Sages and Heroes of the American Revolution Part 38

ORR JOHN was born in New Hampshire in 1748. He was an officer under the brave and independent Stark and so severely wounded in one of his legs at the battle of Bennington that he was crippled for life. He was a man of strong intellect and filled several judicial and legislative offices with ability and strict fidelity. He had the respect and confidence of his fellow citizens through life and was sincerely mourned at his death which occurred at Bedford, N. H. in 1823.

PAINE THOMAS commenced his eventful life in England in 1737. He pursued the business of stay maker for some time in London--then went to sea in a British privateer--was subsequently an excise man and a grocer. On learning the situation of the American Colonies from Franklin he became deeply interested in their behalf and came to this country in 1775 when his intellectual powers suddenly burst into a blaze of light. His vigorous essays and eloquent speeches in favor of American Independence did much towards consummating that glorious event. Had he published or said nothing against that religion which is held sacred by the great ma.s.s of our nation he would have remained as he was at first--one of the most popular political men of that time. If professing Christians all honored the religion of the cross infidelity would be robbed of its richest aliment. Hypocrites, degenerate and lukewarm church members, bigoted sectarians, dogmatical dictators, deluded fanatics--are all caterers for infidelity. The editor of the Cottage Bible remarks in commenting on the 19th chap, of Judges--"More inhumanity and villany may be found among degenerate professors of Christianity than among infidels and in general where we expect the most kindness we meet with the greatest injuries." This remark is painfully true but is not an argument against primitive Christianity. If we had no pure coin or solvent banks, counterfeit notes and bogus money could not be circulated. If Christianity was not essentially good, hypocrites would be left without a motive to profess it. Aside from the question of its divine origin, as a system of social order--as the foundation of rational liberty and moral rect.i.tude--as a system imparting the greatest amount of happiness to the greatest number--it rises sublimely above all others. This is conceded by the ablest infidel writers. I refer to primitive Christianity as taught and practised by the immaculate Redeemer and his disciples. As this _is_ not--_cannot_ be denied, common sense dictates that all should practice at least its moral precepts if only upon the ground of self-preservation and interest which are ever dependent upon social order and good government. Thomas Paine took an active part in the French Revolution--was a member of the National a.s.sembly--incurred the displeasure of Robespierre--fled to escape the guillotine--returned to America and died in the city of New York in 1809 not in a quiescent state of mind.

PARSONS SAMUEL HOLDEN was a citizen of Connecticut and an eminent lawyer. When the Revolution commenced he left his office for the tented field resolved on Liberty or death. His zeal and daring courage gained for him the commission of major-general. He had the unlimited confidence of Washington--the esteem of his fellow officers--the love of his brave soldiers--the admiration of his numerous acquaintances--the grat.i.tude of his bleeding country. His useful career was cut short by his being drowned near Pittsburgh, Pa. in 1789.

PAULDING JOHN was born in the State of New York in 1732. He was a brave soldier and rose from the ranks so the grade of major after he aided in the capture of Major Andre. For that n.o.ble act the names of Paulding, Williams and Van Wert are embalmed in the affections of every patriot whilst the name of the traitor Arnold rouses a manly indignation in the bosom of every man who loves his country. His portrait will darken as time rolls on. For this important capture Congress pa.s.sed a highly complimentary resolution on the 3d of November 1780 and made the following order which was placed upon the records. "That each of them receive annually, out of the public treasury, two hundred dollars in specie or an equivalent in the current money of these States, during life and that the Board of War procure for each of them a silver medal, on one side of which shall be a shield with this inscription--'FIDELITY'

and on the other the following motto--'_Vincit amor patriae_' [the love of our country prevails] and forward them to the commander-in-chief, who is requested to present the same, with a copy of this resolution and the thanks of Congress for their fidelity and the eminent service they have rendered their country." Maj. Paulding died at Staatsburgh, d.u.c.h.ess County, N. Y. on the 30th of December 1819.

