Sages and Heroes of the American Revolution Part 16

He immediately fitted out a vessel at his own expense--freighted it with munitions of war and clothing--received letters of high commendation from the American commissioners to the Congress of their bleeding country and embarked secretly for the land of the pilgrim fathers in the winter of 1777. He then looked forward with anxious solicitude to that happy day when he should aid in unfurling the banner of freedom--in planting deep the tree of liberty in a soil congenial to its growth and take by the hand those bold and daring sages and heroes who had thrown the stars and stripes to the breeze in defiance of despotism--resolved on freedom or death. Nothing short of a deep, strong, inherent devotion to liberal principles could have induced La Fayette to leave his native country under the existing circ.u.mstances and peril everything in behalf of strangers. In vain we search history for a benevolence so broad and disinterested. Call it ambition if you please. Would to G.o.d the same laudable ambition reigned triumphant in the breast of every human being.

We should then see tyrants trembling--thrones crumbling--crowns falling--fetters bursting and the grand jubilee of FREEDOM celebrated amidst the expiring groans of monarchy--the chaotic ruins of tyranny.

Call it a thirst for glory. Would to G.o.d that all who have figured largely on the grand theatre of public action could have the same glory emblazoned on the escutcheon of their names. A purer, fairer sheet of biography would then meet the eyes of the present and generations to come.

On the 25th of April 1777 Lafayette and his companions landed in South Carolina near Charleston and were warmly welcomed by Gen. Moultrie, Major Huger and the little band of veterans around them. The dest.i.tute condition of the American soldiers excited the sympathy of the Marquis.

He distributed clothing to those under Gen. Moultrie and a sword to each of his officers. From Charleston he hastened to Philadelphia and delivered his letters and despatches from the American Commissioners to Congress. He offered himself as a volunteer--desiring to enter the army with no remuneration except the proud satisfaction of enrolling his name with the brave heroes whose motto was--LIBERTY OR DEATH. His una.s.suming manners, patriotic sentiments, stern resolution, devotedness to the cause and dignified bearing--combined to inspire confidence in all who made his acquaintance. In July Congress pa.s.sed a resolution accepting his services and commissioned him a Major-General in the Continental army. He immediately placed himself under the supervision of Was.h.i.+ngton and commenced a brilliant career that gained increased l.u.s.tre during a long life of usefulness. Shortly after he entered the service he acted a conspicuous part in the battle of Brandywine where he was wounded and disabled for six weeks. In the battle of Germantown he proved himself a cool, brave and skilful officer. He soon gained the full confidence of Was.h.i.+ngton and was put in command of a choice corps of daring young men selected by himself and was entrusted with several expeditions which he conducted with great prudence and success and to the entire satisfaction of Was.h.i.+ngton and Congress. On all occasions he exhibited talents of the highest order. Discretion--the strong helm of human action, guided him in all his actions.

At that period the question of maintaining American Independence was truly problematical. Prospects darkened as time rolled on. The general gloom was an impetus to this young patriot that impelled him to more vigorous exertion. In the autumn of 1778 he returned to France and exerted his influence in favor of a treaty of alliance and greatly aided in consumating that _desideratum_. This imparted fresh courage to the American army--then writhing under privations and distress that truly tried the souls and bodies of men. Nothing short of an Almighty hand could have sustained the Sages and Heroes of the Revolution and nerved them to persevere in their n.o.ble undertaking until crowned with triumphant victory. La Fayette returned in the spring of 1780 and was followed by a French naval force in July which came to the rescue. A new impetus was thus given to the cause of human rights in America. La Fayette was put in command of the expedition against Lord Cornwallis in Virginia. He found his troops in a naked, forlorn condition and Congress without means to furnish them with the common comforts of an army. Upon his own credit he borrowed money from merchants in Baltimore--purchased a portion of the necessary supplies--appealed to the fair daughters of the monumental city who responded n.o.bly to the call. Their eyes and needles brightened as they made up garments for the brave soldier boys--soon the Marquis saw his men comfortably clad, fully equipped--eager to drive the minions of tyranny from their blood stained soil.

