Sages and Heroes of the American Revolution Part 30

During his administration of eight years he brought into full force his n.o.blest energies to advance the best interests of his country--meliorate the condition of those who were suffering from the effects of a protracted war--improve the state of society, arts, science, agriculture, manufactures--commerce--disseminate general intelligence--allay local difficulties and render the infant Republic as happy and glorious as it was free and independent. His patriotic exertions were crowned with success--his fondest antic.i.p.ations were realized--he finished the work a.s.signed him with a skill before unknown--the government foundations were laid deep and strong--the superstructure was rising in grandeur--Was.h.i.+ngton wrote his farewell address and on the 4th of March 1797 retired from public life honored and loved by a nation of freemen, respected and admired by a gazing world--crowned with an unsullied fame that will grow brighter and more brilliant through all time. He then repaired to Mount Vernon to repose in the bosom of his family and enjoy that domestic peace by his own fireside that he had long desired. He had served his country long, ably, impartially, justly. He could look back upon a life well spent in the cause of human rights, liberal principles and an enlarged philanthropy.

For his arduous services during the revolutionary war Was.h.i.+ngton took no compensation. More than this, owing to the depreciation of continental money he paid three-fourths of his own expenses. He kept a correct book entry of every business transaction and produced a written voucher for every disburs.e.m.e.nt he had made of public funds. During his presidential terms his expenses exceeded his salary over five thousand dollars a year which he paid from his private funds and refused a proffered remuneration. With the exception of his appointment as commander-in-chief of the American army in 1798 when France threatened invasion, Was.h.i.+ngton was relieved from any farther partic.i.p.ation in public affairs. He continued to live at Vernon's sacred Mount until the 14th of December 1799 when his immortal spirit left its n.o.ble tenement of clay--soared aloft on angel wings to realms of enduring bliss there to receive a crown of unfading glory--the reward of a spotless life spent in the service of his country and his G.o.d. His body was deposited in the family tomb where it slumbered amidst the peaceful groves of his loved retreat until 1837, when it was deposited in a splendid marble sarcophagus designed by Mr. Strickland and manufactured and presented by John Struthers, marble mason, both of the city of Philadelphia. Upon the top of this masterpiece of workmans.h.i.+p is most exquisitely and boldly carved the star spangled banner surmounted by the American Eagle. Under these the name WAs.h.i.+NGTON is carved in bold relievo. The design and finely finished work do great credit to Mr. Strickland as an architect and to Mr. Struthers as an artist. The gift and the delicate manner it was presented by the latter worthy gentleman do honor to his head and heart. The body was in a state of preservation as remarkable as the history of the man in life. The face retained its full form and fleshy appearance and was but slightly changed in color. The ceremony of removal was sublimely interesting and witnessed by a large concourse of tearful spectators. This hallowed spot is visited yearly by large numbers who approach it with profound veneration and awe. All nations revere the memory of the father of our country--unborn millions will chant his praise. Foreigners are proud to say they have visited the tomb of Was.h.i.+ngton at Mount Vernon. This estate was left to George Was.h.i.+ngton by his brother Lawrence in 1754. This brother served under Admiral Vernon in his memorable attack upon Carthagena in 1741. Having been treated with marked attention by the Admiral he named his estate in commemoration of him.

The name of George Was.h.i.+ngton is a.s.sociated with every amiable and n.o.ble quality that can adorn a man. It is encircled by a sacred halo that renders it dear to every philanthropist--respected by all civilized nations. His fame is too bright to be burnished by eulogy--too pure to be tarnished by detraction. His praises have been proclaimed by talents of the highest order, hearts of the warmest devotion, imaginations of the happiest conception--eloquence of the loftiest tone. It would require an angel's pen dipped in ethereal fire and an angel's hand to guide it to fully delineate the n.o.ble frame work and perfect finish of this great and good man. Like the sun at high meridian, the l.u.s.tre of his virtues can be seen and felt but not clearly described. His picture is one on which we may gaze with increased delight and discover new beauties to the last. Like that of our nation--his history is without a parallel. Unblemished rect.i.tude marked his whole career, philanthropy his entire course, justice his every action. Under the most trying circ.u.mstances and afflictive dispensations a calm holy resignation to the will of G.o.d added a brighter l.u.s.tre to his exalted qualities. Like a blazing luminary--his refulgence dims the surrounding stars and illuminates the horizon of biography with a light ineffable. His brilliant achievements were not stained with that reckless effusion of blood that marked the ambitious Caesar, the conquering Alexander and the disappointed Bonaparte. He was consistent to the last.