PETERS NATHAN was a native of Connecticut and a bold defender of his country's rights. On the morning after the cry--"_To arms! to arms!_"

sounded in his ears mid ran through his soul like vivid lightning he was on his way to the field of battle. He rose rapidly from the grade of lieutenant to that of major and became one of the boldest of the bold.

He fought bravely at Long Island, Frog's Point, Trenton, Princeton and in every place where he met the enemy in mortal combat. On the 6th of September 1781, before Arnold left Port Griswold, he caused a slow train of powder to be set on fire communicating with the magazine. Just before reaching the volcanic ma.s.s Major Peters rushed into the fort and prevented a destructive explosion. No dangers prevented him from the prompt performance of every duty. At the close of the successful struggle for freedom be resumed the practice of law at New London where he lived in the high esteem of his friends and his country to a ripe old age. He was a sound lawyer, a safe counsellor, a brave soldier, a good citizen--AN HONEST MAN.

PETERS RICHARD was born in the balmy month of June in 1744. He was educated at Philadelphia and became an eminent member of the bar of that city. Understanding the rights of his country and the advantages of freedom he determined to maintain them at all hazards. In 1776 he was made secretary to the Board of War and faithfully performed the arduous duties of that important station until 1781 when he was elected a member of Congress and continued in that august body to the close of hostilities. He was appointed the first United States District Judge for Pennsylvania and highly honored that dignified station for thirty-six consecutive years. His decisions in the Court of Admiralty form the foundation on which our superstructure of that branch of jurisprudence is raised. This platform was adopted by the celebrated maritime judge Lord Stowell of England--a high compliment to the judicial ac.u.men of Judge Peters. He was deservedly popular because scrupulously impartial, rigidly just and proverbial for humanity and kindness. In his performance of all the public and private duties of life he was a luminous example of human excellence worthy of admiration and imitation.

He was a liberal patron of public improvements and did much to improve agriculture. He died at his residence in August 1828.

PETt.i.t CHARLES was born in New Jersey in 1737. He was a sensible lawyer and opposed to the usurpations of the hirelings of mother Britain although himself secretary of his native province when the revolutionary storm commenced its pitiless peltings. Congress made him a deputy quartermaster under Gen. Greene in conjunction with Col. c.o.xe. They performed the perplexing and arduous duties of that responsible office whilst Gen. Greene was in the field to the entire satisfaction of Washington, the army and Congress--a high encomium upon their perseverance and activity when we reflect upon their limited means to perform a mighty work. At the close of the Revolution he removed to Philadelphia and became a successful merchant. He was a member of Congress from Pennsylvania under the old Confederation--a member of the State Convention that sanctioned the Federal Const.i.tution and in every public station which he was called to fill he performed his duty with the strictest integrity and great industry. His private virtues rendered him dear to every good man. He was president of the first insurance company incorporated in Philadelphia. He died at his residence on the 6th of September 1806.

PICKERING TIMOTHY commenced his infancy at Salem, Ma.s.s. in 1746. He was favored with a cla.s.sical education and superior talents. He took an early and active part in the cause of equal rights and rendered efficient service in organizing the new government of his native State.

He was made a judge of the Common Pleas and Maritime courts--adjutant-general of the United States army and a member of the Board of War. From 1790 to '98 he negotiated several treaties with sundry tribes of Indians. Under President Washington he was in succession Postmaster General, Secretary of War and Secretary of State.

From 1803 to 1811 he was a member of the United States Senate--from 1814 to '17 was a representative in Congress. Few men of his time performed more public work--no one acted with more fidelity and faithfulness. He was an able judge, a firm patriot, a judicious legislator, an efficient officer--a credit to his State--an honor to our nation and in all respects a worthy man. He died in Salem, Ma.s.s. in 1829.

