Sages and Heroes of the American Revolution Part 8

Although anxious to be discharged from further public service it was not until 1785 that Franklin was permitted to return to his beloved country where he could breathe the pure air of republican FREEDOM--no longer polluted by kingly power. During his stay he concluded treaties of commerce between the United States and the Kings of Sweden and Prussia.

On his departure from Europe every mark of respect was paid to him by Kings, courts, _literati_ and by all cla.s.ses of society whose adulation the loftiest ambition could desire. He was beloved by the millions--his departure was deeply regretted by all. His reputation was the personification of purity.

At the age of eighty years, borne down by disease, he returned to Philadelphia. He was hailed with enthusiastic joy, affection, esteem and veneration by all the friends of liberty--from the humblest citizen up to the ill.u.s.trious Was.h.i.+ngton. He had been a pillar of fire to the American cause--a pillar of smoke to the enemies of human rights. As Thurgot truly observed--"He s.n.a.t.c.hed the thunder bolt from Jove and the sceptre from Kings." He stood--the Colossus of Liberty among the monarchs of Europe and wrung from them the homage due to a nation that dared to be FREE.

Notwithstanding his advanced age and his ardent desire for retirement, he was placed in the gubernatorial chair of Pennsylvania and in 1787 elected a delegate to the Convention that formed the Federal Const.i.tution. Many of the bright trails of that important instrument received their finis.h.i.+ng touch from his master hand. He was anxious to see his long nursed theory of a republican government reduced to as perfect system as its infancy would permit. He well knew, that for its manhood and old age additional provisions would be required. As necessary as this now is, so sacred has that instrument become that the ma.s.s would deem it sacrilege to disturb its long repose. It might be made to meet more fully the wants of an expanding country in some particulars but if once disturbed might be polluted by the apoplectic touch of party spirit and never recover from the shock. Caution is the parent of safety.

Early in 1790, Dr. Franklin was confined to his room by his infirmities but his mental powers remained in full vigor. Some of the strongest and most soul-stirring productions from his pen were written during his confinement. Early in April he began to fail more rapidly. He was fully sensible that he stood on the confines of eternity and that he should soon go to his final rest. On the 17th of April 1790, calm and resigned--cool and collected--peaceful and happy--he commended his spirit to Him who gave it--quitted this vale of tears with a full a.s.surance of rising to a glorious immortality at the final resurrection and slumbered quietly and sweetly in the arms of death with a full a.s.surance that his Lord and Master would rebind him in a new and more beautiful edition fully revised.

By his will he prohibited all pomp and parade at his funeral. He was anxious that the mournful obsequies of his burial should be marked with republican simplicity. He was laid in his grave on the 21st of April. It is in the northwest corner of Christ Church yard in the City of Philadelphia, where a plain marble slab--once even but now below the surface of the earth, shows where his ashes repose. By the side of his moulders the dust of his amiable wife.

His death was deeply lamented throughout the civilized world. Congress ordered mourning to be observed throughout the United States for thirty days. The event was solemnized in France and many eloquent eulogies p.r.o.nounced. The national a.s.sembly decreed that each of its members should wear a badge of mourning for three days. The sensation produced there by his death was similar to that evinced by our country on the death of La Fayette.

In the recapitulation of the life of this great and good man we are charmed with a versatile richness that has no parallel on the historic page. He filled every sphere in which he moved to the remotest lines of its...o...b..t. No matter how bright the galaxy around him he was a luminary of the first magnitude. He entered upon the stage of notion at a time when the world needed just such a man and continued upon it just long enough to complete all he had commenced. He was found equal to every work he undertook and always stopped at the golden point--when he had finished. He was emphatically the architect of his own fortune. No chartered college can claim him as a graduate--no patron rendered him gratuitous aid. Let the young men of our country imitate his examples that they may become useful--let our public men who have in charge our national destiny imitate them that they may be wise--let old men imitate them that they may be revered--let us _all_ imitate them that we may do all the good we can to our fellow men in life and be happy in death.

HORATIO GATES.

War is a calamity to be deprecated at all times. Its history, from its sanguinary embryo to the present time, has but a few bright spots on which the philanthropist can gaze with admiring delight. The back-ground of most of these is so vividly shaded with crimson that the eye grows dim and the heart sickens on too close a scrutiny. We have many among us who preach loudly against war without delineating the innate materials in human nature that cause it. We have anti-war societies that have originated from motives pure as heaven but are planted on the abstract foundation of ills--futile as the baseless vision. Its evils may be portrayed in colors clear as the sunbeams of living light and enforced by all the arguments of human logic and Holy Writ without removing the smallest particle from the _cause_ that produces this fearful calamity.