La Fayette took the field with a force far inferior to that of Cornwallis who was the pride of his king and acknowledged no superior in the science of military tactics. In the wary and sagacious "boy" as La Fayette was termed by the veteran British General, Cornwallis found a leader too formidable to be treated with contempt--too cautious to be easily ensnared. He was constantly annoyed without being able to bring his antagonist to a general action. Chagrined and disgusted he retired to Yorktown and commenced formidable fortifications. As his army was now the bulwark of England in America, the combined forces of the United Colonies and France lost no time in concentrating in front of his entrenchments. A vigorous siege was commenced on the 29th of September 1781. The British General felt that an awful crisis had arrived. By a surrender--the Colonies were lost. A tremendous responsibility rested upon him. His resistance corresponded with these high considerations.

His spirited defence was worthy of a better cause.

On the 14th of October it was found necessary to silence two redoubts that were pouring a destructive fire into the works of the besiegers.

This was to be done with the bayonet. The young Marquis was selected to lead the a.s.sault. The order was no sooner received than obeyed. He led his men to the charge with the impetuosity of a tornado. Like a mighty avalanche, rus.h.i.+ng from the mountain top with the fury of Mars--they bore down all opposition. Although the enemy were double in number--so sudden and irresistible was the onset that they were all killed or taken prisoners but six. Against such troops fighting for Liberty, Cornwallis found it useless to contend. The injured Colonists had risen in their might--a fearful retribution awaited him. The last ray of success was expiring in the socket of hope--his cruel military career was about to close in the new world. Keen and blighting anguish seized his tortured soul in view of outrages committed upon an oppressed people. The cries of murdered innocents rang through his ears--his courage lost its equilibrium and was supplanted by despair. On the 18th of October the proud hero of Britain surrendered his whole army to the ill.u.s.trious WAs.h.i.+NGTON and the brave LA FAYETTE--the champions of liberal principles and human rights.

That signal victory closed the long, b.l.o.o.d.y, doubtful struggle. Several nations promptly acknowledged the Independence of the United States. The ensigns of royalty were banished from our sh.o.r.es--the star spangled banner waved triumphantly over the land of the brave and free.

Was.h.i.+ngton and La Fayette mingled tears of grat.i.tude and thankfulness for their preservation, success and final deliverance. They richly merited and freely received the plaudits of the American people and of admiring nations. A gazing world looked upon them with ecstatic delight as they stood on the loftiest pinnacle of fame in all the sublime majesty of republican simplicity. They were among the brightest of the dazzling luminaries of emanc.i.p.ation--the terror of tyrants--the hope of FREEMEN. The consummation of Liberty was then and there proclaimed to grateful and happy millions. Seraphs listened to the cheering news with thrilling joy--carried the glad tidings to the unerring chancery of the great Eternal where they received the sanction of Jehovah's high authority and were recorded on the unfading pages of the book of lasting renown in letters of gold by the Grand Scribe of Heaven. Echo caught the talismanic sound and wafted it to the remotest bounds of every nation on wings of mighty wind.

Having accomplished all in his power to establish the Independence of our country La Fayette prepared to return to the bosom of his anxious family in France. He had served more than six years and expended _one hundred and forty-seven thousand dollars_ in the glorious cause he had n.o.bly, ardently, successfully espoused. He asked no pecuniary emolument at the commencement of his services--he demanded no pay--presented no account at their termination. He had a richer reward, more precious than gold--more valuable than rubies--_the grat.i.tude of the American nation_ deeply felt and strongly expressed. He had the invaluable satisfaction of having contributed largely towards preparing a nursery for freemen--an asylum for the oppressed. His conduct stood approved at the dread tribunal of conscience.

"The man who stands acquitted at that fearful bar Holds the first round prize the world has to give.

