Sages and Heroes of the American Revolution Part 35

GIBSON GEORGE first made his appearance among his friends at Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 1747. He was well educated--became a clerk to a merchant in Philadelphia--sailed to the West Indies several times as supercargo and finally went to his brother John at Pittsburgh. There he was employed in a trading voyage down the Ohio and was unfortunate. He changed his location and business several times up to the period of the Revolution when he raised a company of the border men who were not of polished manners but would fight like tigers. With them he joined the Virginia troops at Williamsburgh, Virginia. They were all sharp-shooters of which Lord Dunmore became convinced on the 25th of October 1775 when he attacked Hampton with a naval force and was driven back by this company with considerable loss. Capt. Gibson performed a perilous journey to New Orleans for the purpose of obtaining powder for the army from the Spanish which was a very delicate mission and was performed with skill and success. He returned through the wilderness and Indian tribes and travelled 1800 miles on foot. Wonder how many public functionaries we have now who would perform a similar journey for the sake of their country--even if they should get their mileage, hot toddy, roast beef and $8 per day. On his return he was put in command of a Virginia regiment and joined Lee's division of the Continental army at New York. This division covered the retreat of the main army and formed a junction with it on the west bank of the Delaware. At the battle of Trenton Col. Gibson served under the direct command of Was.h.i.+ngton. He continued with him and partic.i.p.ated in the battles, privations and sufferings of that forlorn hope of American Freedom up to 1779 when the term of his regiment expired. He was then put in command of the prison station near York, Pennsylvania, where he continued to the close of the war. In 1791 he commanded a regiment under Gen. St. Clair and acted a most gallant part in the unsuccessful sanguinary battle of the 4th of November of that year where his regiment was nearly annihilated and himself mortally wounded. He lingered in great pain at Fort Jefferson until the 11th of December following when death relieved him from his sufferings. While living he was the delight of every circle in which he moved--n.o.ble, generous, warm hearted, persevering, brave, prudent, just and honest. His well earned fame is enduring as history.

GREENE CHRISTOPHER commenced his earthly career at Warwick, Rhode Island in 1737. He received a good English education--became familiar with mathematics--was partial to military tactics and became a member of the "Kentish Guards" at an early age and was made their Lieutenant. In May 1775 he was commissioned a Major in the brigade under his kinsman Gen.

Nathaniel Greene. At the attack on Quebec he commanded a company in the division of Gen. Montgomery and headed the party that entered the town and was taken prisoner. Soon after he was exchanged he was put in command of the regiment previously commanded by Gen. Varnum. In 1777 Was.h.i.+ngton placed Fort Mercer, at Red Bank on the Delaware, in his charge with only 500 men. This was attacked soon after the battle of Brandywine by Col. Donop on the Jersey side with 1200 men. The enemy were repulsed with great slaughter--Col. Donop, Lieut. Col. Mingerode and several other officers were killed and 400 of their soldiers killed and wounded. At the same time the British fleet and a battery on the Pennsylvania side opened a heavy fire on the contiguous Fort Mifflin, then called Mud Fort, and succeeded in having their favorite s.h.i.+p Augusta, of 64 guns, blown up with a part of her crew and the armed s.h.i.+p Merlin burned--glory enough for one day. Col. Greene received the thanks of Congress and was voted a splendid sword which was presented to his son Job in 1786. In 1781 Col. Greene was posted in advance of the army near Croton river above New York and had quartered his men in several farm houses. On the night of the 13th of May of that year he was suddenly attacked by a superior force of refugees _alias_ tories. They broke into the room of the Colonel who despatched a number of them with his sword but was eventually overpowered and cut up in the most horrid manner. Maj. Flagg was also murdered with every soldier they could find.

No officer fell during the Revolution more deeply lamented--no one of his grade better deserved the grat.i.tude and esteem of his country.

GRAEFF GEORGE was born in Lancaster, Pa. in 1755. He was a brave captain in the Continental army and did good service in the cause of Independence. He acted a gallant part at the battle on Long Island in 1776. Subsequent to the war he filled several civil offices with credit and usefulness. He was emphatically an honest man. He died at his native town on the 13th of November 1823.

GRIFFIN CYRUS was one of the bold Virginians who early advocated the glorious cause of Independence. He used every energy to rouse the people to a sense of impending danger. He ably filled various public stations--was a member of the Continental Congress and one of the Presidents of that august a.s.semblage of Sages. He lived in the esteem of his country and a.s.sociates until 1810 when he made his exit to the spirit world.