This and the best remedy are not fully defined by the preamble, const.i.tution or by-laws of any society within my knowledge and where partially explained are not always practically carried out by the members. _They_ sometimes engage in a fierce personal war.

The cause exists in the nature of man influenced by the baser pa.s.sions.

Retaliation is among the first developments of the child. Self is a relentless tyrant. Revenge is as natural as our respiration. Anger, envy, jealousy, malice--all combine to perpetuate a disposition for war and lead men from the sublime destiny of immortal bliss.

The only remedy exists in the universal sway of that love inculcated by our immaculate Redeemer. It is under the melting influences of the religion of the Cross, stripped of all dogmatical illusions, that sullied human nature must be brightened--its tarnished l.u.s.tre renovated--its pugnacious character changed and man prepared for peace and heaven. Let broad and universal charity pervade the whole human family--then a blow will be struck against war that will resound through the wilderness of mind and cause it to bud and blossom as the rose.

The war of the American Revolution stands pre-eminent in point of justification. Among those who took a conspicuous part in its perils was Horatio Gates who was born in England in 1728. In early life he rose to the rank of major and was the aid of the British commander at the capture, of Martinico in 1747. In 1748 he was stationed at Halifax where he continued for a considerable time. He was relieved from the monotony of a garrison in time of peace by the French war which resulted in the conquest of Canada. Under Braddock he was captain of infantry and fought by the side of the ill.u.s.trious Was.h.i.+ngton and was saved by him in the judicious retreat of the survivors of that memorable day. He was severely wounded and for a long time unfit for duty. In 1763 he visited England with a high military reputation. He returned and located on a plantation in Virginia. He had the esteem and confidence of Was.h.i.+ngton and was warmly recommended by him to Congress as worthy of a conspicuous station in the Continental army. He was appointed Adjutant General with the rank of Brigadier in 1775. The ensuing year he was invested with the command of the troops destined to act against Ticonderoga and Crown Point. In the spring of 1777 he and Gen. Schuyler were appointed to the command of the northern army. For a short time he was superceded by Gen.

Schuyler. Burgoyne was then advancing with his victorious army. The Americans were driven from Ticonderoga, Fort Ann and Skeensborough. From that point obstacles were thrown in his way by Sinclair, Schuyler, Stark and their companions in arms. Bridges were demolished, the navigation of Wood Creek obstructed--the roads filled with fallen trees--the cattle and other supplies removed which caused the British army a delay of twenty-five days before reaching Fort Edward on the Hudson. Gen.

Burgoyne then supposed his embarra.s.sments at an end. His reckoning was wrong. St. Leger failed in capturing Fort Schuyler--many of the Indians and Canadian militia took their back track--scanty supplies were obtained with great difficulty--his army was decreasing--the Americans were rallying--every day made his condition more perilous--his prospects more gloomy. Everything was prepared to insure his capture.

At this fortunate juncture for him, Gen. Gates superceded the indefatigable Schuyler and took the command on the 21st of August 1777.

Antic.i.p.ating aid from Sir Henry Clinton at New York, Burgoyne pa.s.sed the Hudson and encamped at Saratoga. Gates advanced to Stillwater determined to oppose the further progress of the enemy. The British general resolved to open a pa.s.sage with the sword and bayonet and on the 17th of September the armies were only four miles distant from each other. On the 19th a pretty general engagement occurred, which resulted in a drawn battle. Seeing no prospect of a.s.sistance from New York and the impossibility of then retreating with his cannon, Burgoyne resolved to fortify his position and act on the defensive. On the 8th of October the Americans made a vigorous attack and repulsed the British in every charge, occupying a part of their lines. Burgoyne hastened to his former camp at Saratoga in the night and meditated a retreat without artillery or baggage. He found every avenue securely guarded--the lion was caged--retreat he could not. Knowing that the British army had but a short supply of provisions, Gen. Gates well knew an attack upon his well fortified position or a surrender must speedily take place. He was well prepared for either. Finding it only a waste of human life to further engage the Americans in battle, Burgoyne surrendered on the 16th of October. Over 5000 prisoners, a park of fine artillery, 7000 muskets, a large amount of clothing, with all the camp equipage and military stores and the evacuation of all the frontier fortresses--const.i.tuted the spoils of this victory. What was of more vital importance--it imparted fresh l.u.s.tre to the American arms and gave a vigorous impetus to the languis.h.i.+ng career of Independence. It destroyed British power in the north--encouraged France to close the treaty of alliance and greatly deranged the equanimity of mother Britain. If impartially a.n.a.lyzed, it will be found the most important victory during the war of Independence and in closer alliance with that of Trenton than the final triumph over Cornwallis.