PICKENS ANDREW commenced his earthly existence in Bucks County, Pa. on the 13th of September 1739. When Andrew was a child his father removed to Augusta County, Va. and then to Waxhaw, in South Carolina. Andrew commenced a brilliant military career in the French war--served with Marion and Moultrie in 1761 in the sanguinary expedition against the Cherokees under Lieut. Col. Grant and became a hardy frontier warrior.

When mother Britain became insolent and oppressive he was as ready to fight as he had been to serve her. He became a terror to the refugees _alias_ Tories. At Kettle Creek he pounced upon an army of them under Col. Boyd of double his force and flogged them so severely that they were quiet until the British army afterwards spread over the south. At the Cowpens he commanded the militia and inspired them with the courage of veteran regulars. Congress voted him a sword for his gallantry on that occasion. At Eutaw he commanded the Carolina militia in conjunction with Marion. He was severely wounded in the breast by a musket ball early in the action and but for the buckle of his sword belt would have been shot through. When Charleston surrendered he was obliged to flee before the enemy to North Carolina and was among the first to rally under the indomitable Greene. In 1781 he commanded the last expedition against the Cherokees and laid the foundations of the peace that has never since been broken. Through the entire course of his military career he stood approved by his superiors and beloved by those under his command. He rose to the rank of brigadier-general in the regular army and was made major-general of militia in 1794. At the close of the war he filled several civil offices and aided essentially in consummating the treaty of Hopewell with the Cherokees to which place he removed soon after. He was a member of the convention that formed the Const.i.tution of his State--a member of the legislature and in 1794 was elected to Congress. In 1797 he was returned to the legislature of his State where he remained fourteen consecutive years. He was a commissioner in all the treaties with the southern Indians. In this department Washington considered him the most useful man of that time. He took a deep interest in the war of 1812 and was that year governor of his State. He then retired to private life full of honors and years with a fame that will grow richer as it shall be rehea.r.s.ed by each succeeding generation. His private character was as spotless as his public life was brilliant. He died at his residence on the 11th of October 1817.

PORTER ANDREW was born in Worcester, Montgomery County, Pa. on the 24th of September 1743. Without the advantages of a school education he became an eminent mathematician by the force of his own genius and industry. When the Revolution commenced he was at the head of a large mathematical school in the city of Philadelphia. Deeming the cause of Liberty paramount to all other interests he tendered his services to Congress and on the 19th of June 1776 he was made a captain of marines and placed on board the frigate Effingham. He was shortly after transferred to the artillery corps where he made himself extremely useful during the whole period of the war. He was ultimately raised to the rank of Colonel and commanded the 4th Pennsylvania regiment of artillery. He distributed iron hail effectually at the battles of Trenton, Princeton, Germantown and Brandywine. At Germantown he received the thanks of Gen. Washington on the field for his skill and undaunted courage. He was with Gen. Sullivan in his expedition against the Indians on the Susquehanna. It was Col. Porter who suggested to Gen. Clinton the plan of raising the water of Otsego Lake by a dam at its narrow outlet which produced a flood sufficient to float his troops on rafts to Tioga Point where they formed a junction with Sullivan. When the siege of Yorktown was planned Gen. Washington placed Col. Porter in charge of the military laboratory in Philadelphia to prepare the sh.e.l.ls, cartridges, &c. for that important occasion. Although deprived the pleasure of being at the siege he had the high honor of preparing the thunder and hail that terminated the sanguinary conflict. Subsequent to the war he was one of the commissioners to run a line by astronomical observations between Pennsylvania and the adjoining States. He succeeded Gen.

Muhlenberg as major-general of militia. Governor Snyder appointed him surveyor-general of the State of Pennsylvania in 1809 which office he ably filled until the 16th of November 1813 when he left earth for a fairer, brighter world on high. He was buried in the Presbyterian church-yard at Harrisburg with military honors.

PREBLE EDWARD commenced his earthly career at Portland, Maine, on the 15th of August 1761. From his youth he gloried in hazardous enterprises.

