Sages and Heroes of the American Revolution Part 18

In 1777 he was a member of the convention that framed the const.i.tution of New York. He was elected to the Senate and attended the first legislature of the empire state. The same year he was elected to Congress, then in session at York, Penn. having been compelled to flee before the conquering foe. Deeply afflicted with _hydro-thorax_ [dropsy of the chest] he felt that his labors must speedily close. It was in the spring of 1778 when the dark mantle of gloom hung over the bleeding Colonies. Under these circ.u.mstances he was willing to devote his last hours to the interest of his beloved country. He had freely given her his best services and a large portion of his pecuniary means. His family had fled to Kingston on the approach of the enemy. He repaired there to arrange his private business in the best possible manner. He wrote a valedictory letter to his friends at Albany--urged them to remain firm in the cause of Liberty--trust in G.o.d for deliverance and bade them an affectionate--a final farewell. He then clasped his lovely wife and dear children to his bosom for the last time on earth--commended them to Heaven's guardian care--gave them a look of tenderness--a fervent kiss and was gone.

On the 5th of May he took his seat in Congress, exhausted and feeble, but determined to remain at his post until the lamp of life should burn out.

Although standing on the confines of eternity, his zeal in the cause of human rights shone brightly to the last. For himself he could not antic.i.p.ate the enjoyment of the fruit of his numerous and protracted toils but for his family and his countrymen he felt deeply--hoped ardently. He had full confidence that Independence would be sustained and that a glorious Republic would rise upon the ruins of monarchy.

In June his health failed rapidly and on the 12th of that month, 1778 he yielded to the monarch Death to whom he owed a momentary allegiance--paid the debt--took a release and a pa.s.sport to mansions in the skies. He was buried the same day with all the mournful honors due to his great worth--deeply lamented by all the friends of freedom. His amiable wife was not with him but he had a friend that sticketh closer than a brother--one that had been his stay and support in every hour of trial and smoothed the pillow of death--RELIGION. Angels waited for the transit of his immortal soul--opened wide the gates of Heaven to let the patriot in--the King of glory decked him with a robe of white, enrolled his name in the book of life and crowned him with that peaceful rest which is the reward of a pure heart and a virtuous life.

The private character of Mr. Livingston was a continued eulogy upon virtue, philanthropy, benevolence, urbanity, integrity, n.o.bleness, honesty, patriotism, consistency and all the leading qualities that render man dignified on earth and fit for Heaven.

His public career was an exemplification of all the n.o.ble qualities that render a patriot complete and endear him to a nation of freemen. With such men to wield the destiny of our expanding nation--our country is safe--our UNION secure.

THOMAS LYNCH JR.

The prudent man soars in peerless majesty above the trifling vanities and corrupting pleasures of this world and lives in constant readiness to enter the mansions of bliss beyond this vale of tears. He regards the past, present and future in the light of Revelation and views mankind in the bright suns.h.i.+ne of charity--exemplifies the golden rule in his intercourse with the world. He investigates impartially, reasons logically--condemns reluctantly. Prudence is not the necessary result of s.h.i.+ning talents, brilliant genius or great learning. A profound scholar may astonish the world with scientific discoveries--pour upon mankind a flood of light--enrapture the immortal mind with theological eloquence--point erring man to the path of rect.i.tude and render himself powerless by imprudent conduct. One grain of prudence is of more value than a cranium crowded with unbridled genius or a flowing stream of vain wit. Dangers gather thick around the frail bark of man without it and harry him lo destruction. It is the real ballast of human life. So thought and so acted the Sages of the American Revolution, else their efforts would have been vain, their exertions powerless.

Among them stood the young patriot Thomas Lynch Jr. born on the plantation of his father on the bank of the North Santee river in the parish of Prince George S. C. on the 5th of August 1749. His paternal ancestors were of Austrian descent and highly respectable. The direct ancestor of young Thomas removed to Kent in England, from thence to Ireland, a son of whom, Jonack Lynch, removed from Connaught to South Carolina in the early time of its settlement. He was the great grandfather of the subject of this short sketch--a man of liberal views and pure morals.

In childhood Thomas Lynch Jr. was deprived of his mother by death. At the proper age he was placed at the Indigo Society School at Georgetown, S. C. where some of the most eminent sages of the south were educated.