Although Gen. Gates had escaped the hard service of that campaign, he was the fortunate commander at its termination and was crowned with the laurels of a conquering hero in accordance with military usage and received the plaudits of his grateful country men--the thanks of Congress and a gold medal. As a further testimony of high esteem, he was placed at the head of the Board of War--a station next to that of commander-in-chief. He retired from that to his home in Virginia and for a time enjoyed domestic life. On the 15th of June 1780 he was put in command of the Southern army. The conquering troops of Cornwallis were sweeping over the Carolinas like a tornado--the few American soldiers were flying before them--towns were burning--everything seemed rapidly drawn towards the vortex of ruin. When Gen. Gates consented to go to the field an army of 15000 men, with complete supplies, was represented to him on paper, concentrating from the Carolinas and Virginia. When he arrived at head quarters he found about 1500 undisciplined troops, poorly armed, worse clad, with little food. Elated with his brilliant victory over the Northern army he was over anxious to meet the enemy and strike an effective blow. Contrary to the advice of those who better understood the country and the means of obtaining supplies on the march by taking a circuitous route--he selected a shorter road through a dismal district of pine thickets and swamps pregnant with disease and dest.i.tute of almost any kind of food except cattle occasionally found in the forest. Many of his men perished on the way--others were rendered unfit for duty by sickness. He ultimately reached Clermont from which Lord Rawdon had withdrawn and was joined by a few North Carolina militia and a small company under Capt. Potterfield. Troops continued to arrive from Virginia and other points until the army of Gen. Gates amounted to about 4000--mostly undisciplined militia unaccustomed to standing fire or steel. Rawdon and Cornwallis concentrated their troops at Camden amounting to less than 2000 men but all of the highest order of soldiers. Gen. Gates resolved on an attack. On the 16th of August the two armies met in mortal combat. The militia under Gen. Gates were quickly thrown into confusion--the regulars overwhelmed and the whole completely routed. This defeat of the Americans had no parallel during the war. Among those who did not trace effects to causes the fame of the Hero of Saratoga sank below zero. His error consisted in risking a battle with an army of British veterans opposed by the rawest kind of militia--not in any want of military skill in time of action. He was superceded on the 5th of the ensuing October--subjected to a court of inquiry--honorably acquitted and re-instated in 1782. The time had then pa.s.sed for him to renovate his military laurels. The battles for Independence had been fought--the crowning victory won--LIBERTY achieved--FREEDOM secured.

Gen. Gates retired to his plantation in Virginia where he remained seven years when he liberated his slaves and removed to the vicinity of the city of New York where he lived respected until the 10th of April 1806, when he threw off his mortal coil and slumbered in death.

In person Gen. Gates was well formed--in his manners, polished and urbane--in disposition, mild and amiable--in his intercourse, just and honorable. In 1800 he served in the New York Legislature and enjoyed the confidence and esteem of all around him. He was an ardent patriot, a good citizen, a perfect gentleman, an honest man.

ELBRIDGE GERRY.

Gambling has become a fearful scourge in our expanding country. It is practised upon the humblest watercraft that floats upon our ca.n.a.ls--the frail flatboat that descends our streams--the majestic steamboat that traces our mighty rivers. It lurks in the lowest groggeries that curse community--is tolerated in some of the most fas.h.i.+onable hotels. Its victims are found in all cla.s.ses from the hod carrier in his bespattered rags up to the members of Congress in their ruffles. The gambling room is the enchanted ground of destruction. Once within its serpentine coils--a centripetal force rushes its votary to the vortex of ruin.