At the age of eighteen he became a midshipman on board the Protector of 26 guns commanded by the brave Capt. John Forster Williams. On his first cruise young Preble had the proud satisfaction of contributing to the capture of the Admiral Duff of 36 guns after a brief but sanguinary action which so injured the British vessel that she sunk in a few moments with 40 of her crew. In the second cruise the Protector was captured and most of the officers taken to England. Preble was permitted to return and was made first lieutenant on board the sloop of war Winthrop. Shortly after that he took a party of brave tars in the night and captured a British armed brig lying in Pen.o.bscot Bay and of superior force to the Winthrop. This was accomplished with fourteen men dressed in white frocks. The brig lay near the sh.o.r.e and a large number of the enemy jumped overboard as the shrouded tars gained the deck and made for land where lay a considerable British force with artillery. Amidst a brisk fire Preble towed out his prize and moored her safely along side of the Winthrop. He continued on this ship till the close of the war. In 1801 he commanded the frigate Ess.e.x--in 1804 was made a commodore and placed in charge of the Mediterranean fleet of seven sail which prepared the way for placing the Bashaw of Tripoli upon his proper level and induced him to enter upon an honorable peace and relinquish all claims to a tribute. This act placed Com. Preble high on the list of naval heroes. He died on the 25th of August 1807.

PRESCOTT WILLIAM was born at Goshen, Ma.s.sachusetts in 1726. He early engaged in the service of mother Britain and acted a distinguished part at the capture of Cape Breton in 1758. He was a Colonel of militia when the war commenced and one of the first in the field. He commanded at the sanguinary battle at Bunker's and Breed's Hill on the 17th of June 1775.

With 1200 men hastily collected and with a temporary breastwork--made princ.i.p.ally by excavating a shallow ditch and placing two rail fences parallel near each other and filling the interval with fresh mowed gra.s.s--he continued to repulse 5000 veteran troops, with a slaughter equalled only at the battle of New Orleans, until his ammunition was expended when he retreated with a loss of 453 men--killing 1054 of the enemy. Col. Prescott then entered the regular service and continued in the army until 1777 and then resigned. He was a volunteer at the capture of Burgoyne and rendered essential service. After the Revolution he served in the legislature and filled various civil offices with fidelity. He was brave, n.o.ble, generous and humane. In his "Memoirs"

Gen. Lee beautifully remarks--"When future generations shall inquire where are the men who gained the brightest prize of glory in the arduous contest which ushered in our nation's birth? Upon Prescott and his companions in arms will the eye of history beam. The military annals of the world rarely furnish an achievement which equals the firmness and courage displayed on that proud day by the gallant band of Americans and it certainly stands first in the brilliant events of the war." Col.

Prescott died in 1795 sincerely mourned.

PRIOLEAU SAMUEL was a native of Charleston, South Carolina, born in 1743 and among the first of that n.o.ble band of patriots who resolved on Liberty or death. He was in active service until taken prisoner at the surrender of his native city. He was then taken to the castle at St.

Augustine and treated with great cruelty. His wife with five children fled to Philadelphia. He possessed great firmness and was emphatically a true patriot--a good citizen--an honest man. He died at Charleston on the 23d of March 1813.

PULASKI COUNT was a native of Poland and put forth his n.o.blest efforts to redeem her from thraldom. In 1771 he called around him a few brave spirits--penetrated the capitol and carried away King Stanislaus in the face of his petrified guards. He soon made his escape and proclaimed Pulaski an outlaw. He then came to America and was created a Brigadier General. Being unacquainted with our language he could not command to advantage but no one could better lead a column of cavalry in a charge.

He served some time at the north and was then transferred to the south and fell at Savannah boldly charging the enemy with his daring dragoons.