GURNEY FRANCIS was first introduced on this whirling planet in Bucks County, Pa. in 1738. His military genius became early developed. He entered the service of mother Britain at the age of 18 and braved the perils and hards.h.i.+ps of the French war from its commencement to its close. His reputation for bold enterprise and n.o.ble daring he carved high in the temple of epic fame. At the capture of Cape Breton he acted a conspicuous part. At the taking of Guadaloupe his bravery was a subject of general remark. At the close of these arduous services he commenced a successful career in the mercantile business in the city of Philadelphia. There he was when the revolutionary storm loomed up. He looked upon the conduct of mother England as basely ungrateful. He snuffed the breeze of Liberty and struck for Freedom. His n.o.blest energies were roused to action. His large military experience and keen perception enabled him to point out those who were best calculated to make efficient officers. Mifflin, Cadwalader and others were first recommended by him. His zeal and activity in the cause of suffering humanity were above all praise. Believing he could render more service out of the army than in it--he declined a commission until the 25th of May 1775 when he took command of an infantry company of volunteers. The next year he entered the regular service with the commission of lieutenant-colonel in the 11th regiment of the Pennsylvania Line. He was in the battle of Iron Hill, Brandywine and Germantown where he fully sustained his reputation for daring bravery. The wire-working system of promotions that was early introduced and injuriously pursued did not comport with his fine sense of military usage which caused him to resign. This did not abate his zeal in the cause--he continued to advance the best interests of the patriots until he saw his country free from bondage. After the Revolution he resumed his business at Philadelphia--filled many munic.i.p.al and legislative stations--commanded a regiment in the army of 1794 which put down the whiskey insurgents--became brigadier-general of militia--performed every duty that devolved upon him in public and private life with ability and fidelity--was in all respects a man who commanded the confidence and esteem of all who made his acquaintance--adorned the Christian character and slumbered in death at his country seat near Philadelphia on the 25th of May 1815.

GWINN WILLIAM was born in Ireland in 1748. In 1772 he came to Pennsylvania and from that time to the close of his life manifested a deep interest for the welfare of his adopted country. During the Revolution he served in the staff of Gen. Mifflin and was highly esteemed for his faithful performance of every duty and his uniform zeal in the cause of Independence. After the war he removed to Monkton Mills, Baltimore County, Md. where he lived highly respected until the 1st of October 1819 when he died deeply mourned by his numerous friends.

HALE NATHAN entered upon his eventful career of life at Coventry, Conn.

at what time we have no word. He was liberally educated--a young man of great promise and entered the army at the commencement of the Revolution in command of a company under Col. Knowlton. He was at the battle of Long Island on the 27th of August 1776 and one of the 9000 who effected a retreat during the night to the great chagrin of the British who were encamped not over 600 yards from the Americans. Shortly after that disastrous affair Was.h.i.+ngton employed Capt. Hale to enter the English camp as a spy. Unfortunately he was detected and executed the next morning by order of Sir William Howe under circ.u.mstances of fiendish barbarity that left a black spot upon the escutcheon of that proud officer that time or angel's tears can never expunge. He was denied a clergyman and a bible and the letters that he wrote to his widowed mother and relatives were destroyed. He died a brave and willing martyr to the cause of Liberty and lamented with his last breath that he had but one life to sacrifice for his country. How great the contrast between the course our country has pursued in memory of this young hero and that of England towards Andre. In point of talent and exalted character, Hale was equal to him. The one was engaged as a simple spy--the other was in league with a base traitor on a grand scale. The one has no extended notice in our history--the other has been lauded to the skies by the historians of both nations. Not a stone marks the resting place of Capt. Hale--a splendid monument has been erected by England sacred to the memory of Andre. The family of the one was neglected by our government--that of the other pensioned in a princely manner. The fact that our nation was then just bursting into life is the only apology to be offered.

HAMILTON ALEXANDER was born on the Island of Nevis in 1757. His father was an Englishman, his mother an American and brought him to New York in 1773 and placed him in Columbia college. His towering genius burst upon the world like a blazing meteor in the darkness of night. At the age of 17 he grasped the mighty concerns that were then rocking England and America in the cradle of fearful commotion. He then wrote several essays upon the rights and wrongs of the two nations that were attributed to Mr. Jay. College walls could not keep him from the field of glory. At the age of 19 he commanded a company of artillery and was ever ready for a little more grape when it could be used to advantage. He soon attracted the attention of the penetrating Was.h.i.+ngton who appointed him one of his aids in 1777 with the rank of lieutenant-colonel. A selection was never more judiciously made--no commander could be better served.