Interested friends may kindly warn--the tender wife may entreat with all the eloquence of tears--children may cry and sob for bread--if within the fatal snare the infatuated mortal is seldom extricated in time. He combines the deafness of the adder with the desperation of a maniac. At the gambling table men and youth have been prepared to commit deeds registered on the black catalogue of crime. In blazing capitals RUIN is marked over the outer door of every gambling den. On the inner door is written in bold relievo--CASTLE OF DESPAIR. WRECKS OF FORTUNE AND DEMONS MADE HERE. One of the wicket gates that leads thousands into this labyrinth of misery consists in fas.h.i.+onable circles where games are played as an _innocent_ amus.e.m.e.nt. It is there that many young men of talent, education and wealth, take the entered apprentice degree that leads them to the knight templars of destruction. Without any knowledge of a game but few would venture money at a gambling table. The gaming examples of men in high life have a baneful influence and practically sanction the high handed robberies of the finely dressed boa-constrictor black legs. The gambling h.e.l.ls tolerated and patronized in our cities are a disgrace to any nation bearing a Christian name and would be banished from a Pagan community with a Vicksburg vengeance. To the honor of the members of the Continental Congress they placed a veto upon this heaven provoking, soul destroying, reputation ruining, wealth devouring, nation demoralizing vice.

Among those who abhorred this practice was Elbridge Gerry, born at Marblehead, Ma.s.sachusetts, on the 17th of July 1744. His father was an enterprising merchant and bestowed upon this son a cla.s.sical education.

He graduated at Harvard University in 1762 with a high scholastic reputation. Judging the tree by its fruit, the seed from which it sprang must have been of the purest kind and its vegetation not r.e.t.a.r.ded by the absorbing and poisonous weeds of vice. Its incipient pruning must have been performed by a master hand to produce a specimen of so much symmetry of proportion, beauty of form and richness of foliage.

After having completed his collegiate studies Mr. Gerry entered the counting house of his father and ultimately became one of the most enterprising and wealthy merchants of his native town. In his kind of business he was amongst the first to feel the weight of the impolitic and unconst.i.tutional revenue system. From the nature of his composition he was amongst the first to meet oppression at the threshold. A man of deep reflection and philosophical investigation--he examined closely the extent of American rights and British wrongs. He made himself acquainted with the principle and structure of government, international, civil, common, statute and munic.i.p.al law, political economy, home and foreign policy. No one was better informed upon the natural, legal and practical relations between the mother country and the colonies. He was prepared to act advisedly and firmly. His extensive influence, decision of character, sound discretion and exalted patriotism--made him a master spirit to guide the public mind. He partic.i.p.ated in all the movements in favor of liberty.

On the 26th of May 1773 he commenced his official career as a member of the a.s.sembly of Ma.s.sachusetts Bay then called the General Court. That body and the royal governor took a strong issue upon rights and wrongs.

The unconst.i.tutional acts of parliament were sanctioned by the latter and fearlessly censured by the former. A standing committee was appointed to scan the proceedings of ministers and parliament and to correspond with the other colonies relative to the important concerns of the nation. Mr. Gerry had been in that body but two days when he was made a member of this important committee. He became one of the princ.i.p.al actors on the tragic stage of the revolution, the drama of peace and formation of the Federal government. He walked shoulder to shoulder with Samuel Adams and John Hanc.o.c.k in the bold measures that roused the lion from his lair--the people to their duty. At the Boston tea party--in the opposition to the Port Bill--the impeachment of the crown judges--the controversy with Gov. Hutchinson--non-intercourse with Great Britain--Mr. Gerry stood firm as the granite sh.o.r.es of the Bay State. Nor did he waver when Gov. Gage took the helm with a military force to do his will and pleasure. When it was found that reason, appeal, remonstrance--all fell upon his adamantine soul like dew upon the desert of Sahara, the legitimate source of a righteous government was resorted to--THE PEOPLE--who n.o.bly sustained their leaders in the hour of peril. Severe measures were adopted by parliament--the charter of Ma.s.sachusetts was altered by _ex-parte_ legislation--illegal taxes were increased--the hirelings of the King became more insolent--the indignation of the people rose like a tornado--colonial blood flowed--the war cry was raised--the clash of arms commenced--the fury of battle raged--the struggle was terrific--the lion was conquered--AMERICA WAS FREE.

In all the thrilling scenes that pa.s.sed in Ma.s.sachusetts before his election to Congress, Mr. Gerry took a leading part. He was an efficient member of the Committee of Safety and Supplies that were for a time virtually the government. In April 1775 he narrowly escaped the grasp of his foes. The night previous to the battle of Lexington Messrs. Gerry, Lee and Orne were at Cambridge through which the British pa.s.sed on their way to the opening scene of hostilities. When opposite the house where these gentlemen were in bed a file of soldiers were suddenly detached and approached it rapidly. The patriots barely escaped by the back way in their linen. After the military had left they returned for their over clothes and immediately roused the people to resistance. The night previous to the death of his intimate friend, the brave Warren, Mr.