His n.o.ble bearing, polished urbanity, open frankness and amiable disposition had gained the admiration of all who knew him--his patriotism, bravery and unwavering love of Liberty placed his name upon the records of unfading glory.

PUTNAM ISRAEL commenced his eventful life at Salem, Ma.s.s. on the 7th of January 1718. He was a man of iron const.i.tution and herculean powers. He served mother Britain faithfully in the French war and had many hair breadth escapes. He was taken prisoner and nearly burned to death by the savages. He was rescued by a French officer. His great feat with a wolf is familiar to every school boy. His manner of capturing an armed vessel when under Gen. Amherst was as novel as it was simple and successful.

With four others he proceeded under her stern in the night--drove several wedges between the rudder and hull which placed her at the mercy of the wind--she drifted on sh.o.r.e and was easily captured the next morning.

When the war cry from Lexington reached his ears he left his plough in the furrow--mounted his horse--rode 100 miles in a single day to reach the scene of action--was soon created a Major General and carried more original thunder than any other man in the army. His voice could be heard above the roar of battle. He was in the sanguinary affair at Bunker's Hill and had charge of erecting the temporary fortifications.

He was at the battle of Long island--superintended the fortifications at Philadelphia and in all his duties manifested an energy and skill that placed him high in the estimation of every patriot. In the spring of 1777 he was placed in command of the troops at the High Lands. A refugee Lieutenant was detected in his camp as a spy. Governor Tryon wrote him to at once liberate the officer or he would give him particular thunder.

Old Put replied thus laconically.

"SIR--Nathan Palmer, a Lieutenant in your king's service, was taken in my camp as a spy--he was tried as a spy--he was condemned as a spy and he shall be hanged as a spy.

"P. S. Afternoon. He is hanged.

"ISRAEL PUTNAM."

Gen Putnam was the founder of West Point. Whilst superintending the fortifications at that place he was disabled from further duty by an attack of paralysis. This did not impair his mental powers or disturb the equanimity and cheerfulness of his mind or prevent him from being a pleasant, amusing and interesting companion. He lived at Brookline Conn.

in the enjoyment of the grat.i.tude of a nation of freemen until the 29th of May 1790 when his soul left its tenement of clay and returned to its Creator. He was truly an honest man. On the 16th of June 1776 he spurned a princely bribe that was tendered to him by Sir William Howe.

PUTNAM RUFUS was born in Sutton, Ma.s.s. in 1738. At the age of 16 he commenced serving mother Britain in the French war and proved a gallant soldier. In the Continental army he was the princ.i.p.al engineer with the rank of Brigadier General. He was at the head of the Ohio Company for the purpose of settling the North West Territory. On the 7th of April 1788 he planted about forty emigrants at Marietta on the Ohio river. In 1789 he was appointed a judge of the Supreme Court of that territory--in 1791 a Brig. General in the army of the United States under Gen. Wayne and in 1795 Surveyor General of the United States which office he held until towards the close of Jefferson's administration. He adorned all the virtues that dignify the man and crowned his life with a consistent course of primitive piety. He continued to reside at Marietta until the 4th of May 1824 when his happy spirit soared to realms of unending bliss beyond the skies.

RAMSAY DAVID was ushered into life at Lancaster, Pa. in 1749. He was thoroughly educated and became an eminent physician. After a brief residence in Cecil County, Md. he removed to Charleston, S. C. in 1773.

He was an ardent patriot and was commissioned a surgeon in the Continental army. At the surrender of his adopted city he was among the prisoners who were sent to St. Augustine. In 1782 he was elected a member of Congress and confirmed there up to 1786 except one year. A part of that time he was President of that body. He became an able historian and has enriched our libraries with a history of the Revolution--of South Carolina--of America and a biography of Washington and several other interesting publications. He stood at the head of his profession in Charleston. In 1815 he was called into court to give evidence relative to an insane man who followed him in a rage and killed him on the street.