In private life he was graced with all the native dignity of man, reducing all things around him to a perfect system of harmony, order, economy, frugality and peace. In every thing he was chastened by sterling merit, actuated by magnanimity, mellowed by benevolence, purified by charity. He was a living epistle of all that was great and good. He was the kind husband, the widow's solace, the orphan's father, the faithful friend, the bountiful benefactor, the true patriot, the examples worthy the contemplation and imitation of all who figure on the stage of public action or in the walks of retired life. His private worth was crowned with amaranthine flowers, richer and sweeter than the epic and civic wreaths that decked his brow in the public view of an admiring world. His virtues were enlivened by the richest colors of G.o.dliness--his mind was finished by the finest touches of creative power. His sacred memory will live through the rolling ages of time--will be revered until the wreck of worlds and the dissolution of nature shall close the drama of human action--Gabriel's dread clarion rend the vaulted tombs--awake the sleeping dead and proclaim to astonished millions--TIME SHALL BE NO LONGER.

ANTHONY WAYNE.

The history of the Sages and Heroes of the American Revolution cannot be too often examined by the present and coming generations. To learn their disinterested patriotism, bold conceptions, daring exploits, unparalleled sufferings, indomitable perseverance, n.o.ble fort.i.tude, enduring patience and their exalted virtues--is to know something of the high price our freedom cost. To properly appreciate the liberty we enjoy is one of the best safe guards of its perpetuity. In the peaceful enjoyment of inestimable blessings we are too apt to forget their origin and their value. Could the torrents of blood shed to obtain the high privileges we now inherit be placed in one mighty reservoir upon which all our people could look for a single moment, millions would blush at their own apathy in the preservation of our dearest interests. We have many reckless demagogues and bold disorganizers in our midst who should be baptized in this fountain of blood for the remission of their political sins--some who set the Federal Const.i.tution at naught and would glory in the dissolution of our blood bought UNION. When our love of country grows cold and respect for the chart of our Liberty is lost--the sooner we emigrate the better for all concerned--not up salt river but to Chinese Tartary or Chimborazo.

Among those who freely contributed to the revolutionary fountain of blood was Anthony Wayne, born in Waynesborough, Chester County, Pennsylvania on the 1st of January 1745. His grandfather held a commission in the army of William III. and fought at the battle of the Boyne on the 1st of July 1690 and at Aughrine on the 12th of July 1691 at both of which the Irish under James II. were defeated. At the last battle their struggle for Independence ended and has never been renewed.

His father was a respectable farmer and placed this son at school in Philadelphia where he received a good English education. He was delighted with the study of mathematics and became familiar with surveying and engineering at an early age. His taste for military tactics was developed during his boyhood. His father and grandfather were both men of military prowess. As young Anthony listened to the story of their exploits he contemplated the field of battle, the clash of arms and the shouts of victory with burning enthusiasm. This grew with his growth and ripened with his manhood.

In 1773 he succeeded his father in the Colonial a.s.sembly where he became an active member and took a bold stand in favor of liberal principles and equal rights. He did much to rouse the people to a just sense of impending danger. His boldness inspired confidence--his energy prepared for action. He preferred digging a grave with his sword rather than tamely submit to foreign dictation based upon tyranny and enforced by the insolent task masters of the crown. In 1775 he received a Colonel's commission and speedily raised a fine regiment in his native county. He was soon called into active service under Gen. Thompson in his unfortunate expedition against Canada. When that officer was defeated and taken prisoner with a part of his little army, Col. Wayne manifested great presence of mind, skill and bravery in effecting a retreat although writhing under a severe wound. From that time his military fame rose and expanded until it reached the maximum of his patriotic ambition--the pinnacle of his fondest desires. In 1776 his services were very useful on the northern frontier in conducting the engineer department in addition to the duties of his command. He had the confidence of his superiors and the friends.h.i.+p of all around him. His course was onward and upward. As a merited reward for his active services and in consequence of his superior talents he was commissioned Brigadier General at the close of that campaign.