From that period to the close of the war our country was benefited by the combined wisdom and n.o.blest efforts of two of the brightest constellations of genius that have ever illuminated our world. In every battle where Was.h.i.+ngton commanded Col. Hamilton was at his post regardless of danger. When the two destructive redoubts were carried at the siege of Yorktown facing a storm of iron hail he led the advanced corps under La Fayette. Not a gun was fired--the charge was like a rus.h.i.+ng avalanche. The surrender of that garrison closed his Revolutionary services. His manly brow was decked with epic laurels that can never lose their amaranthine freshness whilst patriotic fire glows or history endures.

In 1782 he was elected to Congress and shed fresh l.u.s.tre on that august body of sages. He grasped every subject with a gigantic mental power that filled the more experienced members with astonishment and admiration. He originated measures with a surprising facility and wisdom that were truly beneficial. He was a member of the Convention that framed the Federal Const.i.tution. He was in favor of what he considered a stronger government than the one formed--one that some would call _ultra_ federal. At the final organization under the new Const.i.tution he was placed at the head of the Treasury Department. To the surprise and joy of all concerned he raised the credit of the nation rapidly from the lowest depths of depreciation to a lofty eminence of credit. At the end of six years he resigned and resumed the practice of law in the city of New York. When the provisional army was raised in 1798 in antic.i.p.ation of a war with France, he was placed next in command to Was.h.i.+ngton and proved one of the most efficient disciplinarians that ever graced the profession of arms. On the disbanding of this army he again resumed his profession at the bar. In 1804 he was challenged by Col. Burr and sacrificed his life on the barbarous field of false honor contrary to his better judgment and finer feelings. He was mortally wounded on the 11th of July 1804 and died the next day. So opposed was he in principle to duelling that he fired his pistol in the air. He died deeply regretting the sad error, with full faith in the merits of his Saviour to wash every stain from his n.o.ble soul and present him with a crown of unfading glory. His sudden death and the manner his bright career was terminated spread a mantle of gloom over our country and the civilized world. His transcendent talents had attracted the admiring gaze of Europe and America. He was in all respects a remarkable man. His flashes of genius were like vivid lightning that startles--their force like crus.h.i.+ng thunderbolts that s.h.i.+ver every obstacle in their way. He mastered everything in the course of his business by talismanic intuition. He filled the orbit of every station he occupied--he illuminated his pathway with a brilliancy that dazzled, he left a pillar of living light on the bright pages of history that will reflect its mellow rays on the horizon of LIBERTY through all time.

HAMILTON PAUL was one of the unflinching native patriots of South Carolina who resolved on Liberty or death. He filled a large s.p.a.ce in the public mind and performed many public duties with ability and fidelity. He was governor of his State--Secretary of the Navy under President Madison and dignified every station he occupied. He bid farewell to his friends, earth and its toils in 1816.

HATHAWAY BENONI was born in Now Jersey in 1754. He was among the first who boldly struck for Liberty. He did not wait until the iron was hot before he raised his hammer but heated it by continuous heavy blows. He commanded a company of citizen rangers that became a terror to the scouting and foraging parties of the enemy and frequently captured them and the sentinels of their main camp in the darkness of night. When Gen.

Kniphausen was encamped at Elizabethtown with his Hessians his most bewitching hours were often interrupted by this sleepless company. At one of these attacks Capt. Hathaway was wounded in the head by a musket ball and was unconscious for several hours but recovered and continued his guerrilla warfare until the last loyal Briton made good his retreat across the great heron pond. He was highly esteemed through life and met death with Christian fort.i.tude at Newark, N. J. on the 19th of April 1823.

HAWKINS NATHAN was first introduced to the human family in Rhode Island in 1749. His patriotism grew with his growth and strengthened with his strength. When a mere youth he was the delegate of South Kingston to carry a.s.sistance to the citizens of Boston when reduced to distress by the infamous Port Bill. The war-cry from the heights of Lexington broke his slumbers at the hour of midnight--in less than twelve hours he was leading a brave volunteer corps to the rescue. He served faithfully during the whole period of the Revolution--acted a gallant part in several battles and is fully ent.i.tled to a place upon the records of enduring fame. When the war closed he located and closed his life at Charlestown, Ma.s.s.--filled several civil offices--was highly esteemed by his fellow citizens--sustained the n.o.ble reputation of an honest man--died October 3d 1817.