Warmed by the genial rays of science the mind of young Lynch soon burst from its embryo state and exhibited a pleasing and luxuriant growth. His progress was rapid and highly gratifying to his anxious father whose only child he was. At the age of thirteen he entered the far famed school at Eton, Buckinghams.h.i.+re, England, founded by Henry VI. At that school he commenced his cla.s.sical studios. After completing his course there he was entered as a gentleman commoner in the University of Cambridge where he became a finished scholar and polished gentleman, esteemed and respected by his acquaintances. He then entered the law temple and became well versed in legal knowledge and general science and was well prepared to enter upon the great theatre of action.

During his stay he cultivated an extensive acquaintance with the whigs of England and became familiar with the designs of British ministers upon the Colonies. He investigated closely the relative situation of the two countries and came home in 1772 prepared and determined to oppose the oppressions of the crown and strike for LIBERTY. As the dark clouds of the Revolution loomed up from the horizon and increased in fearful blackness the firmness of his purpose increased. These were fostered by his patriotic father and responded to by the people of the parish. Hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder did the sire and son march to the rescue resolved so put forth their n.o.blest efforts to throw off the chains of tyranny.

The first attempt of this young patriot to speak in public after his return was at a large town meeting in Charleston. His father had just addressed the a.s.sembled mult.i.tude on the subject of British oppression and sat down amidst the enthusiastic cheers of his fellow citizens. His youthful son then rose. A profound silence ensued. The eyes of the dense ma.s.s were fixed upon him. For a moment he paused. The blood rushed back upon his aching heart. It returned to its thousand channels--his bosom heaved--the struggle was over--an impa.s.sioned strain of eloquence burst from him that carried the insulating fluid of patriotism to the hearts of his astonished and delighted audience with irresistible force. Tears of joy ran down the furrowed cheeks of his father--bursts of applause from the enraptured mult.i.tude made the welkin ring. Such men could not remain slaves.

When the crisis arrived for physical action he was among the first to offer his services. In July 1775 he received a captaincy and repaired to Newbern, N. C. where he unfurled the star spangled banner and in a few weeks enlisted a full complement of men. His father objected to his acceptance of so low a grade to whom his affectionate son modestly replied--"My present command is fully equal to my experience"--a reply worthy the consideration of every young man who desires to build his fame upon a substantial basis. If a man is suddenly placed upon a towering eminence to which his is unaccustomed, the nerves of his brain must be unusually strong if he does not grow dizzy, tremble, totter--fall. If he ascends gradually--pauses at different points of alt.i.tude as he advances, he may reach the loftiest spire, preserve his equilibrium and stand in safety. Sudden elevations often prove disastrous.

On his way to Charleston with his company Capt. Lynch was prostrated by the bilious fever from which he never entirely recovered and was not able to join his regiment for several months. Soon after this he received intelligence of the dangerous illness of his father--then a member of Congress at Philadelphia. He applied to Col. Gadsden for permission to leave for that city which was refused on the ground that his services were paramount to all private considerations. His unexpected election to Congress to succeed his father, by a unanimous vote of the a.s.sembly, enabled him to leave at once. With great diffidence he look his seat in the Congress of 1776 amidst veteran sages and statesmen whose combined talents and wisdom are without a rival on the pages of history.

On his arrival at Philadelphia he found his revered father partially relieved from a paralytic attack and in August started with him for home. They only reached Annapolis where the venerable sage died in the arms of his son.

On entering the national legislature Capt. Lynch became a bold and eloquent advocate for the Declaration of Independence and soon convinced his senior colleagues that he had a full share of wisdom to conceive, patriotism to impel and prudence to guide him in the glorious cause of freedom. He cheerfully and fearlessly affixed his name to the Magna Charta of our rights and did all in his power and more than his feeble health would warrant to advance the best interests of his excoriated--bleeding country. He was finally compelled to yield to increasing ill health and relinquish his honorable station.

Medical skill proved futile and as advised by his physicians, he and his accomplished wife embarked for Europe at the close of 1779 with Capt.

Morgan, whose vessel was never heard from after she had been a few days at sea and then from a Frenchman who left her from some cause unexplained and went on board another vessel. Soon after he left her a violent gale came on and beyond all doubt the vessel went down with all on board. Previous to embarking he made a will bequeathing his large estate to three sisters in case of the death of himself and wife, having no children.

The private character of this worthy man was pure and in all respects amiable. Had his valuable life been spared his eminent talents and great zeal promised important services to his country and an elevated rank among the sages and patriots of the eventful era at which he commenced his brilliant but transient career. Short as was his public tenure he did enough to immortalize his name. Although his bright morning sun did not reach its meridian, its splendor contributed largely in illuminating the horizon of LIBERTY and shed a rich l.u.s.tre over his name that will render his memory sacred through all future time.