Gerry lodged with him. The anxiety they felt for their country induced them to concert plans for future action rather than sleep. The lamented hero of Bunker Hill appears to have had a presentiment of his premature fate as indicated by the last words he uttered as they parted. "It is sweet to die for our country."

In July 1775 the government of Ma.s.sachusetts adopted a new form of government. A legislature was organized and a judiciary established. Mr.

Gerry was appointed Judge of the Court of Admiralty but declined that he might do more active service. On the 18th of January 1776 he was elected to the Continental Congress. Fearless, cautious, prudent--he was the kind of man to meet the momentous crisis of that eventful era. Standing on a lofty eminence of public reputation he was hailed as an able auxiliary in the cause of freedom. He had a place upon the most important committees and performed his duties strictly. To speculators and peculators that prowled around the public offices and army he was a terror during the war. He introduced into Congress many salutary guards against dishonest men who prey upon government like promethean vultures.

With its age and experience our republic is now occasionally tapped at the jugular and gets a cut under the fifth rib--producing a laxity of the sinews of power.

When the Declaration of Independence was proposed in Congress the soul of Mr. Gerry was enraptured in its favor. He had long been prepared for the measure and gave it his ardent support. When the thrilling moment arrived for final action upon this important question he sanctioned it by his vote and signature and rejoiced in the fulfilment of prophecy--_A nation shall be born in a day_. He was continued in Congress and faithfully discharged his duties with unabated zeal. The committee rooms and the house were alike benefitted by his intelligence and extensive experience in general business. He rendered efficient aid in reducing to system every branch of the new government. He took a conspicuous part in the debates upon the Articles of Confederation and was listened to with great attention. He spoke well, reasoned closely--demonstrated clearly.

He was truly republican and opposed to everything that did not bear the impress of sound sense, practical usefulness--equality of operation. For these reasons he opposed a resolution of thanks to his bosom friend, John Hanc.o.c.k, for his services as President of Congress. He said his friend Hanc.o.c.k had done no more than to ably perform his duty--all the members had done the same. It would be a singular entry upon the journal to record a vote of thanks to each. Etiquette prevailed over sound logic--the vote of thanks was pa.s.sed--introducing a custom in the new government that has long since lost all efficacy by too frequent use on occasions of minor importance. Mr. Gerry was on the committee that devised the plan of operations for the Northern army that resulted in the capture of Burgoyne. He was upon the one to obtain supplies for army and visited the camp of Was.h.i.+ngton in the winter of 1777. These multiform duties strictly discharged are stronger encomiums upon his talents, energy and patriotism than a volume of panegyric from the most accomplished writer.

It has afforded me great pleasure to be able to frequently refer to the religious and moral character of the members of the Continental Congress. The fact is ill.u.s.trated in the history of the men and corroborated by the records of that body and responded to by the States.

In 1778 a resolution was pa.s.sed in Congress recommending them to adopt decisive measures against "theatrical entertainments, horse racing, gaming and such other diversions as are productive of idleness, dissipation and a general depravity of principles and manners." Another resolution strictly enjoined upon the officers of the army--"to see that the good and wholesome rules provided for the discountenancing of profaneness and vice and the preservation of morals among the soldiers are duly and punctually preserved." A third one was pa.s.sed that would be a sweeper if revived at the present day. It arose from a disposition on the part of a few officers to disregard the one first cited and was a supplement to that. "Resolved--That any person holding an office under the United States who shall act, promote, encourage or attend such plays--shall be deemed unworthy to hold such office and shall be accordingly dismissed."

Mr. Gerry supported and voted for all these resolutions and for those recommending days of fasting, humiliation and prayer. Sectarianism never polluted the members of the Continental Congress. Charity was the bright star in their diadem of fame. He was upon the grand committee of one from each State to examine foreign affairs and the conduct of foreign commissioners particularly that of Mr. Deane. This committee used the probe freely and recommended Congress to use the amputating knife upon every limb affected by the gangrene of political corruption. O! Jupiter!

what a slaughter such an operation would make at the present time. On the 14th of October 1779 Mr. Gerry proposed the expedition against the Indians which was successfully executed by Gen. Sullivan. He proposed a resolution designed to guard against inducements to corrupt influence--"No candidates for public office shall vote in or otherwise influence their own election--that Congress will not appoint any member thereof during its time of sitting or within six months after he shall have been in Congress, to any office under the States for which he or any other for his benefit may receive any salary, fees or emolument." It was then lost but he revived and carried it in 1785. The principle has since been partly adopted under the Federal Const.i.tution. As a member of the Committee of Finance he stood next to Robert Morris. In 1780 he retired from Congress after an arduous and faithful service of five years. In all situations and at all times he was energetic, zealous and active in the cause of liberty. When his duties called him to the army if there was any fighting on the tapis whilst he was in camp he always took an active part. In the battle of Chestnut Hill he shouldered a musket and entered the ranks. When Gen. Kniphausen engaged the American army at Springfield Mr. Gerry took his station by the side of Was.h.i.+ngton who invested him with a volunteer command during his stay.

