of freedom in the serum of the murdered patriots and bid eternal defiance to the British lion. The alarm spread with lightning rapidity. It was sounded from church bells and signal guns--echo carried it from hills to dales, from sire to son.

Vengeance was roused from its lair--the hardy yoemanry left their ploughs in the furrow--the merchant rushed from his counting house, the professional man from his office, the minister from his glebe, shouldered their rusty muskets and with powder horn and slug hastened to the scene of action determined to avenge the blood of slaughtered brethren, maintain their chartered rights or perish in the attempt.

In June following Washington was appointed commander-in-chief of the American armies by the unanimous voice of Congress. He accepted the high command with great reluctance and diffidence--knowing that it involved responsibilities, consequences and results too mighty for him hastily to a.s.sume, too vast for him confidently to encounter. He did not view the camp as the field of glory, ambition, conquest or fame. He did not thirst for human blood or exult in the profession of arms. Love of country, liberty, human rights, liberal principles--the duty to resist the oppressions of tyranny, prompted him to action. For these reasons he consented to serve his country at the perilous post a.s.signed him.

As soon as practicable he hastened to Cambridge Ma.s.s. and entered upon the duties of his office in July. Before his arrival there, Crown Point and Ticonderoga had been surrendered to the patriots--the sanguinary battle of Bunker's Hill had been fought and the British convinced that men contending for their just rights, their dearest interests--their bosoms charged with fiery indignation and burning patriotism--could not be made to yield to the glittering arms of a haughty monarch without a bold and desperate effort to maintain that Liberty which they inherited from their Creator and which was guarantied by the British const.i.tution.

The horrors of war were acc.u.mulating like electrified clouds preparing a tornado. The b.l.o.o.d.y toils of the Revolution had commenced. England poured in her legions by thousands. To cap the climax of barbarity she called to her aid the blood thirsty Indian with his tomahawk and scalping knife and bid a premium for scalps. The welkin rang with the savage war-whoop. The terrific screams, the expiring groans of mothers and babes were enough to draw tears from rocks and dress all nature in deep mourning. The contest was that of an infant with a giant--a lamb with a wolf. The dark clouds blackened as they rose and were surcharged with the lightning of revenge and thunder of malice. Washington viewed their fiery aspect with calm serenity, heard their portentous roar without a tremor. With his soul reaching to Heaven he met the awful crisis with firmness and prudence before unknown. His gigantic genius soared above the loftiest barriers his enemies could rear. His course was onward--right onward towards the goal of LIBERTY. Beneath his conquering arm monarchy trembled, tottered, fell. His whole energy was at once directed to the complete organization and perfect discipline of the army. By the aid of the king's troops some of the royal governors still maintained a show of authority in several of the colonies. As opposition a.s.sumed a systematic form and military arrangements increased, they retired on board the British armed vessels from whence they issued their proclamations with about the same effect as the puffing of a porpoise would have upon old Boreas.

Early in March 1776, Washington planted his army before Boston where Lord Howe had concentrated his forces. On the 17th this caused his lordship very modestly to evacuate the town. On the 2d of July Gen. Howe landed nine miles below the city of New York with 24,000 men. He sent an insulting communication to Washington which he very properly refused to receive. On the 27th of August that part of the army stationed at Brooklyn under Gen. Sullivan was attached and defeated with great loss and Generals Sullivan, Sterling and Woodhull taken prisoners. Two days after, Gen. Washington effected a retreat and landed his troops safely in New York without the movement being discovered by the enemy until completed. Chagrined and mortified at the loss of their prey the British prepared to attack the city which induced the Americans to evacuate it and retire to White Plains. Here they were attacked on the 28th of September--the British were repulsed, a considerable loss was sustained on both sides and no victory to either. The disasters of the patriots multiplied--Fort Washington and Lee fell into the hands of the English--the American army was flying before a relentless foe.

Washington crossed the Hudson and retreated through Jersey into Pennsylvania with Lord Cornwallis pressing on his rear. His army was now reduced to 3000 men who were dest.i.tute of almost every comfort of life.