'Tis like Heaven's suns.h.i.+ne--PRICELESS."

At his departure he received the highest tokens of respect from Congress, the officers of the army and our nation at large. The richest blessings of a kind Providence were invoked for him. He was received with great enthusiasm on his arrival at home. He was hailed as a prominent hero of the new world--the tried friend of Liberty--the unyielding advocate of universal Freedom--the spotless patriot--the brave and skilful officer--the hope of the down-trodden and oppressed in the old world.

The success of the United States in shaking off the yoke of bondage had its influence on the nations of Europe as a natural consequence. That the people of France felt it _most_ is not surprising. The French army had drank freely at the fountain of Liberty that had gushed out in the United States. The holy flame of freedom was burning in their bosoms and was soon communicated to their brethren at home. The insulating fire of patriotism ran through the ma.s.s and the too resolved to be free.

Unfortunately for the cause of human rights they seized upon the abstract principles of Liberty without learning the art of self-government. They plucked the fruit before it was ripe--it disorganized their system producing a raging fever and wild delirium. So rapidly did the excitement rise that it was found necessary to convene the States General--an a.s.sembly that had slumbered 172 years--the dernier resort of that nation to suppress internal commotion. It consisted of deputies chosen by the n.o.bility, clergy and common people.

So terrific was the storm of pa.s.sion that this august body trembled like a reed shaken by the wind. Anarchy mounted its desolating car--mad ambition rolled its mountain waves over reason and justice--malicious jealousy sought its victims in every avenue--Jacobinism reared its hydra head--the fountain of mercy was dried up--the b.l.o.o.d.y guillotine did its fearful work. Civil war raged in all the plenipotence of exterminating revenge--cruelty ceased only for the want of victims--the streets were deluged with purple current. Such are the outlines of the first French Revolution. The picture is filled with darker shades.

Amidst this scene of dreadful carnage--this tornado of angry pa.s.sions--La Fayette stood calm and undismayed. He commanded the military and had their confidence. At one bold stroke he might have cut off the cold hearted Robespierre--the cruel Mirabeau--the treacherous Duke of Orleans--the ambitious Paine--the b.l.o.o.d.y Nero--Murat. Under Was.h.i.+ngton and from his own innate goodness he had learned to soar above revenge and practice humanity. For some time he paralyzed the efforts of the various factions and succeeded in giving France a const.i.tution approximating towards republicanism. But the typhoid of faction had become too firmly fixed on the body politic to be arrested in its sanguinary career by this panacea. It gathered new strength as it advanced. The awful whirlpool of boiling pa.s.sion was fast drawing La Fayette to its vortex of destruction. The National a.s.sembly yielded and became subservient to the Jacobins. Plans were suggested by which to rid themselves of the man they most dreaded. At this alarming crisis he exhibited moral and physical courage without a parallel. He repaired to the National a.s.sembly and in language bold and strong portrayed the conduct of those whose wild ambition had brought upon France threatened ruin and impending destruction. His dignified manner, unanswerable logic, powerful eloquence, stern integrity, open frankness, anxious solicitude and n.o.ble boldness filled the delegates and leading Jacobins with awe and astonishment. They believed he had an armed force within call to protect him. When he had finished his address he immediately withdrew and resumed the command of the army then marching against the Austrian Netherlands. Learning that he had gone, the National a.s.sembly became so courageous that they proscribed him and set a price upon his head. Finding the wild disorder of his country beyond his control and his life in jeopardy, he resolved to fly to the United States. With an aching heart he left, with seven companions. In their flight they fell into the hands of the Prussians and were delivered over to the Austrians. After enduring every indignity and insult La Fayette was thrown into a loathsome dungeon at Olmutz where a bed of rotten straw, a broken chair and an old table const.i.tuted all the furniture of his wretched apartment. There he suffered by privations and disease--neglected and alone until he was so reduced that the hair fell from his head and death seemed sure of an early victim. At the same time his estate was confiscated by the Jacobins and his amiable wife thrown into prison. To advocate him in France was a sure pa.s.sport to the b.l.o.o.d.y guillotine.