RANDOLPH EDMUND was a native of Virginia and an eminent member of the Bar. He aided largely in giving an impetus to the revolutionary ball and was among the boldest patriots who early resolved to cut the maternal cords that bound the American Colonies to mother Britain. He was a member of Congress in 1779--subsequently Governor of Virginia--Attorney-General of the United States and for a time Secretary under Washington whose confidence he lost in 1795 for reasons not on the record. He lived in the esteem of his friends until 1813 when he quietly retired to the spirit world.

RANDOLPH PEYTON was a native of Virginia and early engaged in the border wars. He was a good lawyer and Attorney-General under the crown as early as 1748. He became a prominent legislator and was among the first and boldest to expose and oppose British oppression. He was prudent but firm. He threw his whole soul into the cause of Liberty. In all the preliminary meetings of the Old Dominion he was a leading member and a perfect regulator among those whose zeal sometimes fed them beyond the orbit of sound discretion. He was President of the important Congress of 1774 and added to the dignity of the proceedings of that august a.s.semblage of Sages. He was returned to Congress the next year but was detained as speaker in the legislature of his state until late in the session. On the 21st of October 1775 he attended a dinner party at the house of a friend and while there fell from his seat in a fit of apoplexy and expired in a few moments. His body was taken to Virginia and interred. Thus prematurely was extinguished one of the bright luminaries that illuminated the horizon and dawn of the Revolution. His loss was deeply deplored.

REED JOSEPH was born in New Jersey on the 27th of August 1741. He became a distinguished member of the Philadelphia Bar where he was pursuing a lucrative practice when he was called to aid in the emanc.i.p.ation of his country. He was a member of the committee of correspondence, President of the Provincial Convention and member of Congress. In 1775 he repaired to Cambridge where he was made an Aid and Secretary of Washington. In 1776 he was adjutant-general of the army and acted a brave and useful part at Trenton, Princeton and in every battle under Washington. During the campaign of 1777 he was constantly in the field. He had a horse killed under him at Monmouth, Brandywine and White Marsh but was preserved from a wound in the numerous hard fought battles at which he was present. The following answer to a proposition of bribery from the British Governor Johnstone is attributed to him and has been claimed for another. "I am not worth purchasing but such as I am the king of Great Britain is not rich enough to buy me." Nor was she rich enough to buy the humble soldiers who captured Andre. In 1778 Gen. Reed was elected President of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania which station he held for three consecutive years and was very efficient in the work of infusing a proper spirit in the militia of his state. He filled every place he occupied with great zeal and ability. He was the man to be substantially useful wherever duty called him. He wore himself out in the service of his country and died in Philadelphia on the 5th of March 1785 in the very prime of life and when on the flood tide of an enduring fame.

REVERE PAUL was born in Ma.s.sachusetts in 1735. It was he who carried the express from Gen. Warren to Messrs. Adams and Hanc.o.c.k the evening previous to the battle of Lexington. He was a colonel of militia and a devoted patriot. He was in the unfortunate Pen.o.bscot expedition in the summer of 1779. His was a life of purity and stern integrity. He died in Boston in 1818.

SARGENT WINTHROP was a native of Ma.s.sachusetts and graduated at Harvard College in 1771. With all the circ.u.mstances of his life before him, the historian could present him to the admiring reader in a blaze of glory.

Thousands of the n.o.ble actors on the stage of the Revolution have pa.s.sed away without a place on the historic page. From the commencement to the close of the long and sanguinary struggle for Independence he was actively and honorably engaged in the military field. In 1786 he was appointed Surveyor of the North Western Territory and in 1787 Secretary of that government. He was adjutant-general of the army of Gen. St.

Clair in his disastrous expedition against the Indians and of the army of Gen. Wayne when he conquered the same red men who had defeated St.

Clair. He was subsequently Governor of Mississippi. In all the duties of public and private life he acquitted himself n.o.bly and fulfilled the design of his creation. He died in 1820.