HAWLEY JOSEPH entered upon his earthly pilgrimage in Northampton, Ma.s.s.

in 1724. He was one of the first who opposed the usurpations of the crown officers and the patriot who wrote to John Adams just as the Congress of 1774 closed and used the truly prophetic language--"AFTER ALL WE MUST FIGHT." He was a man of strong intellect, great penetration of mind, a close observer of men and things, an inflexible friend to the cause of equal rights. In public meetings, in the legislature, in his social intercourse--at all proper times and places--he sowed the seeds of Liberty broadcast. When told the Colonies were too weak for resistance he replied--"We must put to sea--Providence will bring us into port." He was a lawyer of eminence and strongly opposed to accepting public office although he served his State in the Legislature several times. He exemplified the Christian religion by a life of primitive piety but was an uncompromising foe to fanaticism, bigotry, sectarianism and the dogmatical creeds of men. His charity spread its broad mantle over the whole family of man. He held the commission of major of militia but owing to his frequent and sudden attacks of illness he did not serve in the tented field. He enjoyed the esteem and confidence of every friend of freedom and pa.s.sed peacefully from earth on the 10th of March 1786.

HAYNE ISAAC--[see the Biography of John Penn in Part I.] I can find no record of his birth.

HEATH WILLIAM was born in Roxbury, Ma.s.s, in 1737. He left his plough in the furrow the moment the war-cry reached him and hastened to the field of epic glory. He was const.i.tutionally a military man. Congress conferred upon him the commission of brigadier-general in 1775. The next year Congress raised him to the rank of major-general. He commanded a division at the battle of King's Bridge in 1776 and next year was placed over the Eastern Department with his headquarters at Boston and filled that arduous station until November 1778. Burgoyne and his army were under his charge as prisoners of war and at first gave him much trouble.

The haughty British general and his officers supposed General Heath a novice in the rules of military etiquette and put on airs that induced insubordination among the English soldiers. In this they were mistaken.

Gen. Heath had been a close military student from his boyhood. He had nothing new to learn from these high dignitaries but an insolent a.s.sumption of importance that he soon cured and reduced them to their proper level. With the humanity of a philanthropist and the polish of an old school gentleman he united the firmness of a Roman, the courage of a hero and the dignity of a n.o.bleman.

In the summer of 1780 he was master of ceremonies at Rhode Island on the reception of the French fleet under the command of Admiral de Ternay with the troops that were sent to aid in sustaining our Independence. A mutual pleasure was experienced on that occasion which matured into lasting friends.h.i.+p. In 1781 Gen. H. was successfully employed at the east in raising supplies for the army. When Gen. Was.h.i.+ngton repaired to Yorktown Gen. Heath was left in command of the northern and eastern branches of the army that remained to sustain the garrisons upon the Hudson and Atlantic. At all times and under all circ.u.mstances he acquitted himself n.o.bly and received a letter of sincere thanks from Was.h.i.+ngton at the close of the war for his zeal and promptness in the performance of the long and arduous services that had devolved upon him.

After the war closed he filled various legislative and judicial stations with dignity and ability. He was elected lieutenant-governor in 1806 but refused to serve. He had earned a lasting fame--was beloved by his countrymen at large and glided down the stream of time peacefully until the 24th of January 1814 when his spirit returned to its original happy home.

HESTON EDWARD was ushered into Hestonville, county of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1745. He was one of the brave farmers who exchanged the plough for the sword. He entered the army as Captain and rose to the rank of Lieut. Colonel. By his vigilance in watching Lord Cornwallis when in Philadelphia he saved the brigade of Gen. Potter from being captured. The day previous to the battle of Germantown, with a few bold spirits he faced a heavy fire and succeeded in cutting the rope at the middle ferry to prevent the communication of the enemy with Philadelphia. In a skirmish with a party of British he received a severe sword cut on the back of his head, was taken prisoner and sent to Long Island where he was detained for seven months. After the Revolution closed he was an active member of the legislature of his native state and was esteemed through life for benevolence, charity, patriotism and rigid honesty. He died at his residence in Hestonville on the 14th day of March 1824.

HOLDEN LEVI was born in New Jersey in 1754. He entered the Continental army as Captain in 1776 and served faithfully until mother Britain relinquished her maternal care over the Colonies and left her froward child to act its own will and pleasure--a prudent course for the old lady and a fair business transaction. For three years Capt. Holden was attached to Was.h.i.+ngton's life guard and was highly esteemed by him.