The brief career of Thomas Lynch Jr. admonishes us that life is held by a slender cord and that exalted talents and splendid accomplishments, like some rich flowers, often bloom just long enough to be gazed at and admired--then close up their petals and hide their beauties for ever from enraptured sight.

THOMAS McKEAN.

Great designs require the deep consideration of strong, vigorous and investigating minds. Imposing events open a wide field for fame and bring to view powers of intellect that would never unfold their beauties under ordinary circ.u.mstances. Hence the brilliancy of talent that illuminated the glorious era of the American Revolution. Many who became eminent statesmen and renowned heroes during that memorable struggle would have remained within the sphere of their particular occupation in time of peace. The public gaze would never have been fixed upon them--they would have pa.s.sed away with a rich mine of undeveloped mental powers. Hence the erroneous expression I have heard from men who do not a.n.a.lyze all they read, hear and see--that we have no men among us _now_ with the exalted talents of the sages of '76. Just such an occasion would explode the error.

That many of the patriots of that eventful period were men of unusual ability and acquirements--I freely--proudly admit. That the momentous transactions that engaged their attention served to add an unequalled l.u.s.tre to their names is emphatically true. The perils that encompa.s.sed them--the dangers that surrounded them--the mighty work they conceived, planned and consummated--all combine to shed a sacred halo around their well earned fame.

Prominent among them was Thomas McKean, a native of Chester County, Pennsylvania, born on the 19th of March 1731. He was the son of William McKean who immigrated from Ireland at an early age. He placed this son under the tuition of Rev. Francis Allison then princ.i.p.al of the most popular seminary of the province. He was a gentleman of profound erudition and science.

The intellect of Thomas budded and bloomed like the rose of spring. He was a close student--his rapid attainments gave an earnest of a bright future. He left the seminary a thorough linguist, a practical mathematician, a moral philosopher, a finished scholar, an accomplished gentleman--esteemed, respected and admired by his numerous friends.

He then commenced the study of Law under David Kinney, of Newcastle, Delaware. He explored the interminable field of this science with unusual success and was admitted to the bar under the most favorable auspices. He commenced his professional career at Newcastle--soon acquiring a lucrative practice and proud reputation. He extended his business into his native province and was admitted to the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania in 1757. His strict attention to business and superior legal ac.u.men made him extensively and favorably known. He avoided the modern error of too many young lawyers who suppose an admission to the bar closes the toils of the student. Fatal mistake my young friends. You are at the very threshold of your reading. Relaxation is professional suicide. This is a rock on which many have been s.h.i.+pwrecked in all the learned professions. The laws of nature demand a constant supply of food in the intellectual as well as in the physical economy. The _man_ requires more and stronger food then the _child_. The corroding rust of forgetfulness will mar the most brilliant acquirements of science if laid upon the shelf of neglect. Much study is required to keep up with the march of mind and the ever varying changes produced by the soaring intellect and reaching genius of man. It has been said that the basis of law is as unchangeable as a rock of adamant. Of elementary law this is true. It does not follow, _a priori_, that the superstructure is so.

Precocious legislators have made _that_ a labyrinthian maze. _They_ use a political kaleidoscope in legislating and that not skilfully. It puzzles _competent_ judges to arrive at a satisfactory construction of statute laws. The _incompetent_--not few and far between--use the instrument above named carelessly if not politically. Hence no lawyer can succeed without an endless round of reading.

In 1762 Mr. McKean was elected to the Delaware a.s.sembly from Newcastle county and continued in that body for eleven consecutive years. He then removed to Philadelphia. So much attached were the Delawarians to him that they continued to elect him to their a.s.sembly for six years after his removal although he could not serve them in that. Under the old regimen, he was claimed by both Delaware and Pennsylvania and served them conjointly in the Continental Congress.

In 1765 he was a member from Delaware to the Congress in New York. He was upon the committee that drafted the memorable address to the House of Commons. His patriotism, love of liberty and firmness of purpose were fully demonstrated in that instrument and by his subsequent acts. He was republican to the core--despised the chains of political slavery--the baubles of monarchy and the trappings of kingly courts. He struck high for Liberty and scorned to be a slave.