They could be tracked by blood from their naked feet upon the frozen ground. Think of this ye who are now enjoying the rich behest of Liberty so dearly purchased and but by few properly appreciated. Reverses had chilled the zeal of many leading men who at first espoused the cause of freedom but whose hearts were not yet sufficiently harrowed by oppression to have the good seed take root. A fiery cloud of indignation, ready to devour them, hung over the bleeding colonies.

Washington was still confident of ultimate success. He believed that in the archives of eternal justice their FREEDOM was written. Guardian angels listened to the vesper orisons of those who were true to themselves, their country and their G.o.d who directed their destiny. The bold career of the roaring lion was arrested. This Spartan band was crowned with victory. On the night of the 25th of December Washington crossed the Delaware to Trenton amidst floating ice--surprised and took one thousand prisoners--pushed on to Princeton, killed sixty and took three hundred prisoners, spreading consternation in the ranks of the enemy. This success re-animated many of the cold hearts that could be warmed only by prosperity--sunshine patriots whose love of freedom was very similar to self-righteousness. Washington retired to Morristown N.

J. for the winter--the English occupied Brunswick.

In the spring of 1777 the army of Washington amounted to about 7000 men.

No action occurred between the main armies until August when the British landed in Maryland with the intention of capturing Philadelphia. On the 11th of September the two armies met at Brandywine--a desperate battle ensued and a partial dearly purchased victory was gained by the English.

On the approach of the enemy the City of Penn was abandoned. On the 4th of October another severe battle was fought at Germantown which proved disastrous to the American troops in consequence of their becoming separated and confused by a thick fog. These keen misfortunes were more than balanced by the capture of the entire British army in the north under Burgoyne by Gen. Gates on the 17th of October. On the reception of this news France recognised the Independence of the United States, entered into a treaty of alliance and furnished important aid by sending many of her brave sons to the rescue. The English retreated to New York in the spring of 1778 from which place they made frequent descents upon various places, destroying private property, murdering the inhabitants and spreading desolation wherever they went. They sent an expedition to Georgia and were crowned with victory. During this year no decisive battle was fought. The same during 1779. The British seemed to be better pleased with a predatory warfare than pitched battles which they carried on in a manner that put savage barbarity in the shade and made the inquisitor general of Madrid mourn for lost humanity. Alas for the Christian majesty of mother Britain.

Again the exertions of Washington were almost paralyzed for the want of men and money. The French Admiral D'Estaing was unfortunate in all his movements. The British lion was prowling through the land in all the majesty of cruelty. The anchor of hope could scarcely keep the shattered bark of Liberty to its moorings--the cable of exertion lost thread after thread until but a small band of _genuine_ patriots and heroes were left as a nucleus to breast the fury of the storm that rolled its dashing surges over them. But they clung to the creaking craft with a death grip and weathered the terrific gale. The campaign of 1780 terminated more favorably to the American arms. The south had become the main theatre of action. The cruelties of the enemy had prepared more hearts to do service in the cause of Liberty. The people were brought to see their true interests and rallied under the banner of freedom determined on victory or death. Gates, the hero of Saratoga, was put in command of the southern army--fresh aid arrived from France--the conflict was one of desperation. On the 18th of August a severe battle was fought near Camden, S. C. The British were the victors. Defeat now only served to rally the bone and sinew of the land. The hardy sons of Columbia rose like a phnix from ashes and hurled the thunderbolts of vengeance among their savage foes with the fury of Mars. Every battle weakened and disheartened the enemy when a victory was gained. A few more conquests like those at Camden and Guilford Court House would seal their doom. The energetic Greene succeeded Gates. The campaign of 1781 opened.

Washington moved to the south. Wayne, Lee, Greene, La Fayette, Nelson and other brave officers were there. Count de Gra.s.se was co-operating with his fleet. In their turn the British lords, admirals and generals found themselves surrounded with impending dangers. An awful crisis was pressing upon them. Retribution stared them in the face. Their deeds of blood haunted their guilty souls--consternation seized their troubled minds. Lord Cornwallis concentrated his forces at Yorktown which he fortified in the best possible manner.