At the battle of Brandywine he kept a superior British force from pa.s.sing Chad's Ford for a long time. After the partial defeat of the American army Gen. Wayne was detached with his division to keep the enemy at bay in view of another attack. The invading army was stationed at what was then called Tredyffrin. Gen. Wayne encamped three miles in the rear of the left wing near the Paoli Tavern and gave special orders to guard against surprise. On the night of the 20th of September his troops were suddenly attacked by a division under Gen. Gray who rushed upon the Americans with fixed bayonets killing and wounding about 150 men. Overwhelmed by a superior force Gen. Wayne retreated a short distance--rallied and formed his men and was no farther molested. At his own request his conduct on that unfortunate occasion was investigated by a court martial. Not the slightest fault was found against him. At the battle of Germantown he led his men on to action with a boldness and impetuosity that carried terror into the ranks of the imported veterans.

He had two horses shot, one under him and one as he was mounting and was wounded in the left foot and hand. When a retreat was ordered his military skill shone conspicuously in protecting his men.

He was uniformly selected by Was.h.i.+ngton to conduct hazardous and daring enterprises, reconnoitre the enemy and collect supplies. His energy was of the most vigorous tone whether on the field or in a council of war.

Previous to the battle of Monmouth he and Gen. Cadwalader were the only officers who at first united with Was.h.i.+ngton in favor of attacking the British army. So bravely did he act on the day of that brilliant victory that the commander-in-chief made special mention of him in his report to Congress. In July 1779 Gen. Wayne was selected to attempt a bold and daring exploit. Stony Point was in possession of the enemy, strongly fortified and filled with heavy ordnance. One side was washed by the Hudson River, on the other was a mora.s.s pa.s.sable only in one place. This fort was on an eminence of considerable height. In front were formidable breastworks at every accessible point. In advance of these was a double row of abattis. Col. Johnson was in command of the garrison with 600 men princ.i.p.ally Highlanders, the bravest and most brawny troops that were imported. A number of vessels of war were moored in the Hudson in front. All things combined to render a successful attack more than problematical with a much superior force. It was the very kind of adventure for Gen. Wayne. To please our young military gentlemen I will describe the arrangements for attack.

On the evening of the 15th of July, at 8 o'clock, he arrived within a mile and a half of the fort and immediately communicated his plan of operation to his officers. The hour of low twelve was fixed for the desperate a.s.sault. Every officer and non-commissioned officer was held responsible for each man in his platoon. No soldier was permitted to leave the ranks until the general halt near the fort and then only with an officer. When the troops arrived in rear of the hill on which the fort stood Col. Febiger formed his regiment in solid column of a half platoon in front. Col. Meigs formed in his rear--Maj. Hull in his rear, the three forming the right column. The left was formed in the same manner by Col. Butler and Maj. Murphy. Every officer and soldier placed a piece of white paper in front of his hat or cap that they might recognise each other if mixed with the enemy. Col. Fleury was put in command of 150 picked men and stationed about twenty paces in front of the right column with fixed bayonets and unloaded muskets. A little in front of these an officer and twenty of the boldest men were placed whose duty was to secure the sentinels and remove the abattis that the main column might pa.s.s freely. The same with the left column. The main columns were to follow the advance with shouldered unloaded muskets relying entirely on the bayonet--according to the tactics of Gen. Gray at Paoli. Any soldier who departed in the minutest particular from orders was to be instantly killed by his officer. A reward of $500 was offered to the first man who entered the fortification--$400--$300--$200--$100 to each in succession of the other four who first followed. The whole being formed, "_March_!" thundered from Wayne who led the right column with Col. Febiger--the left was led by Col. Butler followed by Maj. Murphy. Never were men more determined on victory or death--never were orders more strictly obeyed. So simultaneous was the attack by each division and so equally rapid their movements that they met in the centre of the fort. The victory was as complete and triumphant as the a.s.sault was bold and overwhelming. All was accomplished without the discharge of a gun by the Americans who advanced facing a tremendous shower of musket, grape and canister shot.