On his return from New York he was appointed Judge of the Common Pleas, Quarter Sessions and Orphans' Court of Newcastle county. The Stamp Act was then in full _life_ but not in full force in Delaware. Judge McKean was the first judicial officer who put a veto on stamped paper--directing the officers of the courts over which he presided not to use it, as had been ordered by the hirelings of the crown. He set them at defiance and was sustained by the people of the nation. That circ.u.mstance, trifling as it may _now_ seem to superficial readers, was big with consequences. It was one of the entering wedges to the Revolution that made an awful opening in the monarchical ma.s.s that was ultimately split into atoms and annihilated by the wedges and malls of the hard-fisted sons of America. From that time Judge McKean was hailed as one of the boldest champions of Freedom--one of the ablest defenders of his country's Rights.

He was a prominent member of the Congress of 1774. He had talent to design--energy to execute and at once made himself useful. He was the only man who served in the Continental Congress during the whole time of its duration. He was a strong advocate for the Declaration of Independence and promptly put his name to that revered instrument. When it came up for final action, so anxious was he that it should pa.s.s _unanimously_--that he sent an express for Mr. Rodney who arrived just in time to give an affirmative vote.

Notwithstanding the arduous duties that devolved on him as a member of Congress--of several important committees and Chief Justice of Pennsylvania--so ardent was his patriotism that he accepted a colonel's commission--took command of a Philadelphia regiment and marched to the aid of Gen. Was.h.i.+ngton, remaining with him until a new supply of recruits was raised. During his absence his Delaware const.i.tuents had elected him to a convention to form a const.i.tution. On his return he proceeded to Newcastle, put up at a tavern and without consulting men or books, hastily penned the const.i.tution that was adopted by the convention. Understanding the feelings and wants of the people--well versed in law and republicanism--a ready writer, he performed the labor in a few hours that has required a large number of men nearly a year to accomplish in more modern times. How changed are men and things since the glorious era of '76. How changed the motives that impel many politicians to action--how different the amount of useful labor performed in the same time and for the same money. _Then_ all were anxious to listen--_now_ nearly all are anxious to speak. _Then_ legislators loved their country _more_ and the loaves and fishes _less_ than at the present day. I do not blame the politicians--it is their trade and living. Office seeking has become a card game in which the applicants are the pack--demagogues the players and the _dear_ people and government the table played upon. The bone and sinew of our country can and should block this ruinous game at once. We have as good men as lived in '76 and a _few_ of them on duty. There should be no others selected. They will not _seek_ office but we should be careful to seek _them_ and cleanse the temple of our Liberty from political peculation and venality. If our country is ruined it will be the fault of the ma.s.s.

On the 10th of July 1781, Judge McKean was elected President of Congress but declined serving in consequence of his duties as Chief Justice of Pennsylvania. He was then urged to occupy the chair until the court should commence the next term. To this he a.s.sented and made an able presiding officer. On the 7th of November he vacated the chair and was complimented by the following resolution:--"_Resolved_--That the thanks of Congress be given to the Honorable Thomas McKean, late President of Congress in testimony of their approbation of his conduct in the chair and in the execution of public business." His duties upon the Bench of the Supreme Court commenced in 1777 and were extremely onerous. He did not recognize the power of the crown and held himself amenable only to his country and his G.o.d. An able jurist--an unbending patriot--at the hazard of his life he punished all who were brought before him and convicted of violating the laws of the new government. No threats could intimidate--no influence reach him when designed to divert him from the independent discharge of his duty. His profound legal acquirements--ardent zeal--equal justice--vigorous energy and n.o.ble patriotism--enabled him to outride every storm and calm the raging billows that often threatened to overwhelm him. He marched on triumphantly to the goal of Liberty and hailed the star spangled banner as it waived in grandeur from the lofty spire of the temple of FREEDOM.

He beheld, with the eye of a sage, philosopher and philanthropist, the rising glory of Columbia's new world. He viewed, with emotions of pleasing confidence, the American eagle descend from the ethereal regions beyond the alt.i.tude of a tyrant's breath and pounce upon the British lion. With increasing vigor and redoubled fury the mighty bird continued the awful conflict until the king of beasts retreated to his lair and proclaimed, in a roar of thunder--AMERICA IS FREE! Angels rejoiced--monarchs trembled--patriots shouted a loud--AMEN!!! The torch of England's power over the Colonies expired in its socket--the birth of a new nation was celebrated by happy millions basking beneath the genial rays of the refulgent glories of the sun of Liberty. The harvest was past--the summer ended--our country saved. The stupendous work of political regeneration was accomplished--the Independence of the United States acknowledged--an honorable peace consumated. Judge McKean then sat down under his own fig tree to enjoy the full fruition of the comforts resulting from his faithful labors in the cause of equal rights.