England, the United States and several other governments looked upon the incarceration of La Fayette as a violation of the laws of nations, of common justice and humanity. Was.h.i.+ngton and many others made great exertions to obtain his release. The Emperor of Austria was inexorable.

The staple of his mind was adamant--he delighted in human misery. He had caged the European Eagle of Liberty determined to immolate him slowly but surely on the altar of revenge and crush the embryo buds of liberal principles in the old world. A bold but unsuccessful attempt to rescue the prisoner was made by Col. Huger and Dr. Bollman of South Carolina.

Its history is full of thrilling interest and does great credit to the heads and hearts of its persevering and ingenious authors.

The amiableness and dignity of Madame La Fayette forced respect from the bloodthirsty Jacobins who ultimately released her. Learning the forlorn condition of her husband her native tenderness rushed upon her n.o.ble soul like a mighty flood. She at once resolved to fly to him and share in all the vicissitudes that awaited him. With her two daughters she left France in disguise and arrived safe at Olmutz. Her application to see her husband could not be granted unless she consented never to leave the prison after entering it. With this inhuman decree she cheerfully complied. The most brilliant imagination can but faintly conceive--the strongest language can never portray to the life the thrilling--the melting scene that followed. The sunburnt cheeks of the soldiers who guarded the prison were flooded with the tears of sympathy and compa.s.sion. With the two pledges of their love Madame La Fayette pa.s.sed the grating iron doors. The next moment she was clasped in the arms of the companion of her youth. _My loyal husband_--was all she could utter.

_My dear father_--burst from his angelic daughters as they clung around his emaciated form. _My dear wife--my lovely daughters_--pa.s.sed his trembling lips in broken accents--a flood of tears from each told a tale of mingling woes and joys in the language of that mute eloquence which casts words into the shade. That scene can never be presented in full original force by the finest touches of the painter's pencil--the boldest stroke of the poet's pen--the loftiest flights of historic eloquence. At that meeting with his family the situation of La Fayette in prison was more enviable than that of a king of nations or a conqueror of worlds. The ministering angel--WOMAN--can convert a dungeon into a paradise and light up a smile in the deepest aspect of woe.

Without her earth would be desolate--man miserable--a savage.

With Christian fort.i.tude and heroic patience this affectionate family bore their privations and sufferings. Madame de Stael has well observed--"Antiquity offers nothing more admirable than the conduct of Gen. La Fayette, his wife and daughters in the prison of Olmutz."

Fresh exertions were made to obtain the release of these innocent sufferers. The question was agitated in the United States Congress and in the House of Commons in England. Nothing could move the obdurate heart of the tyrant who held them. They seemed doomed to waste away their lives in that loathsome dungeon. G.o.d had otherwise determined. The time was rolling on rapidly when they should be restored to liberty, their friends and their home. The conquering Bonaparte humbled the proud and cruel Emperor and compelled him to release these ill.u.s.trious prisoners. In the treaty of Campo Formio in 1797 it was expressly stipulated that all the French prisoners at Olmutz should be immediately liberated. The Emperor of Austria attempted to impose restrictions on the future conduct of the Marquis. Amidst all his sufferings his dignity and liberal principles remained unimpaired. He spurned all conditions of a restrictive nature. His unconditional release occurred on the 25th of August 1797 when he and his family again inhaled the exhilarating atmosphere of Freedom. He had been in prison five years. His n.o.ble wife and affectionate daughters had shared with him the miseries of a damp dungeon twenty-two months. The release of these prisoners is one of the brightest stars in the diadem of Bonaparte.