On the surrender of the fort Gen. Wayne ordered a salute of iron hail for the benefit of the armed s.h.i.+ps in the river which caused them to slip their cables and move off with all possible despatch. Fifty-seven of the enemy were killed and five hundred and forty-three taken prisoners. As the columns were advancing Gen. Wayne was severely wounded in the head with a musket ball--as he believed mortally--which felled him to the ground. He rose on one knee--"_Onward my brave fellows--onward!_" burst from him in stentorian accents. He requested his aids to carry him into the fort that he might die amidst the music shouts of victory. The garrison made a determined resistance at every point of attack. Of the forlorn hope of the twenty led by Lieut. Gibbons seventeen were killed. The wounded and killed of the Americans amounted in all to ninety-eight. After entering the fort had the Americans opened a fire the slaughter would have been dreadful. Gen. Wayne preferred setting an example of humane treatment towards his conquered foes, proving himself as magnanimous as he was brave and victorious. He scorned retaliation although the dying groans at the Paoli ma.s.sacre were still ringing in his ears. Within an hour after the surrender, writhing under his severe wound, Gen. Wayne addressed the following laconic letter to Gen. Was.h.i.+ngton.

"Stony Point, July 16, 1779, 2 o'clock A. M.

"DEAR GENERAL--The fort and garrison with Col. Johnson are ours. Our officers and men behaved like men determined to be free.

"Yours most sincerely, "ANTHONY WAYNE.

"Gen. Was.h.i.+ngton."

Here is a model letter worthy the imitation of the elaborate epistle manufacturers of the present prolific era of verbosity, ambiguity and repet.i.tion. It should serve as a modest hint to our speech-makers and induce them to say less and do more. Millions would then be saved to the States and our nation.

So highly did Congress appreciate the capture of Stony Point that on the 26th of the same month the House pa.s.sed a series of resolutions highly complimentary to Gen. Was.h.i.+ngton for conceiving and to Gen. Wayne and his brave companions in arms for planning and accomplis.h.i.+ng the capture of that important post. The amount of the military stores was divided amongst the officers and men and the rewards offered promptly paid. The letter of Mr. Jay, the President of the Continental Congress to Gen.

Wayne enclosing a copy of these resolutions, shows the concise and systematic mode of doing business at that time.

"Philadelphia July 27, 1779.

"SIR--Your late glorious achievements have merited and now receive the approbation and thanks of your country. They are contained in the enclosed act of Congress which I have the honor to transmit. This brilliant action adds l.u.s.ter to our arms and will teach the enemy to respect our power if not to imitate our humanity. You have n.o.bly reaped laurels in the cause of your country and in the fields of danger and death. May these prove the earnest of more and may victory ever bear your standard and Providence be your s.h.i.+eld.

"I have the honor to be &c.

"JOHN JAY, President."

Here is another _multum in parvo_ worthy of imitation. Plain common sense plainly and briefly told--every line gemmed with the purest patriotism.

Gen. Wayne was blessed with great presence of mind in sudden emergencies. When in the vicinity of James river, Virginia, he was incorrectly told that the main body of the British army had pa.s.sed to the opposite side. He advanced with only 800 men for the purpose of capturing the rear guard but found the whole force of Lord Cornwallis formed in line of battle. He immediately commenced a vigorous attack and then retreated in good order. Believing this to be an ambuscade stratagem the British dared not pursue him. In 1781 he was put in command of the forces in Georgia. After several sanguinary engagements he expelled the enemy from the state and planted the standard of freedom upon the ruins of tyranny--upon the firm basis of eternal justice. As a reward for his services that state presented him with a valuable plantation reversing the adage--republics are ungrateful. He continued in active service up to the close of the siege of Yorktown, a bold, prudent, skilful and reliable patriotic officer. He remained in the army until the Independence for which he had fought and bled was fully recognised by mother Britain when he retired to the bosom of his family crowned with the highest military honors he desired and with the rank of Major General of the American army. But few of the Heroes of the Revolution did as much hard service as Gen. Wayne and no one did it up more brown.