He continued to discharge the important duties of Chief Justice up to 1799 illuminating his judicial path with profound learning, sound discretion and impartial decisions. His Supreme Court opinions, based, as they generally are--upon equal justice, correct law and strict equity--delivered when the form of government was changed, the laws unsettled, the stale const.i.tution just formed, the Federal Government under its Const.i.tution bursting from embryo--are monuments of legal fame enduring as social order--revered, respected--canonized.

He was a member of the convention that formed the const.i.tution of Pennsylvania adopted in 1790 and exercised a salutary influence in that body. In 1799 he was elected Governor of the Keystone state and contributed largely in adding new strength and beauty to the arch of our Union. For nine successive years he directed the destinies of the land of Penn--commencing at a period when the mountain waves of party spirit were rolling fearfully over the United States with a fury before not dreamed of. Amidst the foaming and conflicting elements, Governor McKean stood at the helm of his commonwealth calm as a summer morning--firm as a granite rock and guided his n.o.ble s.h.i.+p through the whirling storm--unscathed and unharmed. He proved himself a safe and skilful pilot.

For elegance and force of language--correct and liberal views of policy--a luminous exposition of law and the principles of government--his annual messages to the legislature stand unrivalled. The clamors of his political enemies he pa.s.sed by as the idle wind. The suggestions of his friends he scanned with the most rigid scrutiny.

Neither flattery or censure could drive him from the strong citadel of his own matured judgment.

The fawning sycophant--the designing demagogue he spurned with contempt.

By honest means only he desired the advancement of the party that had elevated him to a post of honor. Open and avowed principles--fully proclaimed and strictly carried out were frankly and without prevarication or disguise submitted to the people by him. He was a politician of the old school when each party had plain and distinctive landmarks, significant names and fixed principles. Political chemists had not then opened shop and introduced the modern mode of amalgamation--producing a heterogeneous ma.s.s that defies the power of a.n.a.lysis, a.n.a.lyzation or scientific arrangement. No one of the yclepped cla.s.ses is h.o.m.ogeneous.

Governor McKean respected those who honestly differed from him in politics and had among them many valued friends. He was free from that narrow minded policy based upon self, which is too prominent at the present day among those who a.s.sume the high responsibility of becoming the arbiters of the minds of their fellow men. His views were expanding, liberal--broad--charitable. He aimed at distributing equal justice to all--the rich and poor, the public officer and private citizen. He preferred future good to present aggrandizement. To lay the deep foundations of increasing and lasting prosperity in his own state and through our nation was the object of this pure patriot, enlightened statesman and able jurist. The vast resources of our country, her wide spread territory, majestic rivers, silvery lakes, mineral wealth, rich valleys, majestic mountains, rolling uplands, beautiful prairies, extensive sea board, enterprising sons and her virtuous daughters--were all arrayed before his grasping mind and pa.s.sed in grand review. He was firmly convinced that our people have only to be wise and good to be great and happy. With this end in view he embraced every opportunity in public and private life to inculcate those great principles of moral rect.i.tude, inflexibly virtue, purity of motive and n.o.bleness of action--that alone can preserve a nation. He cast a withering frown upon vice in all its deluding forms. He exerted his strongest powers to arrest the career of crime. He was a terror to evil doers and inspired confidence in those who did well.

In 1808 he retired from public life. He had devoted forty-six years to the faithful service of his country and had earned an imperishable fame.

He stood approved at the bar of his country--his conscience and his G.o.d.

He had acted well his part and contributed largely in raising our country to a proud elevation among the nations of the earth. He outlived all the animosities that a faithful discharge of duty too often creates.

On the 24th of June 1817 he resigned his immortal spirit to Him who gave it and fell asleep in the arms of death as peacefully as a babe slumbers. He died at Philadelphia.

The private character of Judge McKean was unsullied as the virgin sheet.

His person was tall and erect--his countenance intelligent, bold and commanding--his manners urbane, gentlemanly and affable--his feelings n.o.ble, generous and humane--his actions open, frank and republican. He was a refined philanthropist, a sterling patriot, an acute philosopher, an enlightened statesman, a profound lawyer, an impartial judge, an able magistrate and a truly good man. Legislators, statesmen, magistrates and judges--imitate the bright examples of this friend to his country--then our Republic is secure--our UNION safe.

FRANCIS MARION.