When the French nation became more tranquil La Fayette and his family returned to the land of their birth. He located at La Grange and soon gained a salutary influence over those around him. He did all in his power to promote the interests of his country and the cause of human rights. Although he was truly grateful to Bonaparte for his release from a gloomy dungeon he believed he owed a duty to his nation paramount to all private considerations. He opposed all his measures that he considered dangerous to the prosperity and happiness of France. From the time of his return to that of his last illness, La Fayette took a conspicuous part in the civil and military departments of his country.

With an Argus eye he watched her destinies through all her convulsing changes. The smiles of princes and the huzzas of the mult.i.tude could not flatter him--the miseries of a dungeon and frowns of tyrants could not depress him. Without those brilliant talents that dazzle and captivate every beholder, like his revered Was.h.i.+ngton he possessed an uncommon share of sound common sense, a clear head, a good heart, a discriminating judgment that gave him a more universal influence than any man then in Europe. His magic power over the enraged populace of Paris during the Three Days' Revolution of 1830 has no parallel when we consider the effervescent nature of the French people. In the short period of seventy-two hours he restored tranquillity--formed a new government and commenced a new era in the history of that impulsive nation. He could then have been crowned King of France. To him crowns were empty bubbles, expanding only to burst--airy phantoms, formed to allure for a time--then vanish in abdication, chaos or blood.

When he visited our country in 1824 his reception at every point was an earnest of the deep feeling of grat.i.tude that pervaded the bosoms of our people. The presence of no man ever elicited more enthusiastic joy in any country. During his stay party spirit retired to its lair--all united in paying the profoundest respect to the benefactor of our nation--the companion of Was.h.i.+ngton--the n.o.ble philanthropist. In every crowd La Fayette sought his surviving companions in arms who had fought and bled by his side in the glorious cause of American Independence.

When he met them the scene was always interesting--sometimes affecting.

In some instances a simultaneous rush to each other at the moment of recognition and the eloquent tears that rolled down their veteran cheeks told what was pa.s.sing in their kindred hearts more strongly than words can express. It affords me great pleasure to state--that the finances of our government were such at that time and the liberality of Congress in such a state of expansion that La Fayette was remunerated for his services and the large amount of money expended in obtaining our Independence--reversing the adage--_Republics are always ungrateful_.

When he departed from our sh.o.r.es--bid a last farewell to his American friends and our country--he left a painful vacuum in the hearts of millions that was not speedily supplied. He was emphatically a man whom the people admired, loved, and delighted to honor. He arrived safely in France and continued to watch over her interests until the 18th of May 1834 when he took a violent cold in following on foot the remains of the patriot Dulong, to Pere le Chaise, or Garden of the Tombs. So violent was his illness that it baffled all medical skill and ended his eventful and useful life on the 21st of May 1834. He died in full faith of a blissful immortality in a better and brighter world. He expired at his hotel in Paris.

The pageant of his funeral was of the most imposing character. He was a member of the Chamber of Deputies at the time of his decease. The marked attention and mingling tears of the members of that body--the deep lamentations of the French and American people--the demonstrations of grief by every civilized nation on receiving intelligence of his death--combined to show the high estimation in which he was held by the old and new world.

The grateful memory of La Fayette is held sacred by every friend of Liberty. His history has no parallel on the Eastern continent. His career was not tarnished with bold strides of misguided ambition or base attempts at self-aggrandizement. He was consistent to the last. Compared with his--all borrowed greatness is an empty show. Unblemished virtue marked his bright career--philanthropy his whole course--integrity his entire conduct--justice his every action. A calm resignation to the will of G.o.d under all circ.u.mstances and a confiding trust in His wisdom added a more brilliant l.u.s.tre to all his n.o.ble and amiable qualities. Unborn millions will read his biography and sing the praises of this great and good man. He has left examples of human conduct worthy the contemplation and imitation of all who move in the private or public walks of life.