In 1789 he was a member of the Pennsylvania convention to which was submitted the Federal Const.i.tution. He warmly advocated its adoption. In 1792 he succeeded Gen. St. Clair in command of the army operating against the predatory Indian tribes in the far west. Gen. Wayne formed an encampment at Pittsburgh and thoroughly disciplined his troops preparatory to future action. So determined were the red men to maintain the rights that G.o.d and nature had bestowed upon them that many of the powerful tribes combined their war forces to resist their common enemy--the Christian white man. To meet them on their own ground and adopt their mode of warfare was the only way to insure success. For such a service it required time to prepare and energy to execute. In the autumn of 1793 Gen. Wayne had led his army to Greenville six miles from fort Jefferson where he established his winter quarters. He fortified his camp and built fort Recovery on the ground where the whites had been defeated on the 4th of November 1791. He collected the bones of those who then fell and had them buried under the honors of war. The presence of the army kept the Indians quiet during the winter. For the want of supplies the army did not reach the junction of the rivers Au Glaiz and Miami until the 8th of August where a fort was erected for the protection of military stores. Thirty miles from that place the English had erected a fort near which the Indians were in full force. On the 18th the army reached the Miami rapids. There a fortification was erected for the protection of baggage and the position of the red men examined. They were found in a dense forest five miles distant advantageously posted. On the 20th the attack was arranged and the troops advanced. When reached the fire from behind trees was so effective that the front, led by Major Price, was compelled to fall back. At that moment--_trail arms--advance_--ran through the ranks with electric velocity and effect as it thundered from the strong lungs of Wayne. In a few brief moments the conquered red men were flying in every direction closely pursued by the victorious troops for two miles. So rapid was their retreat that Scott, who was ordered to turn their left flank, found naught but trees like men standing but not like men running for dear life. Gen. Wayne had 33 men killed and 100 wounded. From this defeat the injured red men never recovered. They fled before fire and sword--their corn fields and villages were destroyed, their power paralyzed and a chain of forts established which kept them in constant awe and compelled them to relinquish their rightful domain after having struggled n.o.bly to maintain their inalienable rights. True they were savages. Newton, Shakespeare, Was.h.i.+ngton, Henry--savages born--savages would have died. The Indians have their fixed customs--we have ours.

They had their rights--the white men took them forcibly away. Justice, money, time, or angels' tears can never expunge the wrong. This is my opinion--others have the same right to theirs--if different it will be easier to _plead_ justification than to _prove_ it.

The result of the vigorous operations of Gen. Wayne was a general and definitive treaty with many of the different tribes of Aborigines who were compelled to bury the tomahawk and smoke the pipe of peace. This treaty was ratified on the 3d of August 1795. Tranquillity then spread her cheering mantle over our country from the sh.o.r.es of the Atlantic to the inland seas of the west. General Wayne continued in the field of operations for the purpose of completing the extended chain of forts proposed and planned by him. No one was better calculated for that arduous service. He continued to prosecute the work until December 1796, when he was cut down by disease in the flood-tide of his eventful career, deeply mourned and widely lamented. He died far from his family in a hut on Presque Isle, a peninsula in Erie county, Pa. that extends into Lake Erie, where he was buried and remained until 1809 when his son Isaac removed his remains to his native county and deposited them in the cemetery of St. David's church. The Pennsylvania State Cincinnati Society has erected a beautiful white marble monument over his grave with the following inscription on the south front.

In honor of the distinguished Military services of Major General ANTHONY WAYNE, And as an affectionate tribute of respect to his memory This stone was erected by his companions in arms THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE SOCIETY OF CINCINNATI, July 4th, A. D. 1809, Thirty-fourth anniversary of The Independence of THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA An event which const.i.tutes the most Appropriate eulogium of an American SOLDIER AND PATRIOT.