The second year after his retirement he again took his seat in Congress.

The business of the nation was then more perplexing than in the heat of the war. An empty treasury, a prostrate credit, an enormous debt presented a fearful aspect. To aid in bringing order out of chaos he was of great service. Committee labors were piled upon his shoulders as if he was an Atlas to carry the world or an Atalanta in the celerity of business. The local feelings and interests of the states had become effervescent. The half pay for life guaranteed to all officers who remained in the army during the war was satisfactory to but a few. This was settled by compounding the annuity for five years full pay. In 1784 he was on the important Committee of Foreign Relations--on the one to revise the Treasury Department. The same session he presented a resolution for the compensation of Baron Steuben who had rendered immense services by introducing a system of military tactics and discipline into the American army by which it was governed and which was strictly adhered to long after the Revolution. It was warmly supported by Mr. Jefferson and others but was lost, charity would suggest, in consequence of the embarra.s.sed state of the finances. In 1785 Mr. Gerry closed his services in Congress and retired to Cambridge near Boston, with all the honors of a pure patriot crowned with the sincere grat.i.tude of a nation of freemen.

Time soon developed to the sages of the Revolution that the Articles of Confederation that bound the colonies together when impending dangers and one common interest created a natural cement--were not sufficient to secure the liberty they had achieved. Local interests engendered jealousies, these produced dissatisfaction and this threatened to involve the government in anarchy. To remedy these evils Mr. Madison made a proposition that each state send delegates to a convention which convened in May 1781 at Philadelphia and framed the Federal Const.i.tution in which Mr. Gerry took a very active part. He was amongst those who did not sanction or sign that instrument. For this act, dictated by his conscience, he was liberally abused by out door cynical partisans--not by the n.o.ble minded statesmen who differed with him in opinion--all honest in their views and patriotic in their motives. They soared above the acrimonious scurrility of venal party spirit. After the const.i.tution was adopted no one adhered to it more strictly than Mr. Gerry--always holding sacred the great republican principle--_the majority must rule and be obeyed_. He was a member of the first Congress under it and did much toward raising the beautiful superstructure now towering sublimely upon its broad basis. He served four years and again sought retirement.

This was transient.

In 1797 the relations between our country and France had a.s.sumed a portentous aspect. President Adams determined on sending an able emba.s.sy to that government--to make a strong effort to conclude an amicable arrangement of difficulties before appealing to arms. Gen. Pinckney was then there. Mr. Gerry and Mr. Marshall, since Chief Justice of the United States, were appointed to join him, each empowered to act collectively or separately as a sound discretion should dictate. On their arrival the French Directory refused to recognize them. To prevent an immediate rupture--prudence and patriotism were necessary. After many fruitless attempts to enter upon a negotiation Messrs. Pinckney and Marshall were peremptorily ordered home and Mr. Gerry recognized as the official organ of the United States. By his discreet, firm and manly course he effected a settlement and prevented a war that seemed inevitable.

In 1805 he was a member of the electoral college. Although his state was decidedly federal he was elected governor in 1810 by the republican party by a large majority--conclusive evidence of his great popularity.

He never entered into partisan feelings. In his first message he lucidly portrayed the danger of high toned party spirit. He felt and acted for his whole country. For many years he had anxiously desired to be excused from public duties but no excuse was accepted. In 1813 he was inaugurated Vice President of the United States. He discharged the duties of the office with great ability and dignity. His impartiality, correctness and candor gained for him the esteem of the elevated body over which he presided to the last day of his eventful and useful life--teaching by example his favorite precept--"It is the duty of every citizen though he may have but one day to live to devote that day to the service of his country." At the city of Was.h.i.+ngton a beautiful monument is erected to his memory with an inscription as follows.

THE TOMB OF

ELBRIDGE GERRY,

VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES,

WHO DIED SUDDENLY IN THIS CITY ON HIS WAY TO THE

CAPITOL, AS PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE,

NOVEMBER 23D, 1814,

AGED 70.