His influence did not terminate with his existence. Ages to come will be benefited by the rich fruits of his useful and monitory life. The sweet incense of FREEDOM will continue to ascend from his hallowed grave in cerulean perfumes with increasing fragrance until the old world shall be revolutionized, regenerated and FREE. Coming generations will gaze upon the bright picture of his history with enrapturing delight--the holy flame of patriotism and the pale torch of Liberty now glimmering in the old world will be replenished at the sacred tomb of LA FAYETTE.

FRANCIS LIGHTFOOT LEE.

The actions of men cannot be well understood without a thorough knowledge of human nature. We must trace the map of the immortal mind, learn the avenues of its circuit, follow it through the regions of revolving thought, become familiar with the pa.s.sions that influence and control it--learn its natural desires, innate qualities, springs of action--its multifarious combinations. We must understand its native divinity, earthly frailty, malleability, expansions, contractions and its original propensities. In addition to all this knowledge, to judge correctly of the actions of an individual we must know the predominants and exponents of his mind--the impress it has received from education, the motives that impelled him to action, his propulsive and repulsive powers, the ultimatum of his designs and his ulterior objects. With all these guides we may still become involved in error unless we move within the orbit of impartiality, divest ourselves of all prejudice and have our judgments warmed by the genial influence of heaven-born charity.

With all these lights we should never pa.s.s judgment of censure upon any person unless the good of community requires it or a court of justice demands it. Could this rule be strictly adhered to by individuals and the press--rays of millenial glory would burst upon the wilderness of mind and cause it to bud and blossom as the rose. A peaceful and quiescent rest would calm the angry feelings and boiling pa.s.sions of men, daily lashed to a foaming fury by the unnecessary and often erroneous expressed opinions of others. On this point the Sages and Heroes of the American Revolution were examples worthy of imitation.

Each one held most sacred the reputation of his co-workers. The few violations of this principle were frowned upon with an indignity that gave the recusants the Belshazzar trembles.

Among them no one was more tender of character than Francis Lightfoot Lee. He was the son of Thomas Lee--born in Westmoreland county, Virginia, on the 14th of October 1734. He was the brother of Richard Henry Lee whose eloquence rose higher but whose reflections were no deeper than those of Francis. In childhood he was admired for his docility and amiable deportment--in youth he was the pride of every circle in which he moved and when manhood dawned upon him he exhibited a dignity of mind and maturity of judgment that all delighted to honor.

He was educated by the Rev. Mr. Craig a Scotch clergyman of high literary attainment and profound erudition. Under his tuition the germs of knowledge took deep root in the prolific mental soil of young Lee and produced plants of rapid and luxuriant growth. The Scotch _literati_ are remarkable for deep investigation, thorough a.n.a.lyzation and lucid demonstration. I have never met one who was a pedant, a vain pretender or a superficial scholar. Under such an instructor the intellectual powers of Francis a.s.sumed a vigorous and healthful tone that placed him upon the substantial basis of useful knowledge and enduring fame. He was delighted with the solid sciences and spent less time in the bowers of Belles Lettres than his Ciceronean brother. The history of cla.s.sic Greece and Republican Rome enraptured his mind with the love of liberty and liberal principles. He read closely, thought deeply and investigated thoroughly. He prosecuted his studies with untiring industry and became an excellent scholar without the advantages of European seminaries to which most of the sons of wealthy men were then sent to complete their education. Imitating the examples of his elder brothers who had received the highest polish of English gentilesse and French etiquette he became a polished gentleman in his manners. Raised in the midst of affluence, actuated by the purest ethics, free from a desire to partic.i.p.ate in the follies of the world, living in the peaceful enjoyment of those refined pleasures that promote felicity without enervating the body or corrupting the heart, the favorite of his numerous acquaintances--his earthly happiness was of the purest kind. His mind richly stored with scientific theory and with correct moral and religious principles, he entered the school of experience and became emphatically a practical man. Possessed of an ample fortune he could devote his time to what he deemed most useful. Having early imbibed a love for rational liberty and having fully canva.s.sed the conduct of the British ministry towards the American Colonies, Mr. Lee resolved to oppose the encroachments of the king upon the rights clearly guaranteed by the English const.i.tution. He could not consent that the trappings of the crown, the pomp of the courts, the extravagance of the ministry and the expenses of the Parliament of Great Britain should be borne by the yoemanry of America who were eloigned from the protection and fraternal feeling of that power, deprived of partic.i.p.ating in legislation, subject to the caprice of every new cabinet created by the King, dragged from their native homes to be tried by a foreign jury, oppressed by the insolence of hireling officers, driven from under the mantle of const.i.tutional rights and treated as mere va.s.sals of the mother country.