On the north front is the following inscription.

Major General ANTHONY WAYNE Was born at Waynesborough in Chester County State of Pennsylvania A. D. 1745.

After a life of honor and usefulness He died in December, 1796, at a military post On the sh.o.r.es of Lake Erie, Commander-in-chief of the army of THE UNITED STATES.

His military achievements are consecrated In the history of his country, and in The hearts of his countrymen.

His remains Are here deposited.

Although stricken down at the age of fifty-one years Gen. Wayne lived long enough to fill his measure of glory and see the star spangled banner wave triumphantly over his native land. Far from his family as he was and in a rough cabin, he died peacefully. His spirit ascended to reap the rich reward of his labors in the cause of rational freedom and equal justice.

He was a large, portly man of commanding military mien, with an open bold countenance. All the relations of private life he honored with the most rigid fidelity. In the legislative hall as in the field he was active and decisive. As a citizen he was esteemed in life and regretted in death.

WILLIAM WHIPPLE JR.

That knowledge is of most importance that leads us in the shortest path to truth. A thorough common education, like common sense, is most useful. By a close observation of the laws of nature in full operation around us, of things as presented to our understandings, of men as they move and act before us--we obtain a treasure of knowledge not always taught in the high schools and seldom hinted at--much less expounded in modern books. Without this the cla.s.sic scholar is afloat without a rudder. This is the kind that best answers the definition of the adage--_Knowledge is power_. In the great store-house of literature the quant.i.ty of fancy goods has, for some time past, far exceeded the coa.r.s.er kind fit for everyday use. Whether this is an advantage to the intellect of man calculated to increase its strength and volume--or like luxurious diet, enervate and weaken, is a problem worthy the solution of every reader. Certain it is our hardy ancestors were not mentally or physically pampered with knick-knacks that now supplant much solid matter. Certain it is that many of the patriots of the Revolution were self-made practical men and shone as conspicuously in the galaxy of sages as those whose early literary advantages were greater--conclusive evidence that there is a shorter path to truth.

Among them William Whipple Jr. was conspicuous. He was the eldest son of William Whipple--born at Kittery, Maine, in 1730. At a common English school he was taught reading, writing, arithmetic and navigation. These he mastered at an early age and was then entered a cabin boy on board a merchant vessel in accordance with his father's wishes and his own inclination. Before he reached his majority he became captain of a vessel and made several successful voyages to Europe. Some ignoramuses have vainly attempted to stigmatize his fair reputation at that era in his life because he partic.i.p.ated in the inhuman slave-trade. If they will learn the true state of feeling at that time upon this subject their anathemas will evaporate in thin air. The trade was then sanctioned by Great Britain under whose government Capt. Whipple acted and according to her laws--_The King can do no wrong_. The correctness of the trade was not then doubted but by a few philanthropists and its first cousin, the _Apprentice System_, is still a favorite project with England. Time and reflection caused Captain Whipple to see the impropriety of the traffic and entirely abandon it at an early day. He also manumitted the only slave he owned who would not leave him during the war and fought bravely for the liberty of our country. If every man is to be condemned for the licensed or unlicensed errors of youth whose riper years are crowned with virtue, the list of fame will require many bold erasures and would be robbed of some of its proudest names. He who would do it must belong to the big crowd ignorant of human nature.

In 1759 Capt. Whipple relinquished his oceanic pursuits and commenced the mercantile business in Portsmouth, New Hamps.h.i.+re. He also added the swivel link to his chain of earthly happiness by marrying Catharine Moffat. Every farmer, sailor and blacksmith knows the importance of this link in the common chain. The wise Creator designed it in the chain of life and no man should be without it. If of the right metal, it will save him from many a dangerous twist and often from a break. A word to the wise should be sufficient.