After the war he located at Newark, New Jersey where he enjoyed the esteem of the community for 30 years and descended to the tomb on the 19th day of April 1823, ripe in years and rich with honors.

HOUSTON JOHN was one of the nucleus of patriots who put the Revolutionary ball in motion at the Liberty Pole meeting in Georgia.

Himself and Mr. Bullock were among the few who dared express their opinions at that meeting. Before it adjourned the fire of patriotism was kindled in so many bosoms that royal power trembled at the probable result. Mr. Houston was a member of the Continental Congress in 1775 and performed his duty n.o.bly. He was subsequently a judge of the Supreme Court and governor of his state. He was a man of fine talents, great energy, sterling integrity and devoted patriotism. He enjoyed the full fruition of the love of his country and friends until 1796 when he pa.s.sed peacefully from time to eternity.

HOWARD JOHN EAGER commenced infancy in Baltimore Md. in 1752. He resolved on Liberty or death at the commencement of that long and doubtful struggle that resulted in FREEDOM to America. He was among those who dared s.n.a.t.c.h the laurels from the proud sons of mother Britain and place them upon their own manly brows. He entered the army with the commission of Captain and was raised to the rank of Lieut. Colonel in 1779. He was one of the bravest of the brave. At the victory of Cowpens he held the swords of seven British officers at one time who had surrendered personally to him. His skill and bravery were exhibited at the battles of Germantown, White Plains, Monmouth, Camden and Hobbick's Hill. So highly were his services appreciated by Gen. Greene that he used this strong language--"As a patriot and soldier Col. Howard deserves a statue of gold no less than the Roman and Grecian Heroes."

This short sentence is the crowning capital of the climax of eulogy. At the close of the Revolution Col. Howard returned to his large real estate in the city of Baltimore. Subsequent to the formation of the Federal government he was a member of the United States Senate and Governor of Maryland. No man was more beloved by his fellow citizens--no one better deserved their esteem. He died at his residence in 1827.

HUMPHREY DAVID commenced his career of life in Derby, Conn. on the--of July 1752. He was a graduate of Yale college and frequently danced attendance to the muses. He was a staunch friend of his country and entered the army a Captain. In 1778 he was aid to Gen. Putnam and in turn aid to Parsons, Greene and in 1780 became an aid to Gen. Was.h.i.+ngton with the rank of Lieut. Colonel with whom he remained until Lord Cornwallis fired his last gun at Yorktown. On all occasions Col.

Humphrey acted a brave and n.o.ble part. His chivalrous conduct at the siege of Yorktown induced Congress to vote him an elegant sword. In 1784 he was the secretary of Mr. Jefferson then minister to France. In 1786 he retired to his native place and was elected to the legislature. In 1788 he was placed in command of a regiment raised for the western service. In 1790 he was appointed amba.s.sador to the Court of Portugal and in 1797 minister plenipotentiary to the Court of Madrid. On his return from Spain he introduced the Merino sheep into the United States and deserves great credit for his successful exertions in the improvement of wool and its manufacture. In all the multiform duties of his active life Col. Humphrey had the full approbation of his country.

In private life he exemplified the virtues that make a good citizen. He closed his useful career at New Haven Connecticut on the 21st of February 1818.

HUNTINGTON JEDEDIAH was born in Norwich, Connecticut in 1743. He was a graduate of Harvard College, an enterprising merchant and a whig of the first water. He led his regiment to the head quarters of the army at Cambridge early in 1775. His activity, zeal, courage and efficiency in the field gained the admiration of Was.h.i.+ngton who procured his advancement to the rank of Brigadier General. He rendered his best services to promote the glorious cause of Independence and remained in the field during the whole period of the war. He subsequently filled various civil offices. He was appointed Collector of the Port of New London by Was.h.i.+ngton and performed his duties faithfully during four consecutive administrations. He enjoyed the profound respect of the very intelligent citizens of New London until the 25th of September 1818 when he took his departure to the spirit world.

IRVINE ANDREW was a native of Ireland, brother to Gen. William Irvine spoken of more at length in Part I. Dr. Matthew Irvine of Charleston, South Carolina was a third brother and served in the Continental army.

Andrew entered the regiment of his brother William as Lieutenant and was engaged in the Canada service under Gen. Wayne. He was in every action with that General up to the ma.s.sacre of Paoli where he received seventeen bayonet wounds and miraculous as it was, recovered and was actively engaged in the northern and southern campaigns. No officer of his rank did more service--no one could do it in a more heroic manner.