In 1765 he was elected to the house of Burgesses to represent Loudoun county where his estate was situated. He at once took a bold stand in favor of rational Liberty. Blessed with a strong and investigating mind, a deep and penetrating judgment, a clear and acute perception, a pure and patriotic heart, a bold and fearless disposition--he became one of the most efficient advisers in the legislative body. He continued to represent Loudoun county until 1772 when he married the estimable Rebecca--daughter of Col. Taylor of Richmond county where he located permanently. The same year he was elected from his new district and continued to do good service in the house of Burgesses until he repaired to the Continental Congress. Amidst the gathering storm of the Revolution and the trying scenes that acc.u.mulated thick and fast around him--he stood unmoved and undismayed. He advocated every measure calculated to promote the independence of his country and was prolific in plans for the accomplishment of that much desired object. As a member of committees he had no superior. He was familiar with every form of government and understood well the rights conferred by Magna Charta and the British const.i.tution. He was prepared to act advisedly and was resolved to resist unto blood the illegal advances of the designing and avaricious ministry. He made no pretensions to oratory, seldom spoke in public but when so highly excited as to rise he poured upon his opponents a flood of keen and withering logic that often made them quail.

On the 15th of August 1775 Mr. Lee was elected to the Continental Congress. A more expansive field was then opened before him. To do or die--to live in chains or peril everything for Liberty had become the dilemma. Columbia's soil had been saturated with the blood and serum of Americans shed by the very men who had been cherished by their bounty and fed by their labor. The dim flickerings of hope for redress and conciliation were fast expiring in the socket of forbearance. The great seal of the compact had been broken by the British ministry--the last pet.i.tions, addresses and remonstrances were prepared--the final course for the Colonies to pursue was soon to be determined. Inglorious peace or honorable war were the two propositions. In favor of the last Mr. Lee put forth the strong energies of his mind. Eternal separation from England and Independence for America could only satisfy his views. Being upon numerous committees his influence was strongly felt. Liberty had become a _desideratum_ with him. When the proposition of final separation from the mother country was submitted by his brother his soul was raised to the zenith of patriotic feeling. When the Declaration of Rights was adopted his mind was in an ecstacy of delight. His influence, vote and signature told how pure and strong were his desires in its favor.

He rendered essential aid in framing the Articles of Confederation that governed Congress and the Colonies during the Revolution. This was a subject of great delicacy and labor. Besides the work of the committee it pa.s.sed through thirty-nine discussions in the House. He contended that the rights of contiguous fisheries and the free navigation of the Mississippi river should be incorporated in the claims of the United States in all propositions of peace. The wisdom and sagacity of his position are now fully demonstrated. It was then opposed by some and not duly appreciated but by few.

Mr. Lee was continued in Congress up to 1779 when he declined a re-election and retired from the public arena to scenes more congenial to him but less beneficial to the deliberations of the august body he had long graced with his wisdom. His enjoyment of domestic life was transient. Contrary to his wishes he was elected to the legislature of his native state and repaired to the post of duty. After aiding in removing the perplexing difficulties that embarra.s.sed the government of the Old Dominion he again retired to the peaceful retreat of private life where he remained until April 1797 when he was summoned to appear forthwith at the Bar of the G.o.d he loved and had honored through life.