During his numerous voyages Capt. Whipple had treasured up a large fund of useful knowledge. He was a close observer of men and things--an a.n.a.lyzing reader and mingled with the best and most intelligent men when in port. In England he had listened to the unwarranted pretensions of ministers--in America--to the increasing complaints of the Colonists. He was familiar with the chartered rights of his own country and with the tyranny of the infatuated step-mother. He was prepared for action and took a bold stand in favor of freedom. He took a conspicuous part in public meetings and became one of the Committee of Safety. He rose rapidly in public esteem--the former cabin boy became a leading patriot.

In January 1775 he represented Portsmouth in the Provincial Congress at Exeter convened for the purpose of choosing delegates to the Continental Congress. On the 6th of the next January he was made a member of the Provincial Council of New Hamps.h.i.+re. On the 23d of the same month he was elected a member of Congress then in session at Philadelphia and continued actively and usefully engaged in that important station until the middle of September 1779. He was present at the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and affixed his name to that bold instrument with the same fearless nonchalance as if signing a bill of lading. He was emphatically a working man and rendered himself extremely useful on committees. As a member of marine and commercial boards, his practical knowledge gave him an advantage over his colleagues. He was one of the superintendents of the commissary and quarter masters' department and did much towards correcting abuses and checking peculation. He was untiring in industry, ardent in zeal, philosophic in views, pure in purposes and strong in patriotism. When he retired from Congress to serve his country in a more perilous sphere, he had the esteem and approbation of his co-workers in the glorious cause of LIBERTY.

In 1777 he became Brigadier General Whipple and took command of the first brigade of the Provincial troops of New Hamps.h.i.+re acting in concert with Gen. Stark who commanded the other. Gen. Burgoyne was on the flood tide of military glory--rus.h.i.+ng down upon the north like a herd of wild buffaloes over a prairie--spreading consternation far and wide. He was first checked in his triumphant career by Gen. Stark at Bennington, Vermont. Gen. Whipple joined Gen. Gates about the same time and was in the b.l.o.o.d.y battles of Saratoga and Stillwater where the palm of victory was measurably attributed to the troops under his command. To the consummation of the brilliant victory over the British army Gen.

Whipple contributed largely. Col. Wilkinson and himself were the officers who arranged and signed the articles of capitulation between the two commanders. He was one of the officers who conducted the conquered foe to Winter Hill near Boston. His faithful negro partic.i.p.ated in all the perils of his old _ma.s.sa_ and could not have been more elated with the victory had he been the commanding general.

In 1778 Gen. Whipple was with Gen. Sullivan at the siege of New Port which was abandoned for want of the aid of Count D'Estaing whose fleet was injured by a gale. A safe retreat was effected in the night. In 1780 Gen. Whipple was appointed a Commissioner of the Board of Admiralty which he declined, preferring to serve in the legislature of his own state in which he continued for years. In 1782 he was appointed Financial Receiver for New Hamps.h.i.+re by Robert Morris. The office was arduous, unpopular and irksome but in his hands lost much of its odiousness. At the end of two years he resigned. On the 20th of June 1782 he was appointed a judge of the Superior Court. On the 25th Dec.

1784 he was appointed a Justice of the Peace and Quorum throughout the state which latter office he held to the day of his death. He was one of the commissioners on the part of Connecticut to settle the controversy between that state and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania relative to lands in Wyoming valley. In all the multiform duties that devolved upon him in the various public stations he filled he acquitted himself n.o.bly.

He possessed a strong a.n.a.lyzing mind, deep penetration of thought, a clear head and good heart.

During the latter part of his life he suffered much from disease in his chest which terminated his useful career on the 28th of Nov. 1785. At his request before death, his body underwent a _post mortum_ examination. His heart was found ossified. The valves were united to the aorta and an aperture not larger than a common knitting needle was all that remained for the pa.s.sage of the blood. This explained the reason of his faintness under sudden emotion.

In all the relations of private and public life--from the cabin boy up to the lofty pinnacle of a well earned fame, Gen. Whipple was a model of consistency and virtue. He left a reputation pure as the virgin sheet.

His career demonstrated clearly that in our country fame is confined to no grade in life and that practical knowledge, crowned with strong common sense, enables a man to be substantially useful to his country and fellow men. Citizens of America of only a common education--you can and should be useful. Look at this bright example and govern yourselves accordingly.