On the 6th of October the combined forces of Washington and Rochambeau commenced a siege upon this place which surrendered on the 19th of the same month. The grand Rubicon was pa.s.sed--the work was done--the Colonies were free. That was the dying struggle of British monarchy in America. Hope of conquering her indomitable sons expired like the death flickering of a glow-worm. Heaven had decreed they should be free--that decree was consummated. Like Jordan's dove, the Eagle of Liberty descended to cheer the conquering heroes--s.n.a.t.c.hed the laurels from Britain's brow and placed them triumphantly upon the CHAMPIONS OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE. To the friends of FREEDOM the scene was joyful, sublime--to its enemies--painful, humiliating. This victory was hailed with enthusiastic grat.i.tude. It placed Washington on the loftiest summit, of immortal fame--secured Liberty to his beloved country, stopped the effusion of human blood, sealed the foundations of our Republic--prepared an asylum for the oppressed--planted deep the long nursed TREE OF LIBERTY.

On the 30th of September 1783 a definitive treaty was signed at Paris by Messrs. Fitzherbert and Oswald on the part of Great Britain and Messrs.

John Adams, Franklin, Jay and Laurens on the part of the United States.

On the 2d of November Washington issued his farewell orders to his army in terms of affectionate eloquence and parental solicitude. On the 3d the troops were disbanded by Congress. With mingling tears of joy and grat.i.tude they parted and repaired finally to their homes to meet the warm embrace, the fervent grasp of their families and friends--there to reap the rich fruit of their perilous toils free from the iron scourge of despotism. On the 23d of December Washington appeared in the hall of Congress and resigned his commission. This act was one of sublimity and thrilling interest. The past, present and future--all rushed upon the mind of this great and good man as he invoked the blessings of Heaven to descend and guard the Liberty of his beloved emanc.i.p.ated country. Every eye was fixed upon him--every heart beat quicker--emotion rose to its zenith--he laid the commission on the table--a burst of applause rent the air--a flood of tears closed the scene.

No longer under the maternal care of their old mother, the people of the United States were left to try the yet problematical experiment of self government. Difficulties arose from local jealousies and conflicting interests--a debt of forty millions of dollars had been contracted--government paper became greatly depreciated--the public credit was shivering in the wind--the Liberty that had been so dearly purchased seemed doomed to a premature dissolution. To avoid this threatened disaster delegates convened at Philadelphia from all the States except Rhode Island for the purpose of devising a plan to preserve and perfect that freedom which had cost millions of treasure and fountains of n.o.ble blood. Washington was unanimously elected President of this august body. After long and patient deliberation the labors of these patriots resulted in the production of the Federal Const.i.tution, one of the brightest specimens of a republican form of government on record. It is the grand palladium of our LIBERTY, the golden chain of our UNION, the broad banner of FREEMEN, a terror to tyrants, a shining light to patriots, the ill.u.s.trated chart of our rights and duties, a safeguard against disorganizing factions and stamped its ill.u.s.trious authors with a meritorious fame that succeeding generations will delight to perpetuate.

On the 17th of September this was reported to Congress and was promptly approved. It was immediately sent to the several states for consideration all of which sanctioned it at that time except North Carolina and Rhode Island. The former acceded to it in 1789, the latter in 1790. Confidence was then restored and Independence made secure. From that time to the present our nation has advanced on the flood tide of successful experiment and been blessed with an increasing prosperity that has no parallel in the annals of history. The star spangled banner waves proudly on every sea and is respected by all the nations of the earth. Our improvements at home have marched in advance of the boldest conceptions of the most visionary projectors--the fondest antic.i.p.ations of their most ardent friends. They have often outstripped the most adventurous speculators.

By the unanimous voice of a free and grateful people Washington was elected the first President of the new Republic. With the same proverbial diffidence and modesty that had marked his whole career he took the oath of office on the 30th of April 1789. This imposing ceremony was performed in presence of the first Congress under the Federal Const.i.tution a.s.sembled in the city of New York and in presence of a crowded audience who deeply felt and strongly expressed their filial affection for the father of their country. He at once entered upon the important duties that devolved upon him which were neither few or small. A cabinet was to be created, a revenue raised, the judiciary organized, its officers appointed and every department of government to be established on a firm, impartial, just and humane basis. In all these arrangements he exhibited great wisdom, exercised a sound discretion and proved as able a statesman as he had been a general. Deliberation and prudence guided him at all times. He acted up to but never transcended the bounds of equal justice and delegated authority. An angel could do no more.