Calm and resigned he bowed submissively to the messenger who bore the mandate--bid his friends an affectionate farewell and took his departure triumphing in faith with a full a.s.surance of a joyful reception in a brighter and better world. He died of pleurisy and was followed in a few days by his wife. They had no children but their graves were moistened by the tears of numerous relatives and friends.

In public life Mr. Lee was eminently useful--his private worth shone with equal brilliancy. Always chaste, cheerful, amusing and instructive--he delighted every circle in which he moved. Wealthy, benevolent and liberal--he was the widow's solace, the orphan's father and the poor man's friend. Kind, affectionate and intelligent--he was a good husband, a faithful companion and safe counsellor. Polished, urbane and gentlemanly--his manners were calculated to refine all around him.

Moral, discreet and pious--his precepts had a salutary influence upon the minds of all who heard them and were not callous to good advice. He spurned the slanderer, kindly reproved the vicious and by counsel and example disseminated the principles of morality and religion. He was a bright model of human excellence.

It has been erroneously stated that he was unfriendly to Was.h.i.+ngton. The mistake of the writer probably arose from incorrectly a.s.sociating Gen.

Charles Lee, who came from Wales in 1773, with the Lees of Virginia and who was suspended from his command one year for disobedience to orders at the battle of Monmouth. He was a brave officer and only made a small mistake which he deeply regretted. The approval of the sentence was voted for in Congress by Francis. After the adoption of the Federal Const.i.tution he was asked his opinion upon it. His answer shows his confidence in Was.h.i.+ngton. "I am old and do not pretend to judge these things now but one thing satisfies me it is all right--General Was.h.i.+ngton is in favor of it and John Warden is opposed to it." Warden was opposed to our Independence.

Let the s.h.i.+ning examples of Mr. Lee be reflected forcibly on our minds and lead us to do all the good in our power whilst we live and prepare for a peaceful and happy exit from the abysm of time.

RICHARD HENRY LEE.

Rhetoric, as defined in the lexicons, as taught in the schools, as practised in times of peaceful leisure--is not the kind that graced the forum during the American Revolution. No studied or written speeches were then crowded upon the audience to kill time or gain popularity.

Judge McKean remarked just before his death--"I do not recollect any formal speeches, such as are made in Parliament and our late Congresses.

We had no time to hear such speeches--little for deliberation--action was the order of the day."

School eloquence is very different from native heart-thrilling soul-stirring rhetoric. The former is like the rose in wax without odor--the latter like the rose upon its native bush perfuming the atmosphere with the rich odors distilled from the dew of heaven. The former is the finely finished statue of a Cicero or Demosthenes, more perfect in its lineaments than the original--the latter is the living man animated by intellectual power--rousing the deepest feelings of every heart--electrifying every soul as with vivid lightning. The former is a picture of the pa.s.sions all on fire--the latter is the real conflagration pouring out a stream of impa.s.sioned words that burn like liquid flames bursting from a volcano. The former brings the fancy of an audience into playful action--the latter sounds an alarum that vibrates through the tingling ears to the soul and drives back the rus.h.i.+ng blood upon the aching heart. The former moves the cerebral foliage in waves of rec.u.mbent beauty like a gentle wind pa.s.sing over a prairie of tall gra.s.s and flowers--the latter strikes a blow that resounds through the wilderness of mind like rolling thunder through a forest of oaks. The former fails when strong commotions and angry elements agitate the public peace--the latter can ride upon the whirlwind of faction, direct the tornado of party spirit and rule the storm of boiling pa.s.sion. This was the only kind of eloquence practised by the Sages and Heroes who achieved our Independence. At such times school elocution is a mockery--a vain show that disgusts men when the fate of millions is suspended by a single hair. At such a crisis the deep fountains of the soul are broken up and gush out in living streams of natural overwhelming eloquence.

Among the powerful orators of '76 was Richard Henry Lee, son of Thomas Lee, born in Westmoreland County, Virginia, on the 20th of January 1732.