After the war he lived in the esteem of the citizens of Carlisle, Pa.

where he died on the 4th of May 1789.

IRWIN JARED was born in Mecklinburg, North Carolina in 1751. At the age of seven years he became a resident of Georgia. At the commencement of the Revolution he was a pioneer in one of the frontier settlements adjacent to the Indian tribes where he became the leader of his neighbors in keeping the red men at bay and teaching the tories salutary lessons. In that department he rendered himself eminently useful during the war. He was a member of the first legislature of Georgia under the new government which convened at Savannah in 1784. From that time forward he became emphatically a leading public man. He was long a member of the Georgia Senate and for many years its president. He was repeatedly Governor of the state. He filled every station in a manner that gained the unqualified approbation of his const.i.tuents. His public life was adorned by those private virtues that are indispensable to render a man truly great. He died at Union, Was.h.i.+ngton County, Georgia, on the 1st of March 1818.

JACKSON ANDREW commenced his brilliant life in the Waxhaw settlement, S.

C. in 1767. He was const.i.tutionally a patriot, soldier and statesman. He enlisted in the Continental army at the age of 14 and performed feats of n.o.ble courage that would have honored manhood. When fighting bravely for his country he was wounded and taken prisoner. After much suffering he was exchanged and at the close of the war prosecuted his studies and became a respectable member of the Bar. He commanded a successful expedition against the southern Indians--in 1820 was the commissioner to receive the Floridas from Spain--was made governor of that territory and performed many public duties with great energy. He was a major-general during the last war with mother Britain. His defence of New Orleans against the veteran army of Gen. Packenham has no parallel in modern warfare. In 1828 Gen. Jackson was elected President of the United States and served two terms. He was emphatically a man of the people. In point of physical and moral courage he had no superior. He was stern in his integrity, honest in his purposes, unbending in his resolves--determined in his course of action. When time shall absorb the bitterness of party spirit that his bold administration created--the historian will trace the fair lines of the career of Andrew Jackson and present a picture to after generations that will command their profound admiration. He lived a patriot--he died a Christian in 1845.

[Ill.u.s.tration: {Andrew Jackson portrait and signature} ENGRAVED BY T.B. WELCH FROM A DRAWING BY J.B. LONGACRE.]

JACKSON JAMES first inhaled the atmosphere at Moreton Homstead in the County of Devon, England, on the 21st of September 1757. His father was a strong whig and brought him to Georgia in 1772 and left him with his friend John Wereat, Esquire. James Jackson did not fancy hereditary monarchy or purse-proud aristocracy. His very nature was republican. At the dawn of the Revolution he was ready to peril his life in the cause of equal rights. The war cry that came rus.h.i.+ng on mighty wind from the blood stained heights of Lexington he hailed as the day-spring of FREEDOM--the morning star of LIBERTY. At the age of 18 he was a volunteer in the party of bold spirits that made a descent on Savannah.

At the attack on Tybee his dauntless courage attracted the attention of Archibald Bullock who was the acting head of the patriots. In a short time Jackson was in command of a volunteer company of light infantry. In 1778 he rose to the rank of brigade-major of the Georgia militia. At the storming of Savannah his gallantry could not be excelled. He was in the battle of Blackstocks on the 20th of August 1780. After Tarleton had retreated Major Jackson was put on his track and brought back 30 horses.

At the battle of Cowpens the Major received the thanks of Gen. Morgan on the battle field. When in service under Gen. Pickens his n.o.ble daring was particularly noticed in the reports of that officer. About this time he was made a Colonel with the privilege of raising his own regiment, which he quickly accomplished. He commanded at the capture of the British fort at Ogechee, the post at Butler's White house and seemed to court danger whenever an opportunity presented. In his victory over Col.

Brown on the 21st of May 1782, Gen. Wayne awarded great praise to Col.

Jackson. On the 12th of July of that year the British surrendered Savannah and by arrangement delivered the keys to this brave Colonel who continued to command it until the close of the war. He then commenced a successful practice of law and stood on a lofty eminence of merit. He was hailed as one who had contributed largely towards achieving the Liberty all then enjoyed. He was raised to the office of major-general of militia--was a member of the legislature--quorum of the state and a member of the U. S. Senate. He was found equal to every station he was called to fill. He died at Was.h.i.+ngton city while at his post in the Senate on the 19th of January 1806.